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The initial cost to purchase a Labradoodle puppy will vary from breeder to breeder. A reputable breeder with an established business is more likely to sell puppies for far more than someone who has a dog that has accidentally fallen pregnant. Be ware that buying a dog that is far cheaper than expected is never a good idea. Always buy a Labradoodle from a reputable breeder that is willing to hand over registration papers and vaccination records. Purchasing a Labradoodle does not only involve an initial cost but also involves the week to week cost of feeding, medicating and homing. Dogs are often a commitment that lasts many years, in fact Labradoodles can live to 15 years of age. It is important that you can afford all costs associated with owning a Labradoodle before rushing out and buying one. You can find out more on ownership costs here. This shows the price range of puppies within the same breed. The generation count also often impacts the total price of the Labradoodle puppy. Before going ahead and purchasing a Labradoodle it is important to do your research on the breeder and compare prices with other reputable breeders within your area. The ad below shows just how expensive these puppies can be depending on the breeder they are sold from. What Determines the Price of a Labradoodle? Like us humans, each and every Labradoodle is different. Below you can find a list of factors that determine the total cost of a Labradoodle puppy: The color of the dogs coat Merle colored Labradoodles meaning they are an even mixture of colors are highly priced The coat the low shedding coated puppies are highly sought after The size of the puppy miniature, medium and standard Color of eyes blue eyed Labradoodles are rare If the puppy comes with breeding papers If the puppy comes with vet checks, immunisation and micro chipping all dogs should come with this The generation of the Labradoodle multi generation Labradoodles are priced higher Reputation of the breeder and bloodlines of their dogs The type of Labradoodle British or Australian Purchasing a Labradoodle A search of the keyword Labradoodle on your local buy, swap and sell should bring up a number of puppies for sale within your area. While some of these puppies have been bred correctly by a reputable breeder, others may have been bred in a backyard or even worse, a puppy farm. Researching the breeder further can pay off in the long run. While this may not be a problem for some, others who are buying the dog due to allergies may find that their beloved dog is not actually allergy friendly. It is always best to purchase your forever friend directly from a reputable breeder. Why Purchase from a Reputable Breeder? The benefits of purchasing from a reputable breeder are endless. Not only will you be rewarded with a happy and healthy dog but you will spend far less than if you were to purchase your puppy from a pet stall. When you purchase directly from a breeder you may be even able to view the parents of your potential puppy. Seeing the parents will give you a rough idea of what your own puppy will look like once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with a registration certificate and your dog should also come with a microchip and proper vaccinations. Some reputable breeder will also send your new puppy home with some basic essentials and food to get you started. Labradoodles are in high demand. It is important to look ahead of time especially if you intend on gifting the dog to a child within your family. Most reputable breeding sites will have a list of upcoming litters where you can put a deposit down on a dog to avoid disappointment. Related posts:. Location: Queensland, Australia 3. Green Valley Labradoodles Green Valley Labradoodles breed their puppies to ensure they meet the standards outlined by the Australian Labradoodle Association. Brown Australian Labradoodle puppy with blue eyes looks to his side. They curate their breeding dogs carefully for health and temperament. All their dogs are thoroughly health-screened and genetically tested before rehoming. All puppies at Green Valley get raised in a family environment. This allows them to socialize from an early age with as many people and animals as possible. Green Valley is also happy to ship its puppies inter-state and overseas. However, they stipulate that for international transport, the quarantine regulations apply to canine transport. Their website offers a variety of resources, including a detailed puppy care checklist to ensure you have everything your Labradoodle puppy needs when they arrive home. They also offer a guardian program for people happy to receive a slightly older dog. The guardian program allows you to raise and train the puppy to their standards before briefly returning them to Green Valley for breeding. Contact Details:.
The height of these crossbreeds varies from 21 to 24 inches. Males and females have little height difference. You can expect this crossbreed to have a medium-length, double coat. The colors of their coat can be a combination of black, gray, red, gold, and brown. This type of coat helps them cope with the extremely cold environment. The Malamute German Shepherds are diligent working dogs. On top of that, they are alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs. They bark appropriately without being annoying and disturbing. They have keen senses to discern suspicious acts and people. Another trait it possesses is its affectionate nature. The gentle and loving German Shepherd Malamutes can come off as intimidating at first sight. In reality, they are fluffy and lovable dogs that enjoy the company of people. You must apply good researching techniques to locate professional breeders when it comes to crossbreeds. Professional breeders allow you to access the documents of the puppy, including health records and DNA testing. They also provide a suitable environment for the upbringing of the dogs. They will help you become reassured that the dogs will grow to have minimal problems regarding their health. Visit the breeders in their location is highly recommended. Another way to verify a breeder is through this visitation. You might think that another good place to acquire this crossbreed is through purchasing in pet stores. I advise against this method. As a breeding ground, the puppy mill has thousands of stories supporting the terrible conditions for breeding. The puppy mill does not provide the most suitable environment for rearing puppies. In this place, the puppies are forced to mate with one another and give birth. This mixed breed is relatively rare. There are some breed-specific and non-profit rescue centers all over the country. You can check out these rescue shelters to obtain a new fluffy companion. Their shedding process usually involves a lot of mess and hair, especially during periods with warm weather and when placed in a blistering environment. Brushing the coat needs to be done for three to five times per week. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. You should pay attention to spots where tangles occur often, like the base of the ears. You can prevent loose hair from the brushing process by dousing the coat with water. Another tip for maintaining the shine of the coat is using a slicker brush instead of a pin brush. You can also get rid of loose hair and some debris by using the brush. If you notice that your dog is uncomfortable each time you brush or comb its coat, you should consider starting a desensitization training. The process starts with using your hands to familiarize the dog with the brushing activity. After some time, you may alternate between using a real brush or comb and using your hands. You can finally change to a full-time brushing with a slicker brush after a few weeks. The little parts of the Malamute German Shepherd Mix, such as its eyes, nose, nails, ears, and paws, must be cared for as well. You should check for ear infection signs like the accumulation of earwax. A cotton ball and an ear solution formulated for dogs are must-haves for sanitary ears. For dried and scaly paws, you may utilize Vaseline as treatment. The popular opinion of daily bathing for dogs is not advisable to follow. The indication for bathing the dog is its appearance or smell. You may use formulations with ingredients that are soothing to its skin, like aloe vera. It is important to determine some early signs of skin lesions. If you are unable to do the necessary steps for grooming, you should opt to bring your pup to a professional groomer in your locale. There are many innate and environmental factors affecting the health status of the crossbreed. Some of these factors are genetic make-up, the environment where it grew up, nutrition, and level of activity. There are some health problems with a predilection to one of the parent breeds. As a reliable owner, you must be cognizant of the health risks of this crossbreed. Obesity: This mixed breed tends to eat more than its requirement. This should be controlled because it makes the dog vulnerable to many diseases, such as back pains, cancer, and joint problems. Chondrodysplasia: This condition may lead to hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy: This is an untreatable and progressive disorder that results to the inability to move the hind legs. Von Willebrand disease: It is a blood disorder that causes a lot of blood loss. One of the things you can do is to acquire vaccines. The recommended vaccines for puppies are rabies, measles, and a combination vaccine called DHPP. I strongly advise seeking the help of a trustworthy veterinarian to become knowledgeable on the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Malamute Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements There is no fixed quantity of food for a dog, even among those with the same breeds. You need the most appropriate diet that will result in the optimal condition of your dog. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Malamute mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 3 cups of high-quality food items. Two to three meals per day are advised for these crossbreeds. Your dog requires healthy bones and joints for its activity. It needs a healthy amount of calcium for that. Calcium will also aid in giving the best status of immunity. Another vital mineral for the development of bones and joints is phosphorus. Below is an inventory of the recommended dry food for the Malamute crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Purina HA Hypoallergenic: This hypoallergenic formulation is perfect for some dogs which may be predisposed to developing food intolerance and allergies. The optimal effect of this product is achieved by giving this alone for eight to 12 weeks. You can combine this food with other kinds of high-quality kibbles after the said period. It does not have allergenic materials like soy, whey, and gluten. It does not have artificial flavors. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids that help in moisturizing the coat and adding the healthy glow for the skin. It has easy-to-digest and organic components such as rice, chicken, and barley. It has reported on nutritional breakthroughs. It possesses prime chicken and customized fiber system for easy digestion. The German Shepherd Malamute mix may be at risk for overfeeding and obesity. An easy way to determine this is by doing the hands-on test and eye test. These two tests will require you to examine the dog beside you and looking at its waist from above. You will feel the ribs of the dog when you press down if the dog is not overweight. A positive result of this test should alert you as a responsible owner. A veterinarian can help immensely in managing the diet and other health concerns of your dog. You should consider involving one while planning for acquiring a new family member. Whether you adopt a big or small doggo, feed them only with premium-quality food to keep them happy and healthy all the time. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food , and get only the best dry dog food for your furry companion. If your furry buddy is still but a munchkin, consult our list of the best puppy food brands for nutrition ideas. In case your pooch is well past their prime, make sure to serve them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those frail bones, well, not so frail! Do remember that your adorable mixed pup carries the genes of their vastly different parents. They may inherit the palate of either, so you can offer them both the best dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food and stick with the one they choose as their favorite! The period of physical activity engagement should be at least one hour. An appropriate blend of physical and mental stimulus for this mixed breed is necessary to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. Some examples of possible physical activities for the Malamute German Shepherd mix are hiking, fetching, and running. Another consideration for the exercise period is the venue for the activities. I recommend a big area in a well-ventilated place for this crossbreed. The Kong Ball is a widely known toy for mental motivation. The use of this toy will aid in the digestion and mental health of the dog. It comes in different sizes, so you can get a suitable one for your dog. The German Shepherd Malamutes have a notable strength in biting. It is an under-stuffed toy that has a squeaker. It is made of a tough material, perfect for hours of rough play. They could become hardheaded as well. Your contribution to the morale boost will help the process. Below are some guidelines on training this mixed breed: Limit the Duration of the Training Sessions: A way to prevent misbehaviors during the training sessions is keeping the sessions short. A great crate has a comfortable bed and optimum ventilation. The period for crate training varies from 30 minutes for younger puppies to eight hours for adult Malamute German Shepherds. This training will benefit the mental health of the dog as well. It will help in having a calm disposition, particularly during travels, and it will also ward of possible separation anxiety. Positive Rewards-based System: This training method avoids the classical penalty techniques when dogs misbehave. You can have a box of treats ready for the training sessions. You should also provide cuddles and words of encouragement and approval when the dog abides by the rules. Every dog has a unique way of following the commands. If you want to learn more about the proper techniques, you may opt to ask for some advice from professional trainers. It is essential to provide positive words and gestures to make the dog feel at home. One phase of the training a dog called early socialization is necessary for developing healthy coping mechanisms to a new environment and people. Early socialization will hone the puppy and help in becoming mature. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. The owners will hold the puppy each day until four weeks. The next phase continues until 16 weeks of age. This phase involves exposing the puppy to various kinds of animals, people, textures, fragrances, and sceneries. The above-mentioned tips on training may be applied during early socialization. The Malamute German Shepherd dogs are generally good with children. They will give affection and friendliness to the little ones. You still need to be careful with the child-dog interactions, especially when the dog is still young. You must also teach your children how to respect and play with the dog within respectable bounds. With both Jade and Bear being so laid back and relaxed, along with being very social with other dogs and people we think these puppies will be very confident, relaxed and super chill while still being very easy to train and a very loving and friendly companion that is very intuitive with they family and pack mates. If you are looking for a lower maintenance Wolfdog that will be easier to go on adventures with or an easier family dog than some of our pairings with more content, this is the pairing for you! Puppies will be mostly a thick plush coat with a smaller possibility of a few being long coated. Coat colour possibilities are solid liver, patterned liver, wolf grey, solid black, seal, agouti, and variations of sable. Puppies will have the possibility of blue eyes or gold eyes and a large body type. Puppies will be raised in house on the Puppy Culture Protocol and will socialized from birth to as many people, animals and situations as we can. Although this is much more work for us, we find this greatly benefits the puppy later in life and that is what is most important. This waiting list is currently full however please check back regularly! If Jade ends up having more puppies than expected we may have a few puppies that will be available. Ammena is in Heat currently and if all goes to plan puppies will be born in October! As a mixed-breed dog, an Alaskan Malamute Mix can take on any combination of characteristics from one or both of the parent breeds. From the Alaskan Malamute side, you can expect an energetic, high-energy family dog that is loyal, a bit stubborn, playful, and affectionate with their families. Alaskan Malamutes are known for being excellent family dogs that are loyal and affectionate with a playful, energetic personality. You should be able to expect something similar from an Alaskan Malamute Mix. They tend to get along with children and other dogs. Alaskan Malamutes do have a high prey drive, so an Alaskan Malamute Mix may need some extra socialization if there are smaller pets in the household. Alaskan Malamutes are moderately adaptable dogs. They grow to be large dogs with a lot of energy, so they do not tend to do well in apartments. Their high prey drive and urge to wander also means they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. As such, they tend to prefer homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. As an arctic breed, they tend to prefer colder weather are one of the dog breeds that love winter. They also do not like to spend long periods of time alone. The other parent breed could affect this in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. So, you should talk to the breeder about the other parent breed, but also be prepared for a moderately adaptable dog with these traits. Although a mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit no health conditions common to either parent breed, this is not a guarantee. An Alaskan Malamute Mix can inherit health conditions common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. From the Alaskan Malamute side, potential health conditions to be aware of include luxating patella , retinol atrophy, and day blindness. As a larger dog breed, they are also more prone to bloat. Because reputable breeders screen their stock to avoid passing issues to puppies, you should be able to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parent breeds. Although an Alaskan Malamute is highly-intelligent, likes to work, and often enjoys training, they are also notoriously stubborn with an independent nature and a lot of energy. Because of this, they tend not to be a good fit for first-time dog owners. Novice owners can be a good fit, but training classes are highly recommended. Regardless of owner experience, puppy training classes are often still a good idea as they often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. An Alaskan Malamute Mix can end up with a coat similar to either one of the parent breeds or a coat that is a combination of both of them. If they end up with an Alaskan Malamute coat, it will be thick and fluffy. Daily brushing and a bath every weeks are enough to keep an Alaskan Malamute coat looking great. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Alaskan Malamutes are known for being high-energy working dogs that need a lot of daily exercise and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Although the other parent breed in the cross may affect this, you should be prepared for a potentially high-energy dog with an Alaskan Malamute Mix. But, Alaskan Malamutes are also athletic and versatile dogs, so they can often adapt to a wide variety of activities. A fully-grown Alaskan Malamute usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed in the cross could affect this in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. You can get a better idea of what size to expect in your Alaskan Malamute Mix puppy by asking the breeder about the other parent breed and also meeting the mother dog. Alaskan Malamutes generally live years. Although the other parent breed in the cross could shorten or extend this a little, you can likely expect a similar life span in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. Featured Alaskan Malamute Mix Article.
Look no further than our Dachshund mix puppies for sale! We offer a variety of Dachshund mixes that are sure to steal your heart, including breeds like the Dachshund-Poodle, Dachshund-Chihuahua, and Dachshund-Beagle. Our puppies are raised with love and care, and come with up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates. These pint-sized pups are full of energy and love to play. What are Dachshund mix puppies? Dachshund mix puppies are a combination of a Dachshund and another breed. These mixed puppies can take on the characteristics of both breeds, resulting in a unique and fun-loving companion. What Breeds Can a Dachshund be Mixed with? The Possibilities are Endless! Dachshunds are a versatile breed that can be mixed with many different breeds. Each mix can result in a unique personality and appearance. Our Dachshund mixed puppies for sale are raised with love and care, and come with up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates. What is the Personality and Health of Dachshunds? Learn More Dachshunds are known for their unique personalities and adorable appearance. They are loyal, loving, and full of energy. However, they are also prone to certain health issues, such as back problems and obesity. Our Dachshund mixed puppies for sale are bred for health and temperament, and come with up-to-date vaccinations and health certificates. This Dachshund puppy is extremely social and will make a fabulous family pet. She is sweet as pie, cute as a button and super duper lovable! This gal is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Call about her today! This hybrid is known for being highly unpredictable when it comes to distinguishing character traits. Even with a litter of puppies, you can expect each puppy to look different from one another. To get an in-depth understanding of possibilities, we need to look at the parents. If a Toy Poodle is the parent, the offspring is sometimes referred to as a Toy Doxiepoo. This dog is most noted for high intelligence, easy trainability, and a friendly temperament. It does well as a family dog, especially around children. Poodles excel in dog competitions. They are quick to learn commands and obey on a whim. This also makes them well-behaved, low-maintenance pets. The Poodle is famous for its luxurious coat of tight-knit curls. This type of coat is low-shedding and touted as hypoallergenic. I mean, a curly-coated Poodle mixed with a short-legged Dachshund? The Dachshund is a hunting breed, which explains their love for chasing down tennis balls they were used to hunt small critters. Though loving and affectionate, the Dachshund has a stubborn streak. This can make training a bit of a challenge. They are also known to bark a lot, but training can break this habit in a heartbeat. The Dachshund coat comes in numerous colors and textures, which plays a big role in how much a Doxiepoo will shed. Dachshunds exhibit short, long or wired hair. Expect low to moderate shedding, depending on the type of coat. Also, this breed is not hypoallergenic. What does a Doxipoo look like? You, as the dog owner, must be open and have no expectations. Keeping the Poodle and Dachshund in mind, the size of Doxiepoo can be small to medium, growing anywhere from 17 to 23 in 43 to 58 cm and weighing from 10 to 30 lbs 4 to 13 kg. The coat colors of a Daxiedoodle can be any combination of black, gray, white, brown or tan. This video starring Doxiepoo puppies showcases just how varied a litter can be. Is the Doxipoo hypoallergenic? Shedding is low to moderate, depending on the long or short hair it may inherit from the Dachshund. As for Doxiepoo grooming, daily brushing will ensure minimum shedding. If a breeder guarantees that a litter of Doxiepoo puppies is hypoallergenic- this is a big red flag. No one can ensure the traits of a hybrid! Doxipoo temperament and behavior You can rest assured that the Doxiepoo is a good family dog. These crossbreeds are well-behaved and loving, though sometimes they do tend to love a bit too much. The Doxiepoo wants to be the only fur baby in your life, and it has been known to not take well to other pets in the household. They are also prone to incessant barking. If you welcome a mini guard that will alert you to any outside danger, the Doxiepoo will not fail you. Doxiepoo training: easy or challenging? The Dachshund Poodle mix can go two ways with training. The Poodle is as quick and reliable as a dog can get, but a Dachshund is a stubborn fellow indeed. The key is to start them young. Early socialization will help Doxipoo pups accept other pets. Exposure to other dogs at the dog park can help with this. Consistent obedience training emphasis on consistent will make the Dachshund Poodle mix obedient, confident, and calm. Maintaining a patient and positive attitude whilst training is also important. Praise your Doxiepoo and reward her with treats. Never yell or use excessive force. Keeping your Dachshund Poodle mix fit The best way to combat disease is by making sure your Doxiepoo gets 60 minutes of exercise per day. Also, this breed is quite hyperactive and needs to burn energy to keep from chewing up your favorite shoes or digging up the petunias. Take your little furball for a walk around the block or to the dog park for some socialization and playtime. Feeding a Doxipoo This breed has a voracious appetite and struggles with obesity. Keep it light on the treats and control the menu each day- never let your dog overeat. A good rule of thumb is to feed your Dachshund Poodle mix 1. Divide this amount into 3 meals. How much are Doxiepoo puppies? Why such a wide range? When it comes to designer dogs, especially one as mixed as the Doxipoo, you want to be informed about your decision. Ethical breeders will tell you that they cannot guarantee how a litter of puppies will turn out, but they can tell you about the puppies parents. They will be happy to meet you at the breeding facility and show you around. Also, ask for testimonials. Reputable Doxiepoo breeders will be able to show their worth by telling you about past transactions with happy customers. They guarantee that the puppy will act or look a certain way. You ask to visit where the puppies grew up, but the breeder refuses. Dachshund Poodle mixes end up at rescue centers this way. The hybrid dog looks like a teddy bear with a long body! Thanks to the Poodle parent influence, most Doxiepoos are hypoallergenic making them ideal for people with pet allergies. Are you looking for more information about the Doxiepoo? Want to know more about its appearance, temperament, and cost? Then this guide is for you! What is a Doxiepoo? Like all hybrid dogs, the appearance of a Doxiepoo is not predictable. However, some people believe that it might have first been created around the s. The craze for designer dogs began a few decades ago when the first Doodle mix a hybrid dog having one Poodle parent was created. The resulting cross was hypoallergenic and also smart — which enhanced its trainability. Soon, more and more dog fanciers were demanding small-sized Doodles. One such small Doodle mix was the Doxiepoo. Doxiepoos are cute, cuddly, and compact dogs, having Poodle genes that make them fairly easy to train. This can be advantageous given the fact that the Dachshund breed is known for its stubborn streak. Being a hybrid dog, the Doxiepoo is not registered with the Australian Kennel Club. However, in the USA the American Canine Hybrid Club keeps a track of the parentage and heritage of such hybrid dog breeds and Australia has similar associations. How Big will a Doxiepoo Puppy Get? As stated earlier, it can be difficult to predict the exact height, weight, and appearance of Doxiepoos. Most Doxiepoos weigh between 5 and 30 lb. The delightful little dogs could inherit the curly, tight coat of a Poodle or they could acquire a coat like that of its Dachshund parent. Dachshunds are themselves available in three coat varieties: long, smooth, or wiry. Accordingly, your Doxiepoo could have a short, curly, medium, long, wavy, or smooth coat. As such, no two Doxiedoodles will look the same. After all; canine genetics can be quite complex and the puppies could take after either parent. Doxiepoo puppies are available in various coat colours including red, tan, cream, white, black, beige, liver, brown, chocolate, merle, pied, parti, phantom and combinations thereof. Do Doxiepoo Dogs Shed? The Poodle breed is non-shedding but Dachshunds could shed depending on their coat type. The long-haired Dachshund variety sheds significantly. So, you might want to check with the breeder about which Dachshund type was used in the breeding program. The best breeders of poodle mix breeds, use DNA testing to check for coat traits in their breeding dogs. Traits such as furnishings and shedding genes are particularly important to consider in any breeding program aiming to produce hypoallergenic family pets. However, if it inherits more of the Dachshund genes, then you should expect some shedding. Likewise, a Doxiepoo bred back to a Dachshund especially the long-haired type will have a longer coat that is also prone to shedding. Do Doxiepoos Need Grooming? All Doodle breeds need regular grooming as they have sensitive skin. You can choose to keep your Doxiepoo looking like a Poodle or keep it uniformly clipped in a puppy cut throughout. You can also groom your Doxiedoodle at home- just make sure to brush it daily to remove the trapped debris in its coat. Failure to do so could lead to mats and tangles which can be painful for your dog. Is Doxiepoo a Good Dog? Doxiepoos make excellent family pets provided they get proper training and socialisation at the right age. They mostly get along with kids and since they are inherently playful, they love their company. However, as with any dog, it is important to socialise your Doxiepoo with children from puppyhood. It is equally important to teach children to be respectful to and gentle with the small dog. Doxiepoos generally fare well with elderly or mobility-impaired people. However, they need daily exercise so there should be someone around to train and walk them. A larger Doxiepoo will need more exercise although the smaller Doodles should not be made into couch potatoes. Smaller Doodles are fine with one short walk a day followed by indoor play sessions. Without exercise, these small dogs tend to get bored and restless. Younger Doxiepoos are extremely energetic so you need to make sure to stimulate their bodies as well as their minds on a daily basis. Environmental enrichment activities such as stuffed Kongs , food puzzles, licky mats and snuffle mats will be very helpful in keeping your Doxiepoo puppy stimulated and occupied. Do Doxiepoos Bark a Lot? Doxiepoos are generally happy, affectionate, and cheerful dogs. They are also playful and energetic. However, like all Doodles, they have a tendency to jump and bark. Therefore, your Doxiepoo puppy and you! Untrained Doxiepoos will jump on or bark at every person that enters your home or at anybody they meet on the street. It is just one of the traits of a Doxiepoo. Not everybody appreciates this behaviour. So, you need to train your Doodle to do a behaviour such as sitting quietly for attention. You will also have to be very consistent and patient with training and always use positive reinforcement. Doxiepoos even tend to jump on other dogs. Some dogs can be patient with them but not all. Pay careful attention to how your Doodle greets other dogs. You might also want to enrol your puppy in obedience school, puppy preschool or group training classes so they can learn to interact appropriately with other dogs. The good news is that Doxiepoos are highly trainable. However, training should start from an early age. Can Doxiepoos Be Left Alone? Doodles are known to suffer from extreme separation anxiety. After all; they love their humans and consider them their pack. When separated from you, Doxiepoos tend to feel despondent and insecure. Some bark and whine while others get destructive. Some might even chew their paws raw. If you have to leave your young Doxiepoo alone for long periods of time, consider enrolling it in doggy daycare. That way, your puppy can play with other dogs, get exercise, and also be around people. Adult Doxiepoos might do well being left alone but you may want to have a dog walker come in at least once a day to take them out. Good breeders spend time and money on health testing the parent dogs. The Dachshund dog breed is known to suffer from several health issues and genetic problems more about this later in the guide. Therefore, testing is a must. The best, responsible dog breeders only use healthy dogs in their breeding programs. They react to certain foods especially dairy, grains like wheat or corn, fillers, and other artificial ingredients. The Poodle dog breed is prone to skin issues and eating certain foods causes them to break into rashes, hives, itching, and hair loss. This is often passed on to the Doxiepoo offspring. It is best to consult a vet nutritionist about the right food for your Doxiepoo. These days, there are several types of foods specially formulated for sensitive dogs. You can choose from a hypoallergenic and grain-free diet, homemade food, raw dog food , or special vet-prescribed foods. In general, a diet rich in protein with meats like chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, etc. Most Doxiepoos live a healthy life but any dog can fall prey to ill-health. The Dachshund breed is known to be chondrodystrophic which causes various back issues in them. It is important that you are aware of these issues so you can watch out for the warning signs. The parent dogs should be tested for joint issues and genetic problems in the breed and only dogs that demonstrate excellent health should be used. Poodles also carry the genes for a number of eye problems so good breeders should make it a point to test them through DNA testing and CERF eye exams. Healthy Doxiepoos are known to live for years depending on their size. Smaller dogs generally live longer. The Doxiepoo is a fairly rare designer dog breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this. Should a Dachshund Mix take after their Doxie parent, they will be a small, lively dog with a high prey drive, a friendly nature, and a big personality that also makes a great family pet. Knowing more about the other parent breed can give you a better idea about what to expect in a Dachshund Mix. Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with a spunky, outgoing personality. They tend to do well with children, but they are also naturally wary of strangers. They are prone to barking and will alert you to people or animals on the property. They also tend to be friendly towards other dogs, but will need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the household because of their high prey drive. Because the other parent breed will contribute traits that could potentially affect temperament, you do want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog to see what sort of temperament she has been modeling for her puppies. Dachshunds are moderately adaptable dogs. Having the right winter dog products on hand can help them handle cold weather a bit better, but you still want to keep a close eye on them. The other parent breed could add in some traits that could result in a more or less adaptable Dachshund Mix. By asking the breeder about them, you can get a better idea of what range of adaptability to expect. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? In reality, a mix can inherit health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. On the Dachshund side, potential health concerns to be aware of include back issues and disc damage. Unfortunately, this is just a natural side effect because they are longer than they are tall. Their floppy ears are also more prone to ear infections. And, as a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing gum disease. Reputable breeders will test and screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents as well as health conditions that may be common in the other parent breed. Although Dachshunds are highly intelligent and eager to please, they are also independent and stubborn at times. This can be difficult for first-time dog owners to navigate on their own, so puppy training classes are recommended. The other parent breed could introduce the potential for easier or more difficult training in a Dachshund Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Regardless, puppy training classes can still be a good idea. Not only do they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy , but they also help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. A Dachshund Mix could inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both. There are three types of Dachshund coats, which are smooth, wiry, and long. All three coat types will shed moderately year-round. Brushing a few times a week and bathing when needed will keep their coat healthy. The other parent breed could affect the grooming level of a Dachshund Mix, so make sure you are talking with the breeder about them. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can catch it early and get to the vet before it becomes a bigger issue. Because many owners overlook good dental care for dogs , gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Dachshunds range from low to moderate energy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for these small dogs. The other parent breed could result in a Dachshund Mix with higher exercise requirements. By talking to the breeder about them, you can get a better idea of what potential activity range to expect in a Dachshund Mix. Dachshunds mostly come in two sizes — Standard and Miniature. A fully-grown Standard Dachshund stands inches tall and weighs pounds while a fully-grown Mini Dachshund stands inches tall and weighs under 11 pounds. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a Dachshund Mix. Dachshunds tend to live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Dachshund Mix. Featured Dachshund Mix Article.
