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Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. But not only for them as it's a life-changing time for you too! Without preparation, bringing home a new puppy can be difficult and challenging time, but there are many things you can do to help things run more smoothly. For first time puppy owners you may have many questions on how to prepare for those first few precious days and weeks to come. It's a lot to cover but extremely important too! So let's begin.Preparing Your Home for A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. I use this food for my puppies and adults. I still believe that a raw diet is the best diet, however, with my schedule this isn't practical. If you would like to learn more about feeding a raw diet I will gladly help you through this process with your Golden Retriever puppy. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for ceramic or stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. It speeds up the house training process, keeps your puppy safe and out of mischief when you can't watch over them, provides a place for them to escape to for relaxation when they wish.Provide bedding for your puppy to sleep on and I recommend Vetbed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and Vetbed is the most durable bedding on the market. Once you know they won't chew their bedding, you can change to something more plush and stylish of your choice. Here is a link to give an example from Chewy. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You cannot allow your puppy free-run of your entire home, otherwise you'll find they potty, chew and otherwise cause havoc all over it, causing damage and putting themselves in danger. Make sure if you use a gate that your puppy can't squeeze through, and if you use an exercise pen make sure it's too high for them to jump over and out. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads to them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew a lot and they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. All jokes aside, to prevent damage to your possessions you'll want to provide toys for them to chew on and actively direct all their chewing on to these toys. The best puppy chew toys on the market, strong and durable which is particularly important for retriever's are Kong toys. You can use them "as-is", but you can also stuff them with kibble, food treats, peanut butter or even frozen yogurt to make the toy interactive and keep your puppy's mind occupied and happy. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. Be sure to grab a few that will enrich your puppy's life. Just click on the photos below to order these toys. Cleaning Supplies Your puppy will have numerous 'potty training' accidents over the first few weeks. If they can smell in an area that they've been there before, it attracts them back for a repeat performance. So be prepared with an enzymatic, odor neutralizing cleaner that's specially formulated to completely remove all traces of urine and pet stains. Natures Miracle comes highly recommended. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an ID tag with contact information. Males are larger than females, genetics play a part and some retrievers carry more weight than others. We love the Blueberry leashes and collars and here are a few options. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. So buy a good, durable ID tag, have engraved upon it your address and phone number and optionally you can include your puppy's name if you wish. Grooming Tools Grooming is a fantastic way to relax and bond with your puppy and even though they won't need it, you should fake going through the process anyway. You need to get your puppy used to being touched all over because you'll be doing yourself, the vet and groomers you employ in future a massive favor! They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and of the tools and so on. You want to get them happy and accepting of being handled and touched all over while a puppy, before they become a strong adolescent or adult when it becomes extremely hard to control them if they're determined. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. They're completely naive and clueless about the world around them, what's safe and what isn't and will explore and play with everything and anything until they're taught to know better. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. It's cute to see, but can also be very dangerous. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. As a brief summary, you want to pay attention to removing everything that's at puppy level such as electrical cords, low hanging curtains or fabrics, remote controls, footwear, things on end tables and low surfaces, plants, magazines and books-anything and everything they can get their paws on must be removed or made safe. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in a stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later. They also need a set of rules to live by such as where you allow them to go, what they're allowed to do, how rough they can play, what they can chew on, what they can't, and many more rules besides. It's especially important to discuss all this if there's more than just you in your household so that everybody knows, understands and sticks to the same rules, as well as knowing who will do what for the puppy and when. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. The 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. You really want to be a part of this process to make sure it's done correctly. Preparing For The Journey Home The ride home is all about safety, minimizing stress and catering to your new puppy's needs. You have to expect some crying and whining because it's a highly stressful time for your puppy. So don't get worried or annoyed, it's perfectly normal. If you're driving home alone, placing your puppy in a crate is the best of all your options. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess of your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. They will likely ignore it and cry, but it's definitely worth a try. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. Though if longer, it's best you use a crate and the puppy can go between the two: The crate and their lap. Your Puppy May Get Travel Sick Some puppies get travel sick during their first journey in a car so you should prepare for this. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, paper towels and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. What To Do When First Arriving Home The very first thing you want to do is carry your puppy straight to the place you've chosen as their bathroom spot. Whether this in inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as your arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! You've just started house training by getting off on the right foot. And then it's time your puppy got to explore the place that's now their new home and to meet their new family. Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Of course, every person in the house will be excited and eager to say hello right away, but make sure beforehand you've instructed everyone to remain calm and quiet. It's especially important that you give instructions to children who can easily frighten your puppy if they get over-excited. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. They should step into the puppy's area and get down to the puppy's level so they're less intimidating. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Let your puppy explore and go to them, don't have people running over and scooping puppy up, this may frighten them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Your puppy needs time to adjust and relax into their new world which won't be easy if everybody is over-excited. Keep them in the little puppy zone you've set up. There's no need to show them all the bedrooms and cubby holes of your home, there's plenty of time over the coming months to break them into the rest of your home. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving home. They might speed round like a little hurricane, sticking their nose into every little thing they can, yapping, bouncing and playing hyperactively. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through , or they might cry and whine the whole night. There's just no way of knowing so expect to see either extreme or anything in between and just accept that it's perfectly normal. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy.And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see your when you turn up. Also, by following rigid schedules for feeding, play and potty breaks as described earlier, it will only take a few days for your puppy's body clock to fall into a routine. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. But you shouldn't feed them too much because being overweight is bad for their health. Generally speaking, you should follow the quantity guidelines that came with your puppy food, then adjust how much you feed depending on your puppy's body condition. You shouldn't be able to see their ribs, but with light pressure you should be able to feel them. If you can see them, increase their rations, if you can't feel them then reduce their rations. I recommend feeding 3 times a day until 26 weeks and then 2 times a day.

When looking to purchase a merle make sure you are insuring the Australian Labradoodle breeder is having responsible husbandry practices regarding the merle gene. Any breeder of merle multigenerational Australian Labradoodles should be willing and able to discuss all the facts regarding this genome. Click HERE to learn more from our geneticists. Single carrier merles will live a healthy productive life just like any other dog. To ensure that we only breed single copy merles we verify testing of all outside studs or dams used with our breeding dogs since some dogs carry a hidden merle gene, called phantom merle. They are just as strong, silly, and full of adventure or snuggles, and capable of being a service dog as any other Australian Labradoodle! The problem comes down to greed or skipping testing. But doing so can come at a risk of causing serious health issues. A "double merle" known as a homozygous merle have significantly higher risk of being born deaf or blind. To set a president that ill managed breeding practice is not allowed, which is respectable. A German study found .Double Merle can also cause Merle ocular issues. Regarding the blue color in the eyes sometime can lead to full blue iris or increased inclusion of the eyes and blindness. Even though the blue eyes are beautiful we prefer to breed black or brown eyed single merle dogs to reduce the tendency for any health issues. As a merle breeder it is our responsibility to create health happy animals through preventive DNA tests and yearly OFA eye exams. Which, looks like someone had fun painting your dog and no two dogs have the same exact pattern. This rather exotic wild pattern comes in multiple color variations. Merles labradoodles can come in various color pallets; chocolate merle, blue merle, red merle and can be paired with parti, white mis-marks and phantom. Red or cream dogs in a merle litter have a higher rate of phantom merle. Every puppy from our merle litters are dna tested for merle before going home. Our girl Tiffany is considered a "classic" merle where Ranger is a "Tweed" merle. We only know this from extensive genetic testing from Paw Prints Genetics other companies such as Embark don't go as detailed with Merle testing. So all Merle related testing is done with Paw Prints. Dogs with coats in a merle pattern often have blue eyes, hearing defects, and vision problems due to their genetic mix. Blue Merle Labradoodles typically have a silvery blueish or reddish-gray color. These dogs may or may not show the distinct markings of a blue merle. Merle Labradoodle puppies are not common If they do, their mixed-breed genetics include the merle gene. Due to the popularity of the Blue Merle Doodle, some breeders try to boost the odds of finding them in the next litter by breeding two Blue Merles. By manipulating the genetics, it becomes more likely that the litter will have dogs with distinct and desirable color patterns. Unfortunately, that increased likelihood of a merle pattern in their coat comes along with boosted odds of hereditary vision and hearing problems. Responsible breeders tend to only use one dog with blue merle traits in a breeding pair. This sort of breeding is less likely to result in a Blue Merle offspring, but it helps to minimize the risk of genetic eye and ear issues. The Poodle and Labrador Retriever are both in large sizes. As a mixed breed of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, they may have one of three different styles of coat: Hair Fleece Wool The finer and more straight their hair, the more they will shed. These dogs will also tend to develop fewer knots and tangles in their coat and are less susceptible to matting. Fleece and wool-coated dogs will still shed, but much less readily. The Blue Merle Labradoodles with the curliest fur will need your help, or that of a pro groomer , to keep their coat from tangling excessively. That will require consistent and routine brushing, bathing , and essential grooming. Dogs with very straight hair may need it trimmed if it grows faster than they shed it and becomes too long. In addition to caring for their coat, Blue Merle Labradoodles need regular nail trimming, tooth-brushing, and ear cleaning. If any of this is outside your comfort zone, you can usually have it done by a professional groomer. Their genetics will go a long way toward determining their risk level, so it makes a lot of sense to pre-screen a puppy with a veterinarian before adopting it. Poodles and Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to a few health issues. The same health issues are things to look out for in your Blue Merle Labradoodle. Breeders should be able to provide you with health screening histories, and you should make sure a vet has examined them thoroughly in general and with an eye toward these specific health issues:. The Merle gene creates multi-color patches in a solid coat and the dogs that carry merle gene can often have blue eyes. The labradoodles with Merle gene and color patches are called Merle Labradoodles. It is one of the most complicated gene but very fascinating. Merle Genetics Merle is actually a heterozygote of an incompletely dominant gene. To avoid these common health issues, knowledgeable and responsible labradoodle breeders mate a merle with a non-merle dog. In this way half the puppies will be merles, and none will have the vision or hearing defects associated with double merle dogs. So, when you adopt a Merle labradoodle puppy make sure to check with the breeder that one of the parents is a solid color only. The UK Kennel Club has acknowledged the health risk associated with homozygous merles and stopped registering puppies produced from merle to merle breeding in .Research indicates that the majority of health issues occur in dogs carrying both piebald and merle genes. Labradoodles who are homozygous for the merle pattern gene often have visual and auditory deficits. Ocular defects include microphthalmia, conditions causing increased ocular pressure, and colobomas, among others. Double merle labradoodles may be deaf or blind or both, and can carry ocular defects in blue or colored eyes. A study by German researchers found partial hearing loss in .Certified labradoodle breeders will only breed one merle with a non-merle to produce normal healthy merle labradoodle puppies. Merle Labradoodle Colors Merle labradoodles are absolutely gorgeous and because of the color patterns on their coats they look rather exotic. Merle Labradoodles come in various colors patterns like chocolate merle, blue merle, black merle, red merle or brown merle. It also possible to have merles in other colors such as sable, fawn, yellow and diluted reds. Blue Merle Labradoodle Blue Merle labradoodles are the most popular among all the merle labradoodles. Blue Merle labradoodles have irregular black patches by gray. The grey or the lighter part of the coat can also vary from a very light powder blue to very dark steel blue. Blue merle Labradoodles will have blue fur with spots or patches of black. The blue coloring can range from light blue to a deeper gray. This coloring is very popular, and quite uncommon. But, dogs with merle coloring can be at higher risk for health issues, including vision and hearing problems. What is a Blue Merle Labradoodle? Like all Labradoodles, the blue merle Labradoodle is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Standard Poodle. With first generation mixes like this, all traits are left up to chance, including coat type, size, and temperament. Your puppy could be any combination of its parents! Labradoodles with blue merle coats will have a grey or a bluish base , and patches or spots of black covering them. The exact positioning and size of their black markings will vary from one dog to the next, making each one truly unique. Blue merle is one of the most common color combinations of merle coats available. And, blue merle Labradoodles are the most likely Doodle type to have blue eyes. So how does such an interesting coat color happen? So, he will inherit genes from both a Labrador and a Poodle that can impact his appearance, temperament, health, and more. However, neither Poodles nor Labrador Retrievers typically carry the merle gene. So, in order for you to get a blue merle Labradoodle, your mixed pup must have another breed type in his DNA with the dominant merle gene. This breed will be able to pass the merle coat gene on to your Labradoodle puppy. This is why your blue merle Labradoodle may also end up with blue eyes, even though neither the purebred Lab or the purebred Poodle will. Perhaps you have a Labradoodle Collie cross. Or a Labradoodle Australian Shepherd cross. The Double Merle Gene In order to get a blue merle Labradoodle, some breeders may decide to breed one merle Labradoodle with another merle Labradoodle. This might seem like a great idea to guarantee a merle puppy. The double merle gene can lead to a high likelihood of issues, including vision and hearing loss. In some cases, dogs with the double merle gene can be completely blind or deaf. Some may even be both. Luckily, responsible breeders will take care to reduce the chances of these issues by eliminating the double merle gene in litters. This means, a merle Labradoodle should only ever be bred with a solid color Labradoodle. Blue Merle Labradoodle Temperament Because blue merle Labradoodles must get their color variation from a different breed, their temperament can actually be quite unpredictable. So, if you have a blue merle Doodle that is actually a Labradoodle Australian Shepherd mix, it could be anywhere between the temperaments of its two parents. Generally, Labradoodles are friendly, affectionate, playful, and energetic. And, many of the dog breeds that have the merle gene are working dogs, known to be intelligent, energetic, and loyal. So, a blue merle Labradoodle may have these traits. Make sure you find out from your breeder exactly how your blue merle Doodle is being bred, and if possible, try to meet the parent dogs in person. Generally, a blue merle Labradoodle is easily trained. Start training and socializing from a young age. Positive methods will help you to build and reinforce a strong bond with your dog. And, it can be a great way to avoid any potential stubbornness. These dogs will generally need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day as adults. This could be retrieving a ball, going for a hike with you, or just running around the dog park. Without enough exercise, they may start to show unwanted and undesirable behaviors. However, aside from this, a blue merle Labradoodle will be prone to any other genetic health issue prevalent in its parent breeds. So, this will include the Poodle and Labrador. But, it will also include the breed from which your Doodle got their coat color. Common health issues that Labradoodle owners should be aware of include: Hip dysplasia. Merle Labradoodles are very rare. The gene is not naturally occurring in Labrador Retrievers or Poodles so it has to be introduced into the lineage of one of the breeds at some point before breeding a Merle Labradoodle. Alternatively, they cross a Merle Labradoodle with a non-Merle Labradoodle. Two dogs that carry the merle gene should never be bred together as many puppies in the litter will be double merles. If you want to compare the price of Merle Labradoodles to other coat colors of Labradoodles you should read our in-depth Labradoodle price guide here. Another great way to keep up to date with Merle Labradoodle prices is to regularly check dog breeder advertising websites like PuppySpot. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! A Blue Merle Labradoodle features blue black , grey, white and tan colors in their coat in a distinct mottled pattern. Usually most of their coat is grey and blue with smaller white and tan patches throughout it. Blue Merle Labradoodles usually have black noses and can either have brown or blue eyes. They would have originally had a solid black coat but the merle gene diluted sections of it into these lighter colors. Blue Merle is the most common merle coloring for Labradoodles. Are Blue Merle Labradoodles Rare? Blue Merle Labradoodles are very rare as the gene is not naturally occurring in Labrador Retrievers or Poodles. The merle gene has to be introduced into the lineage of one of the breeds at some point before breeding a Blue Merle Labradoodle.

The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Offering: Dogs for sale, puppies for sale in Ireland, Wexford.View detailed.This little boy is an absolute joy. His dad is a Yorkie and mom is a gold and white Shih Tzu. He is so cute and full of energy. He loves to play and then he loves to cuddle. Beautiful little face and pretty haircoat. Langley is such a sweet boy and would love to be your best friend for life. Imagine all the fun you'll have with this cutie. 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Goods for sale in Wexford, vehicles for sale in Wexford, Wexford real estate for sale, Wexford property for sale, property for rent in Wexford, business ads in Wexford, Wexford business classifieds, services in Wexford, Wexford services ads, jobs in Wexford, pets for sale in Wexford, Wexford dating, Wexford cars for sale. Dog Breeds , Dog Breeds With their cute and loveable looks, it is easy to see why the Boxer is such a popular breed. It is the Boxers undershot jaw that enables them to have this firm grip. Although they were also used as a guard dog the Boxer was never naturally suited to this. Instead their athletic build lends them more to agility and obedience. Since the early years the Boxer has gone from strength to strength. They are popular show dogs with a flashy ring presence and have remained one of the most popular pet breeds for many years. All About the Boxer Dog: Cost, Pricing, Breeders and more Personality of the Boxer Boxers are eternally puppies, if you are planning on getting one then a sense of humour is a must! Full of beans and always on the go, they are known to never grow up. Do not get a Boxer if you are house proud, like things in order and want a calm, well-behaved dog. Boxers bounce, love life and want to be with you at all times! Despite this inherent madness, the Boxer would not have achieved such popularity without having several serious plus points. Despite their outgoing personality, they can be reasonably well trained. They also adore people, being great family members who are superb with children. They are a breed that wants to be with people so if you are not able to spend quality time with your dog each day then a Boxer is not for you. Saying this, if you have the time then a Boxer makes a great family pet. One point to bear in mind though is that while Boxers are generally great with people providing they have been well socialized , there are reports of aggression towards other dogs especially in female Boxers. If you plan on having more than one Boxer then a male and female pairing is best. Grooming a Boxer Due to their short coat, grooming Boxers is an easy affair. Use a rubber curry comb to remove dead hair. This, followed by a wipe with a cloth to keep the coat nice and shiny is all they need once a week. Size of a the Boxer The Boxer is a medium sized breed. Males mature at around 24 inches at the withers whereas females are slightly smaller at 22 inches. They are muscular too, with a weight range of lb for males and lb for females. How much exercise does a Boxer need? Boxers need a good walk each day to get rid of their pent up energy. Puppies will not need as much exercise when they are growing as it can damage their bones, this can be gradually increased as they mature. As an adult, allow for at least an hour a day which can be split over two walks. While some of this can be at a brisk walk, they will benefit from some off the lead free running too. Remember that the Boxer is a brachycephalic breed short faced and as such is prone to over-heating. Avoid exercising your Boxer in very hot weather to avoid this. If the weather is very hot, exercise early in the morning or late at night when it is cooler and consider reducing the amount. What should I feed a Boxer? Your Boxer will do best on a good quality diet. Look for foods that have a high real meat content and use high quality ingredients. Boxers can be prone to grain allergies and if so, feed a grain free diet. Many brands now grain free alternatives. Puppies should be fed a specialist puppy formula to accommodate their different nutritional needs. Most Boxers have a good appetite and as such can be prone to obesity. Do not let them become overweight, this can have serious health implications. Breeders — Where can I get a Boxer? Due to their popularity and boisterous nature, sadly many Boxers end up in rescues. Sometimes this can be through no fault of their own, it is simply due to a relationship breakdown or loss of housing. Giving a rescue Boxer a home is a very rewarding experience so if you can, please consider this option. If you have your heart set on a puppy, do your research when looking for a breeder. Avoid searching online on fee ad sites or buying from a pet shop. Many of these puppies will be produced by puppy farms or backyard breeders, people looking to make a quick buck by breeding and caring little for their health or welfare. Instead, contact a breed club to find out what breeders are in your area. A good breeder will question you, they care about where their puppies end up. They will also not have puppies available on demand, you may have to go on a waiting list. However all of this will be worth it for a healthy, well reared puppy. Parents should be tested for hip dysplasia. This condition is where the ball and socket part of the joint is malformed, leading to pain and lameness. As it is hereditary, by screening breeding stock the chances of it being passed on to puppies is reduced. As heart disease is also prevalent in the breed, the parents should also be checked by a cardiologist before they are bred from. How much does a Boxer cost? Expect to pay between and euros for a Boxer puppy. Show quality puppies or those that can be bred from many breeders place endorsements on their puppies to prevent progeny being registered will be at the higher end of the spectrum. Well-reared puppies will have been wormed and if old enough, vaccinated too. They should have been well socialized and friendly. Always ask to see the mum with the puppies and ensure that you receive the correct paperwork on collection. One thing to bear in mind with Boxers is that they are prone to health problems such as heart defects or cancer. Insurance is recommended for any breed of dog for peace of mine, yet with this breed it is considered essential. Should you get a Boxer? If you are looking for a fun, loyal and inquisitive family pet then the Boxer may be the dog for you. Do not get one if you want a dog that sits quietly in the corner, calm Boxers are a rarity indeed. However if a puppies playful character appeals to you then they may be ideal. After all, Boxers rarely grow up! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, vegetable oil, fish oil, monocalcium phosphate, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , L-lysine, choline chloride, taurine, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. Or use express checkout methods: Checkout Order now, fast shipping and specialized vet support About this item Details If your best friend is a young and sturdy French Bulldog, you need the Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy to give them the best nutrition their breed needs. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy is a dry dog food suitable for purebred French Bulldogs from 8 weeks to 12 months old. This dog food is formulated especially for these bat-eared dogs, and it aims to meet their nutritional needs. The addition of essential nutrients also reinforces the skin barrier, supporting healthy skin and the cutest wrinkles. And since French Bulldogs are known for their powerful flatulence, the Royal Canin French Bulldog food also helps to reduce gas and stool odor thanks to its highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Your dog can feel when something is tailor-made for them - and the best food for your royal purebred French Bulldog is definitely Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy. Contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, for immune system support. Essential nutrients reinforce skin barrier, promoting healthy skin and wrinkles. Aids in reducing gas and stool odor due to highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Features exclusive kibble shape for easy pick-up and chewing by French Bulldogs. With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings.