In , B2TR rescued bulldogs in need. We had adoptions, 64 were foster fails and 57 were previous adopters! We adopt to all U. We are based in NC. Please visit www. We are headquartered in North Carolina, in a pet supply store that is owned with the Rescue. We also have satellite offices in South Carolina, Alabama and we cover Virginia and Maryland as well. We are a c 3 corporation. We are in need of volunteers, donations, supplies and support. We rely solely on donations for the care and treatment of the rescued Bulldogs that are admitted to our organization. We provide our fosters food, treats, supplements, medical care, training and harnesses and leashes. Here is how you can participate: 1. Go to www. Create an account 3. You will receive an approval email from 32 Auctions with a link to acknowledge your account 4. It will take you back to the site 5. You can view some of the great items that will be in auction by selecting view items. During the Auction: When the auction is live you can bid on items through the online auction website. So… it will be harder for ninjas to outbid you without you knowing. You will receive an email with the items you won. You will then pay online via credit card or PayPal for the items you won. Your items will be mailed out to you in the next two weeks. FAQ: Q: Is there a shipping fee? A: Yes, there will be a shipping fee. A: Yes, you will need to create an account with 32auctions to be able to bid. We are excited for the support and partnership. Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. She is healthy and happy and loves to cuddle with her foster dog brothers and her human foster sister. She brings life and laughter into every room she walks into. She loves car rides and outings. She really, truly is a great girl. Like all puppies, Koumori is one part naughty, two parts lively, and twenty parts adorable. In true puppy fashion, Koumori is also a mouthy little thing—she will chew on fingers and the occasional electric cord if left to her own devices. Fortunately, this unwanted behavior can be successfully redirected to a toy. Indeed, Koumori loves her toys, and is particularly fond of her stuffed baby dragon. She can often be seen proudly carrying it down the hall, stopping on occasion to give it a good shake and a little what-for. Unleashed, she gets along famously with cats and dogs alike—she even lets the neighborhood kitty rub up against her! On-leash, however, Koumori becomes loud and pushy er, pull-y when she sees other animals. In any event, until Koumori makes some progress on this front, she is not a good candidate for the office, and care must be taken when she goes out for her daily walks. She'd be lots of fun in an obedience class, and that's a great way to bond with your dog! Koumori is making great progress with her housetraining, but she must be kept on a strict schedule until she masters the art of going potty outside. A person who works during the day would need to have a dog-walker or be able to come home at lunchtime. Applicants should be prepared for some housebreaking reversion until Koumori is used to your schedule and the new home. She adores people of all shapes and sizes, although she is particularly drawn to men. However, since Koumori is still learning that hands are not for nibbling, it is important that any children in her home are dog savvy and able to give her a toy if things get a little mouthy. If children come over, Koumori should be crated until her nibbling habit is broken. Koumori is in excellent health, albeit with some dry skin and dandruff. This condition has gotten better since she started eating a grain-free diet, and should continue to improve so long as she is given quality, grain-free food. Since she is a short, stout little nugget, Koumori is not a big fan of staircases, and would prefer not to navigate more than a few stairs at a time although she can also be scooped up and carried by grownups. First-time Frenchie owners would suit her just fine, although they must be willing to continue her training and not let her adorable self get away with things as tempting as it may be! If so, click on the link above to apply for Koumori. Be prepared to rev up the Batmobile for an East Coast road trip, as Koumori is having a wild rumpus in eastern North Carolina and will not be shipped. FBRN does not ship dogs as cargo. Except in rare or unusual cases, adopters are expected to pick up their dogs from their foster family. In rare or unusual cases, FBRN may be able to assist in transporting a dog to a volunteer near the adopter's home, but the expense of transporting the dog must be the responsibility of the adopting party. FBRN dogs are in foster care in people's private homes. For the foster families' safety, we do not disclose specific locations, and we don't set up meet and greets prior to applications. For detailed information about the dogs in our care, please read the extensive bios on each dog. Videos of Koumori:. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In North Carolina A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They are loyal and fun to have around the home. They are not as exerting as other dog breeds and they are happy with a daily walk. If you are looking for French Bulldog rescues in North Carolina, we have found a few rescue groups to check out. Most of these dog rescues are either breed specific or have had French Bulldogs in the past. Adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue in North Carolina offers you many advantages. The obvious reason is that it allows you to provide one of these dogs with a forever home. The Bulldog is in the rescue, most likely because the previous owner could not take care of them any longer. There are other benefits to adopting such as, you are no longer supporting a puppy mill or breeders who are simply breeding dogs for money. If you have decided to adopt a French Bulldog in North Carolina and you are on this page, thank you! You really are making a difference by adopting and we hope that our list makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Please be aware that not all of these rescues are French Bulldog specific. Some rescues will save dogs no matter their breed and many will have a French Bulldog come through their rescue at some point in time. If you cannot find the dog you are looking for, please contact the rescue to see if they have a waiting list or notification list that you can be put on. With more than two decades under their belt, this non-profit has made its mission to ensure that they find neglected animals and provide them with the love and care they need. This non-profit organization has spent many years rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and preparing them for placements in new homes. CARA depends solely on volunteers to function. These volunteers do their best to find, rehabilitate and rehome the dogs they rescue. They are always searching for new forever homes for the cats and dogs in their care. They are not strictly a French Bulldog rescue, but your new french bulldog friend might be at this rescue waiting for you. Their adoption process tries to be as straightforward as possible. The first thing to do is to go through their available dogs to see if they have a French Bulldog available. If you find one, and you think you can handle the responsibilities that their bio implies, you can apply for that dog. Their application is very thorough and long, so make sure you fill it out completely. You can find their adoption application here.
The amount that they howl depends on the individual dog. Likewise, you can teach them to start as well. So why do German Shepherds howl so much? There are a few reasons why they are getting in touch with their inner wolf. Take a quick glance at some of the most common causes of howling to figure out what has brought on this vocal performance. Howling is a Part of Who They Are Every dog on the planet is descended from wolves, and we all know that wolves how. Making noise is something that comes naturally to them. Image Credit: nori jaafer, Pixabay 2. German Shepherd Boredom Dogs bark and cry, so why do we become so concerned when they start to howl? The German Shepherd breed is usually extremely active. Howling from boredom could also be combined with other naughty behavior like chewing on things. Wolves also do this in the wild for their pack mates to help them find their way back into their territory. Signaling a Warning As herding dogs, this breed made lots of noise to scare off predators and criminals that came onto their land. Demanding Attention Is there a better way to get your attention than making a bunch of noise? If you respond to howling, the dog quickly learns to get your attention this way. This is a behavior that is normally picked up when they are small puppies. Howling from pain is usually easy to distinguish between howling from happiness. Dogs in pain will howl because they need our assistance. Image Credit: GoranH, Pixabay 8. German Shepherd Happiness Some dogs howl just because they are happy. Take comfort in knowing your pup is expressing their joy in such a vocal way. Sirens sound very similar to a dog howling, and your German Shepherd is simply replying to the outside noise. It may not sound similar to you, but dogs are capable of picking up much higher frequencies than we are. German Shepherds are usually on guard at this time, and if they are howling, it is probably because they are trying to signal that something is going on outside. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to stop this behavior. Instead of scolding them, ignore them completely and remain persistent. Doing so lets them know that remaining quiet is the best way to get affection. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 2. Spend More Time with Them If your dog is demanding attention, it might help to be more genuine about your one-on-one time. Go outside and spend an hour playing with them. Give them lots of pats, hugs, and kisses. Counterconditioning Counterconditioning is a practice that tricks your dog into changing the way that they feel while they behave a certain way. For example, dogs that howl whenever someone walks by the house can be counter conditioned by giving them a treat as soon as they spot a person and before they start howling. The dog starts to associate a person walking by with a good feeling, which then makes them less likely to howl. Some breeds are more likely to howl than others. If it truly bothers you, you might think about getting a dog that is less likely to make a lot of noise. However, if you already have a noisy dog, there are ways that you can train them to stop. Some believed on superstitions about howling of dogs and others are so worried why they howl. But German Shepherd howling can be explained by understanding its causes and nature. You can also learn how to stop their howling properly. This article will give you a background about the German Shepherd howling behavior. This ancestral connection is one of the common reasons why do German Shepherds howl. This implies therefore, that German Shepherd howling is not at all negative because it is just a part of its hereditary traits. Emotional Reason Dogs like German Shepherds have emotional feelings. Like humans, they can also express some emotional needs. Since German Shepherd Dogs are known to be energetic and loyal, they have the tendency to feel bored and anxious. These emotions are actually expressed when they are howling. Boredom German Shepherd Dogs are trained to be active dogs. Exercises and regular activities are one their basic needs. Lack of these things can result to their boredom. When they get bored, German Shepherd howling can be expected. Separation Anxiety Another reason why do German Shepherds howl is separation anxiety. Once they are left, German Shepherds may express their anxiousness through howling. This howl signifies that they are somehow hoping for the return of their owner and seeking attention. Physical Reason Like human beings who are crying when get hurt, German Shepherd can express their painful feelings through howling when they have some physical illness and injuries. Environmental and Communicational Reasons German Shepherd Dogs can react when some environmental noise occurs especially those sounds that are like sirens. Through howling, German Shepherd Dogs signals their presence in a certain place or gives warning to communicate that there is an approaching danger or to prevent intruders from entering a territory. Sirens are actually sounding with high pitch that can strongly attract German Shepherd Dogs. Since, German Shepherd Dogs are hereditarily related with wolves, it is natural for them like wolves to respond with sirens as a way of communication of their point of location as if they are telling it to other packs. What is amazing with German Shepherd Dog is that they have the advanced recognition of sounds because they have higher frequency of sound waves than humans. No doubt why German Shepherd Dogs could hear the sirens of ambulance in a distance before we can hear it approaching. German Shepherd Howling at Night Naturally, German Shepherd howling at night are doing such due to some various reasons. First, because they are not really used or comfortable in their crate. Secondly, they are not feeling well maybe because of hunger or thirst as well as illness or injuries. Lastly, they are seeking the attention of their owners when they are experiencing separation anxiety. You need to understand that German Shepherd Dogs needs attention and companionship. They can also howl at night in response to other howling dogs. German Shepherd Howling with Wolves Some of the German Shepherd owners were surprised when they witnessed their German Shepherd howling with wolves in the scene of the movie, Zootopia. This reaction will not surprise you if you are already knowledgeable about the causes of German Shepherd howling. Their howling might be a result of their natural instinct as an animal in wolf lineage so they will try to howl as if they are calling the attention of other packs of wolves. Consistent exposure with these commands along proper training procedures will help you control the howling of your German Shepherd Dog. You can also use counter-conditioning by replacing their usual reactions with noises or situation into the desired behavior. You can do it by replacing the howling respond from a noise by consistently rewarding a commanded howl rather than a noise-triggered howl. If you want to learn more about this topic, it will be specifically discussed in other future articles about training German Shepherd Dogs. Give them Attention and Activities As mentioned in the topic about the causes of German Shepherd howling, this kind of dog is prone to separation anxiety so if they felt so, howling is its primary reaction. It is therefore, advisable for owners who wants to stop them howling, basically, to give them attention. However, this attention must be given carefully by giving them right lesson such as rewarding good behavior rather than commending naughtiness so that they will not be spoiled. See also German Shepherd Facts You also need to check their condition when they are in crate if they are not feeling well or if they have sufficient food and water. It is also necessary for them to have lots of activities regularly. Remember that howling might be a result of their boredom so you need to solve it by providing exercises such as walking them outside, household tasks obedience and agility training. Medical Treatment Finally, is consulting a professional expert about dogs or preferably with the behavior of German Shepherd breeds. They can really help you to understand German Shepherd howling because they have scientific knowledge which our mere knowledge cannot easily comprehend. Breeders and owners should study the reasons why they howl so that they will know how to deal with this behavior properly. German Shepherd howling should not be understood with superstitions but rather with a more practical consideration and scientific approach. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Most people have heard a German Shepherd bark. But, not many know that this breed is also known for its long, wolf-like howl. All German Shepherds can howl. However, not all of them want to. This is entirely up to the dog and his personality. Some people love teaching their dogs to howl as they want to experience the sound. Most German Shepherd owners, however, just want them to stop. A German Shepherd howling sounds a lot like a wolf howling. This is just the primitive part of his brain expressing himself by doing something instinctive, such as howling. Northern breeds, such as Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, are also known howlers. The same goes for hound breeds, such as Dachshunds and Beagles. If your GSD is a howler, try thinking back to all the times he made this loud sound. You may notice some consistencies. Maybe, there was a police car siren outside, or you were watching some wildlife-related posts and video clips. It almost always comes down to these nine things: 1. Territory One of the reasons behind a German Shepherd howling is that he is trying to define his territory. This is yet another remnant from his wolf days. This is something that a wolf pack would do if they sense another wolf pack approaching them. Howling will let other animals know to stay away. In some dogs, this is also a defense mechanism. Communication Dogs produce all sorts of sounds to communicate with other canines. Howling is one of them. It is a way they let other animals know where they are. A wolf pack would howl to help their lost member find its way home. While chances are slim that your pet has lost a pack member, he might still be howling to reach others. Howling is usually a better method of communication than barking, as the sound can get delivered much faster than any other sound a GSD might produce. Why would they, when they can simply howl? If your GSD only howls when you are at work, then chances are he is experiencing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety causes dogs to develop some problematic behaviors. This includes digging, chewing on things, and excessive howling. He is just howling to let you know to return home. However, this behavior should be stopped. They are trying to communicate with you about something. This might be a certain physical need they want help with, such as hunger or thirst, but most of the time, they just want you to pay attention to them. This can be a double-edged sword. If you regularly give your pup attention after he has been howling for a while, he might stop howling as his need for attention will be satisfied. Some dogs, however, might understand this as getting what they want once they howl; therefore, this will only make them howl more. He Is Lonely Dogs are pack animals. This is especially true for German Shepherd dogs, as they are very close to their wolf relatives. If they are lonely, this can make them exhibit all sorts of behavior. Once again, howling is one of them. A dog that is left isolated in the back yard or in a crate might howl to let you know that he is feeling terrible. Chained or neglected dogs will also commonly howl. Many people who have witnessed a German Shepherd howling, for this reason, have stated the sound itself is much sadder than a regular dog howl. This is similar to babies crying when they are in discomfort. Look closely for signs of distress in your pup. If you suspect he is, take him to the vet immediately. The most common ones are police or fire truck sirens. Other sounds can trigger your pet as well. You may have noticed that some dogs howl back if you howl at them. This is a natural response, as they think you are trying to tell them something. Most of them will have a specific instrument they prefer. A crying baby can also make your German Shepherd howl as well as many other common sounds, such as car horns, a squeaky chair, or doorbells. Most of the sound triggers are high-pitched and ongoing. A dog will rarely react to short, sharp sounds. Also, not every dog will react to the same sounds, so figuring out what might trigger your dog in advance can be challenging. Excitement Not all common reasons behind a German Shepherd howling are bad or are a natural response to other sounds. Sometimes, a GSD might howl because he succeeded in something and he wants to let you know that you need to acknowledge this. Dogs see you as the pack leader and they want your approval and praise. Take a careful look at your pup when he is howling. Does he look excited? Hunting dogs, such as a GSD, might start to howl if they sense that prey is nearby, or when they have found the right trail. This is also a reason why Northern dog breeds howl. This is why Huskies howl so much. Maybe, he has located his favorite toy or he has climbed onto your favorite chair. Irritation A dog might also howl because something is irritating him. This is usually a sound, such as a certain musical instrument, an alarm clock, a microwave beeping, or kitchen pots falling on the floor. Your GSD is using howling as a way of expressing his annoyance. German Shepherd Puppy Howling If you heard your German Shepherd puppy howl for the first time, then chances are you were quite surprised. Young GSDs can howl for the same reasons as adult dogs howl. This is their way of communication. In fact, most will use whining and howling instead of barking until they are a few months old. Others might learn to howl when they are adults. A few might never howl at all. This is entirely up to the individual dog. In fact, this is the most common reason why many dogs howl. The reason behind this is pure science. Sirens are one of those high-pitched sounds that strongly attract this dog breed. German Shepherds are better at recognizing sounds, even if they are far away. This is because their brain can catch higher sound frequencies. This allows them to hear ambulance sirens from far away! Also, in nature, such sounds only exist when animals are communicating with each other. The first thing you should do is watch your pooch and determine the reason behind the howling. Then, with just a bit of proper dog training, you should tackle this problem. This can only be helpful short-term. Tell him to leave the room as coldly as you can, and point your finger to where he should go. Close the door and wait quietly until the howling stops. Once he has been quiet for several minutes, allow him to come back. Give him a treat or cuddle with him. This includes howling. Spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd whenever you can. Give him lots of love and cuddles. Sometimes, the reason behind a German Shepherd howling is that they want to spend more time with you, and they have every right to feel this way. If you give them plenty of attention throughout the day, you might notice that the howling has stopped after a while. My German Shepherd rarely howls. How do I know this? She never ever howls when we are in the same room. She only howls when she is trying to communicate with me from far away, so a howl or a bark is really her only option. Separation anxiety German Shepherds are known to be very attached to their humans, and some can even have separation anxiety. If you think your GSD may have this issue check out my full article of German Shepherd separation anxiety. Boredom Another reason your German Shepherd may be howling is from being bored. Preventing you from leaving A common reason German Shepherds howl is to prevent you from leaving the house. Dogs quickly learn our routine, so if they know you always put them in the crate or a certain room before leaving the house, you may find they howl once placed in that location. If the howling is too incessant, it could be a sign of separation anxiety as discussed above. In response to another external sound Another time I have noticed my German Shepherd howling, is when there is another dog barking or howling outside. Before dogs were domesticated, they used howling in the wild to communicate with one another. Accordingly, when your dog hears another dog outside barking or howling, sometimes they will howl or bark in response. Dogs are also known to howl in response to sounds like sirens. Imitation Dogs not only respond in response to other dogs howling, but they will also respond to your noises. You may find that if you make a sound similar to a howling noise your dog will start to howl as well. Sometimes, dogs mimic the sounds they hear. Your GSD is in pain or injured Similar to above, dogs used howling in the wild to let their pack know they were injured and needed help. Excitement Just like dogs can whine because of excitement, they can also howl from excitement. Sometimes, your GSD will be so worked up with excitement that they need to release that energy. My dog is more prone to whining or barking when this happens, but some dogs also howl. To communicate Lastly, the main reason dogs howl is to communicate. All of the reasons above express howling as a way of communicating to others their wants or needs in a certain situation. Why does my German Shepherd howl at night? Nighttime is usually a calm time where everyone is in bed and all is quiet. Your German Shepherd may want attention at this time so they howl to gain your attention. They could also be bored or be presenting signs of separation anxiety especially if you are sleeping in another room from your GSD. Try giving your dog a short walk or having a fun play session before bed and see if they howl less or not at all. Chances are if you tire your dog out before bedtime the howling will decrease. Final Thoughts Hopefully this article gives you some insight on German Shepherd howling. German Shepherds or any dog can howl for a number of reasons. If you want to drill down as to why your German Shepherd is howling, look at the situations where your dog howls and then look to see if they fit into any one of the reasons listed above. Chances are if you can identify the reason why your dog is howling, you can determine that it is either nothing to worry about or find ways of reducing the howling if it is bothersome. Does your German Shepherd howl a lot? Let me know in the comments! Final thoughts Do German Shepherds howl? Every German Shepherd has the ability to howl, but not all of them do it. Whether they howl or not very much depends on the dog itself. Also, it is as possible to teach a GSD how to howl, as it is to teach them to stop howling. Why do German Shepherds howl? Finding out what is causing your German Shepherd to howl is the first stage of stopping it. First off, you should be aware of the various reasons why your German Shepherd is howling. Here are a few: 1. Defining its territory One reason why German Shepherds howl is to warn other dogs that they are moving into its territory. It is used to serve as an advanced warning, with the underlying threat of aggression if the Intruders continue on their course. GSD Ancestry Everyone is aware of wolves howling, and they do this to identify each other across the wilderness. Their howling could be something that has been retained in their genes as the species evolved. If your German Shepherd is not comfortable being left on its own, it may resort to howling. This type of howling is a sign of your dog calling you to come home. Howling because of separation anxiety may be accompanied by other signs of distress like pacing back and forth, or destroying household items. Howling to communicate with other dogs Communication with other dogs is the most common reason for your German Shepherd to howl. Dogs are pack animals and, as such, they are incredibly friendly. Anyone living in a neighbourhood with lots of dogs will be familiar with the sound of one dog answering the howls of another, and this spreading throughout the whole community of dogs. Just as we sometimes cry due to pain, so too do dogs. Your dog howling unusually could be a sign that it is some sort of distress, particularly if the howling is accompanied by uncharacteristic behaviour. In such a situation, you should consult your vet. As a breed, the German Shepherd is an incredibly active dog that needs plenty of stimulation. If it fails to get stimulated enough, your German Shepherd might howl simply to relieve its boredom. How to make my german shepherd howl On the other hand, maybe your GSD does not howl, and you want to teach it. The first thing you should determine is what type of sounds your dog responds to best. Typical sounds that get a reaction from a dog are alarms, sirens, or the howls of other dogs. Showing your German Shepherd a video of dogs howling could be an excellent technique to teach similar behaviour. Another method is to use a high-pitched whistle. It is all down to trial and error, as every dog is different. Here are 5 ways you can make your dog howl: Howling or singing yourself so your dog follows. Playing high-pitched instruments such as harmonicas. Whistling to your dog Playing recordings of alarms or sirens. Watching videos of other dogs howling. Once you discovered the best method to get a howling response, you can then reinforce that method with more of the same. You can also promote behaviour by rewarding your dog with treats and plenty of attention when they respond well. But, be careful to understand the reasons why they are howling, so you do not miss some potentially harmful cause. Their howling can be for pleasure, and it can also be the result of pain or discomfort. As its owner and carer, it is your responsibility to make sure that you know which one of these it is. Dogs and wolves are closely related and share many of the same characteristics. Howling is one of the things they have in common. If he howls in response to the presence of other dogs, he could well be trying to warn them to stay away from his space. This is a typical response of a wolf pack if they become aware of another pack encroaching on their territory. Some dogs do this as a defense mechanism. Communication Your German Shepherd may also use howling as a way of communicating with others as a way to let them know where she is. Wolves do this to bring a lost pack member home. Your dog may not have a lost pack member, but, according to CertaPet , might still howl to reach out to others. When dogs want to communicate, a howl is a better choice because the sound carries much farther than does any other sound he might make. This includes barks, growls , and whines. Adult wolves know this instinctively and do not bark. Instead, they howl to communicate among themselves. Separation Anxiety If you leave your pet for any length of time, say, to go to work, she may howl almost continuously once you are gone. This is her way of her communicating with you, the missing member of her pack, to get you to return home. Dogs who howl in your absence due to separation anxiety often have other problem behaviors as well, such as chewing and digging. Cesar Millan also suggests that your anxious dog may pace or even relieve himself in your house until you return. This type of howling can be stopped, but it takes a lot of time and effort. Looking for Attention Some dogs howl to get some attention from their owners. They may be trying to communicate a physical need, such as hunger or thirst, but frequently it is just to get your attention. The PetHelpful website suggests that this is a natural way for your dog to reach out to you. If your dog is resorting to howling because of a need for attention, try responding positively to that need. Instead of scolding him for making noise, find a way to spend some extra time with him to give him the attention he craves. Do it regularly and you may find that his howling decreases. Anxiety at Being Isolated Similar to your dog howling if he is seeking attention from you, an isolated dog, too, may howl to get someone to relieve his loneliness. Dogs are pack animals, so they normally live with others. A dog that is left alone in your home or backyard may resort to howling to let you know that the situation is terrible for him. The Veterinary Network video on reasons dogs howls suggests that this is not uncommon behavior if a dog is left chained in the yard or is otherwise neglected or ignored. The video also points out that this type of howling is as sad as you might think upon hearing it. Sick or Injured If your German Shepherd is howling because he is ill, or because he has been hurt, he should be taken to the vet immediately. When your dog howls, look closely for signs that he is in serious distress. He may be standing or lying awkwardly, or he may be hunched over or otherwise look unnatural. His howling is a cue for you to take a closer look, and get him to a vet immediately if you think he is in pain. Noise Triggers You may have noticed that your German Shepherd howls in response to various noise triggers. Sirens are one common trigger, but your dog may howl in response to other sounds as well. Other things can set him off as well. Again, a very natural response. A crying baby can stimulate your dog to howl, and a variety of other noises, including doorbells, car horns, or even a squeaky chair. Scientists think that dogs howl in response to certain types of noise, usually high-pitched and ongoing, rather than short, sharp sounds. Studying the causes is made even more difficult by the fact that not all dogs respond the same to various sounds. Excitement and Success Not all howls are due to bad things, nor are they necessarily the result of other sounds. Is he excited? Hunting dogs on the trail of something may start to howl when they find the right trail or sense that they are close to their prey. Sled dogs, too, are known to howl with the pure excitement of being hitched to a sled. Often the source of irritation is noise, such as a musical instrument played by a child, an alarm clock, or the persistent beeping of a microwave. Your German shepherd is expressing his feelings of annoyance if he howls at these things. Listen carefully for any sounds that might be causing him to howl. Look carefully at all of the triggers listed above. That myth seems to come from the fact that dogs and wolves tip their heads back when they howl, so it seems like their howling at the moon. According to scientific studies, they are not. You can read the following article if you want to know Why German Shepherds Cry , and would like understand this behavior.
View Larger Image Dog lovers will witness the amazing feeling of getting home to that lovely dog with a wet nose and wagging its tail, quite like what you get from the Goldendoodle Husky mix. Some are looking for a dog that is different from the most common types, which is where the Husky Goldendoodle comes in. This is a mix of a Husky and a Goldendoodle, which are nice additions to any family. Some of the things you might want to know about the Goldendoodle Husky Mix are discussed below. History of Goldendoodle Husky Mix You should be aware that the Goldendoodle Husky mix is a very new breed, with its first recording coming in the early s. Despite its late appearance, the Goldendoodle Husky mix has risen in popularity, and is nowadays one of the popular breeds in many homes. This can most likely be attributed to its inheritance of the best qualities from the Siberian Husky and the Golden Retriever. This is a niche breed, which means it has not yet gotten a name. It has however been going by the name the Golden Huskipoo. As a dog breed, the Golden Retriever is very popular and famous for its intelligence and extreme friendliness. Originally, this breed was reared in Scotland as a hunting dog in the s. The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is famous for being a loyal and hardworking dog. This breed was kept in Siberia for over years, where it was put into use as sled dog. This means that mixing these two breeds will give you a dog that is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and hardworking, the Husky Goldendoodle mix, which is all you would ever look for in a dog. Appearance As you might imagine, mixing the Goldendoodle with the Husky will most likely give you a dog that is quite pretty. Typically, this breed weighs about 50 to 90 pounds, and stands between 20 and 26 inches in height at the shoulder. Talking about the coat, the Goldendoodle Husky mix can inherit the coats of either the Siberian Husky or the Golden Retriever, but most of them get a coat lying somewhere in between. What this means is that the dogs will most likely have a coat medium in length, which is slightly wavy or straight. Their color, on the other hand, ranges from black to cream. Goldendoodle Husky mix temperament and behavior One of the things that make the Goldendoodle Husky mix the perfect fit dog is that it is an excellent family dog, credited to the personality of the Golden Retriever. It is a dog breed that enjoys being around people, always ready for a good belly rub or a fetch game. You should also be aware that there is a possibility of the dogs inheriting the independence of the Siberian Husky. The Goldendoodle Siberian Husky mix is also famous for its being active. It is a breed that requires a lot of exercises, with a love for running around. This means that if you want a pet that is more like a couch potato, this is not the right choice for you. It makes an excellent partner for the morning run or the daily walk. Grooming requirements The Goldendoodle Husky mix requirements for grooming depend on the parent it has taken after. This dog breed should also receive baths after a few weeks. If it imitates the Siberian Husky, on the other hand, there is a high probability that it will have a shorter coat. What this means is that it does not require regular brushing, though it still needs a bath after a few weeks. Concerning shedding, the Goldendoodle Husky mix can take any side. Some dogs will have a lot of shedding and some have little. For those who are concerned about shedding, the best choice will be the dog taking after the Golden Retriever. Health concerns There is good news for those who would like to have a Goldendoodle Husky mix for a dog since this breed is relatively healthy. However, when searching for a Goldendoodle Husky mix for sale, some of the health concerns that you should be aware of before making the purchase include eye problems, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Elbow and hip dysplasia are hereditary conditions capable of causing mobility problems and joint pain. Luckily, there is a couple of tests that your veterinarian can perform to look for these conditions. As for eye problems, they are an occurrence that is quite common for the breed. Entropion is the most common problem, which is the condition in which the eyelids roll inwards, causing irritation and possibly damaging the eye. When you see any eye problem signs, it is advisable that you take your dog to your veterinarian in the shortest time possible. Caring for a Goldendoodle Husky mix puppy A Goldendoodle should be taken through its socialization early, which means having it attend puppy classes, visit dog parks, and take it for a walk in the neighborhood. The breed is very intelligent, but it also can be very stubborn, which means that it should begin learning the basic commands like down, come, sit, and stay very early if you want an easier time in training. Goldendoodle Husky mix puppies love playing and running, which presents opportunities to give them plenty of exercises that they need so much. They should get exercise for about an hour every day. Training tips It is essential to be aware of the best way to train the Goldendoodle Husky mix breed. The most ideal way to train this breed is using positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your pet when it does something you want it to. The commonest rewards are treats, but you may also praise it verbally or cuddle and pet the dog. You must be consistent as you train the Goldendoodle Husky mix. Everyone in the family should use the same rewards and commands. If you lack consistency, your pet will become confused and will not learn that fast. You also need to be patient. It may take some time for your pet to learn what you want it to do, but if you display patience, it will get it eventually. Achievement of the genetic cross This breeding makes a first-generation hybrid, at times referred to as the F1 cross. To obtain the Goldendoodle Husky mix, there is the crossing of the Standard Poodle with the F1 hybrid. Pros and cons There are many great things about adopting and owning the Goldendoodle Husky mix breed. Yet, this breed is not without some qualities that might not be so appealing. Also, since the Husky is a natural predator, you should not be shocked by the tendency of the mixed breed to dig in your garden, which is its way of sustenance. You need to be aware of some demerits of owning this dog. Some pros of the breed include the following: It is outgoing and friendly. It is easy to train and intelligent. It loves to exercise and can therefore keep you active. Huskypoos are great family pets. Some cons of owning these dogs include: Since they require a lot of exercise, they might not be great companion animals for families with small kids. They can become stubborn at times. First-time dog owners may not find them suitable. FAQs 1. Can You Mix Goldendoodle with Husky? Yes, mixing a Goldendoodle and a Husky is ethical. This is because the Siberian Husky and the Golden Retriever are hearty and healthy breeds. By mixing the two breeds, you can get a dog that is expected to be just as healthy. However, you must note that the breed may receive an independent streak from the Siberian Husky. Therefore, it might not be the most ideal breed for first-time dog owners. Are Husky Doodles Good Dogs? Husky doodles have appealing traits that make them great pet dogs. They are strong, intelligent, affectionate, fluffy, loyal, non-shedding and hypoallergenic. They are a wonderful companion for pet owners with much time to devote to their dog and families with older children. If you are not worried a lot about having a perfect purebred and ready to accept the mix of traits and characteristics a crossbreed comes with, the Goldendoodle Husky mix. This breed requires much exercise, at least 60 minutes daily. It also requires adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and searching for its own entertainment. Huskydoodles are generally easy to maintain, but they do require some bathing and grooming. How Big Do Huskypoos Get? Generally, the Goldendoodle Husky mix is regarded as a medium-to-large dog breed, but it ranges in size like every other animal. Typical adult male huskies are about 21 to 23 inches tall. Their weight ranges from 44 to 60 pounds. Adult female huskies are often about 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 35 to 50 pounds. These are average figures, meaning that you can find huskies that are smaller or larger than this, especially if they are not purebred. What is the Best Dog to Mix with a Husky? Huskies are great when in a group since they are pack dogs. Your husky can be happier when you get it a companion dog. You might be planning to get a second dog to mix with your husky. In that case, it is best to mix a husky with a similarly sized working breed that shares its intelligence, high energy, and playfulness. Good examples are Labradors and German Shepherds. Can You Breed a Husky and a Doodle? The Huskydoodle is a cross between the Poodle and Siberian Husky dog breeds. This mixed breed dog is full of energy, intelligent and sociable. It inherited some of the best traits of its parents. Conclusion The Goldendoodle Husky mix is a breed with many desirable traits, including playfulness, intelligence, loyalty, and a lot of affection. The popularity of this designer dog breed is likely to continue increasing. The active breed makes an excellent dog for active pet owners. The dog can thrive with high-energy people in urban environments. However, it is more suited to households with large amounts of space such as a yard with several people. If you prefer having a playful dog that loves you unconditionally and is friendly towards other dogs, this is the right pet for you. Related Posts. A Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle mix, also known as a husky doodle, is a dog breed that results from breeding a Husky with a Goldendoodle. The crossbreed between these two popular breeds is becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers due to the desirable characteristics that this breed inherits from both parents. A husky doodle may have a thick, curly coat like a Goldendoodle or may have the distinctive markings of a Siberian Husky. These dogs are medium to large-sized and have friendly, affectionate personalities. Overall, the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle mix is an adorable, loyal, and intelligent breed that would make an excellent companion for families or individuals alike. Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky is a beautiful and highly intelligent breed of dog that originated in northeastern Siberia. These dogs were developed by the Chukchi people, who used them for transportation across the snowy tundra. Their ability to pull heavy loads over long distances made them highly valued by their husky parent, who needed them for hunting and travel. Today, Siberian Huskies are a popular breed among families and individuals alike. In fact, the huskydoodle dog breed has become a recent trend among professionals in the dog-breeding industry. These dogs are a hybrid of the Siberian Husky and the Poodle and are known for their friendly temperament and affectionate nature. With their striking blue eyes and thick, fluffy coat, huskydoodles gets plenty of attention from admirers. Despite their playful nature, huskies require a lot of exercise and attention, and they thrive in homes where they can receive plenty of love and attention from their owners. These dogs are a mix between Golden Retrievers and Poodles. The history of Goldendoodles goes back a long way. The breed was first recognized in the s, as breeders started crossing the two breeds in order to create a hypoallergenic dog with the temperament of a Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever has a long history as a beloved family dog, originally bred in Scotland to help retrieve ducks and other game for hunters. Poodles have a long history as well, often trained as hunting dogs or show dogs. Goldendoodles are now very popular family pets due to their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need regular exercise, playtime, and grooming to stay healthy and happy. The genetic cross of a Goldendoodle and the husky mix is achieved through the careful breeding of two different hybrid dog breeds. Firstly, the Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Similarly, a husky mix is often bred by crossing a Siberian Husky with another breed, resulting in a mix of physical traits and personality characteristics. To breed a Goldendoodle and husky mix, the breeders would carefully select parent dogs from each breed with desirable characteristics such as temperament, health, and appearance. The Huskies were also specifically bred to be adaptable to different climates and environments, with their thick fur and strong work ethic. The combination of these various traits in a Goldendoodle and husky mix results in a unique and highly sought-after hybrid dog breed. Appearance of the Goldendoodle Husky Mix The Goldendoodle husky mix is a hybrid breed that combines the energy and intelligence of the husky with the hypoallergenic qualities and friendly disposition of the poodle. These dogs have a moderate to high activity level and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. When it comes to appearance, this breed can vary widely depending on the individual dog. They are typically medium to large in size, with a thick coat that can be curly, wavy, or straight. Goldendoodle husky mixes can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, gray, and brown. Overall, they are a unique and beautiful breed that can make excellent companions for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. Generally, the mix tends to be of medium to large size, with an average weight of lbs and a height of inches. A mix that takes more from the husky side, for instance, may end up being larger in size than one that takes more from the poodle side. This dog is a cross between a Goldendoodle and a Siberian Husky, combining the looks and personalities of both breeds into one unique mix. One of the most striking features of this breed is its coat, which is typically thick and plush due to its double coat. The coat can come in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from solid colors like black, white, and cream to more complex patterns such as brindle, sable, and merle. Additionally, because the Goldendoodle Siberian Husky Mix is a poodle mix, its coat is usually hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making it a great and popular choice for people with allergies. Overall, the coat of this breed is stunning and requires regular grooming to keep it in tip-top condition. Lifespan of Goldendoodle Siberian Husky Mix The Goldendoodle Siberian Husky Mix is a popular hybrid breed that combines the friendly and loyal nature of a Golden Retriever with the independent and energetic personality of a Siberian Husky. When it comes to their lifespan, these dogs generally live around years, which is typical for medium-sized dog breeds. Temperament of the Goldendoodle Siberian Husky Mix The temperament of the Goldendoodle Siberian Husky Mix can be quite unpredictable, as this breed may inherit a combination of traits from both parent breeds. These medium-sized dogs are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and playfulness, which are characteristics that both the Husky and Goldendoodle possess. However, the Siberian Husky is notorious for its stubbornness and difficult-to-train nature, while the Goldendoodle is a more obedient and easygoing breed. With proper socialization and training, though, the Goldendoodle Siberian Husky mix breed can make a loving, loyal, and affectionate companion for families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This hybrid breed requires frequent grooming to maintain its healthy coat and prevent matting. Because of its wavy and thick coat, the Goldendoodle husky mix needs to be brushed regularly to avoid tangles and knots. Additionally, regular grooming sessions increase bonding time between pets and their owners. However, this breed is prone to certain health issues that may require veterinary attention. One of the most common problems is hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Another issue is eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. As with any dog, regular check-ups and preventative care are important in maintaining their overall health and wellness. Owners of a Goldendoodle Siberian Husky mix should also be aware of their specific nutritional needs and provide them with a healthy diet to boost their immune system and prevent obesity. These pups are energetic and require plenty of attention and playtime. Toys are good ways to keep the puppy entertained and mentally stimulated when you cannot be there to interact with them. It is important to make sure your pup gets daily exercise, both physical and mental. Taking them for walks, teaching them new tricks, or even just playing fetch with them are all great ways to meet these needs. Best dog gadgets such as puzzle feeders or interactive toys can also provide a welcomed challenge for your pup. Additionally, grooming is an important aspect of caring for a Goldendoodle Husky Mix Puppy. Regular baths, brushing, and trimming will help keep their coat shiny and neat. With proper care and attention, your furry friend will grow into a loyal companion and beloved member of the family. Also known as the husky golden, this breed requires socialization and obedience training from an early age. This is necessary to prevent behavioral problems such as aggression and destructive behavior. As for grooming, this breed tends to shed a lot, so frequent brushing is essential to maintain a healthy coat. Regular grooming sessions also promote bonding between you and your furry friend. To sum up, the key to a happy and healthy Goldendoodle Husky mix is early socialization and obedience training, and regular grooming. As dog owners, when we choose a dog, we want it to be a true family member. Goldendoodles and Huskies are both known for being amazing family pets, but when they are combined to become Goldendoodle Huskies, they can be an excellent choice for every family. These dogs are full of energy and love to play, making them great for everyone in the family, especially a family with young children. They are loyal, friendly, and intelligent animals that enjoy spending time with their loved ones. In summary, if you are looking for a family pet who is loyal, kid-friendly, and energetic, a Goldendoodle Husky will make just the perfect addition to your family. If you own one of these family pets and would like to customize it with an exclusive business card, then custom pins from Pins. Patterns and colors are free to choose from. Not only is it a special dog tag, but it also makes a great souvenir. Golden husky mix dogs can get along with other dogs depending on their socialization and training. They are often friendly and playful, but like any dog, they can be cautious around strangers and other dogs. Socializing golden husky mix puppies at an early age can help them develop proper behavior around other pets. They can learn to understand body language and communicate effectively. Must Read: Leaving a Blind Dog Alone At Home However, if they have not been socialized properly, they may exhibit aggressive behavior toward other dogs. Training a golden husky mix dog not to bark at other dogs is crucial to their socialization. Barking can be a warning signal, but in most cases, it can be a sign of fear or aggression. With proper training, a golden husky mix dog can be a loving and friendly pet that gets along well with other dogs. You should be aware of some drawbacks as well, though. Friendly and protective personality. Good with children and other pets. Intelligent and easy to train. Low to moderate shedding coat. Active and energetic, great for outdoor activities. Adaptable to different living environments. Can be a great companion for individuals or families. Moderate grooming and exercise needs. Potential for separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. May require early socialization to prevent destructive behaviors. Health concerns such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies may be inherited from parent breeds. May not be hypoallergenic. This article has highlighted the main points of this hybrid dog such as their temperaments, physical appearance, and the importance of training and exercise. However, it is worth noting that the unique characteristics of the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle mix make them an exceptional pet option for families or individuals. They are gentle-natured, intelligent, and energetic, making them perfect for outdoor activities or cuddling on the couch. If you are looking for a furry friend to add to your family, consider adopting or purchasing a Goldendoodle Husky mix. They are an excellent addition to any household, and their unconditional love and loyalty will undoubtedly bring years of joy and companionship to you and your family. Dematter tool Brushing You can expect to brush them at least twice a week. How much a husky goldendoodle sheds will vary greatly from dog to dog. Some take after their poodle parent, and shed very little. Others take after the husky and will shed quite a bit. A pin brush is used to remove shed hair from the topcoat, remove dirt from their coat, and stimulate hair growth. A dematter tool is helpful, particularly if your husky goldendoodle has a longer coat. If the coat gets matted, the dematter tool removes the mats painlessly. Coat Trimming Your pooch may need to visit the groomer to have their coat trimmed regularly. However, poodles and goldendoodles require regular haircuts. If not trimmed, their hair can reach 8 inches in length, which becomes impossible to groom properly. Goldendoodles usually require trimming every weeks. Bathing Huskies are very good at self-grooming, and their skin produces little oil. They only need a bath every 3 to 4 months. Goldendoodles require bathing more often, usually every 1 to 2 months. Your husky goldendoodle will likely need a bath once every months, depending on their coat and their activity level. However, bathing them often on a regular basis can dry their skin. Be sure to use a shampoo formulated for dogs to avoid skin irritation. If they are shedding, you can use a deshedding shampoo to make the process a bit easier. Nail Trimming Most dogs need their nails trimmed once every weeks. However, this depends on their activity level, and the surfaces they walk on, as well as their breed, according to the ASPCA. Huskies may not need their nails trimmed, but goldendoodles usually do. You can use a scissor-type nail trimmer, or a grinder-style tool. Temperament Husky goldendoodles are highly social. Huskies are very pack oriented and require lots of time with their owners and other dogs to feel fulfilled. Goldendoodles are also very social, and love being around people as well as other dogs. Thanks to the social skills of their parent breeds, expect a husky goldendoodle mix to be exceptionally good with anyone, from family to strangers, as well as the dog down the street. While they are high energy, the goldendoodle tones down their activity a bit. They can also be goofy or attention-seeking. These pooches, like their husky parent, are the entertainers of the dog world. In addition to being social, they are excellent dogs for children. They are very gentle and patient, particularly with young ones. They also bond very closely with their family. They are not guard dogs , thanks to their social personality, but they may become protective over those they love, particularly children. They require a strong leader, or alpha. When training them, use positive reinforcement. Never yell, lose your temper, or use physical punishment. Despite their independent streak, they do want to please their owners. Health All three parent breeds are considered relatively healthy. However, there are some common health concerns for these breeds. Generally, mixed-breed dogs are considered to be healthier, because they have more genetic diversity. However, they can also inherit a risk of some conditions from any or all of their parents. These conditions include:. This cross is by far one of the most popular breeds currently, the combination of the Golden Retriever, and the Poodle — two breeds that by themselves are incredibly beloved by the public — creates a dog that is most definitely more than the sum of its parts. The creation of this mix was a pioneering move in the designer dog market and spearheaded the move towards breeding to solve practical problems. Prior to the Goldendoodle, breeds had been bred determined by specific practical working functions, and so a change in the breed to further commercial interest was unheard of. This carries on as a trend up until the present day, and subsequently, the Goldendoodle carried on evolving, in order to secure its prolonged popularity. To account for different living situations, the breed is now available in four sizes: Standard, medium, petite, and mini. However, today we will be focussing on the original standard-sized Goldendoodle. Siberian Husky Siberian Huskies, as the name implies, originate from Siberia. They are famous for their big fluffy coat, and large stature, which is a necessity having to live in such a cold climate going down to degrees Celsius at times. These large dogs were the main mode of transport of the Chukchi people of North-east Siberia, pulling their sleighs and helping to herd reindeer. Therefore, these dogs are required to be hard-working and strong enough to run fast while pulling a sleigh — two traits that make Huskies so desirable in the present day. These dogs are loyal, motivated, and have an incredible pack loyalty, meaning they make a fierce companion to any dog lover. While the Goldendoodle does come in multiple sizes a result of the designer dog craze this cross can only safely be achieved using the standard size. The Husky is an incredibly large dog, and ideally, when crossing breeds, the stature of the parents should match as closely as possible, minimize risks with natural insemination, pregnancy, and whelping. The health of the cross is not just limited to the parents, however, as the puppies must also be accounted for. A bad mix runs the risk of creating puppies with significant health risks, or uncontrollable tempers, which would hamper their quality of life. In achieving this cross, the health of all present, and resulting dogs must be accounted for. This is now what determines whether a mix is ethical or not, and in recent years has been the moral compass with breeders have used to guide their dog choices. As seen with the breeding of the Siberian Husky to fulfill a function, dogs can be bred to develop certain traits. So, is the Goldendoodle Siberian Husky cross ethical? Due to their big dog size, and their hard-working, and intelligent nature, there is no doubt that all dogs and puppies will be happy and healthy. This cross is niche and therefore has no name. However, Golden Huskipoo is a great fit for this unique breed! They are playful and social creatures being bred for life in a pack and as such, they are extremely extroverted, and provided they are socialized properly, they will be quick to make connections with strangers and other dogs. The Cons of the Golden Huskipoo Cross While this dog has a great temperament, you may quickly find a few things less than desirable in this dog. Attributed to the Husky side mainly, this dog has a lot of habits and traits that were essential when working in Siberia but may be inconvenient now. The first is energy and stamina. This cross is big, can walk for miles, and will need to in order to burn off all of that energy. As well as this, they have a strong predatory drive and are known to dig in the garden. Huskies were bred to be natural hunters in order to conserve rations and provide their own sustenance. This may mean your lawn will undergo some heavy demolition, and you may need to monitor your dog in open spaces, to stop them from hunting small game they may pick up on. One other con is how tricky they may be. Stubborn and intelligent, this cross is a natural-born problem solver, and as such, they will try everything in their power to break out or get their way if they put their mind to it. While this may come as a shock to owners, it is important to note that Huskies were bred to be lean and survive off little food — while their giant coat betrays their slender physique — it is important to note that this weight is perfectly healthy. The thick double coat means your dog will be a huge ball of hair. The Golden Huskipoo can be uni or bicolor, with a strong likelihood of being the iconic Golden Retriever blonde, or the Huskies white and grey. Maintenance While these dogs do self-groom, mats and tangles must be brushed out on a regular basis. Along with this, their coat must be kept cut to ensure it does not become a hindrance to your dog, and in warmer climates, to ensure your dog is cool enough. While this may deviate in colder months, or colder climates, it is essential that the coat is maintained in the summer. Health As mentioned previously, there are some issues that are more common in bigger breeds such as the Golden Huskipoo. These include hip dysplasia, and arthritis, or osteoarthritis. Along with these issues, this breed is at increased risk of cataracts and other eye issues, a trait shared among Huskies and Golden Retrievers alike. Temperament This dog is high energy, independent, and highly intelligent. Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements With a bigger dog like this, 1 and a half to 2 hours of exercise are required a day. Unlike smaller breeds, this dog requires outdoor exercise, preferable in open spaces such as parks where they can properly stretch their legs and blow off steam. Two cups a day are required to keep your Golden Huskipoo well fed. Sometimes your dog may pass up meals, and if this happens every once in a while do not be alarmed. Huskies are bred to survive on very little, and as such they know their limits when it comes to food. That being said, if the issue persists then a trip to the vet is a safe bet. Conclusion For fans of larger Doodles, the Golden Huskipoo is the perfect companion. This dog is as playful as they come, and their sociability, intelligence, and unique appearance will mean that they are sure to stand out no matter the occasion. It is a medium-to-large-sized dog with a friendly but protective personality and a dense coat of fur. History of the Parent Breeds Since the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle is a rather new mix, we have to speculate a little to understand where and how its storied past would have started. Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog breed with a long and exciting history. The breed was developed over time in Siberia, specifically for pulling sleds. Siberian Huskies are born into packs and raised together, making them excellent at working together. There is a close genetic relationship between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. Even in the early days, they were sled-pulling dogs who proved helpful for demanding tasks like hunting. Throughout the late s and early s, the Chukotka dogs were sent to Alaska to help get miners to the Yukon. These were the days of the Klondike Gold Rush when over , miners migrated to the Yukon in search of gold. More dogs were sent over to compete in a long-distance dog sled race from Nome to Candle and back to Nome. Called the All—Alaska Sweepstakes, it was during this time that the name Siberian Husky first became common. They have remained in steady popularity, although many dog owners take them on without realizing they need careful attention [1] www. Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle has a slightly different story than the Siberian Husky. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed, part Golden Retriever and part Poodle. They are recognizable for their bushy, sometimes curly, coats and outgoing personalities. Goldendoodle The hybrid breed gained only minimal traction at first. Later in the s, the Goldendoodle hybrid breed was officially recognized. The recognition of the Goldendoodle came about because of the success of the Labradoodle hybrid breed. Breeders started mixing Golden Retrievers and Poodles intentionally to create a similarly successful hybrid breed [2] www. Designer breeders are primarily responsible for the creation of the Goldendoodle. Their personality is one of a kind. As a Doodle owner myself, I can attest to how goofy these pups are. For example, check out the video below of Goldendoodles being cute and hysterical at the same time. We have a Scottish nobleman, Lord Tweedmouth, to thank for the happy breed, who first attempted to cross-breed Retrievers and Water Spaniels. Poodle The Poodle comes with a mysterious background. No one is certain if they originated in Germany or France. Experts believe it likely appeared in Germany first, as far back as the 17th century. Wherever they came from, Poodles got their start as hunting dogs. Bird hunters would put them to work retrieving game from water. They also appeared in circus shows, especially in France. The Poodle has been part of the American Kennel Club since the late s. They were largely unpopular in the United States until after the Great Depression. Since then, they have gained in popularity, especially as show dogs. Appearance The Siberian Husky is a stocky dog with a double coat designed to keep warm in the harsh Arctic winters. The hair is medium-long, and the colors range from black to pure white. They can have tight curls or loose waves in their hair and are typically some shade of yellow. Resulting from the parents, the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle mix is a relatively large dog with a thick coat of long fur that is likely wavy or curly. Size Based on the size of the parent breeds, the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodles would likely be medium-sized dogs. It would probably be a little stockier, especially in the legs. Coat Colors A Husky-Goldendoodle mix has several colors to choose from. Goldendoodles are often gold, cream, or white. They can also be black or Merle. The coat of a Husky is rarely just one color. They can be a mix of black, white, tan, brown, red, and sable. Of course, it is entirely possible they can be mono-colored such as pure white or pure black. They can be tricolored as well. Based on the parent breeds, they likely love people, especially their family, and have high energy levels. Huskies are energetic and great with people while Goldendoodles are friendly goofballs. Both breeds are extremely smart. The following infographic summarizes the traits and characteristics of this mix. Common Health Issues Since the Siberian Husky-Goldendoodle is a mix between Poodles, Huskies, and Goldendoodles, they have a few breed-specific health issues to be on the lookout for. Possible health issues could include, but are not limited to: Cataracts. However, they have quickly become one of the most popular breeds around. This is likely because they inherit the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky. The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed of dog that is known for being extremely friendly and intelligent. They were originally bred in Scotland in the s as hunting dogs. On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are known for being hard-working and loyal dogs. They were bred in Siberia over years ago and were used as sled dogs. So, when you mix the two breeds together, you get a dog that is friendly, intelligent, hard-working, and loyal. What more could you ask for? As you can probably imagine, a Golden doodle mixed with Husky is going to be a pretty big dog. They typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. When it comes to their coat, these dogs can inherit the coat of either the Golden Retriever or the Siberian Husky. However, most of them end up somewhere in between. This means that they usually have a medium-length coat that is either straight or slightly wavy. And as for their color, it can be anything from cream to black. Temperament of the Goldendoodle Husky One of the best things about the Golden Doodle and Husky Mix is that they make great family dogs. They love being around people and are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. This means that they may not be the best breed for first-time dog owners. These dogs are also known for being very active. They need a lot of exercise and love to run around. How is This Genetic Cross Achieved? This produces a first-generation hybrid, sometimes called an F1 cross. The Standard Poodle is then crossed with one of these F1 hybrids to produce the Goldendoodle. Yes, the Golden Doodle Husky mix is an ethical cross. This is because both the Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky are breeds that are known for being healthy and hearty. So, when you mix the two together, you get a dog that is likely to be just as healthy. The only thing you need to be aware of is that this breed can inherit the independent streak from the Siberian Husky. Grooming Requirements for a Goldendoodle Husky The grooming requirements for a Goldendoodle Husky will depend on which parent they take after. If they take after the Golden Retriever, then they will probably have a coat that is on the longer side. You should also give them a bath every few weeks. On the other hand, if they take after the Siberian Husky, then they will probably have a shorter coat. However, you will still need to give them a bath every few weeks. When it comes to shedding, these dogs can go either way. Some of them will shed a lot, while others will only shed a little. What Are the Health Concerns for this Breed? The good news is that the Golden Doodle Husky is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are a few health concerns that you should be aware of. These include hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause joint pain and mobility problems. Fortunately, there are a number of tests that your veterinarian can perform to check for these conditions. Eye problems are also relatively common in this breed. The most common problem is called entropion, which is when the eyelid rolls inward. This can cause irritation and even damage to the eye. This means taking them to puppy classes, dog parks, and even just on walks around the neighborhood. The more socialization they get, the better. This breed is intelligent, but they can also be stubborn. When it comes to exercise, these dogs need a lot of it. A good rule of thumb is to exercise them for at least an hour each day. Training tips for Goldendoodle Husky mix The best way to train a Goldendoodle Husky is with positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they do something you want them to do. The most common rewards are treats, but you can also use verbal praise or even just petting and cuddling. This means that everyone in the family should use the same commands and rewards. These dogs can be stubborn, so it might take a while for them to learn what you want them to do. The Goldendoodle Husky is a great choice for families who are looking for an active and friendly dog. The Goldendoodle Husky is a friendly breed that gets along well with other dogs. However, they may not be the best choice for families with small children. This is because they can inherit the independent streak from the Siberian Husky. This means that they may not be as patient with small children as some other breeds. However, there are also a few downsides that you should be aware of. They make great family dogs and are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub.
A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why is My Labrador limping takeaways 1. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint becomes misaligned. It causes pain and lameness in the affected leg. The symptoms usually appear between 6 months and 2 years old. Dog inherit the predisposition to hip dysplasia from their parents. Labradors and hybrid Labradoodles are prone to this preventable disease through improper breeding. Your puppy will have trouble walking if it has hip dysplasia. You need to get an X-ray done on both hips at least once before they reach 1 year old. There are no known non surgical cures for this disease so make sure you keep up with regular checkups. This disorder results from abnormal development of the pelvis and legs. The bones of the pelvic region do not form correctly and instead fuse together prematurely. This creates problems with weight bearing and movement. Arthritis in dogs can also cause limping Dog arthritis the joints of a dog become inflamed, swollen or painful. The most common type of arthritis that affects dogs are osteoarthritis which causes inflammation in one or more of their joints. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis and crystal-induced arthritis. Genetics plays a role in whether a dog develops arthritis. Age also contributes to its development. Older dogs are more prone to develop arthritis than younger ones. Weight also affects arthritis; heavier dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than lighter dogs. Activity levels play a part in the progression of arthritis. High activity levels increase wear on joints, while low activity levels decrease wear on joints. Diet can influence joint health Dogs who have had an injury such as surgery, trauma or infection will be predisposed to developing these conditions. A Labrador as a guard dog 3. Infections can make a dog limp — especially ones involving bones Infections of the foot or paw are commonly caused by bacterial infections. This includes bacterial infections like staphylococcus bacteria, streptococcus bacteria and yeast infections. These infections tend to affect the skin around the paw pads and sometimes spread into other areas of the body causing fever and lethargic behavior. In addition to causing pain and swelling, these infections can lead to lameness if not treated properly. Infectious diseases like parvovirus and Lyme disease can affect joints and muscles causing pain and inflammation. Your vet will know what tests to order to diagnose these conditions and treat accordingly. Trauma to the foot or paw A traumatic event can lead to swelling and bruising in the area where the injury occurred. In addition, the muscles surrounding the site of the injury may tighten up due to fear or stress. As a result, the leg becomes stiff and sore. Common trauma to dog feet include Abrasions — A small wound caused by a sharp object such as a nail or splinter. Bruises — A bruise is an injury to the soft tissue under the skin. It may be caused by a blow, fall, or other impact. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are broken and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. Contusions — Contusions are bruises that are larger than a bruise. They are caused by a blunt force, such as a blow from a fist or another object. Sun burn in dogs or heat burn from hot asphalt 5. Dog Toenail Injuries can make a Labrador limp The nails of dogs grow continuously throughout their lives. However, there are times when the nails begin to look longer than normal. These changes happen naturally over time. If the change happens suddenly, however, then it could indicate something wrong. Toenails should never be trimmed too short because there is a blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. Trimming them too long or not trimming them can result in broken nails. Happy Labrador! Patella Luxation Patellar luxation is a common condition affecting many breeds including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Dobermans and of course — Labs Labs are times more likely to have this than other breeds It involves the kneecap becoming dislocated out of place. This can cause severe discomfort and lameness. Dogs can sprain a muscle and this can make them limp Muscles can become strained through exercise or playing rough with your pet. The most common places for strains to occur are at the elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Strains usually heal themselves within three weeks — but if it is not improving or becomes exacerbated you will need to consult your Vet. Over exertion can make a dog limp Exercise causes our bodies to work harder which leads to increased heart rate and breathing. Our legs also get tired quickly so we must take breaks often during physical activity. The exact same is true for dogs! An over fatigued Lab can limp for a while due to muscle exhaustion. Give them a few days of rest and your Labrador will be back in tip top shape soon. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 9. Insect Bites can make a dog walk funny or limp It is common for dogs to run into nature and the creep crawly insects that populate it. Through no fault of their own Labradors LOVE to explore grass and nature — which runs the risk of being bitten by ants, bees or wasps. Most of the time a dog insect bite is not a huge concern BUT sometimes they do leave behind nasty infections on the bite site if the dog licks or chews it. You should always seek veterinary care if you see any signs of infection after having been stung by an ant or bee. FAQ — My Lab has had surgery recently and is now limping? Luckily your Vet is only a phone call away So please contact us today if you think your puppy is limping. An older Labrador limps A reader Sara emailed in to tell us about her elderly Labrador dog just turned 10! As a result, she walks differently than before. Her stride length is shorter and her steps are wider apart. She loves the outdoors — but we know not to push her too far. Labradors are prone to a variety of conditions that can cause pain, including hip dysplasia, arthritic pain, and infections. Make sure you get regular checkups to ensure that your dog is healthy. Dog arthritis is a very common condition that can affect any breed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More. Labrador Back Legs Giving Out? I did some research to find out why it might happen. Trauma is another reason, such as cruciate ligament tears. Another potential cause is degenerative myelopathy. Younger dogs are prone to trauma, such as ACL injuries, while older dogs are more often affected by arthritis or degenerative diseases. Keep reading to find out how to diagnose and help your best friend. The muscles get weaker from a lack of use, a process known as muscle atrophy. This can result from recent or more chronic injuries or problems, but it is more common when the problem has been ongoing for a lengthy period of time, such as with arthritis. Muscle atrophy causes the muscles in the leg to become thinner and less able to help your dog stand. It is commonly called muscle wasting and may be reversible with treatments such as physical therapy. It can occur in one leg or in all four. It is often noticeable by the leg or legs being thinner or smaller than they were previously, especially detectable if it is just in one leg. This can happen when they have a fracture or break, or if they have a torn ligament. It is most common in the knee joint, which is also known as the stifle. In some cases, the problem is one that your dog is born with, such as a luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of place. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia can be present in younger or older dogs. Pets that are affected do not have a normally formed hip ball-and-socket joint. This can cause excessive or irregular motion within the joint. It can even lead to the femur bone slipping out of place and causing a hip luxation. The irregular motion of the joint often leads to discomfort or out-and-out pain. Over time, it will often lead to arthritis. Some pets are minimally affected while others need surgery. Treatment for hip dysplasia may involve surgery where the hip joint is replaced with a total hip replacement surgery. For milder cases or when surgery is not an option, pain medication may be prescribed by your veterinarian to treat the discomfort and keep inflammation at bay. Joint supplements or fish oils may also be used to keep the joint as healthy as possible. Arthritis Arthritis is a common disorder in dogs and many suffer from it, especially as they age. It can occur due to irregular joints or secondary to trauma. Arthritis is often coupled with degenerative joint disease. The cartilage within the joint gets worn down over time. Arthritis can occur in any joint: It tends to be very common in dogs within their hips or knees but can also occur in joints such as the elbows. It tends to be less common in joints such as the digits or toes. Typically it causes discomfort so the limb is used less. This leads to weakness, which can cause the back legs to give out. Arthritis may be treated in a variety of ways: If your pet is overweight, your veterinarian is likely to recommend a weight loss program. Anti-inflammatories, such as carprofen, may be used to combat pain and inflammation, but these should be prescribed by your veterinarian before you give them to your dog. Other treatments include laser therapy, which also helps treat inflammation. Acupuncture can also be used to provide relief. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a devastating disease that occurs more often in large breed dogs than in smaller breeds. It can occur in Labradors although it is more common in German Shepherds. It is a disease that affects the spinal cord and often usually ascends or moves from the back legs to the front. It usually starts as weakness or ataxia in the hind legs. It tends to occur in older dogs, usually those 8 to 14 years of age. Degenerative myelopathy has no known cure. It is treated symptomatically, although pain medication is not normally needed. Slings may be used to help you walk your dog. Trauma Trauma is the most likely cause for your younger Labrador having trouble walking with one or both hind legs. The most common cause in medium and large breed dogs, such as Labs, is an anterior cruciate ligament injury, or ACL injury. This is a ligament in the knee that may partially or completely tear. Other causes of trauma include bone fractures or avulsions. These tend to occur in parts of the leg below the knee, as the femur is the thigh bone and is the strongest bone in the body. Treatment will depend on what type of injury has occurred. For many, surgery is needed, especially with an ACL injury. Without surgical correction, they may continue to have weakness in their hind limb. The injury will also often progress to arthritis as the pet ages, which can cause pain for years to come. As with many other injuries, treatment may involve anti-inflammatories prescribed by your veterinarian, as well as pain medications such as gabapentin. For some pets, braces or splints are used to stabilize the joint and support the limb. Chronic care may be needed, especially when the injury leads to a progression of chronic pain and arthritis. Related Questions How can I help my Labrador with weak back legs? The most important thing to do when dealing with a dog whose legs are weak is to have him diagnosed by a veterinarian. This affects treatment as well as the prognosis. In the meantime, supporting him can help a great deal, such as walking him with a sling. Padded bedding can help support his joints when he sleeps in his bed. Passive range of motion exercises, where you carefully put his limbs through their normal range of motion, may be recommended by your veterinarian to help at home. What kind of treatment is available for my Lab with weak back legs? The type of treatment available for your dog all depends on what is causing him to have weak back legs. Some cases need surgery to be corrected, while many involve supportive care. This can involve medications prescribed by your veterinarian, such as anti-inflammatories or pain medications. Chronic care may involve chiropractic treatment or acupuncture. Laser therapy is often used in acute and chronic cases, as well. Some patients also benefit from rehabilitation therapy, such as hydrotherapy, where they may swim or walk on a treadmill. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. Limping in dogs is quite common. Limping occurs when your dog cannot walk normally due to pain or weakness. He may walk slowly or with difficulty and will usually favor one leg. There are two types of limping that your Lab may experience. Some types occur gradually over time, whereas sudden lameness happens quickly, usually after an injury. Some cases are minor and can be treated at home, whereas others will require professional medical help. Overexertion Too much of a good thing, such as fetch, intense running, or rough play with other dogs, can leave your Labrador sore and hobbling with a muscle strain. However, most dogs will recover quickly after a couple of rest days. Look out for your Lab incessantly licking his paw. Burns caused by scorching sidewalks or frostbite can also cause your Labrador to limp. Get your dog some booties or paw protectors in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Toenail Injuries Examine your Labrador for ingrowing or overgrown toenails, as these can cause discomfort and pain when they dig into the skin. My dog once had a dewclaw injury, so make sure you also keep these trim. Insect Sting or Animal Bite Stings and bites can cause limping. Your Lab may raise its paw if stung by a wasp or bee. Bites from other animals can cause injury and also lead to infections. Fracture A broken leg should be suspected if the limping occurred suddenly. Broken bones may not always be visible. Sprain A sprain is the result of a stretched or torn ligament or tendon. It can be caused by something as simple as jumping off the couch and landing awkwardly. Your Labrador will be reluctant to put any weight on his paw or leg. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Dysplasia is a common hereditary condition causing hip and elbow joints to become loose and move out of position. According to the OFA, .Osteoarthritis Older and larger dogs are more at risk of this chronic painful disease. It results in joint inflammation caused by cartilage deterioration. Signs include lameness, stiffness, or difficulty in getting up. My dog Willow has osteoarthritis of her lower spine. Her initial symptoms were lameness of the rear leg and difficulty getting up from a lying position. However, she manages it pretty well along with her hip dysplasia with prescribed medication, and exercise adjustments. My vet recommended these, they get excellent reviews online, and they seem to work for her. She has the Big Barker , which is the only dog bed clinically proven to reduce joint stiffness and pain. You can read my comprehensive review here. Cruciate Ligament Injury or Disease This is where damage is caused to one or both cruciate ligaments that hold the knee together. Limping is usually the first sign of a cruciate problem and can be caused by turning awkwardly, jumping, or twisting. It can occur suddenly or be progressive. It is common in dogs, but Labrador retrievers are three times as likely as other breeds to have patellar luxation. Infection An infection of the paw or leg can cause your Labrador to Limp. He may lick and chew the site and may need to take antibiotics. Lyme Disease This bacterial illness transmitted by certain ticks can cause intermittent lameness. Degenerative Myelopathy Older dogs are at risk of this inherited disorder that affects the spinal cord causing a gradual paralysis of the back end. Symptoms are weakness, lameness in the hind legs, and incontinence. Panosteitis Wandering Lameness or Growing Pains This condition affects the long bones of the legs due to painful inflammation. Panosteitis tends to affect growing large breed pups, aged months, including the Labrador. A shifting lameness from one bone to another is caused and can occur over several weeks or months. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy HOD This is a bone disease occurring in fast-growing large dogs, usually between 3 and 5 months old. The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds predisposed to Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Signs will be a slight limp and pain in the affected bone. The shoulder is most commonly affected, but it can also appear in the elbow, hip, and knee. It occurs when large puppies grow too quickly. Limping, lameness, and pain are symptoms. Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to Osteochondritis Dissecans , but the genes involved have not been identified. Dwarf dog breeds having a short, stout appearance are most commonly affected. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis This disorder of the immune system causes inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Your Lab will be reluctant to walk — or he will hobble on one or more legs due to the pain. Diabetic Neuropathy If diabetes is left untreated, excessive glucose can cause progressive weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage. However, this condition is rare in dogs. Congenital Limb Deformities Abnormally developed limbs can cause limping in your dog. These are pretty rare, and this study on the congenital deformities of the distal extremities in three dogs highlighted that little is known about the causes. Osteosarcoma bone cancer Bone tumors can rapidly grow, causing limping and pain, particularly in leg bones. Limping can vary from mild to severe. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. To hold that distinction for 29 years in a row is not surprising since Labs are affectionate, intelligent, and fun-loving family dogs. They are also known for their trainability and versatility, so that you see members of the breed in various endeavors such as search-and-rescue missions, drug and weapons detection, and guide dogs for the visually impaired. For individuals who have Labs as loyal companions, it can be very distressing when they see their beloved dog suddenly limping or, worse, collapsing because of problems with their hind legs. Signs of Back Leg Problems Despite being a sturdy breed, Labrador Retrievers are prone to problems in their hind legs. This is due to a genetic predisposition to certain diseases, their size and body frame, and weight distribution. Please note that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after a complete physical examination and diagnostic procedures. Among the most common injuries that younger aged Labs sustain are bone and toe fractures and avulsions or tearing of leg parts below the knee. In middle-aged and elderly Labs, they may develop a partial or complete tearing in the ligament of the knee, a condition known as Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL injury. The reason for this improper fit is because the socket is shallow and not deep enough to accommodate the femur head. Because of this, the joint wear out faster, causing pain when the head and socket surfaces grind together. There is a genetic predisposition for CHD. If a puppy has CHD, the signs will start to manifest at the age of two years old. In some cases, CHD may develop as a result of nutritional and environmental factors, or you may have these factors aggravating the existing genetic condition. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis in dogs is also accompanied by degenerative joint disease. You may find your Lab unable to walk because of weakness or pain in the legs. First is Canine Diabetes , which presents signs and symptoms that are similar to humans, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, appetite changes, and hind leg weakness. This is frequently seen in senior dogs that are overweight. This is a deceptive condition because it mimics the signs of aging in dogs, including increased drinking and urination, and increased appetite. However, it also manifests with weakness and muscle wasting in the hind legs. A common condition in the breed is slipped discs as a result of their active behavior. Your Lab may also suffer from Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy FCE , which develops when a piece of cartilage travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the spine. On the other hand, Degenerative Myelopathy is a painless, but gradually progressing disease wherein the dog exhibits hind leg weakness. Leg weakness occurs gradually over a long period of time until the dog collapses, unable to hold its weight any longer. Treatment When you notice back leg problems in Labradors, they must be brought to the veterinarian immediately for an assessment. Aside from a physical exam, the vet may have x-rays and MRI scans done to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined, the vet may advise surgery, such as in the cases of CHD, tumors, and myelopathies. Dogs with hormonal problems may require regular injections of insulin and other medications. Conservative treatment includes putting the Lab on a weight loss program, reducing their physical and play activity, making changes in the home putting ramps on stairs and couches for ease of access to the dog, and wearing braces or other supportive devices for the hind legs. Many back leg problems in Labradors can be treated. It is vital that they be detected early so that treatment can be done immediately before they become serious. Further reading. What can cause hind leg problems in Labrador Retrievers? It has various causes. So, if your dog has hip dysplasia, there are several possible reasons why. First off, Canine Hip Dysplasia can be a genetic health issue. On top of that, it also disproportionately affects larger breeds, such as the Labs, much more than smaller breeds. There are also other factors behind Labrador back leg problems like this, such as how much exercise a Labrador Retriever gets and other nutritional factors. To understand what hip dysplasia is and how it affects a Labrador, you have to know the mechanism of how the affected area works. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket type of joint. In healthy dogs, this joint should move against each other smoothly without any issues at all. However, dogs with Hip Dysplasia will have trouble with this, as the ball and socket grind up against each other instead of moving smoothly. In short, there will be a lot of grinding, which then leads to losing mobility in that joint. Eventually, if left untreated, this joint may lose function due to the abrasive nature of friction. Hip Dysplasia will cause your Lab pain and discomfort, so it is incredibly crucial to spot it on time so that you can get your Lab the proper treatment, and they can move in relative comfort. Causes of hip dysplasia 1 Genetics Before anything else, genetics plays a major role in canine dysplasia. Because of this, it is important to make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder that clears their puppies from this disorder. Still, early diagnosis is important to make sure that you take the appropriate measures to alleviate any discomfort for your dog. Take note that a lot of factors can contribute to hip dysplasia. On the other hand, one thing you should also know is that if your Lab gets too much exercise especially when they are still puppies , this might cause a lot of stress in their joints. Ultimately, it can also cause dysplasia or make it worse. There are certain types of dog food that are specifically made to help puppies from large breeds appropriately manage their growth rates. Hence, you can tell that proper health management is already a decent precaution for hip dysplasia. You cannot prevent the skeletal disorder if it is genetic, but you can certainly make the proper preparations to not exacerbate the condition. However, lameness in the back legs is one of the behaviors generally attributed to canine hip dysplasia. Other symptoms include:. Does dignity matter to dogs? When is the right time to use that choice, if at all, is an intensely personal and tough decision. This is my personal slant on a difficult subject. One that comes up quite regularly in many doggy forums. Even when quality of life is really all but gone. Palliative Care For Dogs When people are dying, we accept that all we can do is make them comfortable. Palliative care is an important branch of medicine that many of us will depend on in our twilight months. Palliative care for dogs is a somewhat newer concept. When I was young, if a dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer, as my Golden Retriever was, the dog was normally put to sleep on the spot, or very shortly afterwards. Our vet made the diagnosis in his surgery and we took our dog home to have a last couple of days together. The vet then came out to put him to sleep in his own home. At this point, pain meds controlled his pain absolutely without making him drowsy, in a week or two that would not have been the case. He was also in full control of his bodily functions. Still continent, and able bodied. Still enjoying life. Later on he would have become incontinent, and may have had problems with his balance. No one suggested that we extend his last few weeks with drugs. Though he might have lived for several more months this way, it was not considered to be an option by my family or our vet. He never suffered, apart from the mild symptoms that had led us to the vet in the first place. And he spent his last couple of days pottering about the house and garden quite happily. I have no regrets about the decision we made. It was the first time, at just 18 years old, that I had been involved in such a decision, and I have made many such decisions in the intervening years. Yes, he could probably have had a few more days of joyful living. Possibly a few more weeks. And we may have deprived him of that time. But the risk that he would then begin to suffer was not acceptable to us. And knowing that he never suffered at all, was and still is, a comfort to me. I believe that the course many people take nowadays, the course that they may be encouraged to take by their vet and by friends and family, of waiting for the suffering to start before making that final decision, does not benefit our dogs. Younger Dog Euthanasia Of course with younger dogs, especially if the illness is not terminal, then there are a whole range of other factors to consider. With elderly dogs, once illness has set in, there is very often only one way to go. And that is downhill. This is heart breaking for owners and poses a dilemma, because the dog is often otherwise well in himself, and not necessarily in pain. Loss of back end awareness is sometimes accompanied by loss of control over bowels, with the inevitable distress that this causes to both of you. Does Dignity Matter To Dogs? I was saddened to read recently about a person who had nursed their own elderly dog through weeks of incontinence before death. I was sad for her, and doubly sad for her dog. For me, that would not be an option. And that an elderly dog would be very distressed by being unable to keep itself clean. Knowing that there is no hope of recovery, and believing that a dog has no concept of or fear of death, is enough to keep me from going down that route. They hate the mess and stress of caring for a sick old dog, the broken nights, the smell, and the worry. They quite naturally want it to end. So they make the wrong decision. For all the right reasons. They are trying to put the dog first, and to ignore their own needs. So they keep the dog alive for a few more weeks. It is miserable for the owner, and miserable for the dog too. That is a whole other topic, but perhaps we are too reluctant to make use of this option which is readily available for our dogs and can prevent a great deal of suffering. What do you think? Is there ever a right time to let go? Or should we let just let nature take its course? Labs were bred as hunting dogs. Hunters in Atlantic Canada and Britain used labs to retrieve waterfowl from marshes and lakes. As a result, your Lab is strong, intelligent, and an adept swimmer and runner. However, your Lab, like all dogs, is more vulnerable to certain diseases than other breeds due to its genetic makeup. Degenerative Myelopathy in Labs Degenerative myelopathy DM , a spinal nerve disease, is more likely to affect your Lab than other dogs. A Lab with degenerative myelopathy will gradually start to lose movement in their legs and lower body. Dogs with severe degenerative myelopathy can actually become paralyzed. Yet it can hold your Lab back. As you know, your Lab loves to run, swim, and socialize. If your Lab has DM, give it a comfortable bed. Keep the bed and the dog clean—a dog that lies around for long periods can develop bed sores, just like a person might. Dogs with DM can get some circulation and sensation back with the help of kinesiology tape. A wheelchair is another helpful tool. A custom-built dog wheel chair can help an animal with DM get around comfortably. Hip Dysplasia in Labs Some Labs are born with hip dysplasia HD , a genetic condition that causes the bones to form a bad fit in the joint. A dog with HD will experience some combination of pain, damage to the cartilage in the joint that connects the bones, and arthritis. Breeders should screen their dogs for this condition. After all, hip dysplasia may not be obvious right away. A Lab with HD might favor one of its legs instead of the other. A dog with HD will be reluctant to exercise due to the pain. HD has a range of severity. Low-impact cases are easy to manage with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Moderate cases can be mitigated or repaired with surgery. In extreme, inoperable cases, a Lab with HD might require a wheelchair. Obesity in Labs Labs are more likely to be overweight than other dogs. Since they were bred to be an energetic, hardworking dog, contemporary Labs with busy caretakers might not get the exercise they need. A Lab can run around for hours and want to keep going long after their human is ready to take a break. To help your Lab cut their weight, and avoid problems weight gain can cause, like arthritis and diabetes, you should adjust their diet and activity level. Take your dog out for plenty of exercise. Vets recommend these exercise guidelines: weigh your dog, then multiply the weight by two. A pound dog, for example, should get at least minutes of exercise per day. And cut back on the table scraps. If your dog displays any of the symptoms above, take them to the vet as soon as you can.
Training and Socialization Back to Top The birth of puppies is an exciting time. It's beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborns, especially in the early stages of life. A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. The first week of a puppy's life is mainly about sleeping and eating so it will grow. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks. However, it is most crucial to have a mother during the first few weeks of life. A puppy that has been separated from its mother will need human intervention. Raising a newborn puppy takes a lot of time and intensive care. This is not quite the same thing as caring for a young puppy. They cannot see and can hear very little, if at all. Yet they are able to make noise, which sounds like high-pitched squealing. They have no teeth at birth and are unable to walk. Newborn puppies are incapable of urinating or defecating on their own. In addition, a newborn puppy cannot regulate its own body temperature. Most newborn puppies are instinctively able to find their mother's nipples and begin nursing right after they are born, or whelped. Once cleaned up by mom or a helping human hand they will crawl towards the mother's warm belly, find the teats, and begin to suckle. Fun Fact With proper food intake and mothering care, a newborn puppy should double its weight in the first 10 days of its life. That's more than 22 hours a day, but sleep doesn't happen all at once. Pups will nap on and off throughout the day and night, keeping warm with littermates and the mother's body heat. In between naps, they spend the rest of the time eating and being groomed by mom. Newborn puppies eat about every two hours or more. Because newborn puppies cannot see, hear, or walk, they do not have much exploring to do early on. The puppy's world is all about mom, littermates, and the box they all sleep in. Health and Care During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the mother dog spends the majority of her time providing food and care. The mother keeps her puppies clean and nurses them. She licks the anus and genitals of each puppy to stimulate urination and defecation. During this time, humans can gently hold and pet the puppies for brief periods as long as this does not seem to upset the mother dog. It's more likely for human contact to be welcomed if those humans are part of the mother dog's family. In general, it's best to let mom do her job and stick to just petting the puppies. However, there are situations where the mother is unwilling or unable to care for her pups. Or, mom might be doing a fine job, but one or more puppies are not growing properly. This is when human intervention is the only possible way to save the puppies. If you decide to care for an orphaned puppy, be prepared to spend most of your time with the puppy for the next few weeks. Warning Any time a puppy is not gaining weight well or becomes orphaned, that puppy should be taken to a vet as soon as possible to assess her health. Puppies can get very sick very quickly without proper care. When in doubt about the health of a puppy, do not delay the vet visit! If the puppy was rejected by her mother, it may be due to a health issue detected by the mother. In the meantime, you will need to do your best to provide the care her mother would have. Create a warm environment for the puppy to sleep. A small box with blankets and a heating lamp is ideal. Keep the lamp at a fair distance so the environment does not overheat. A heating pad and blankets can also work, just make sure the heating pad is well-covered to prevent burns. Bottle feed a special puppy formula every hours. You should be able to find puppy milk replacement at a pet food store or through your veterinarian. Do not feed puppies cow's milk, as it does not provide adequate nutrition and it can cause digestive issues. Use a warm cloth or cotton ball to stimulate urination and defecation immediately after each meal. The amounts of urine and feces will be very tiny. A normal stool will be yellowish and soft. Regularly massage the puppy's body and clean the puppy as needed. Massage will mimic the feeling of the mother grooming, something experts believe is an integral part of development. Food and Nutrition In general, a newborn puppy gets all the nutrition it needs from its mother's milk. The first milk made by the mother contains colostrum, a substance that contains additional antibodies to help the puppy fight infection. This can be absorbed by the puppy for the first day or two of life and provides some temporary immunity against whatever illnesses the mother has immunity against. Be aware that commercial puppy formula will not provide colostrum. Bottle-fed puppies that do not get colostrum are especially vulnerable to illness and may not thrive. A veterinarian may be able to administer serum from another dog to the puppy within the first 24 hours of its life to mimic the effects of colostrum. Newborn puppies will not have teeth for several weeks and are unable to digest puppy food. Do not introduce any kind of dog food until the puppies are ready to begin the weaning process, usually around weeks of age, unless it is otherwise recommended by a veterinarian. Training and Socialization A newborn puppy is too young to go through any kind of training, but there may be some things you can do to get her used to people and her environment. If the mother permits it, handle the puppies regularly for a short time. Take care not to keep the pup away from mom for more than a few minutes. You can use the time to cuddle and pet the puppy, acquainting her with the smell and feel of humans and the environment. June 2, Samantha Johnson Newborn Puppy Care Week by Week If you're raising puppies, it doesn't get more exciting than the moments after delivery when you finally get a chance to meet the new litter. How many puppies are there? What colors are they? How many males or females? It's a heartwarming time as the mother dog forms a bond with her new puppies. Even if you have a healthy mother dog that loves her litter, you'll still be involved with newborn puppy care week by week. Here's a rundown of some things you want to keep in mind. Raising puppies is hard work, but thankfully you don't have to do it alone! The mother dog is your partner in this task, and your role this week will be an "overseer" and someone to contribute in areas the mother can't manage, like weighing the puppies and deworming them. Are the puppies nursing? Newborn puppies receive all of their nutrition from their mother's milk, so it's very important to make sure each puppy is nursing properly. Another key factor is the colostrum the puppies receive from the milk, which contains important antibodies to protect the puppies during these early stages of life. In this instance, the mother dog will take care of deciding when to feed the puppies. In the event of a serious problem, you'll need to take over bottle feeding the puppies with the aid of a newborn puppy feeding chart. Weigh the puppies. Keep an eye on your puppies' weight gain by weighing them every day. You should see a steady increase each day and you can expect each puppy to double its birth weight by the time they are seven to 10 days old. Keep the puppies warm! Newborn puppies are still developing and aren't able to regulate their body temperatures effectively. They receive some protection from their mother's body heat, but it's possible your new mother dog doesn't spend all her time with the puppies in the whelping box. After all, she's used to life with her family, and she may not want to have her daily routine entirely disrupted by her puppies. This is fine, except the puppies may need a heat source when she isn't around. Once the puppies are older after their eyes are open and they can move around easily you can fill that need by providing the puppies with a puppy-safe heated pad designed to provide warmth without getting too hot. Heat lamps are also sometimes used to heat the general puppy area, but talk to your veterinarian first. Keep the whelping box clean. You want to regularly change the bedding and absorbent pads and frequently clean the whelping box over the next several weeks. Get a vet check. You may wish to have your veterinarian evaluate your puppies and their mother shortly after birth to ensure everyone is doing well. Keep an eye on their eyes. Puppies generally start to open their eyes at about this time. If they don't, you probably should have a veterinarian take a look and possibly help assist the puppies by manually opening their eyes. At all times, be on the lookout for any kind of eye discharge or other signs of infection. Watch their weight. Continue to weigh the puppies each day during week two to ensure everyone is steadily gaining weight. Start deworming. Under your veterinarian's guidance, the puppies should receive their first deworming treatment at about two weeks of age. By about three weeks of age, you can—and should! Once the puppies have their eyes open, you can try carefully picking them up, holding them for a bit, and placing them back in the box. It's just a tiny, early step towards socializing them with people. Watch them grow strong. Always keep an eye on the puppies' health and physical growth progression. By three weeks, they might try to explore more of their environment. Continue to monitor their weight by weighing the puppies every three to seven days. Lower the heat again. The puppies' ability to regulate their body temperature is improving. Offer water. Your three-week-old puppies might begin to show an interest in a water dish. Place a shallow, puppy-safe bowl in the whelping box and see if they experiment with it. Some experts recommend trying a mixture of water and puppy formula in the water bowl. Always keep a close eye on your litter's physical growth and behavior. Are they advancing properly? Are they starting to walk? The puppies are growing up fast; you can lower the whelping box temperature down to a normal room temperature. Bring on the solid food. Well, not too solid at first, but more substantial than their mother's milk. Introduce soft foods slowly, then transition to solid foods. Pups are really starting to be on the move now. They might start to venture a little further away from their littermates and think they're pretty independent. Introduce more solid foods. The puppies will gradually eat more solid food as the mother dog naturally slows the frequency of nursing. When your puppies are six to eight weeks old, it's time for their first vaccinations. The specific vaccines given at each visit may vary slightly depending on your region and the specifics of your puppies' lifestyle. Additional vaccinations will be needed after ten weeks and in the coming months. Register the puppies. If your puppies are purebred, now's the time to register them. They'll be so impressed with their papers! Not those papers! Wean the puppies. By this time, the weaning process that began around week four will be completed. Have a heart! You can help ease the transition away from the mother and littermates by offering each puppy a pillow that mimics the sounds of their mother's heartbeat. It's a reassuring sound that will help them feel relaxed in their new home. You can also mimic the warmth of their mother's body heat with a heated heartbeat puppy bed or give them that same warm coziness with a heated heartbeat crate pad. Say goodbye. After eight weeks, members of the litter often leave home to join their new families. The week-by-week care of newborn puppies is a lot of work, but there is a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment in the process as well. Aaron, Marc. Williams, Krista. VCA Hospitals. Jamieson, Amy. Shop All Cat Food Few things are more delightful than a litter of newborn puppies, but the prospect of caring for all of these brand new little lives can be daunting. But don't worry. Check out this guide to newborn puppy care to tell you what need to know to raise a healthy, happy litter. A Clean Environment Newborn puppies will spend their first few weeks in the box or pen in which they were born, so it's important to choose wisely when preparing for their arrival. The space should offer enough room for the mother to lie down and stretch out comfortably without crushing the puppies, and she should be able to come and go freely while keeping the puppies contained. It should also be easy to access so that you can change out the bedding each day. In these early days, Mom will clean up her pups' waste, but if it's a large litter she may need help keeping up. Around the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Once they start to toddle about, you can move them to a larger pen with room to play, and bathroom cleanup will require more of your attention. Although the puppies will snuggle up with their mom and each other for warmth, it's best to use a heat lamp during their first month of life. The lamp should be placed high enough above the box to prevent any risk of burning the mother or her pups, and there should also be a cooler corner that the pups can crawl to if they get too warm. For the first five days, the temperature inside the pen should be kept at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. From days five through ten, gradually dial back the heat to 80 degrees, and then continue to reduce the heat little by little until it reaches 75 degrees by the end of their fourth week, suggests PetPlace. Nursing and Nutrition During their first few weeks, puppies rely exclusively on their mother for their nutritional needs. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. To ensure both mother and puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout the nursing stage, the mother should be fed several servings of a quality puppy food throughout the day. Your veterinarian can recommend the type and amount of food to feed your nursing mother. It's important to keep an eye on the puppies' weight during this time. If you notice any of the puppies being underfed, you may need to keep an eye on them when it's time to nurse and make sure the smaller puppies latch onto the fullest nipples for feeding, says The Nest. Puppies who cry or whimper frequently may also be hungry and need more attention during feeding. If the smaller puppies still don't show signs of healthy growth or weight gain, talk to your vet. It might be necessary to take over and bottle-feed them. It's also important to watch the mother for signs of mastitis, says Wag! Signs of mastitis include red and swollen nipples and reluctance to nurse. The mother may even snap at the puppies when they try to eat. If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away. By the fourth or fifth week, the puppies will start getting their teeth and the weaning process will begin as the mother's milk production slows. Once you notice the puppies starting to sample Mom's food, it's time to provide them with their own dish of puppy food. Health Young puppies are susceptible to disease and infection, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them. Newborn puppy care should include regular inspections to watch for signs of infection or poor health. Report anything unusual such as vomiting, diarrhea or a puppy who won't stand or eat to your vet. Little puppies are also especially vulnerable to fleas and other parasites, says The Spruce Pets , so talk to your vet about appropriate parasite control. Although antibodies they receive from nursing will help protect them from illness in the early weeks, these antibodies wear off around six to eight weeks, which is when they will need to receive their first round of vaccinations. Make sure you and all family members thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with these puppies to help reduce the risk of getting them sick from any bacteria that might be lying in wait on your hands. Socialization By the fourth week the puppies are ready to begin socializing with humans and other dogs. Weeks four through twelve are a critical window during which puppies need to learn about the world they'll inhabit so they'll become well-adjusted, happy dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Poorly socialized puppies tend to grow into anxious dogs who may have behavioral problems, so whether you plan to keep the puppies or send them to good homes, it's important to cuddle and play with them, allow them to explore and play and expose them to as many new experiences as possible. Newborn puppy care entails a lot of work, but these first several weeks go by in a flash. If your puppies end up being adopted, you'll be saying goodbye to them in no time, an event that is often bittersweet. Enjoy the pups while you have them, and when it's time to let go, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave them the best possible beginning. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born. Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies. Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them. Provide A Warm Environment Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it. Ensure there are unheated areas, as the puppies will need to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Monitor the puppies' temperature. If puppies are too cold, they cannot process milk and it may curdle in their stomach. Do not use heating pads, as the puppies may be cold and stay on the heating pad too much. If it is too hot, it can cause burns. Start Socializing the Puppies If the mother dog allows it, you can get the puppies used to your presence. Socializing them early can help ensure that they fit nicely into a household. Puppies should initially be weighed twice a day for the first week or two, then daily. Puppies should never lose weight or even maintain weight—either of these is cause for supplementation and concern. If you notice that one of your puppies is smaller, not gaining weight, or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother and sent to their new homes too quickly, as they learn important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. Puppies should not be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old, and it may be illegal before this in many states. Waiting until they are 10 weeks old will give the maximum benefit of social interaction with their mother and littermates. Feeding and Weaning Newborn puppies should nurse at least every 2 hours for the first week or two of life. After this, they can stretch the feeding times to hours, as long as they are still gaining weight and doing well. Once the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to puppy food. You can mix a high-quality commercial puppy food with water or canned puppy food to make it easier for them to eat. It is important that the food is softened at first. They should still have constant access to the mother, as she will continue to nurse them. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on puppy food rather than nursing. Most dogs will wean their puppies by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies have sharp teeth at this point, so nursing may be painful to the mother dog. Continue to be vigilant and monitor her for signs of mastitis. Contact Your Vet Just After the Puppies Are Born Contact your veterinarian to ask for their recommendation regarding when the puppies should first be examined. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates , umbilical hernias , and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. Most veterinarians recommend deworming at regular 2-week intervals starting at 2 weeks old. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in , after receiving her bachelor's degree.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 30 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts. This is Curly, who is 19 months old and 51 days pregnant. Let's first clear up some myths and look at some Poodle pregnancy facts. A female Poodle may become pregnant: Any time after her 1st heat, no matter how young she is At any age, no matter how old she is, as long as she is still entering heat.Starting at about week 2 it will become firm. By week 4 it will be noticeably swollen. Her mammary glands will become enlarged Some inverted nipples that you may not have even noticed will "pop out" She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual Nesting behavior may begin. Some dogs will gather toys and other articles from around the house, showing maternal instincts toward them. She may also drag pillows, blankets and other soft materials to a quiet corner of a room to build a 'nest'. Her appetite should increase There may be minor to moderate clear discharge. This usually begins by week 4 or 5. Litter Size The average size litter for a Toy Poodle is: 3 pups The average size litter for a Miniature Poodle is: 5 pups The average size litter for a Standard Poodle is: 6 pups Do keep in mind that these are averages. It is common for a Toy Poodle to have just 1 puppy and while it is rare, she may have up to 5. The largest Poodle litter ever recorded is.Charlie named for Charlie's Angels was in labor for 23 hours, giving birth to 10 female puppies and 6 males. And believe it or not, this was an unplanned breeding. The sire, Magnum another standard Poodle broke through 2 wooden fences to get to Charlie when she was in heat. Caring for a Pregnant Poodle Once you suspect that your Poodle may be pregnant, you will want to have this confirmed. There are several ways that the veterinarian can do this, at different stages: A blood test can test for pregnancy and will be most reliable by day .An ultrasound can pick up fetal heartbeats by day day .An x-ray should be performed to determine exactly how many fetus are growing so that you will know how many to expect. This is not done until late in the pregnancy, usually after day 45, since bones are not sufficiently calcified until this time. Moderate daily exercise should continue throughout the pregnancy while excluding any more intense activity. Walking will allow the dam to maintain muscle mass and keep her body in top shape in preparation for labor. Her appetite will increase by week 2 or 3 and by week 5 nutritional needs nearly double. While food should not be denied, the focus should be on offering a well-balanced, healthy diet. Adding an egg once per day as well as a scoop or two of cottage cheese is a good way to offer a bit more protein. Pregnant dogs should not be given any extra calcium via supplements as this can predispose a dam to the dangerous health condition of eclampsia a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that can happen when the dam is nursing. The home environment should be as stress free as possible and the pregnant Poodle should be allowed to retreat and rest as she pleases. You may wonder how much weight a pregnant Poodle gains. For example, a toy Poodle that was 8 lbs. A standard Poodle that was 55 lbs .While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation. You will need: 1. A thermometer 2. Sheets, towels or clean newspapers 3. Floss or thread 4. A whelping box - This can be a cardboard box, lined child's wading pool for standards or even a canine bed Perla beds work quite nicely 6. Heating pad 7. Having an assistant be there with you is always a good idea. How to Know it is Time All dog breeds carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days and still be considered normal. You will know that labor is to begin in approximately 24 hours when your dog's internal body temperature drops. For this reason, at least one week before the due date, start taking your Poodle's temperature twice per day. While some digital thermometers will beep, if you are using a standard type, leave it in for 3 minutes. At this time, you should be prepared to remain with your Poodle, set her up in the whelping area and separate any males dogs in the house so that they cannot reach her. If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below F, you will want to alert the veterinarian. Stages of Labor There are 3 main stages of canine labor. Stage 1 During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by: Acting restless. Their body temperature at birth is around 94 — 97 degrees. They are not able to regulate their own body temperature so they depend on their mother for warmth. They also cannot see or hear or eliminate on their own. They cannot walk. About all they can do is smell, suckle and crawl. They are totally dependent on their mother and the environment the first 2 to 3 weeks. They are mostly influenced by their mother and litter-mates during this period. We weigh the puppies everyday the first 2 to 3 weeks. Week Two: Poodle Puppies usually open their eyes around 8 to 10 days and their ears around 13 to 17 days. While sleeping all healthy and contented puppies will twitch. This is an activated sleep, characterized by muscle twitches. This is normal and healthy. Week Three: During the third week we will often see teeth start to erupt and the puppies will start to stand and walk around. Everyday is amazing to see these helpless puppies start to become independent. At this age their nervous system is more developed so that they can urinate and defecate by themselves. This is when the puppies will also start to play a little bit more with their litter-mates. This week is very important in the puppies emotional development. They will start not only the interaction with their litter-mates but also with their mother. We never start the weaning process during this week. While mother may come out of the whelping box during this week she will never be far. Week Four: At this age the puppies will be introduced to our own homemade puppy mush and their supplement which will help grow their immune systems. Puppies are born without an immune system and depends on their mother to supply this protection through her milk. Their body temperature will usually be around degree and they will be able to begin regulating their own body temperature. Every day they will eat more and more. The puppies will start to eat more food and move around more easily. They may even start to chase each other, bark, and bite. We still weigh them at least every other day if not every day. This is the time that the mother starts leaving the puppies at longer intervals of time and start to regulate their nursing. So this is a good time for us to introduce the puppies to the weaning box and start the weaning and potty box training. Week Five: Puppies start to establish some sort of dominance in the pack. Growth and development is rapid in this week. They become very aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to training. They begin to growl, play, challenge, and learn disciple from their mother. They also develop a bit of a competitive spirit. Training ability is developed and puppies are ready to begin learning. They also start to discover their toys and play with them more. Keeping them stimulated is important. Puppies can start to control their need to potty and now know they need to move away from the sleeping area. Good experience with people from week 5 — 7 will play a large roll in how they will continue to interact. Week Six: By this time it is amazing to see that little puppy wake up and walk over to the potty box to eliminate. Puppies enter their socialization period by the end of the third week. However, the most critical period — age six to eight weeks — is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family pack. The integrating of the human family is so important and will effect them for the rest of their life. The puppy brain waves look of an adult dog by about the 50th day, but he is not yet programmed — that is the job of the human trainer, and the job of his mom, siblings and other canine family members. This is when the fun begins for all humans and puppies. We know how important this time is for puppy to adjust to humans and how playtime stimulates their little brains to grow smart and wise. We introduce them to the outside. We bring in more interactive toys. We introduce them to the pool, weather permitting. If outside pool is out we use the grooming bath for water play. They also learn not to bite the human hand ever! It is at the 7th week, day 49, that we conduct the Volhard Test. This is actual one of several that will occur through its life. Instead of meeting new or familiar people and objects with curiosity puppies start to react with fearfulness. Anything that frightens them at this age may have a lasting impact. So take care that the baby is not overstimulated with to many changes or challenges at one time. This does not mean that your puppy will grow up to be a scared-y-cat; it is simply a normal part of development where puppies learn to be more cautious. Careful socialization during this period helps counter fear reactions. Because your puppy is actively working on social skills and is paying attention to both litter-mates and humans. Your puppy is learning at an extremely fast rate. This is why we will NOT hold any puppy beyond the 9th weeks. All puppies that cannot be picked up during puppy pickup week must enter their puppy into a training program. Weeks Thirteen — Sixteen: During this phase a puppy will attempt to challenge you for dominance. Here is where they test to see just how much they can get away with and test your level of tolerance. The more a puppy is allowed to get way with during this phase, may cause the dog to lose more and more respect for his owner. This may result in behavioral issues that can snowball if not corrected through training and obedience. Formal obedience should begin here. This will assist the dog in becoming the best he can be. This is the time your puppy will begin to understand and use ranking in terms of submission and dominance. Are you the owner going to be a good pack leader? Puppies will need to be taught what they can and cannot chew. Puppies need to be taught that it is never acceptable behavior to jump on a human, small or big. This is the time that the pack leader, the human in charge, especially needs to be confident, but firm with positive reinforcement. An obedient dog, a good canine citizen, is a pleasure to be with. A disobedient dog causes stress for all and can cause damage to things and other humans. What do I mean by that? The canine depends on a human, however, he is and his thinking is canine. He needs the human to communicate and set the standards for him. If the human does not then the dog will have no choice but set his own standards, doggy style. Be prepared to be a Good, very good, pack leader! Your puppy now understands that he has a pack which may consist of both humans and canine and his behavior will be most influenced by this group. You can expect your dog to challenge you more as he explores dominance and his role in the pack. Rather they are just working out what their rank is in the pack and what is expected of them in their position. Again: be a Good, very good, pack leader! Canines that are not spayed or neutered will also start exhibiting sexual behavior during this period. Be responsible and spay or neuter you canine. Some puppy owners hire a canine trainer to come to their home to teach them how to train. Some owners learn ahead of time what they need to do and immediately begin their puppy on this program. Still others have their puppy enter into our training program. We have much information on the website about training. And for our puppy buyer we are here whenever they need any coaching along the way. Be Consistent, Persistent and always have a Routine! Trim the puppies nails with some small blunt scissors. Puppy's nails can be very sharp and will scratch the Mom's Nipples. Trim their nails every week. By the end of the second week the puppies should be walking with a fair amount of stability. The sharp puppy claws may need to be blunted to avoid injure to the littermates. They are starting to notice noises and when people arrive. Handle the puppies daily and for longer periods. Pups are sure getting larger and larger now. In we have now started to use "Vet Fleece" for our pups and while extremely expensive and time consuming to wash at the coin laundry, sure keeps our pups safe, warm, comfortable, clean and happy. You will never wish to raise another litter without Vet Fleece once you use it!! At this stage it is also appropriate to worm the mom with Strongid T. We do day 14 day 15 and repeat day 25 and 26 mom and pups. Watch pups for signs of Entropion. Eye lid will turn into the eye causing irritation and this will need to be repaired by an experienced Veterinarian at 7 weeks of age or older for the less experienced vet At this time if pups are kept where there is a door opening or closing and a draft, they can get snotty noses appearing to have a cold. This will be deadly if not treated with liquid Clavamox right away!!! The ear canals begin to open. Pups are moved from the smaller whelping box into their Puppy Box. Toilet training starts using the "Bijou Method". As soon as we introduce the pups into the "Puppy Box". At this time the pups are moving around more and will want to naturally eliminate further and further from where they eat and sleep. The "Bijou Method" taps into this natural instinct by providing the room and area for the pups to accomplish this natural instinct, reliably. The "Bijou Method" is accomplished putting the food and water and play area, at one end of the "Puppy Box" and putting papers down the other far end near by the potty area Pups go further from sleeping area and closer to Potty area, eventually using only the Potty area to soil in. By weeks of age, the pups will only use the "Potty" area to toilet in. We keep our puppy box clean, this week only needing to change the potty area daily. Our diligence pays off, when our puppy people tell us that their pups are toilet trained within a few days of coming home. RARE but do keep a feel of mom's nipples to make sure none are hard During weaning. If hard and hot, this could be the beginnings of mastitis. I always have Clavaseptin and or Clavamox pills on hand because as soon as a nipple feels harden, I will pill the mom to avoid Mastitis. Never squeeze or milk that nipple, as that will only encourage milk to come in, and create more problems such as in the photo above. Pups day 14 days The puppies will tolerate changes in temperature better now. However they still need to be kept at an even temperature and away from drafts. Pups are beginning to move away from where they sleep to poo and pee. This is the first step in our process to develop clean pups that start to toilet train. Bijou Poodles feeds our mom and pups RAW. Our mom wishes to no longer nurse at this age, so she rejoins our family and pups wean right onto RAW mixed with RAW unpasteurized Goats milk 3. Our pups have limited sight, but good sense of hearing and smell. They are constantly on the move in the litter area and begin to play and socialize with each other. Now is the time to worm the puppies. Make sure to worm mom at the same time!!! For pups I use a 1cc syringe without needle Some vets will want to use Safeguard but you can't use that on pups under 6 weeks of age!!! Consult your vet when in doubt, or your mentor. Pups day 20 to day .IF you find your pups have bad Diarrhea know the difference between gummy normal puppy poops then you might be experiencing a bout of Coccidia. Giardia is also a common issue breeder's deal with and the cure for that is Safeguard or Panacur Fenbendazole READ labels before you use or consult your Vet. Puppies will start learning socialization and appropriate chewing and biting from both their littermates. Before this time, Mom will really discipline them when they bite her, by growling, holding them down with her paws and for the most stubborn pups she will do a combination of growl, hold and take in her mouth to show that she is really serious. All this happens lightening speed and sounds fierce. People should really take note of this, as when you get puppy home and puppy nips at you, this is unacceptable behaviour and you need to correct this, forcefully and quickly like what their mom did if you wish for this behaviour to stop. Also taking the time to show puppy what is desired behavior so they know what to do to please you. RAW goat's milk not pasteurized , you will find in the health food section of stores. I pour this RAW and goats milk into my metal "flying saucer" puppy dish and pour even more warm goats milk over top. Puppies soon get the 'taste' for RAW and wean fast onto it. I feed my pups that are completely weaned 3x per day starting week 3. I basically feed my pups 4 lbs for 10 puppy litter. Feeding them as much as they will eat Until they walk away full. Until the next feeding. I also leave water out in a "no tip" travel type dish so they don't play in it or tip it over. The puppies will now begin to bark, wag their tails, bit, paw and growl! The puppies should now be up on their feet they are quite wobbly! They can now urinate and defecate without the help of the bitch. The puppies need to be handled frequently after 3 weeks of age and be introduced to various sights and sounds within the household! I do not allow any visitors until puppy pick up day. However if you do, ensure that visitors do not expose the puppies to germs. When this is done right, by the time the buyer purchases the pup, puppy will already be trained to only pee and poop on newspapers and or hold it until they can get outside as they do not pee or poop where they eat or where they sleep. So believe it or not, what goes on from the time of birth to the time you buy the pup plays a big role, on the young life and what a buyer will be faced with. Pups day 28 Ear canals should have completely opened by now. The puppies should be exposed to a variety of noises now. We take "desensitizing" very seriously and we have a program in place, to rotate a variety of startling noises and vibrations, creating normally negative stimulus, following up with a pleasant experience such as play, cuddling or feeding times. Our program, combined with the bio-Sensor program has proven very successful in developing confident, well adjusted puppies. Now the pups are able to toddle about and play and learn also how much pressure they can bite each other with. They will test limits with each other. They will also be subjected to household comings and goings, which will be good for them during their socialization phase. We could not ignore that more dogs of all breeds, have been having reactions and issues on kibble. Since starting on RAW our pups have not had loose stools, healthy GI's and their bladders have been healthier as well and tartar free teeth. We can't deny all the amazing results of being on RAW. At this stage it is also appropriate to worm the bitch with a suitable product. Once the puppies are on solid food the Mom will no longer clean them. We have a separate section in the whelping box that the puppies eventually climb into and use to toilet in. This is the second step in toilet training our puppies. Pups are noisy loud piercing barking , messy because mom doesn't clean them , needing constant human touch and play for socialization , need to be cleaned with fresh papers and area washed every hours to help them develop into clean pups. They are also the cutest looking like little teddy bears. Pups day 35 Pups receive their first bath and blow dry. A Microchip the size of a grain of rice is implanted between the pup's shoulder blades, just as a vaccination is done. This " microchip " when scanned will produce a number unique to that puppy. There is no way to alter the number or remove the chip without doing surgery. This chip number can be read by any shelter's scanner and will assist you in identifying your puppy. The puppies should be completely weaned now. They should receive all their nourishment from food rather than from their mother. However it is permissible to allow the bitch to give the puppies the occasional feed should she so desire. Don't leave the softened food down permanently, this is unhygienic. Make sure you offer the puppies water to drink. As they move over to solid food and rely less on the bitch they will need water to replace the fluid they had in the form of milk. Ensure the water container is not deep or a puppy could fall in and drown The mom's job is now almost complete. We gradually start to integrate the Mom back into the family and away from her babies. She must of course have access to them, but is not forced to be with them if she doesn't want to. Pups start to really fight and play with each other, learning pain threshold bite inhibition. From this day on the breeder will have limited sleep as the pups like to play and bark early in the morning and late into the night. Pups day 49 The babies are fully weaned and eating four good sized meals a day. Stick to regular mealtimes while Toilet Training As soon as puppy is toilet trained, you must leave water down for them during the day and feed RAW 3x a day to avoid GI upset, bloat and torsion like we do. The puppies will now be very active and will be playing for a few hours a day. They will be very rough with each other and there will be lots of ear tugging! Puppies will also receive an International Health Certificate from our vet to attest to the health of your puppy. Ocassioinally we have had males with undescended Testicals which just means they may or may not be down at the time of the neuter. No big deal. Ocassionally our pups will have lower jaw be narrower than the top jaw pups are still growing and maturing and this poses no health issues. Dewclaw regrowth can also be removed, as can any retained baby teeth. Pups day 49 Bijou Puppy Play area At this stage subject to the weather! Always ensure the area is 'puppy proof' i. Also watch for birds as if they poop in a food source or water bucket, could give your pups Coccidia cure for that is tx with Baycox NEW Bijou Puppy Play area Bijou Poodles designed and had built a special puppy play area so that our pups can remain clean, and parasite free and have lots of mental and physical stimilus to help them mature and develop confidence to be FEARLESS by the time they go home. Pups receive their second bath and blow dry. Pups are also introduced to having their nails Dremelled. Up until now, they may have just heard the dremel working. If you wish to do a series of "3" vaccines then puppy will need one when they come home at 9 weeks of age and two more shots, 4 weeks apart the first year. Puppy will need a vaccination 12 months later, and then not again for 3 years. Puppy Package Pups day 49 Now is the time for us to say goodbye.Puppies being shipped will have all information emailed we are paperless , but puppy will arrive with cage, collar, leash and health certificate. Our contract does stipulate that our "Bijou" name appear first on our Red puppy's registered name and "K-Lar's" name appears first on our Brown puppy's registered name, to reflect that we bred that puppy and aid others in following our amazing lineage. If puppy has not been Altered prior to going home new owners agree to have their pet puppy altered prior to 12 months of age. Current Food information read our page. Pups day 59 The puppy will need first vaccination at 16 weeks of age providing puppy still has maternal antibodies when sent home. Review our Vaccination page for current practice. Pups Day 70 Pups day 91 The puppies are 16 weeks old now, they should have had their 1 and only CORE vaccination and they will just need a Rabies done no sooner than 6 months of age Day The puppies are 16 weeks old now, and be ready for puppy classes Rabies vaccine should not be done before 6 months of age Rabies will be due again the following year and then every 3 years legally after this. You may wish to start on Advantix Flea control or Revolution. Revolution requires blood samples prior to receiving the topical drops that also prevent flea and heart worm, if heart worm is a problem in your area. You are the paying customer