These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Advertisement Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. They will help you redecorate your floors Do you have a hardwood floor? Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. Playing around is no game The German Shepherd is a very active breed and needs lots of physical stimulation and playtime. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies who are also busy bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful? Our goal is to breed the best German shepherd puppies for families! We do not require you to show! We do to keep up with German standards. Our puppies are from prestigious lines in Germany and are trustworthy with families and friends. The are very easily trained and not so over aggrestive that you cannot trust them with your neigbor, but have the natural protective instinct to let anyone one know they are not welcome without the owners permission. Now, so are more layed back then others. We have an excellent trainer that will help you train your dog in the proper way to get the puppy or adult dog so you can learn how to incoorperate good behavior. We also have a professional staff of employees with children who are allowed to be part of the Von der Otto experience. I will add pictures of all the socialization we offer, which include our employees Maggie, Bryanna and their children, along with the Von der Otto College Program. Click any image to view an image slideshow of all images in this gallery. For a full size image and no slideshow, click the "view full image" link instead. Sindbad and Emma Pups .Meet the heart of our business Maggie, Bryanna and our extended family, their children! These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below! She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches.

UKC Classification: Not recognized Prevalence: Common The goldendoodle dog is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever and tends to exhibit the best traits of both their parent breeds. The goldendoodle is not a true dog breed but, rather, a hybrid, more popularly known as a designer dog: an intentional cross between two purebred dogs, chosen for particular characteristics and traits. With the goldendoodle dog, breeders aimed to combine the personality and temperament of lovable golden retrievers with the low-shed traits of the distinguished poodle. The result was a medium-sized dog with a shaggy, low-shedding coat and the friendliness and eager-to-please nature of the golden retriever and the high intelligence of the poodle — making for a dog who's both easy to train and a sweet family pet. Like their golden retriever parents, goldendoodles also make great service dogs. Their intelligence and obedience are a winning combination that helps them excel as guide dogs, and their affectionate and gentle nature makes them a great choice for therapy dogs. Goldendoodles also possess a knack for sniffing out the presence of peanuts for people allergic to the legume. Because they're not a true breed, the appearance of goldendoodles can vary widely depending on which parent possesses the more dominant genes. Their coat can be straight like a golden retriever's or curly like a poodle's, but it often lands somewhere in between, appearing wavy and shaggy. Goldendoodle puppies may go through different stages before their coat takes on its final appearance. Coloring is often yellow-brown like that of their golden retriever parent, but it can also be any color you'd find in a poodle, including white, amber, red, brown, black, gray or white. It's also possible for the coat to be multicolored. Size also tends to vary widely, depending on what type of poodle is used in breeding. Typically, golden retrievers are bred with standard poodles to produce larger dogs but miniature goldendoodles are also becoming popular — a cross between a golden retriever and a miniature or toy poodle. As a result, goldendoodle puppies can weigh anywhere from 15 to pounds. If you ask your breeder what type of poodle the parent was, you can get a better idea of what size dog your goldendoodle puppy will grow up to be. Personality: As with their appearance, goldendoodles' temperament might take after one parent more than the other. But more often than not, they're intelligent, obedient and extremely loving dogs. Goldendoodles love people and also get along great with other pets, and they tend to be patient and gentle with young children — making them a fantastic choice for families. They are far too friendly to make good guard dogs or watchdogs and would more likely try to befriend a stranger than warn them off. As highly social dogs, they need to be with their family and wouldn't do well as outside dogs or in homes where they'd be left alone for long periods of time, which could cause them to develop separation anxiety. Living With: Goldendoodles are fairly energetic dogs who need room to romp and play. As such, they may not be a good choice for apartments but would do well in a home with a fenced-in yard. They need about 30 minutes of daily play and exercise to stay fit and entertained. With their high intelligence, they can get bored easily and need activities to keep them out of trouble, but they can also be content curling up on the couch for cuddles. If you're crate training them, it's best to provide toys to keep them entertained and to turn on the TV or radio when leaving, so they won't get distressed while they're alone. Although it's possible that they'll take after their golden retriever parents in terms of shedding, goldendoodles more typically don't shed a lot. They don't need to be bathed more often than every couple of months unless they get dirty, but they do need to be brushed daily to keep their coats from matting. If their coat is clipped fairly short, which some pet parents prefer, they will only need to be brushed once or twice a week. History: Goldendoodles first appeared in the s to provide a larger alternative to the already popular cockapoo: a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel. They're a fairly recent entry into the designer poodle crossbreeds but have been steadily gaining in popularity, with a more recent surge in demand generated by social media. As they're technically mixed-breed dogs, goldendoodles are not recognized by the AKC or other international purebred dog registries. And as of , no breeding clubs have formed to promote the development of a breed standard. However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and can be registered with that organization. As cute as they are sweet and loving, goldendoodles are also energetic and playful, making them an excellent match for active families who like to include their dogs in all of their outdoor adventures. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldendoodle Overview Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies. Goldendoodles have also done well in agility. The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in s. Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love. Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing , and many owners opt to have them clipped. They have become popular quickly, and their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes. The Goldendoodle is the result of Poodle to Golden Retriever breedings. So far there are very few multigenerational breedings crosses between two Goldendoodles. The Goldendoodle is considered to be a non- to light shedder, but he requires regular grooming and clipping. If the coat is kept short, it should be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed every few weeks. If the coat is kept in its natural state, it should be brushed once every week or two. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard. The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets. The Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his family. The Goldendoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods at a time. The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Breeding began in the s, after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The fact that the Goldendoodle is still a fairly young cross means that most pups are the result of first-generation breeding. That is, most are Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes; as of yet, breeding rarely occurs between pairs of Goldendoodles. Despite the fact that the Goldendoodle has gained some popularity, especially in Australia, there is still no breed club or registry in existence. There are, however, several online communities for the Goldendoodle lover and owner. Goldendoodle Size Goldendoodles vary in size. These dogs tend to range in size from 13 to 20 inches in height and 15 to 35 pounds in weight. The average height for a Small Standard Goldendoodle is 17 to 20 inches; the weight is 40 to 50 pounds. The Large Standard Goldendoodle averages 20 to 24 inches in height and weighs 50 to 90 pounds. Goldendoodle Personality The Goldendoodle has not become popular for lack of good reason. His positive personality traits are numerous — he endears himself to everyone he meets with his friendly, intelligent, accepting nature. He is loyal and, with proper training, can be highly obedient. He does have a playful side and can be mischievous if the mood hits. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldendoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Ear Infections: These can be a problem for Goldendoodles because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Check and clean the ears regularly. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, and occasionally blood in the stool. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as large Goldendoodles. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. Goldendoodle Care The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence. Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity. The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, he does require room to move. Goldendoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 4 cups depending on adult size of high-quality dry food a day, divided into multiple meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Goldendoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. A Goldendoodle should also be fed several small meals per day instead of one large one, since the Golden Retriever can suffer from gastric torsion, or bloat , a trait that can be easily passed on to any Goldendoodle offspring. For more on feeding your Goldendoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldendoodle Coat Color And Grooming The Goldendoodle should have a wavy to curly coat of about two to three inches in length. He has longer hair on the tail, body, ears, and legs legs may be slightly feathered ; the hair on the head and muzzle tends to be shorter. The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat color. Owners generally opt to clip the coat for easier maintenance; but if you choose to leave it in its natural state, expect to brush it about once every week or two. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldendoodle Rescue Groups Goldendoodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldendoodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Goldendoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Available in both the larger standard size and as a smaller miniature, goldendoodles are playful yet gentle dogs that crave human interaction. They do best with daily walks or outdoor play sessions to fill their physical fitness needs and, because both of their parent breeds are friendly and highly intelligent , goldendoodles are ideal for families with small children , first-time dog owners , and as emotional support animals. Appearance Because poodles range in size more than golden retrievers, a goldendoodle's height and weight depend largely on his poodle lineage. Specifically, a standard poodle will result in a full-size goldendoodle, while a miniature poodle parent likely reduces a pup's full-grown stature. Standard doodles can stand more than 21 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. Miniature goldendoodles typically weigh no more than 35 pounds and stand less than 14—17 inches tall. While golden retrievers have coats that stick to the wheat or golden range, a poodle can be one of many colors—this variation also shows up in goldendoodles. While the teddy bear gold hue might be the most popular, breeding can also result in black, white, brown, cream, and red goldendoodles. In very rare cases, a pup bred from multiple generations of doodles will have recessive color traits such as gray, blue, or even be multi-colored. The most common eye color for this breed is brown. As a descendant of the poodle—a popular option for dog owners with allergies—a goldendoodle doesn't shed much , which means they can be a good fit for people who tend to sneeze or itch around pups. For owners who want a big dog that doesn't shed, a doodle that's 75 percent standard poodle and 25 percent golden retriever known as an F1B goldendoodle is a good option. These inherit a curlier poodle coat that's better for those with dog allergies. A goldendoodle can have very curly, poodle-like locks or inherit a more wavy mane from their retriever parent. And despite their allergen-friendly fur, doodles have a double coat that consists of a dense undercoat of short hairs beneath a top coat of longer hairs, called guard hairs. Dogs with this layered fur need regular brushing. Temperament Goldendoodles get their gentle nature from