the one in charge so make sure you fully understand what you are putting on your puppy. IF you require treatments then we recommend Revolution topical 1x a month treatment which prevents against heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, fleas, ticks, and even mites when used as directed. Or as we would prefer.Development of Puppy For Owners 7 to 12 weeks Puppy needs 20 to 22 hours of sleep to grow and develop his body and mind. This is the number one neglected aspect of raising our precious new friend. It is often why uninformed owners have a puppy exhibit ill temper; the aggression can be due to sleep deprivation. Now place yourself in an environment where it is difficult to communicate to another species. Oh no, they just let the neighbor kid alone with you! I believe you get the idea. Well, you take a breed or line of dogs that is strong-willed and ZAP, the puppy nips to express that it just wants to sleep! Unfortunately, many of the pets you pay with your taxes to have euthanized at the county animal shelters became "nasty" dogs because an uninformed parent used the puppy as a living "child entertainment center". Please pass this reasoning on to anyone you know who is considering a new puppy. The above warning helps you to start to see the world as a puppy. Hopefully, you have looked long and hard to find the right character in your new canine companion. His family tree is brilliant with individuals of strong breed character whom have led faithful and outstanding long lives with their owners; his sires have proved themselves as breed champions or obedience wins. You found a breeder with the attitude about breeding dogs that you found ethical and reputable. So, you met the parents of your puppy or at least the mother, and they were of the character you hope to develop in your new friend. The mother should be a nurturing jewel of a lady. You asked to see her off lead in an open area or in the house. She listened respectfully to her owner and played gently with your children and came to great and sniff you. Perhaps the mother is also a champion or obedience title holder. The most important thing is she is loving and stable. She instills her temperament in the puppies as she nurses them for six weeks. Puppy is confident and curious. He is bold, yet sensitive. He comes from a long line of outstanding "best friends" that the breeder was happy to tell you stories about as they showed you pictures and health test reports. This new little friend is very proud to be your new pet and that attitude is what you capitalize upon to help you in training. You watched his temperament testing and you know about his desires and fears. He is canine, a pack animal. You are now the pack leader. Big responsibility if this is to go without a lot of mistakes! My pups generally test with an excellent response to voice requests. It is important to talk to your puppy. Vary your tone, to the point of exaggeration, to reflect the meaning of the communication. Bark your displeasure and coo your praise. Not until dogs are much older do they understand individual words. At this age, tone is your key A special note must be made here as recommended by Dr. Dunbar, "avoid names that begin with s, sh, or hissy sounding tones. The puppy looks at you timidly as you are calling him to come, but you keep saying that sssss sound. In further training the commands to sit, stand and stay as well as the politically incorrect "shut up" will all be that much more work for your puppy to decipher from his own name. If you would like my formula for no mistakes in the house, read on. You must be fair in training your puppy. Some pups hold grudges and give you another hurdle in training. This trait is usually reported during the temperament test. Other pups take or require more instruction or correction. You will be able to tell from your results how much pressure to apply. Reward with love, and for monumental accomplishments, FOOD. Camera One Canine Actors in San Diego recommends, "Play for 5 minutes, train for 5 minutes," and keep alternating, especially when the pup is young. This sets the mood of training as a fun time with the owner. But at 7 or 8 weeks of age what the puppy has to learn are the basic house LAWS. Your pup will have no problem understanding his own area if it is strictly defined. Remember you are setting the rules that are to be followed or ignored from time to time for the next 10 to 15 years. A few slips of following the guidelines will be setting your pet up for a few slips of the laws in the future. Keeping your pup in the kitchen is fair training. You have given strict boundaries. Everyone in the house knows it. Your spouse respects the law; the children respect the law. And if no one breaks the law your pup will be content in his new home. They are the ones that take him to the outdoors for relieving himself. Remember, I said this is how we make no mistakes. Everyone likes to gather in the kitchen and kitchens usually are not carpeted. This is why I recommend this central, high use room. People do not gather in the laundry room or the spare room in the basement. That is why the kitchen is fair. Taking the pup to another room say to watch television one night and not the next is asking for a lot of howling. Taking the pup every night in to another room is asking for your first accident. The puppy is too young and you can not watch television and the bottom end of the puppy at the same time. The goal here is no mistakes. The puppy is sleeping a lot at this age and if he is wide awake perhaps you could adjust his schedule so he is going to sleep as the household winds down for the day. This is temporary and useful for about the first 6 to 8 months. Remember — no mistakes. Make certain your spouse knows this law, that the children know this law and that Aunt Matilda visiting from Canada knows this law. If the pup is shown just once this new way out you might as well fold up the spacious pen right there and then. And then training just became unfair. Second choice is the dreaded crate training method. My pups are too smart and sensitive to enjoy living in one of those things. So, make certain everyone knows the LAW. Always use the door to put pup in pen or to take him out. Have the pen set up before the puppy comes home. Also you may have his food made and waiting in the fridge. You may warm it to room temperature when he gets there. Nothing will make a pup in a new situation more comfortable than you having control over his space and showing it to him everything set up and the aroma of his food being gently warmed and served will be just what a puppy needs. Thinking like a puppy some more, make certain that half the exercise pen is covered in newspaper for his toilet and the other has a nice blanket, lots of toys, a hanging water bowl and a spot to place the food. Once he has eliminated on the papers and has become a bit calmer, give him his food near his bed. Tell him calmly how proud you are to welcome such a fine intelligent member to the pack. As a reward for "pottying" in the right spot I say, "Go potty on the papers — good puppy" give the pup his first food reward in your pack. As he is checking this food reward by licking and nibbling say some low tone encouraging words. Go ahead and cover the urine or feces with a sheet or two of paper. Knowing that all this is ok will make him comfortable and relaxed. Taking him to the back yard to "potty" may be useless these first few days. An important notion: a new area to explore is to be used as reward for understanding the laws so far. If each area is introduced slowly and only after the first room is understood, you will be well on your way to bragging "no mistakes! This has been a detail of the first 7 to 12 weeks. As you get closer to 12 weeks you will note the pup stops defecating in his exercise pen between walks outdoors. Then, the urination will be more controlled as well. Some house training manuals say to regulate the amount of water for the puppy. I believe fresh, clean purified water not conditioned by water softener or chlorinated should be available at all times. Please feed and water from stainless steel dishes. For the water I recommend a galvanized 2-qt. Catalogs that carry the pens will have these buckets available. The snap you will need to buy at the hardware store. The water being held to the fence this way prevents the bucket from spilling the water everywhere. If the pup spills his food he can eat it off the floor; if he spills his water, besides being a big mess, he is without water. Studies show that dogs prefer water cool not cold and 3 to 5 inches deep in their pail. If you have had no mistakes so far, you may start one room at a time rewarding your puppy for perfect pack behavior. Your "cave" is to be respected and a slow introduction to each room is key to maintaining respect from your adoring pup. Always take puppy out to "Go Potty" every 2 hours at the least when pup is out of his pen. Share some evenings with the puppy. All the time you should tell him that he has earned your trust. Tell him, "I trust you now in this new room — follow me. And make certain the behavior you allow him to carry out while you are watching TV or reading, etc. Remember to be fair in training to build trust. Now is a great time to introduce basic obedience. My line of poodles trains easily with food reward "initially" as young pups. I have seen this method produce problems later in life, with dogs only working for food and only when hungry. Food will work, but after the puppy knows the command switch to praise for the reward and or play as soon as you can. A good leader leads by respect. Check out our Obedience web page for some assistance and examples. A puppy kindergarten class with minor agility aspects would be nice for you to attend if you have found the best class possible in your area. Not the closest, not the cheapest, but the one that the top dog sport competitors are sponsoring or attending. This takes a bit of research and maybe some driving will be involved. It is worth the extra effort to learn from the best right from the start. You'll learn the proper footwork and body language to help train your "blank slate. Learn one command thoroughly before going to the next. It is good to take your pup along to strange places. Be cautious about letting him sniff around dirt and shrubs where other dogs may have defecated. Do not let your puppy sniff other dogs and vice versa instead distract with a. .Your puppy is most vulnerable to viruses and disease at this age. Just explain to other dog owners that you are being intelligently cautious! Pick your puppy up off the ground if another owner doesn't respect your non-contact requests. Use "happy" voice and change direction, clap your hands "over here". .Skip the puppy kindergarten "classes" where they believe that letting all the pups run together in a free for all is teaching them important manners. Some pups may need that.You were smart to locate a puppy to buy that stayed with its mother and litter through the crutial six weeks of age. Your puppy learned important lessons then. Not in the midst of a bunch of pups of questionable backgrounds all on different vaccination schedules. Investigate the course instruction. Puppies should be kept on lead, with a buckle collar with focus on their owners. Each is learning and focused, NOT sidetracked by a riot of pups running loose and out of control. Instructors should appear sharp with lots of direction offered to those that need assistance. Look for a calm, well-run class. Your pup's spirit is already high and happy. He is well adjusted, daring and enthusiastic. Your mission is to maintain that spirit and guide it under your control. Dependable obedience is achieved with a smile from your dog. Dogs love to have guidelines and boundaries. Dogs appreciate being gently guided by strong, kind hands. Instead always act the way you want your puppy to react. Fearless and confident and sounding in charge. Do not stress your pup now. Keep everything simple and give him lots of bones to chew. I do not recommend introducing new lessons. Work only on what your pup knows already. Insist only on maintaining house manners, lessons already learned and keeping the teeth on HIS playthings. Some baby teeth may grow into the gums but don't worry. The gums will make room for these baby teeth and they will soon fall out when the adults come in. A note about teeth: remember when you shed your deciduous teeth at age 6 or 7? Twisting the tooth around until it came out. Bothered by the next one coming loose or the new one coming in. Well, your pup thinks about his teeth a lot right now. You can help the proper alignment of the bite by encouraging the top incisors to come out first. If the upper permanent teeth are coming in to place well before the bottom incisors they will hold the bottom ones in better position. If they come in simultaneously, there may be a crashing of the upper and lower permanent teeth. Instead of meshing nicely the top slightly over the bottom teeth — like your own the bite could become undershot or wry. Pushing gently with your fingers is all that is necessary to help the process. Most owners don't pay that much attention to the teeth. If you have read this far you are not just another average owner! Dental problems are rare in a strong line of poodles like mine. And now I just gave you something else to fool with these weeks! At about 8 months Teenage begins. Hold on to your training once again until the "testing" of your limits by your puppy settles down -- oh, at about 14 months of age.
They are moderately active, but highly social which makes them well suited to life as a family pet or companion. This is a guide to taking care of them through their early months, from birth to puppyhood. Neonatal During the first 4 weeks of your French Bulldog's life, they should spend most of their time with their mother and litter-mates. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your French Bulldog puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks introduce a few dry kibbles soaked in warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your French Bulldog for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach Behaviour During most of this time your French Bulldog will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. Weaning When you take your French Bulldog home usually at around 8 weeks you should shower them with love and attention. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. Make the most of this time and treat every interaction with your Frenchie as a learning opportunity to develop their fun, playful personality. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Frenchie's small size and young age. French Bulldogs are notoriously food-driven, but if they develop a taste for human food, they will likely become fussy eaters and cause headaches later in life by refusing dog food. Be sure to familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. Colostrum, rich in natural antibodies, proven to enhance immune response 2. DHA from omega-rich fish oil helps nourish brain and vision development 3. Colostrum proven to balance intestinal micro flora, helps protect your puppy from common intestinal upsets 4. Highly digestible quality ingredients for superior nutrient absorption 5. Easy rehydration of kibble for weaning 6. Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence 7. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health During this time you should provide your puppy with a small, shallow bowl of clean water and refresh the contents frequently. Your puppy will also need to be toilet trained during this time so that they don't make a mess of your home. Your Frenchie will soon be a fun and loyal friend, but for now you will have to clean up if they have particularly unpleasant bowel movements. You can combat this by not changing their diet suddenly as this will stress their digestive system. Behaviour Due to changes in diet and environment, your Frenchie will likely be under a significant amount of stress. As a social breed, it is important that you are affectionate and supportive during this time so they feel at home in their new surroundings. Yelling at your puppy during this will only alienate your Frenchie as they are particularly sensitive to human voice — being too aggressive with them may cause fear and distrust. Puppy By the time your French Bulldog reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed. Show them love by appealing to their intelligent and often funny personality by playing with them regularly, exercising daily and introducing them to new friends from an early age. Nutrition Your French Bulldog puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Keep snacks such as dog treats and table scraps to a minimum during puppyhood and familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health French Bulldogs have a fair amount of energy and should be walked regularly to avoid excessive weight gain. Be aware that later in life, many French Bulldogs develop breathing difficulties due to their unusually flat face. While mostly up to genetics, you can reduce the symptoms of problems by keeping your puppy fit and not allowing them to exert themselves on hot or humid days. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters. Behaviour French Bulldog puppies are generally very friendly and well-suited to spending time around other animals and children. However, it's very important to proactively introduce them to the outside world including other people, dogs, places and children to avoid development of aggressive behaviours based on fear later in life. It is highly recommended that you take your French Bulldog to puppy training classes. Recommended Articles. However, we are not huge fans of the fact that there are no fruits and vegetables from whole food sources, and that many of the meats are very generally labeled, meaning they could be made from sub-par animal parts. Overall, Victor puppy food may work as a high protein, supplemental food but we do not recommend it as a regular every-day kibble for French Bulldog puppies. Though most of these grains are healthy whole food sources, for the finicky Frenchie tummy, excessive grains can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The few wholesome fruits and vegetables in this food are way down at the very bottom of the ingredient list. Food made from mostly grains and added vitamins and minerals is a cheap way to give your dog food that is good enough, but not by a lot. Quite frankly, we do not think the price tag and possibility of digestive upset to your puppy is worth this mediocre-quality food. Pros First ingredient is chicken meal No artificial dyes or preservatives DHA and antioxidants for healthy eyes Cons Few whole food ingredients besides grains Most good oils, minerals, and vitamins are additives 7. However, the lack of quality in the rest of their ingredients leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, no fruits or vegetables means that your puppy will not get the benefit of most of those added vitamins and minerals. Can I feed my French Bulldog puppy raw meat? Yes, just remember to remove any small bones that could stick in the throat or shatter. The best meats for a French Bulldog are lean meats including chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and a variety of fish. Meats like beef and pork are fine in smaller amounts but may contribute to obesity if they overindulge. Can I feed my French Bulldog peanut butter? Our puppy testers love the occasional peanut butter treat! What foods are safe for a French Bulldog puppy with diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach? If your pup has digestive upset, your best bet is to feed them super simple and easy-to-digest food. Nutritious, soothing foods for a Frenchie belly include rice brown is best! Substitute tablespoons of their kibble with one of those, cooked and unseasoned, for a fiber-rich, nutritious aid to their digestion. A good starting point for French Bulldogs aged 8 to 12 weeks is .These pups are notoriously fast eaters, which can cause all kinds of digestion issues, so smaller meals a day will help their belly do its job better. As they grow you will need to gradually increase this amount and can decrease the number of meals over which you stretch that amount. Do French Bulldog puppies need a special diet? Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to developing food allergies and gastrointestinal issues. That means you need to pay extra attention to the ingredients in your choice of puppy food and, if necessary, search out brands with fewer ingredients that are higher quality. Being small dogs, they also mature faster and can become obese more easily than larger breeds. Nutrition for a French Bulldog Puppy Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a variety of nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Stick to lean meats for a French Bulldog, as your puppy will grow quickly and could put on extra weight if fed too much fat-rich meat. With the proper amount of fat in their diet, your French Bulldog will see benefits like flexible and resilient paw pads and nose, as well as a healthy coat and skin. The sensitive tummy of the French Bulldog often has trouble with simple carbs, like sugars and starches, which digest quickly and for a fast burst of energy. Most whole fruits, vegetables, and grains are complex carbohydrates that give your dog a steadier supply of energy. Complex carbs are much better for your French Bulldog puppy, as opposed to simple, because they are far more nutritionally dense and often fiber-rich. Common high fiber ingredients in dog food include rice, corn, oats, other grains, and a plethora of fruits and veggies. For a pup with a notoriously sensitive stomach, it is particularly important that the fiber-rich ingredients in the food be of superior quality and carefully chosen. Vitamins and Minerals Your French Bulldog puppy will also need an array of vitamins and minerals to support various important functions within their body. They are most bioavailable when your dog consumes whole foods that contain these nutrients. Major minerals for good health include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Whole foods are minimally processed which makes them easier to digest and helps retain all the good and healthy nutrients they contain. That means you should be on the lookout for awesome ingredients like: Chicken or turkey Fruits, like banana and blueberries Vegetables, such as carrot and broccoli Specifically named fats from whole food sources, like salmon oil and chicken fat Organically grown foods, so no pesticides or nasty chemicals And French Bulldog puppies will benefit specifically from foods such as: Brown rice, a higher quality grain that is good for sensitive stomachs and easy to digest Sweet potato and pumpkin, which aid digestion Lean proteins like fowl, fish, and eggs Unhealthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal. Some brands talk big on the bag or can and regale you with mumbo jumbo about wolves or try to sell you on all the benefits of their food. Remember, dog food packaging is like the sales pitch meant to sell their food to you. Even though the information on the package cannot be technically false or misleading, it is still an advertisement. Stay skeptical and focus on the ingredients list. Wheat by-product? Hold your horses, what the heck does that even mean and why would I want to put it in my belly? Here are some common, poor quality ingredients that many companies use simply because they are cheaper: Brewers rice castoffs and fragments of processed white rice. Regardless, it is best to feed your puppy their old food for at least two weeks if you can. Then, you want to swap the proportions. After a few days, you can give your puppy only the new food. The most common is diarrhea. It might be worth a trip to the vet if your pup starts throwing up their meals, refuses to eat, or has allergic reactions to the new food. French Bulldog Puppy Diets French Bulldog puppy diets may consist of kibble, wet food, raw food , or homemade food. Each of these has pros and cons. Some pet owners go all in and make their own dog foods. This can get complex, as, with raw or homemade food, you have to be sure to give your dog all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. It is also typically more expensive than prepared meals kibble or wet food. However, the benefits might be important if done correctly. You know exactly what your dog is eating, no questions asked. Frenchies often have allergies and sensitive tummies. So you should avoid foods with too much protein but make sure meat is still the first ingredient! Also avoid or limit grains, soy, and wheat, as these are common allergens. The number of calories your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and exercise levels. Different types of food will also have different calorie levels. For example, they will generally need to eat more wet food than kibble for a balanced meal, because canned food has fewer calories. At the start of the day, weigh out the right amount on some scales and divide it between five bowls. Four of these will make up regular meals spread throughout the day, the final bowl is for you to put aside to use as training treats or to reward good behavior. This will help you to resist the temptation to use higher carb training treats. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy Kibble The most affordable option, when considering both your time and money, is kibble. The most time-consuming and expensive are raw and homemade diets. You can find it easily at the store, and your only prep time will be to open it and pour it into a bowl. The biggest con is that there are some low-quality brands of kibble out there. As in any business, some are just in it for the money. However, these disadvantages can be overcome by choosing a high-quality brand. Look out for formulas specifically tailored for French Bulldogs. Specialized recipes are carefully shaped to help them out. Another good thing about wet food is that it keeps your dog hydrated. However, due to the water in wet food, it has fewer calories. Your pup will need to eat more wet food than dry food, making it the more expensive of the two. Wet food is also messier than dry, especially if your pup is a messy eater. It also takes time to prepare as you will need to buy the ingredients individually, and prepare the meals. Raw food also requires more clean-up time than any other food. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy a Homemade Diet Feeding a puppy a homemade diet has many of the same pros and cons of feeding raw. Homemade food with properly cooked meats is less risky than a raw diet. It will still be costly and time-intensive though. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings! French Bulldog Puppy Weight Chart Your French Bulldog puppy should eat more protein and less carbs The French bulldog is a breed of dogs prone to various health issues because of their genes. To help them live a better life, it is important to provide them with nutritious meals that include all the essential things that their body needs. Frenchies are classed as a brachycephalic breed of dog, which means that they have a very short muzzle and are flat-faced. This shape of the face makes it really hard for them to breathe, so they have to be fed a diet that is high in protein and low in carbs. French bulldog puppies need food that contains protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Frenchies can potentially suffer from a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome, or BASS. BASS can lead to a variety of health issues. Commercially prepared food seems to be the most convenient but be wary about the ingredients and chemicals that are mixed in this food. In choosing commercially prepared foods, watch out and avoid preservatives like ethozyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , and butylated hydroxytoluene BHT that are common to mass-produced food. They may also contain lots of sugar that is also not good for your Frenchie puppy. It is up to you to choose whether you go for commercially prepared food or if you want to create a healthy homemade meal for your Frenchie. Combine quality meat, vegetables and some sources of vitamins and minerals. You can prepare either a cooked dish or a raw meal for your Frenchie. Food Allergies Of Your French Bulldog Puppy Food allergies are also quite common to Frenchies so you have to be very careful with what to feed them and be very observant about the allergy symptoms. They may come from products such as beef, chicken, fish, corn, wheat, soy, lamb, and eggs. The only way to know what your Frenchie is allergic to is through trial and error. To cope with the growth spurts that the Frenchies experience, frequent feedings is best. Owners need to feed their puppies with a well-balanced meal, 3 times a day. They should also be properly hydrated to ensure continuous and healthy growth. Remember that it is not enough that your Frenchie is eating, the quality of food you feed also greatly affects their health. A great option is to feed them wet food as well as dry food. Feeding your French bulldog is essential for their health and well-being. They need a well-balanced diet to prevent health problems like obesity and diabetes, which can shorten their life expectancy. Pups do not need to eat very often; however, they should be fed at least once every 12 hours. Always have fresh water available and consider purchasing a water fountain for your dog that can also dispense tiny treats. When it comes to feeding your puppy, many people wonder what should be in their food. The answer ultimately depends on the type of puppy food you buy.
american bulldog puppies for sale pennsylvania - Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Are you looking for Puppies For Sale in Edwardsville? Give us a call at All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. We are pleased that you have taken the time to visit us, and we look forward to finding you the perfect puppy. We have a large variety of dog breeds, mostly designer breeds, and are very careful in our breeding programs. Each pet parent is carefully selected, and as they grow older, we make sure they are OFA certified and health tested. If possible, all pups are registered; however, not all designer breeds are able to be registered. We are able to offer this variety because of our commitment to assisting local breeders in the Central Illinois community. Please feel free to call us with any questions or any requests you might have. Are you in the Edwardsville, Illinois area and are looking for ethical breeders that offer puppy adoptions? If you have been searching Google for "puppy adoptions near me", then you are in the right place! Are you interested in having adorable puppies for your family? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best puppies in Edwardsville, Illinois. All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. All parents and puppies are up to date on all necessary vaccines. We only breed from strong and healthy adults. We help the breeders with education and emphasize to them that proper care and nutrition are the key to healthy adults and puppies. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Edwardsville like? A Golden Retriever is a beloved breed of dog renowned for its friendliness, intelligence, and beautiful golden coat. Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy or service animals due to their outstanding temperament and graceful obedience. Families with young children often choose Golden Retrievers as their canine companions, because they have a reputation for being gentle and loyal. While these dogs love to exercise and spend time outdoors, they are also content to lounge in the house and curl up at their owners' feet. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Edwardsville cause me to have allergies? Golden Retrievers are considered a fairly non-allergenic breed of dog, with many owners reporting few to no allergenic consequences to owning one. However, it is important to be aware of exactly what types of allergens you may be sensitive to when considering adopting a Golden Retriever dog. For instance, if you are prone to allergic reactions from dog dander, you may want to think carefully before getting a Golden Retriever. What's the best dog food for Edwardsville Golden Retriever puppies for sale? While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, there are several factors you should take into consideration. When looking for food, high-quality ingredients are key. Make sure to read the label to ensure the food is free of chemicals, fillers and other additives that could be harmful to your pet. Protein should be one of the first few ingredients on the label, and look for sources like chicken, turkey or fish. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Edwardsville? Start by getting the right equipment such as a lead, a collar, a dog bed, dishes, a crate, and water containers. Check the home for any hazards that could harm your new pet. Make sure to remove any sharp objects, choking hazards, and toxic ingredients in the form of cleansers, medications, and plants. Your home should be pet-proofed to prevent accidents. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Edwardsville come in? Golden Retrievers come in one size, which is medium. They typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and stand inches tall. While their overall size and weight may vary slightly depending on other genetic factors, both male and female Golden Retrievers are generally the same size. Some may appear larger due to the coat being longer or thicker, but this doesn't alter their true size. It's also important to note that size and conformation can influence Golden Retriever temperament, energy level, and health. Do Golden Retriever puppies near Edwardsville like to swim? Golden Retrievers absolutely love to swim! Not only do they have long, waterproof coats, but they also have webbed feet and a love for water. Whether it's splashing around in a pool, fetching a ball in a lake, or just playing with their owners, Golden Retrievers can easily spend hours upon hours in the water. They are often referred to as the " water dogs" because of their enthusiasm and abilities. Are Golden Retrievers in Edwardsville good with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers are typically good with kids. These dogs are known for their gentle and tolerant personalities, which combine to make them fantastic family pets. They also have an abundance of energy, making them great playmates for children. They will likely form a loyal bond with their owners and any kids they live with. Not only will their riders bring joy, but they will also provide children with their own loyal and loving friend. Therefore, with the right attention and socialization, Golden Retrievers are a great choice when it comes to looking for the perfect pet to keep the kids entertained. How many minutes per day do I need to train Edwardsville Golden Retrievers for sale? The amount of training time needed for a Golden Retriever varies depending on many factors. Generally, a minimum of minutes of training per day is recommended for basic obedience and socialization, with an additional minutes of focused activity such as walking, running, or playing games. If you are looking to train the Retriever more extensively, then you could look into minutes of training daily.
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american bulldog puppies for sale pennsylvania - Table scraps and snacks There are so many different brands of Labrador food available! And so many different opinions on dog food generally. Not to mention the alternatives to commercial food. Labrador Feeding Guide The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes: 40 — 45 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 50 — 55 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 60 — 65 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 70 — 75 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 80 — 85 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 90 — 95 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Most experts agree that the best food for any dog is one that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. And choosing the best dog food for Labradors is not straightforward. We will look at the different styles of feeding first. How to feed a Labrador — different methods There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners. Both methods of feeding have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, only a small number of dog owners still feed this way. What about BARF? At one time, raw feeding or what you probably know as the BARF diet was considered to be a cranky and extremist fad. But as interest in raw feeding has grown and more dogs are fed this way, it is becoming clear that they are thriving too. The majority of dogs are now being fed kibble and a substantial and the growing minority are fed raw. Labrador dog food choices — dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Is kibble good for dogs? It is really only a very short time a couple of decades since almost all dogs were fed on canned meat. These are a lot less popular now. The effect that this shift away from wet food and onto dried food, has had if any on canine health remain the subject of intense speculation. Busy modern homes are pressed for time these days. So convenience is an important factor. Storage Not only is kibble convenient, it also stores well, even after opening. Provided that it is stored in an appropriate container and kept in a dry place. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. But what comes out of a kibble-fed dog smells very unpleasant. These are additional bulking agents that are not fully digested and that pass through straight through the dog. These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet. Should I feed my dog raw meat? Over the last ten years a more natural raw diet of meat and bones has become increasingly popular. Some people now believe that raw meat is the best food for Labrador Retrievers and many other breeds of dog. This is despite some websites giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones. Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet. The pros and cons Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. Just as with meat preparation for people. Small puppies are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance. It is very important you do your research before attempting to raw feed a small puppy. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing The important fact here is that there is no right way to feed a dog. Your family needs to be considered as a whole. The feeding method you choose needs to fit in to your lifestyle and current circumstances. I fed raw to my dogs for many years. But I did not do this and could not have done this, when my kids were little. Nowadays, I sometimes feed kibble, if circumstances demand it. But prefer to feed raw whenever I can. Remember, many dogs thrive on kibble, and many dogs thrive on raw. Choosing the best dog food for Labs may also depend on your own circumstances. If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw Now may be the right time to feed raw for you, or it may be the right time to feed kibble. Your circumstances are unique so only you can decide. For those of you the majority that will be feeding kibble. Choosing the lowest price Labrador food may not necessarily be the cheapest option. As very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Biologically appropriate kibble? It is usually a reasonable option to choose a mid-range in terms of cost food and see how your dog gets on with that. If your wallet can stretch to it, we especially like the Orijen brand. Orijen is what my dogs have as training food, and when I am not able to feed them raw. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day. How often to feed your Labrador Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age. We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening. How often to feed puppies The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking. From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is a two to three hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime. Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper. How much to feed a Labrador? Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think. How long should a dog take to eat his dinner? I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Plus, he will eat more enthusiastically at the next meal if he is a little hungry. How to feed a Labrador slowly A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl. Provided there is nothing in there which is unsuitable. Giving leftovers to puppies Puppies need a very well balanced diet to grow up strong and healthy. Unless you are a very experienced dog owner and knowledgable about nutrition and the dietary needs of a growing animal, it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps. And complete puppy foods contain all the nutrients your pup needs to develop a healthy body. Dog feeding equipment and storage There is a huge choice of feeding bowls available. You can get some very cheap and colorful plastic bowls. I like stainless steel. But I admit it is quite noisy to handle and use. And not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Think carefully before you buy raised bowls as some studies have associated these with bloat. Storing dog food Kibble is for the most part a convenient food source. To keep your food fresh, an airtight container is a better bet. We like the wheeled pet food storage bins and they enable you to move heavy quantities of food around without putting your back out! This slimline version fits nicely in a cupboard. Well worth thinking about, especially if you have several dogs to feed. There are also some gorgeous storage containers now that beg to be put out on display. Feeding Labrador puppies When you first bring your puppy home, your breeder should have provided you with a diet sheet, some food, and plenty of information on feeding Labrador puppies. It is really important to stick with his familiar food for the first few days. Moving home is traumatic enough for an eight week old pup without giving his tummy a shock too. If you have not been given any food or any information on how to feed a puppy then I suggest you call in to your local pet store and buy a small sack of kibble puppy food that is appropriate for his breed and age. Giving water to your Labrador Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. Provided that it is at least an hour since his last meal. Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs may drink very little. This is normal. When feeding problems need veterinary help All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally. All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that a dog is not well. The recommendations shown above are total daily amounts. Ideally, young puppies should be fed four times a day. After your puppy is 4 to 5 months old it is ok to feed them three times a day and as they approach 12 months of age it is ok to feed them just twice a day. When calculating how much to feed your puppy in each sitting divide the total amount shown in the chart above by the number of times you are feeding your puppy each day. Once you establish a feeding schedule try to stay consistent and feed your puppy at the same times each day. A simple schedule that is easy to follow is to feed your puppy before each of your meals assuming you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Consistency in feeding times is the most important factor for your puppy. Be sure that the final meal of the day is a few hours prior to your pooch's bedtime to ensure they have enough time to digest their meal before sleeping. This can also help avoid 'little accidents' inside.While there is a wide range of choices available we believe that we have researched the best formulas, sourced the best ingredients and made the best puppy food available for your new family member. Vetalogica offers two different choices for your puppy. Both were developed by pharmacists who are passionate about creating pet food to keep your dog in optimal health throughout their lives. To help support digestion, muscle growth and metabolism Vetalogica adds high-quality proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and healthy oils.There are no GMOs, no grain, wheat, rice, corn, glutens or soy and absolutely no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Wet puppy food formula is an option to start a transition for your puppy. It is easy to chew for puppies as they tend to have a soft teeth structure when weeks old. On the other hand, dry food for puppies can be better due to strengthening the teeth and gums. After several weeks pass, it is safe to transfer to dry food only, even though you might want to keep wet food anyway - as a delicious treat. Grain-free foods. Both grain and wheat are nutritious and healthy options for humans but not necessarily suitable for puppies to eat. However, just like humans do, dogs can have allergies or intolerances towards grains, so grain-free puppy food is a great alternative if this is the case for your pet. Breed-specific puppy formula. Large-breed puppies: generally, these puppies need slow and sustainable growth to prevent orthopedic problems that might appear. Small-breed puppies: need a low-calorie diet as they have a lower energy level and, consequently, need less nutrition throughout the day. This also helps establish discipline and develop a sense of timing while supporting behavioural development. Keeping an active lifestyle is very important for the puppy from the early stages of life. While dogs, just like humans, can have different characters and preferences, doing some daily exercising or running around the park is vital for muscle development and healthy bone structure. This will help your dog with sleep regulation throughout the night and have a sleeping schedule aligned with the rest of the family. No matter what kind of food you choose to feed your puppy, ensure to follow daily recommended calorie intake and not exceed the required nutrition levels. Staying consistent is an essential step during this growth cycle as puppies are prone to get overweight quickly without proper nutrition-exercise balance. To help you navigate how much to feed your puppy, visit a veterinarian or refer to our chart below. No matter how cute your puppy is, you should learn how to resist instead and remember to avoid puppy feeding from the table. It is highly recommended to purchase a puppy-size meal bowl to limit the amount of food given with each meal. While measuring the food in cups is a good idea as well, a smaller bowl will keep you accountable to follow with the set portion size without overfeeding the puppy. Switching from puppy food to adult dog food It is suggested to start transferring your puppy to adult dog food around months old since they begin their growth into maturity. However, switching from puppy food depends on your puppy breed and size. Small and medium dog breeds tend to mature around general months, while large breeds mature around 12 to 18 months as they need more time for steady growth and development, taking a little longer. Total Daily Recommendations. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. What should I feed my puppy? Wild dogs feed their young with prey animal carcases. In the wild, when young dogs are old enough around weeks old they start to eat on their own whilst simultaneously decreasing the amount of milk they suckle from their mother. Basic puppy feeding guide The following information is general advice, but as each dog is an individual, seek veterinary advice, particularly if your puppy has any special dietary needs or has a reaction to a standard diet. Puppies should be offered food at least 4 times per day to begin with, gradually reducing the number of meals as they grow adult dogs should be fed at least twice per day to help avoid bloat, which can be fatal. It is important not to underfeed or overfeed puppies. Research indicates that overfeeding puppies particularly large and giant breeds can predispose them to muscle and bone problems. Your vet will be able to advise you on how much and what to feed your puppy. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times but do not offer your puppy milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Teething Between four to six months of age, the permanent teeth appear and grow rapidly. Bones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause internal blockages, raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill. Read the article Should I feed my dog bones? If you do choose to offer bones to your puppy, they should always be raw and introduced gradually. The bone must be large enough so that the puppy cannot fit the whole bone in their mouth or swallow the bone whole. Ask your butcher for non-bone chewy alternatives such as cow hearts. Always supervise your puppy when they are eating bones. You should always supervise your puppy when they are eating raw bones. As mentioned above, raw meat and bones carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill and so are not recommended. However, if you do decide to feed your puppy any raw meat or raw bones, we recommend you choose only human-grade raw meat and bones. There have been many pet food safety incidents linked to sulphite preservative-induced thiamine Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can be fatal. See this article for more information. Tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna and tinned salmon may also be offered as a treat occasionally take care with any fish bones. Fish should not be fed constantly. A small amount of finely-cut vegetable matter may be offered, such as cooked pumpkin or carrots. Provide access to grass avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants. Puppies will sometimes eat grass which may be a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients. Calcium powder supplements should not be given unless directed by a veterinarian. Also Read. Diet, Nutrition, and Weight Diet, Nutrition, and Weight There is no question about it — labradors love food and are greedy! The most important thing is to provide a balanced diet. Labradors are not finished growing until months old. During this time, their bone structure and joints are still developing and ossifying forming and hardening , and the right amount of calcium and nutrients in their diet is critical. We hope you will find our diet information interesting and inspiring. We strongly believe that health comes from within. Many dog owners remain naive about nutrition and appropriate diet for their dog. This is largely because of the commercialisation and advertisement tactics surrounding dog food, and the huge effort by dog food companies and brands to make their food seem the best and only way. We want our puppy owners, and all dog owners, to be as well-educated and able to make informed choices as we are. We believe natural is best and that health comes from within. Our dogs sport shiny coats and healthy physiques as a result. Balance Nature is always working to restore and maintain a state of health. Health means a state of balance, called homeostasis. Health is a condition where all the tissues, organs, and systems of the body are functioning in a normal manner. To maintain health, the body needs the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and nutrients to sustain normal function and be healthy. But what is balanced? If you ate the one food all the time, your nutritional levels inside your body would become very unbalanced, since one food alone cannot provide all the nutrients that are necessary to maintain healthy body funcitons. Cells require many different nutrients contained in the forms of water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. These nutrients have responsibilities in every aspect of normal homeostatic processes in the body, including regulating cell fluid levels, supplying glucose and energy, tissue building, and, regulating cell functions, growth and repair. This is why your dog needs a variety of foods to provide the necessary nutrition to maintain healthy. What we feed We acknowledge there are a range of approaches to canine diet and feeding out there. Our preference is to feed a combination of raw food meat and veg alongside kibble dry food. To clarify, raw means feeding a combination of raw meats, organ and bone, plus vegetables; and kibble means a premium quality dry food. This is responsible for contributing to overweight dogs, health problems, and cancers. Hence, in terms of dry food, we recommend premium quality for Kodalihart puppies. Although we are not against dogs having grain entirely, we know that they do not require grains in their diets, and that the carbohydrate converts to sugar, contributing to weight-gain labradors are already naturally prone to weight-gain. A high-quality dry food should not consist of grain fillers, and its primary ingredients the first few ingredients listed on the packing should be meats. If raw-feeding is not possible, then an absolute premium quality dry food is a must. However, we hope to inspire you to include some raw feeding. Raw feeding in this way attempts to mimic the proportions of meat, organ, bone and vegetable that dogs in nature would have eaten. Based on the belief that for dogs to achieve the long and healthy life they deserve, they should eat what nature intended them to eat. We find this to be a fantastic raw feeding ratio. Not only do our dogs love it, but they sport shiny coats and healthy physiques to show for it. Muscle tissue of meat and poultry alone cannot supply complete nutrition to the dog. They supply high quality protein and phosphorus, however are deficient in adequate calcium, sodium, copper, iodine and several trace elements that are essential. A correct raw diet includes meat and organ and bone, not just muscle meat. Perfectly Rawsome is a really good resource if you are wanting to expand your knowledge on raw feeding, including ratios, raw feeding calculator, and recipes, and the theory behind BARF diet. Dogs Naturally Magazine and online videos also discuss raw feeding. Preparing raw meals You only need the knowledge, ingredients, a bucket or tub for mixing, containers and a freezer. This diet is surprisingly EASY to prepare we pre-prepare and freeze it in containers ready to thaw and use. Proper food-handling techniques keeping meat cold, freezing and thawing appropriately will prevent bacteria and contamination of meat, just like with human-grade food. Making raw meals in bulk batches is easier and cheaper. A variety of meat species is ideal. Not all at once of course — we vary it slightly each time we make and freeze a new batch of raw food. The types of meats and vegetables used can be alternated or rotated to keep it interesting for your dog and to promote balanced nutrition. Our preparation process remember we make bulk, as we are feeding many dogs, plus it saves time and cost : Raw meal preparation Step 1: source the veggies Step 2: source meats. What is the best puppy food? Is there a particular dog diet my puppy should follow? The world of pet food and puppy nutrition can be very confusing. From different brands of dry and wet foods, from grain-free to raw diets, and from subscription services to supermarket specials, there is a huge range of options to choose from. To begin with, it is recommended to keep your puppy on the same puppy food that the breeder was providing. Once your puppy has settled in and you want to transition to a different type of healthy puppy food, you can follow the guidelines below to slowly start to transition to the new food. Transitioning to a new type of puppy food Dogs have a sensitive digestive system that is much more sensitive than ours. It is therefore recommended to transition your puppy to a new brand of puppy food over the course of 7 to 10 days so as to avoid runny stools and upset stomachs. Over the course of 7 to 10 days you will have transitioned your pup to the new puppy food and hopefully will have avoided loose stools and an upset tummy. It is important to stick with one good puppy food. Feeding chart for transitioning to a new type of puppy food Puppy Nutrition Puppies grow very fast, particularly in the first five months, and they need to take in lots of calories and extra nutrients to fuel their rapid growth. Providing the proper nutrition is important for building strong bones and teeth, adding muscle, and supplying all the energy needed for play and learning. Good puppy nutrition is about quality as well as quantity. This may need to be adjusted weekly. If you answer yes to all of these, it is likely that your puppy is getting — and is digesting — enough nutrients from the food you are providing. By five months, your puppy should be looking lean and have a waist and an abdominal tuck. Breed size and feeding requirements Breed size is an important factor to consider when choosing the right food for your puppy. Large breeds have different nutritional requirements from small breeds. Feeding small breed puppies Small breed dogs have higher energy levels than bigger dogs and tend to have faster rates of metabolism, so they require more energy from their food than large dogs do. Small breed puppy food needs to have a higher concentration of calories and quality nutrients, and should contain a good source of protein, healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6, and some grains. Food pieces should also be smaller and easier to chew than those for larger breeds. Feeding large breed puppies Large breed puppies grow at a much faster rate than small ones and come with a higher risk of overfeeding. According to several studies, if they are overfed, large breeds such as Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers are more likely to develop chronic skeletal and joint problems as they age. Dogs on the calorie-restricted diet also showed signs of arthritis at an average age of 12 years rather than six. Large-breed puppy foods are designed for controlled growth and may be lower in calcium and phosphorus than other puppy foods this is because excess levels of calcium and phosphorus can contribute to skeletal problems. Large-breed puppy food also may contain more fibre to add bulk to the diet without increasing the number of calories. Keeping your large-breed puppy at a body condition score of two out of five will help ward off the excess weight that can cause orthopaedic and other possible problems in later life. For small breeds this may occur from age nine to 12 months; for large breeds, from 12 to 18 months. Feeding tip for puppy owners Limit the number of treats you give your puppy and choose treats that are the right size for his breed. While we cannot give specific food advice, we can provide some general feeding guidelines that will help you in raising a healthy puppy. What should I feed my puppy? Your puppy is growing and requires the best nutrients so look for a good quality food. Quality food is not only about the price tag, it is more about the ingredients. If a brand of pet food contains lots of preservatives, fillers, sugar and salt, then it is not a good quality food. The best puppy food is sold predominantly in pet stores and by vets rather than in supermarkets. Ingredients to avoid in puppy food: Bone meal. Well, not really. If you are getting high-quality food, it will probably do just fine for healthy adult Labs. However, if you want the best for your pooch, our panel of independent experts note there are a couple of things to keep in mind when thinking about their diet. First, the Labrador Retriever is a fairly large breed. As such, they have the dietary requirements specific to large breeds as opposed to small breeds 2. This is especially true when they are puppies. Large breed puppies grow very fast in the early stages of life which leaves them vulnerable to specific issues. Feeding these individuals diets that are a little less energy-dense, contain slightly lower levels of calcium and phosphorous, and have a very carefully balanced calcium to phosphorous ratio has been proven to reduce the incidence of developmental orthopedic diseases in large and giant breeds of dogs. If you want to do the best you can for the health of your Lab, choose food rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These have many benefits for dogs, the most visible of which is a shiny and healthy coat. As they age, Labs may also benefit from more glucosamine and chondroitin which help keep their joints mobile. How Much to Feed a Labrador Feeding recommendations are always individual. A good place to start is the feeding guideline on the back of your dog food package. They are always based on the weight of your dog which you will use to calculate the recommended daily amount. Divide this amount into as many meals as your Lab is used to eating. However, do keep in mind that these are just guidelines. The needs of each dog may vary. If you feel your dog is too skinny adjust the dosage. However, this will also depend on the lifestyle of your dog and how much exercise they get daily. Moreover, Labs are known to have healthy appetites, so overfeeding them is easy too. In the end, the right amount of food to feed any dog is something that has to be learned from experience. High-quality protein as main ingredient Australian-made Superfood additions boost the nutritional profile Good value for money.