their golden retriever side, making them a wonderful option for families with young children. They're naturally inclined to be careful with infants and toddlers, and will be patient companions for children as they grow up. However, as with any breed, you still need to supervise small kiddos and dogs, and make sure your children learn how to properly interact with pets. As extremely affectionate dogs, they love to socialize and rarely meet a human or fellow animal they don't like—even smaller critters like cats. Instead of wanting to chase, goldendoodles are laid-back and almost bashful. Both poodles and golden retrievers score in the top five of the smartest dog breeds, according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America. So while playful, these pups are obedient with the proper training. They can learn some fun tricks, too. Near the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Lynne Whitmire has been breeding goldendoodles for over 15 years. The GANA blue ribbon breeder believes the goldendoodle's temperament is one of the best things about them. With such an easygoing attitude, they'll flourish with additional playmates dogs and humans alike. Doodles are also known for loving water; swimming gives them another outlet to get their exercise. While outdoor time is still important, a miniature goldendoodle is more apt to enjoy apartment living than a standard-size doodle. And as long as your pup has been properly trained and socialized, neither the standard or miniature goldendoodles are excessive barkers , so you won't have to worry about any grumpy neighbors. Care Even with little to no shedding, goldendoodles, like all poodles and poodle hybrids, still need consistent grooming to keep their coat healthy. They'll need to see a professional groomer every 6—8 weeks, but won't need much bathing beyond that. Frequent baths can actually cause dry skin, so experts recommend only bathing doodles if they're smelly or dirty. The curlier the coat, the more often they'll need to be brushed. But in general, a goldendoodle needs daily brushing to avoid painful matting. However, if they have a straight coat or a very short hairdo, weekly brushing sessions will be sufficient. A fenced backyard makes exercise easy, but a brisk walk around the neighborhood will also do. Doodles love social interaction with humans and playdates with fellow pups, so they generally shouldn't be left home alone for long periods of time. A lonely or bored goldendoodle can develop separation anxiety and exhibit undesirable behaviors, including digging or barking. Proper socialization and attention should start early and continue throughout the dog's life to ensure good behaviors. Quick to learn and eager to please, these pooches are excellent for first-time dog owners. As with all breeds, they do best with positive reinforcement training and rewarding good behavior with treats. Even a young goldendoodle puppy can learn tricks and obedience through early training and socialization. Health Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 10—15 years, and in general they're very healthy dogs. But, as with all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Varying types of cancer can also be passed down from the golden retriever parent, so a health clearance is important to ensure a healthy pup. Consult your veterinarian about warning signs to look out for. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, so owners should clean their dog's ears soon after any water-related activities or bathtime. As with any new puppy, it's important to request a health clearance from the breeder. And all reputable breeders should conduct the appropriate health tests and provide documentation when you buy your goldendoodle puppy. Because this hybrid is so popular , you need to do your research before working with any breeder. As a general rule, avoid breeders who sell multiple mixed breeds, offer to ship puppies, are difficult to contact, or don't let you meet your puppy's parents. In fact, goldendoodles have many similar characteristics to that earlier hybrid. However, goldendoodle coats can be longer and wavier, thanks to their golden retriever genes. Labradoodles, on average, are also slightly larger. Although both types of doodles are very friendly, goldens are generally more enthusiastic about meeting new people. They inherit a social, happy-go-lucky attitude from the golden retriever that differentiates them slightly from their Lab-mix cousins. Labradoodles were created to be guide dogs, and goldendoodles are also commonly used as emotional support animals and therapy dogs. As goldendoodles gained popularity, breeders began taking requests for more variations. They introduced new sizes and traits to please all sorts of dog owners: petites and minis, unique colors, curlier or straighter coats. The goldendoodle may be one of the newest poodle mix crossbreeds, but the breed's popularity is still on the rise. We have Aussies to thank for the growing popularity and the cool name variation. The TV personality and cookbook author has a cream goldendoodle named Gus , who loves to eat her homemade peanut butter dog biscuits. Meet Samson the goldendoodle , who has more than 1 million followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. They are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. Thanks to their poodle heritage, they shed little and are hypoallergenic. Goldendoodles make an ideal family dog due to their extreme friendliness and social personality. They vary in fur types, colors, and size, so there's no doubt that you'll be able to find one that suits you. Read on to learn more about these high-spirited dogs that'll brighten your day! Their adorable name was coined in .While not officially a registered breed of their own, Goldendoodles are considered a "designer breed" because each of their parents is a purebred, but different breeds from each other. Poodles don't shed and are very athletic and intelligent, while Golden Retrievers are lovable and playful family dogs. The mix makes the Goldendoodle a great choice for a lifelong pal, especially for those with mild pet allergies , though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. It should be noted, again, however, that Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it's difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit. After all, every dog is a unique individual, regardless of breed. Continue to 2 of 11 below. Get a Goldendoodle! It is important to realize, however, that all dogs have dander dead skin cells , saliva, and urine, where allergens exist, so there is no guarantee a Goldendoodle won't set off an allergic reaction. Regular baths and grooming sessions can help reduce the chances of your pooch setting off your allergies. Continue to 3 of 11 below. With a heritage of two retrieving breeds, Goldendoodles love to play fetch, accompany you on a jog, race around the dog park with the other pooches, or tussle with the kids. These dogs are great companions for active families. There are several different sizes of Goldendoodles, depending on whether their poodle half was toy, miniature, or standard, and their weight and size can vary from 15 pounds up to 60 pounds depending on their parents. Most love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners, but of course you'll need to pace yourself if your Goldendoodle is on the small side. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog. Continue to 4 of 11 below. This breed loves to socialize and be near their owners; marry that with a penchant for playfulness, and you will have a buddy to enjoy plenty of time together in the park. They love to play with children as well, and a good romp in the backyard is a great way to burn off some energy from both your kids and your pet. And because this is an intelligent breed of dog, you can easily teach your Goldendoodle not just basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, but also tricks like roll over, shake, and dance. Continue to 5 of 11 below. They also typically enjoy spending time interacting with other pooches at doggy daycamps or the local dog park. But it doesn't have to be all hustle and bustle with your pet. Although this doesn't make them the best watchdogs, their calm demeanor is part of what makes this adorable canine so friendly. Continue to 6 of 11 below. In general, however, they have thick coats that are medium-to-long. Many people choose to have their Goldendoodle trimmed every few weeks, similar to poodles. This is especially helpful if your dog has longer, curlier hair that's prone to tangles. If you prefer to keep your Goldendoodle natural, it's important to brush the coat regularly to remove tangles and debris. Continue to 7 of 11 below. That's not surprising when you consider that both poodles and golden retrievers were originally bred to serve as retrievers for hunters shooting ducks. Your Goldendoodle will be thrilled to join the whole family for summer fun at the beach, lake, or swimming pool, but be sure to provide your pooch with a doggy life vest in open waters, and teach him how to enter and exit a swimming pool by using the steps. But you'll want to stand clear when your Goldendoodle decides to shake off all that water! Continue to 8 of 11 below. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color, although most are golden. Some Goldendoodles are somewhat darker along their upper body, with lighter hair along their chest and belly. Some are even multiple colors. Aging Goldendoodles can sometimes seem to "fade" a little in color. Continue to 9 of 11 below. While the first of these dogs were bred from golden retrievers and standard poodles, producing fairly large offspring, there was soon demand for smaller versions of this popular canine. Today, there are three basic sizes of Goldendoodle, each depending on whether the poodle parent was a toy, mini, or standard poodle. The mini Goldendoodle is around 15 to 16 inches in height and weighs less than 30 pounds. The medium Goldendoodle, which is the most common size, ranges in height from 16 to 20 inches and can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The standard Goldendoodle is the biggest size, with an average height of 22 inches and weight of 50 to 60 pounds. So whatever size dog you prefer, there's a Goldendoodle to fit. Continue to 10 of 11 below. For anyone needing a little cheering up, their happy demeanor will bring an instant smile to anyone's face. Goldendoodles also do well as medical alert dogs, which are service dogs specially trained to alert their owner or even call for help when the dog senses that their person is about to experience a seizure or that a diabetic is suffering from low blood sugar. Standard Goldendoodles can also work as mobility service dogs, which help people with mobility issues stand, walk, or balance better. Continue to 11 of 11 below. Groodles is one, while Doodles is another. This breed of dog is also sometimes referred to as the Goldenpoo. But whatever you call them, the Goldendoodle is an adorable, affectionate, intelligent, and lively breed of dog. These codes refer to the genetic makeup of your dog. How do you trim a Goldendoodle's face? For around the eyes, start with blunt-tipped scissors, gently trimming away the hair above them. Cut at an angle, like a downward V. Since the cut line will be blunt, a pair of thinning shears will help it look shaggier. Next, tackle the beard by brushing your dog's fur downward and creating an oval shape with the blunt-tipped scissors. Again, fluff up anything too blunt with the thinning shears. Then, brush the top upwards and trim away anything too long. Finally, brush her ears and trim away scraggly fur, finishing with the thinning shears. How long does a Goldendoodle live? Like their poodle parents, Goldendoodles are fairly long-lived dogs, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Goldendoodle Size In recent years , Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular dog types for pet lovers across North America because of their wonderful Goldendoodle temperament, cuddly good looks and they make great family pets. These doodle mix pups are the offspring of two beloved dog breeds — golden retrievers and poodles. The crossbreed poodle mix of these two dogs in this breed group brings out the best of both lines. These dogs are affectionate, loving, kind, and accepting of strangers, making them an ideal choice for both new and experienced dog owners. The Goldendoodle puppy is one of the cutest! Five important things to know about Goldendoodle temperament 1. They do, however, have a very high energy level and a high activity level, and do best in households with enough space and time for lots of exercise. Goldendoodles love all the classic canine activities, such as fetch, long walks, and running. Many also love to explore water and can learn to swim, and they make great guide dogs, service dogs, and even therapy dogs. With plenty of exercises, most Goldendoodles display very little aggression and are very obedient. As your dog ages, you will want to watch for hip issues referred to as hip dysplasia. Most other health issues are minor. Though many top breeders offer trained Goldendoodles for adoption, these pups can also continue their training at home. Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and willing to learn new behaviors and commands with the help of positive reinforcement. Punishments such as hitting or shouting at a Goldendoodle are not recommended and can inhibit the Doodle training process. Crate training and alone time training are highly recommended, as Goldendoodles can suffer from separation anxiety. Socializing Is Good Goldendoodles are naturally curious, friendly dogs and calm around humans and, like their parent breeds, most are also fine around other dogs. This is especially true of professionally raised Goldendoodles that have lived around their littermates for at least the first eight weeks of life. They are both wonderful pets with beautiful curly coats, and both are easy to train. Goldendoodles can have some key personality differences, including more immediate friendliness with new people. Both of these doodle mixes benefit from an active lifestyle, but Goldendoodles can be slightly less energetic. As the offspring of two sporting class dogs, Goldendoodles share DNA with many popular hunting dogs. Goldendoodles can be known to chase smaller wild animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, so be sure to keep your friend on a leash during their first visits to the local park. In our training program, they will be introduced to other animals to build comfortability and tame curiosity. If you are considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you can be certain that it will bring plenty of love and fun into your home. Take a look at our available puppies or contact Pride and Prejudoodles today for more information. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Outgoing, friendly, and intelligent, the Goldendoodle is known for having the best qualities of each parent breed. The Goldendoodle earned its name as a designer dog breed. Similar breeds considered as designer dogs are the miniature poodle and Yorkie poo. The result of coming from a golden retriever and a poodle is the ultimate loving companion dog with a desirable coat type. It is thought that the success of the Labradoodle and Cockapoo brought about the idea of the Goldendoodle breed. With the temperament of a Golden Retriever and the light shedding of a Poodle, the Goldendoodle immediately became a hit across America. By the request of pet owners, breeders have developed four sizes of Goldendoodle breed: petite, mini, medium, and standard. Also due to popular demand, breeders have created a wide variety of coat colors, including caramel, chocolate, cream, and red. Not only are they as friendly and cuddly as a teddy bear, but they are known for their teddy bear appearance. The Goldendoodle coat comes in a variety of fluffy colors and textures. While the golden teddy bear coat color might be the most popular, the Goldendoodle comes in colors like black, white, brown, cream or red. Their coat types can also range from straight, wavy, and curly depending on the genes they inherit from their Poodle parent. Since the Goldendoodle is a mixed breed, mini Goldendoodle puppies can grow into Goldendoodle dogs of all sorts of sizes. A cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle will result in a mini Goldendoodle, a smaller dog than if crossed with a Standard Poodle. They are extremely intelligent, and according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America, they score in the top 4 of the smartest breeds. They have an extremely social personality and love to be with their fur parents. The loving and social Goldendoodle personality makes them great family pets, as they get along with kids and other pets. Their temperament is not entirely predictable. Goldendoodle Trainability Because they are so intelligent, Goldendoodles are easy to train and are often recommended for first-time or timid pet owners. Some even call Goldendoodles people pleasers because they always want to make their fur parent happy. If your Goldendoodle is a people pleaser, training will be a breeze. Good Goldendoodle behavior should be rewarded with positive reinforcements. Exercise Requirements for a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles require minutes of exercise each day to prevent them from getting bored and keep them in good health. If possible, take your Goldendoodle swimming. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are water dogs, making the Goldendoodle a swimming fanatic. It is recommended that you do not adopt a Goldendoodle if you live in an apartment because Goldendoodles need plenty of room to roam around and play. Goldendoodle Lifespan Despite their large size, a Goldendoodle lifespan ranges anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Popularity of a Goldendoodle The popularity of the Goldendoodle keeps growing! Their light shedding makes them perfect for those with allergies, and their playful, gentle personality makes them a great pet. Feeding Recommendations for the Goldendoodle Goldendoodles require cups of dry food each day, split into separate meals. How much food they require is dependent on their build, metabolism, activity level, and age. How to Groom a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles require sufficient brushing once a week. Only bathe your Goldendoodle when it is necessary, like after a muddy hike, as he can lose essential oils that are necessary for a healthy, wavy coat. For optimal Goldendoodle health, their ears should be checked once a week for redness or a bad odor, which are signs of an ear infection. Clean their ears with a cotton ball and an ear cleaning fluid, making sure to only wipe the outer ear. Are Goldendoodles Good With Kids? Goldendoodles make great family pets. Their patience and unconditional love are Goldendoodle characteristics that bring happiness to kids and adults alike. They are highly social and thrive on human interaction. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air, then twists. If this occurs, get medical attention immediately, as GDV can result in death. Signs your dog has GDV include salivating, retching without throwing up, being restless or lethargic, or having a rapid heart rate. You can prevent GDV by not allowing your Goldendoodle to eat a large amount of food at one time and watching how much water he drinks after eating. Also, try to keep exercise minimal right after eating. Ear Infections: Moisture can get caught in their big, floppy ears, resulting in an ear infection. Check and clean their ears regularly to avoid any ear infections. Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is often found in fast-growing, large puppies. Elbow dysplasia is a sign they have an underlying condition, such as osteochondrosis, fragmentation of the coronoid process, ununited anconeal process, or elbow incongruity. The treatment of elbow dysplasia is dependent on the cause. Epilepsy: Unfortunately, both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are prone to epilepsy. Epilepsy is a lifelong disease for most dogs. However, there are ways to alleviate symptoms. Signs your dog has epilepsy include paddling of the legs, collapsing, frenzied barking or whining, and loss of consciousness. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid health problem, and is often thought to trigger epilepsy, alopecia hair loss , obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. Hypothyroidism is easy to fix with a change to the diet and some medication. Patellar Luxation: Patellar Luxation, also known as slipped stifles, occurs when the knee joint slips in and out of place, causing the dog extreme pain. Separation Anxiety: Due to their love of human interaction, Goldendoodles often suffer from separation anxiety. They hate being alone, so if you are often gone for extended periods of time, a Goldendoodle is not for you. If you have a Goldendoodle and come home to a chewed up couch, a scratched up door, and an angry note from your neighbors complaining about your barking dog, he may have separation anxiety. There are many exercises you can do with your Goldendoodle to help them with their separation anxiety. Your Goldendoodle may have this disease if they have bloody gums, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding after surgery. While there is no cure for this disease, suturing or cauterizing injuries can help prevent extra bleeding. Goldendoodles are also known to suffer from a multitude of eye conditions such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, Progressive Retinal Degeneration, and distichiasis. Other Resources. Thanks to their curly, low-shedding coats, poodle mixes abound. The Goldendoodle puppy generally inherits the intelligence and coat of its poodle parent, along with the friendliness and playfulness of its golden retriever parent. Below are seven things you should know about the Goldendoodle temperament before deciding: 1. Most Goldendoodles are as intelligent as their poodle parent — a trait that can have both pros and cons. They pick up tricks and commands relatively quickly compared to other dogs. This intelligence does have a downside, however. Goldendoodles like golden retrievers can become destructive if left to their own devices for too long. Some Goldendoodle puppies are even smart enough to solve puzzle toys or complete mazes. We can ship nationwide. Reserve your puppy today 2. These dogs can be trained to work as therapy dogs or participate in dog course contests. Most Goldendoodles will find this extra training fun since it helps keep their minds engaged as well as their bodies. Even a Goldendoodle rescue dog can be trained as an adult if you have a little extra time and patience. Like some other dogs, they can also be quite funny at times and will enjoy making you laugh. Of course, this playfulness can sometimes be a little exhausting. Like a toddler, your Goldendoodle puppy may not know when to stop playing and start relaxing. If you run a home business or would like to bring your dog to work with you, a Goldendoodle is a perfect choice. They Make Ideal Service Dogs A combination of easy training and friendliness makes Goldendoodles excellent service dogs. In fact, with the proper training, a Goldendoodle can offer all the same services as its golden retriever parent does. For example, Goldendoodles can be trained to: Assist those with hearing or vision impairments Act as guide dogs for those with a disability Learn how to open doors Learn how to switch lights off and on Alert their owners to oncoming seizures or other medical issues Be taught to bring extra help in the event of an emergency Provide emotional support for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses Goldendoodles are also often used as support animals for veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Many believe service dogs help provide a significantly better quality of life for those battling PTSD. Families with other pets and young children will quickly feel comfortable with their new family pet. Like any animal, Goldendoodle temperaments can vary based on genetics, health, training, and more. The Goldendoodle is a perfect companion for children. As a designer breed, they have always been bred for human companionship. Lots of activity going on at your home? Want a dog you can take everywhere you go, from outdoor dog patios to state parks and beyond? A Goldendoodle is an excellent choice. A Goldendoodle is friendly with other dogs, children, strangers, and other animals. Of course, the best thing you can do is start socializing your healthy dog as early as possible. The downside is that your Goldendoodle can become a very anxious dog when left alone for long periods. When you leave the house, your Goldendoodle may suffer from separation anxiety, which can cause many issues. For example, dogs with separation anxiety tend to become destructive or use the bathroom in the home. If the idea of a great family pet outweighs the ability to leave your dog alone, consider alternatives for your workday. You might hire a dog walker to visit your home once or twice to give your Goldendoodle exercise. Or, you could hire a dog sitter during the day. Bernedoodles Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are both doodle breeds, meaning one parent is a toy, mini or standard poodle. There are other doodle breeds also, but these two are exceptionally popular. While similar in many ways, several key differences exist in the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle personalities. For starters, the Bernedoodle tends to be calmer than the Goldendoodle. So while a Goldendoodle may make the perfect pet for an active family with rambunctious kids who like to run and play, a Bernedoodle often does better with a calmer family or young children. Bernedoodles are quite a bit larger than Goldendoodles. A standard Bernedoodle averages 23 to 29 inches tall at the shoulders when fully grown and weighs anywhere between 65 and 90 pounds. On the other hand, standard Goldendoodles will only average 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 50 to 70 pounds fully grown. Miniature Goldendoodle or Bernedoodles will likely be the better choice if you have a smaller home or apartment. Besides personality traits, appearance and price are other considerations. Bernedoodles are often tricolored, while Goldendoodles will most often be a solid color. Bernedoodles also cost significantly more than Goldendoodles, so they may not be the best choice for families with a strict buying budget. We have a few healthy Goldendoodle puppies for sale which would love to find their new forever homes today. His area of expertise is in the responsible breeding of two popular doodle breeds, the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle. Central Illinois Doodles has garnered significant recognition for their exceptional breeding practices, including being ranked among the Top 10 Bernedoodle breeders in the United States by respected industry authorities such as Bubbly Pet and Pupvine. Additionally, they have been distinguished as one of the best Goldendoodle breeders by Trending Breeds and Devoted to Dog. Related Posts. Aggression and guarding instincts Goldendoodles were first bred by Monica Dickens in .Popularity grew in the s when breeders in North America and Australia began crossing the two breeds. Goldendoodles are still gaining popularity, especially in Australia. However, there is still no breed club or registry in existence. The Typical Goldendoodle Temperament Goldendoodles of every generation are friends of everyone. This results in making them a very good candidate as a family companion. Due to their bright, loving temperament and outgoing personality, they are excellent companions for people with disabilities. They are cheerful, trustworthy, loving, gentle, smart, and highly trainable. This breed does not have a strong prey drive and can be surprisingly friendly towards cats and smaller dogs when introduced. Goldendoodles are highly sociable dogs and need to be in the presence of people. If they do not get the socialization they need, then they can get into trouble. This lack of socialization is the main cause for behavioral issues like barking, jumping, and fear. Linking Exercise with Behavior Another cause for behavioral issues is lack of exercise. Goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise and can live happily in urban environments. This breed is active with a high amount of energy that can keep up with all types of activities and exercise, such as fetch, long walks, running, and outdoor canine sports. Many Goldendoodles are attracted to water and love to swim. Keeping your Goldendoodle active will keep them mentally healthy and physically fit. In return, they will have a happy, affectionate temperament and significantly reduced aggression. Most Goldendoodles are extremely smart and easy to train. This dog is willing to learn and responds best to positive reinforcement and gentleness when training. Harsh, loud correction like yelling or hitting to punish them is not helpful when working with these dogs, or any dog for that matter. Socialization skills need to be taught at a very young age and continue throughout their life. A well-trained and highly social Goldendoodle will be a happy companion, with a friendly temperament towards unfamiliar people and other animals. These dogs should be taught gradually to spend time alone to avoid attachment disorder, which can cause behavioral problems. Are Goldendoodles Friendly? Goldendoodles are some of the most affectionate dogs when it comes to family. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they are raised right. This is not the case for the Goldendoodle. This can make them less fond of other people, but usually does not affect them. This breed almost has the perfect temperament when it comes to children. The Goldendoodle is a bigger and sturdier breed, but that does not change the way they treat little ones. They are naturally kind-hearted and careful around children. However, they may need some training when it comes to playing around kids, because of their large size. Furthermore, this breed does not tend to be aloof, in fact, they usually friends of everyone, even unfamiliar people. Are Goldendoodles Aggressive? While it is not common for the Goldendoodle to be aggressive or aloof, there are some instances where they can show these signs of aggression and discomfort around other dogs and people. They can be well behaved and friendly around their family, but when you bring an unfamiliar person or dog into their environment, they may act differently. One great way to do this is by rewarding them with treats when they behave positively to new people or dogs. They will start to learn that good behavior is rewarded, and the good behavior will become natural. Guarding Instincts Since the Goldendoodle is one of the friendliest dog breeds, they do not make good guard dogs. They will most likely just bark and do nothing else to ensure the safety of their family. Noisy Behavior and Barking These dogs can be somewhat prone to barking, which can sometimes seem aggressive. Furthermore, this will make them significantly less aggressive and help them become more comfortable around dogs and new people. Do Goldendoodles Like Other Dogs? Friendliness towards humans and friendliness towards other dogs are two completely different things. Most Goldendoodles are fine with other dogs, as are their parent breeds. Almost all Goldendoodles are pretty happy with other dogs, but how they are raised will play a part. It has been found if puppies grow up with their littermates until they are at least eight weeks of age, then they are more likely to be sociable and friendly towards other dogs and animals. They learn canine social skills by being around the other pups. Socialization Enhances Temperament To make sure you have a well behaved and sociable Goldendoodle, socialize them at a young age. As they get older, it will become harder for you to train them to be friendly towards dogs and unfamiliar faces. A few ways you can begin socializing them is by taking them for short or long walks daily. This can be done at the park or around your neighborhood. The purpose of this method is to get them used to unfamiliar environments. Take them to a one-on-one playdate. This can be done at the park or in any controlled environment. If after a few minutes they show signs of positive progression and friendly behavior, take them off the leash and see how they behave. Take them to a doggy kindergarten class to socialize and play. Talk to your local vet, and they can point you in the best direction to find a class right for you and your Goldendoodle. Bad Breeding? These dogs were never worked independently; this makes them extremely friendly dogs by nature. However, a Goldendoodle bought from a puppy mill or backyard breeder with no regard for the health, disposition, and overall consistency of the breed may have serious behavioral problems. Some may include aggression, fear-biting, timidity, separation anxiety, digging, destroying furniture, and excessive barking. It is best to get them from a reputable breeder to ensure a happy and healthy Goldendoodle that will live life to the fullest. Should a puppy be microchipped before being sold? Like the Golden Retriever, the standard poodle was originally bred as a water retriever as well and is highly trainable and athletic. Bred specifically for its small size and companionship rather than athletic field work, the Miniature Poodle tends to be more demanding of attention and is known for their spunky, affectionate personalities and delightful sense of wit. Breeding the loving, biddable Golden Retriever with the clever, devoted miniature poodle is a winning combination for many families! Mini goldendoodles tend to be delightfully smart, fun, and spunky! Owners often describe their Mini Goldendoodles as almost humanlike in their wit and quirks! They are typically very devoted to their owners which can be both a pro and a con depending on your concept of personal space. This is a dog that will absolutely find a way to be in the limelight. He will likely follow you around to all rooms of the house. The downside is that if your miniature goldendoodle is not getting his attention needs met, he may become a bit demanding—seeking your attention with negative behaviors such as barking. Mini Goldendoodle Personality for Trainability? Mini goldendoodles are incredibly trainable — well above average! As mentioned previously, Golden Retrievers are the most common breed in the service dog industry so they are world-renown for their obedience and trainability. The miniature poodle is also known for being eager to please. They are smart sometimes too smart! Likewise, the mini goldendoodle always seems to know what their owners are thinking and feeling. However, he may have his own opinion when it comes to pure obedience. While miniature goldendoodles may have a little attitude and spunk when it comes to their overall approach to life, we would still consider them well above average when it comes to trainability. For the most part they are good natured, eager to please, and catch on extremely fast to new commands! Energy Levels of Mini Goldendoodles When it comes to various dog temperaments, oftentimes smarts and trainability is coupled with high energy. The mini goldendoodle is no exception—we would rank their energy level as medium-high, or just slightly above average. While their short legs may not have the stamina for extended periods of exercise, mini goldendoodles tend to love to play hard and fast in short bursts! They often excel at agility or fetch related activities. Despite being small, this is a dog breed that still needs exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. They tend to have an excitable nature so you can expect some exuberance when it comes to playing and physical activities! Are Mini Goldendoodles Family Friendly? Overall, the mini goldendoodle is above average when it comes to being able to get along with various members of the family although may not be the best choice for families with particularly young children. Mini goldendoodles tend to be friendly and playful. They tend to get along well with other dogs particularly if paired with another similar energy level. The compact size of the miniature goldendoodle can make them more manageable for some families. They are easy to control a leash and it can be helpful for owners to be able to easily pick up their pup when it comes to bath time, getting in and out of the car, etc. On the downside, the smaller the Mini Goldendoodle, the less likely they are able to keep up with the family on a walk or hike. They may tire easily on longer walks. They usually do well with elementary aged or older children as they do enjoy companionship of multiple family members! For the most part, the mini goldendoodle is a friendly, sociable breed who fits in well with many types of families. Adaptability and overall upkeep? We would score the miniature goldendoodle as average when it comes to adaptability. They adapt well to apartment living. Their small size means they can easily fit in smaller spaces. They need lots of play to release their energy, but a game of a fetch in a small yard will do the trick. They do not need long walks or strenuous exercise. They are above average when it comes to heat tolerance and average when it comes to cold tolerance. Keep in mind if you live in a snowy area, that you will have to comb the fur on their legs and feet to avoid the clumping of snow in these areas and resultant matted fur. The goldendoodle can really adapt to a variety of living situations as their main aim in life is just to be with their owners! This is the area that they are not adaptable in—you must be able to spend time with your mini goldendoodle. This is not a dog that can be left alone in the backyard all day. However, keep in mind, this breed does require regular grooming and brushing to avoid long, matted hair. In conclusion if you are looking for a devoted companion who would never turn down a snuggle and is more than willing to accompany you wherever you go, then the mini goldendoodle may be the perfect breed for you! Their spunky, clever, and affectionate temperaments have charmed many families and made them one of the most popular breeds today. Still, it is important to be prepared to give this dog a lot of love, attention, and play time to ensure a happy partnership between you and your mini goldendoodle!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

This senior lady is an absolute angel. She was with her doggie sister Matilda. Marley acted as a seeing eye dog for Matilda who was blind. They were bonded and loved each other. Sadly Matilda deteriorated rapidly in a shelter environment and passed away there leaving Marley all alone. When we got Markey from the shelter her entire demeanor changed into a happy dog again that is so grateful for another chance. Marley is a 10 year old, female, Standard Poodle mix. She weighs 59 pounds. She is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on shots. She is thankfully Heartworm negative. We are in the process of determining exactly what it is. She can still see. It is not glaucoma or anything our reg vet could diagnose. We are waiting on a specialist apt to diagnose and treating if possible but wanted to start looking for her perfect home while we do. She does still have some coat staining from her previous life that may take some time to fully come out. She is a super easy going, perfectly trained and a lower energy girl. She would be a great dog for any family or even a senior citizen. She requires very little to be happy. She loves to sit in a comfy bed and watch the day go by. She rides great in the car and is great when meeting new people. Everyone that meets her just falls in love with how sweet she is. She has no problem being crated but can also be left out. She has not destroyed anything when left out. She does wonderful with all other pets including cats. She is overall very low maintenance and easy to care for. All she wants is someone to love. She will need regular grooming. This requires time to get her to and from the appointments and additional expenses to pay for it. On average a dog of this breed will need grooming every weeks. This should be fully considered prior to applying to adopt her. Vet and home checks required. Located in Hampton VA. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets.

Some Final Words It is highly doubtful that there is a fast way to do this training. Every dog, no matter the method, takes its own time to learn. For Yorkies, some dogs get the idea in 2 months, while others of their breed take longer to learn. It is really up to the dog and how you treat them during this training. Positive reinforcement is always the fastest way to success. Negative reinforcement may set the training back while your dog adjusts to the treatment. Praising and rewarding your Yorkie will make them want to use the litter box over other options. The key to this process is to make sure you have the right size box for your Yorkie, use the right litter, and place the box in the best spot possible. You do not want it close to their food at any time. When you use consistency, patience, and persistence, your Yorkie should learn to go to the litter box on their own and without prompting from you. Click here to find out. Yes, it is possible to train any small dog to use a litter box. This is an advantageous method to use for your pet. It means that they do not have to wait till you get home or get up to go to the bathroom. They can just saunter on over to the litter box and do their duty without delay. That makes bathroom time more relaxing for your pet. Plus, it helps put your dog at ease as they know they will have no hassle when they go to the bathroom. The key to litter box training your small dog is to make sure the box is the right size. No dog will feel comfortable or will want to use the litter box if it is too small for them. Fortunately, litter boxes come in different sizes since cats come in different sizes. That means you can find a good-sized litter box for your Yorkie or other small dog breeds. Another key will be to let your dog become familiar with the box. Let them sniff and explore to make sure they know it is a safe place for them. Make sure the sides are not too high, or they may not be able to get in or out very easily. This will be up to you as there are several options. The content you use will depend on how much cleaning up you want to do. You can use newspapers if your dog is newspaper trained already. But that would be a short-term option once your dog gets the idea that the litter box is their bathroom. Another option would be pee pads. These are easy to clean up and can help keep the litter box clean and smelling fresh. If you can afford to buy these pee pads, then you can use them all the time. The best option would be actual kitty litter. But you do not want to buy low-quality litter as they do not absorb very well. These low-level options would be like using a newspaper. To make the time more enjoyable for your pet, make sure to get high-quality kitty litter. It should smell nice, absorb well, and make it easier to clean up when your dog is done. Some Final Words When you have a small dog and live in a small place, training your puppy to go in a litter box is a good idea. This allows your pet to go to the bathroom when you are at work or asleep, making it easier for your pet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. House Training a Yorkie Overview This breed is actually more easy to house train than some other types of breeds. In general, the Yorkie aims to please. However, in order to have quick success, you'll need to be prepared. This involves having the right things in place in order for housebreaking to work. In addition, you'll want to have a clear understanding of all of the guidelines. If you are not following the rules, neither can your Yorkshire Terrier. This section will show you exactly how to house train a Yorkie with step-by-step tips and advice. Overview of What Will be Needed Before we dive into all of the details, it may help you to have a general understanding of what will need to be in place and be done for housebreaking to work. Then, we'll get into specifics. Realistic expectations. Yorkie puppies do not have full control over bladder and bowel muscles. These will develop as the pup grows. So, needs can only be held for so long. In general, a 2-month old can go about 2 hours, a 3-month old for 3 hours, and so on. This does not mean that your 3-month old puppy will pee and then not pee again for another 3 hours. It just means that this is the maximum time that should lapse between taking the pup out. A supervision method. If your Yorkie is let outside alone, there will be zero opportunities to learn. And if you are not keeping a very close eye on your Yorkie while inside, there will be pee and poo just about everywhere. Exact adherence to housebreaking rules. Every element that is listed is here for a reason. If you halfheartedly follow these, if just some of the household members do the steps, or if some steps are done but not others, success will be limited. Proper reaction to accidents. If you follow all of these steps to potty train your Yorkie, there will be very few accidents. However, some will occur, and it'll be important that you react the right way. Indoor Vs Outdoor House Training For the best and fastest results, we highly recommend housebreaking a Yorkie to eliminate outdoors. It is canine instinct to sniff around outside and choose 'just the right spot'. And, going to the bathroom outside is much easier for a dog than trying to hit the mark on pee pads set up indoors. This said, if you do choose the indoor method of setting up pee pads, do follow all of the same advice here. The main difference will be that the 'designated area' will be the pee pads instead of a bathroom area outside. Step 1 Choose the Bathroom Area One area should be chosen as the designated bathroom area. Here are some important elements about this: A huge part of housebreaking a Yorkie is that the pup will be brought to this area by you. This means that you will not just open the door and let your Yorkie outside. Not only is this very dangerous, but it brings the learning opportunities down to zero. The area should be easily accessible in all seasons and in all weather. What seems to work well in the summer may be hard to reach in the winter. We will also cover some things you can do to make heading outside more tolerable. This should be at least 10 feet away from any family areas, such as the barbecue, outdoor eating spot, etc. Not doing this is the downfall of many housebreaking attempts. An owner sees that their Yorkie is rather close by, they turn to tidy up the room.Or, the puppy is playing with his toys, so the owner looks through the mail and makes a call, and the puppy leaves a poo behind the sofa. So, unless you have your eyes directly on your Yorkie with no distractions, one of two things must be happening: 1 Tethered supervision. If you cannot give your Yorkie your undivided attention but can keep him by your side as you are doing other things, keep your Yorkie tethered to you via a harness and a short 6-foot leash. Note that the harness is vital; do not use a collar as this can cause neck injury. In addition, the leash should be short; 6 feet 9 at the most and lightweight those made of climbing rope are incredibly durable but light, and work well. Any time that your Yorkie makes a motion to pee or poo, you will immediately pick him up and bring him to the designated area. And you will carry him if you must a great benefit of having such a tiny toy breed. For any times that you cannot keep your Yorkie right by your side or for any times that you are not home, you'll need to keep your Yorkie in one specific spot. It is not recommended to use a crate. Crates are terribly confining, and can cause both physical and emotional stress. Since a dog will pee or poo regardless of the size of his area when he simply cannot hold his needs any longer, there is no benefit to keeping a dog in such a small cage. It is also not recommend to use a gate to give a Yorkie an entire room. This not only is potentially dangerous unless the room is fully puppy-proofed, but it also opens up a huge problem with destructive chewing many pups being housebroken are also in the teething phase. And, the pup will end up peeing and pooing all over the room. What is recommended is a properly sized indoor canine playpen also referred to as exercise pens. These offer just the right amount of space, and are often used to help cure separation anxiety it offers a secure feeling of a 'den', while ensuring that all of a Yorkie's necessities are right there with him. Let's take a pause to show our recommended supervision and containment items. Below you will see a harness that comes in extra-extra small, a 6-foot leash made of climbing rope which makes it very lightweight, and two great playpen options. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. How to set up the playpen: Choose a spot in a room that is used by the family; dogs do not like to feel isolated. If you'll be putting this over carpeting, you may want to obtain a small piece of linoleum from your local home supply store to serve as the base. Within the pen will be a quality bed, a few helpful toys for teething or engagement, food if you'll be gone , water, and a spot for pee-pads. Dogs very rarely soil their own belongings, so any housebreaking accidents will most likely end up on the pads. Note, that if your Yorkie tends to move the pee pads or chews at them, using a canine litter box minus the sand, because that rarely works to hold the pads can work well to keep them in place. Below are some recommended items you may want to have inside the playpen. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. This combination is how dogs learn best, and what will motivate them to keep working at something. Emmy, photo courtesy of Terry DeMeyer Once a dog carries out a particular action enough times, it becomes automatic; at that time, reward will not be a 'must'; however, it does help to reinforce good behavior. The praise. Choose a certain word or phrase that you will always use. This should be something that you do not mind calling out in public. Just saying 'bathroom' is perfectly fine; though, 'pitty-potty' or another like term will work as well. You will say this each time you bring your Yorkie to the designated bathroom area Let's go pitty-potty and immediately after your dog has done the deed Good pitty potty, good dog! The reward. Special treats should be at the ready, in a zipped sandwich bag, and placed near the exit door that leads to the bathroom area. You'll want to be able to grab and pocket these as you are taking your Yorkie out. As you offer praise, palm a treat and allow your Yorkie to mouth it. The type of treat that you choose as reward for housebreaking plays a big role. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind: This should not be a snack that would be given out regardless. It should be be highly tasty, giving a quick burst of flavor that offers immediate signal of a job well done. It should be small the idea is to offer instantaneous satisfaction and not something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Since you'll also want to take care that the treats are high-quality no chemical additives, no by-products, no artificial coloring, and made in the US , one great option is one of the flavors of Fruitables; these come in many flavors, so if your Yorkie is already being given these, try a new flavor like Crispy Bacon and Apple or Mango Blueberry. Below are our recommended treats to reward for housebreaking. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Step 4 The Actual House Training Rules Now that you have prepared and have things in place to allow your efforts to be successful, it is time to implement the training. Here are 8 rules to follow: 1. Take your Yorkie to the same designated area every single time. Stand in the center of that area, and allow your Yorkie to choose the exact spot within the diameter. Do not hesitate with praise and reward as soon as your Yorkie urinates or has a bowel movement. Say, 'Good, pee-poo! Bring your Yorkie there before each walk. Allowing a dog to pee or poo while out for his daily walks is a missed opportunity for teaching housebreaking. Be patient. Dogs can take anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes to relax bowel muscles. Bring a chair if you must, but do give your Yorkie enough time. Bring your Yorkie outside often enough. This should be: Right after your pup wakes up About 20 minutes after each meal Right after you arrive back home, if you've been out Every so-many hours depending on age 3 hours for a 3-month-old, 4 hours for a 4-month old, etc. Right before bed 6. Your Yorkie should right in your sights, be tethered to you, or in his playpen. As soon as you see a leg lift or a squat, give a loud hand clap to interrupt and bring your pup right out, even if you must carry him. Time meals. Most Yorkshire Terriers do well with 3 meals per day, 2 to 3 snacks, and with the last meal or snack about 2 hours before bedtime. But, if your Yorkie is waking up and having a bowel movement super early, you may want to try adjusting dinnertime. This may lead to a bowel movement later in the evening before bed, as opposed to 4 or 5 AM. React appropriately at night. Most young puppies will bark intermittently throughout the night and it will be important to try and ascertain if the barking at night is for attention or because there is a bathroom need. Most very young puppies do not yet know to alert you to needs, so the majority of vocalization will be to gain your attention. Since you do not want to your puppy to learn that he's allowed to wake you up times, unless you highly suspect that he needs to poo or pee, barking should be ignored and the pup will learn to self-sooth. If you do bring him out, you will want to strongly convey that this is a serious time and not one for play. Keep lights low and do not speak at all unless it is to offer praise for urinating or eliminating in the designated area. Step 5 Reacting to Accidents If you are home and always have your Yorkie directly within your line of sight, tethered to you, or in his playpen, there should be essentially no times of accidents. And, if when you are not home you have your Yorkie in a playpen, since this is a defined space, pee and poo will be kept to one small area, and hopefully on the pee pads. This said, if your Yorkie does pee and poo in the house, you'll want to react the right way and clean it in the right way. Reacting: If you see your Yorkie starting to pee or poo, interrupt him via a loud hand clap and a firm 'No. If you come across a puddle of pee or a little pile of poo but did not witness it happening, reassess what lead to this in the first place. Were you following the supervision and confinement methods? Also, do not bother reprimanding; it will do little good and being scolded or yelled at may only serve to make your Yorkie afraid of you. Cleaning: Both urine and feces leave strong, lingering scents. The enzymes in this waste matter are not washed away with soap and water. So, while you may not smell anything at all, and the spot may look clean once you've taken care of it, it may still be sending out an almost impossible-to-ignore message to your Yorkie that says 'This is the bathroom area'. For this reason, thoroughly clean any accidents with a quality enzyme cleanser. In most cases, this is a matter of the pup not being outside long enough. Unless a Yorkie urgently needs to go, it can take upward of 15 minutes for the pup to relax bladder and bowel muscles and focus on eliminating. It's a common occurrence for owners to rush back inside too early, particularly if the weather is unpleasant. So, if it is cold, be sure that you're dressed warm enough, and have a warm coat or vest for your Yorkie. If it is raining, why not try a pet umbrella? These work very well for tiny toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier not such a great idea for larger dogs. Another trick to try is to hold your Yorkie on your lap after coming back inside. Very few dogs will pee on their owner. Wait 10 minutes, and head out again. If your Yorkie eats grass, noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. So, if a few of the trips are uneventful, that is fine. Remember, you are in charge. My Yorkie does everything outside other than pee. If your Yorkie eats grass , noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. My Yorkie is out of control, and pees and poops everywhere in the house, even on my bed. And sleeping up on an owner's bed should not be allowed. See Step 2 in regard to setting things up for success by choosing supervision and confinement methods. A Word About Marking This is not actually a matter of house training; marking is a behavioral issue. Some tips to know if this is a marking issue include: The dog is not fixed. Marking is much more common with un-neutered males and un-spayed females. The dog only urinates inside; bowel movements are done outside. The dog does not release their full bladder; typically urine is sprayed. For this, you'll want to follow guidelines to help a Yorkie stop marking in the house. See Also: Spaying and Neutering a Yorkie - The age this is done, what is involved, expected recovery time, pro and cons. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Contact Us. Small dogs can be trained to use a litter box. My personal experience shows that small dogs, once trained, actually benefit from using a litter box. Small dogs have small bladders, and the opportunity to "go whenever" is a big plus! It's also possible to train a dog to use a litter box that previously used papers or went outside. Dogs can also travel using the litterbox in other locations, and are able to use the litterbox during the day, as well as "go outside" at other times. How Do I Start? What do I Need? You'll need several items to get started. Of course, a litter box is required. I suggest a Purina dog litter box -- or get the largest cat litter box available, and cut the top off the hood. Removing the top makes it much easier for the dog to use, and for you to clean. Use very rough sandpaper or a smoothing tool i. Dogs tend to "go" more frequently than cats, and they don't bury their waste in the same way cats do. People use a variety of "filler" for litter pans. Some folks like to use newspapers or absorbent "pee pads". Others prefer commercial dog litter or cat litter, so they can scoop out and dispose of the waste easily. A few folks have voiced concern over clumping litter in the event the dog ingests it. Personally, I've used all types of filler and haven't experienced a problem with any of it. If you use dog or cat litter, buy a large size litter scoop, it will work best! A 3 to 5 gallon size can works perfectly. I also use a standard diaper pail lined with a plastic bag in my dog room. Whenever the "step-on" pail is full, I empty the can into the diaper pail. This saves a lot of time, and my trips to empty waste are infrequent. Best of all, the diaper pail is designed to contain odors! Cleaning Supplies Are Essential! Most importantly, be sure to have plenty of cleaning supplies. Brooms and easy-to-use mops should be nearby. Lots of paper towels especially at the beginning should be kept on hand. I also find a Dust Buster hand vacuum makes it easy to clean up the sand and litter that inevitably gets kicked around. Bleach is a great odor mask, and putting some in a small container make sure it is completely out of the reach of the dogs goes a long way in odor control. Other odor controls such as candles, sprays and plug-ins can also work well. In general, if you just keep the area clean, odor won't be a big problem. Accidents Can and Do Happen.Be prepared for accidents when house and litterbox training. If you do not completely clean urine stains, they will become a reoccurring spot the dog will use. I've had great success with a product called Simple Solution. During the early stages, I purchased it by the gallon jug. I found no other product that worked as well -- even on my near-white carpet! I also purchased a small home carpet cleaning machine, but the "blot and dry" method described in the product directions will work as well it just takes longer. As with most tasks, there's more than one method to accomplish your goal. I have successfully trained dogs to use a litter box by using two methods: The first method is a gradual paper to litter box method. This method works well with dogs who are already solidly paper trained, and who tend to catch on quickly. The second method is a variation of the common "crate training" used to house train dogs. From experience, I think the latter crate style training is best. Some people find crate training to be drastic -- but it does work, and if done properly with lots of attention, care and praise for the dog -- it isn't harmful. If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to work with the dog very closely, and have your cleaning supplies even closer! The best method for housetraining is to design the environment so that it is difficult for the dog to fail. Your dog wants to please you, and you can help him or her succeed! Obviously, a tiled or easy to clean floor area is best. During the first few days, you will need to constantly monitor the dog when it is not in its bathroom area. In this initial period, the dog should have only two location options: either with you, or a direct path to his bathroom area. You can accomplish this by shutting doors, and using simple gating materials such as latex lattice, child gates, or even pieces of cardboard. In any event, make sure that the dog can ONLY go to his designated area when "caught in the act". Make sure there is a direct path between you and his bathroom only no open side rooms at all times. During the first few days the dog should either be with you, or in his area. If you are unable to watch the dog carefully, put the dog in his bathroom or crate area. If you notice actions such as circling or sniffing usually indicating the dog has "to go" , then encourage the dog to go to his area to do his business on papers. Develop a key word or key phrase for this action. It can be anything you want such as: "go pee", "get busy", "use the box", etc. Repeat the word or phrase often at the spot where the dog should do his business. All the World is a Stage.If you catch the dog in the act of going in wrong place, you need to "shock" the dog. A loud "NO! In any event, his direct path, his destination must be his bathroom area. Once there, start praising the dog and using the keyword. Soak a small bit of the dog's urine in a paper towel or newspaper and put in his bathroom area. If your dog smells his feces or urine in his bathroom area, he will be more likely to use that area. Clean any "accident" areas to an extreme degree. A dog's sense of smell is incredible. I "over-treat" using Simple Solution cleaner. After all the smells and stains are gone to my nose and eyes , I reapply the solution. It works! Of course my mother doesn't agree -- she swears by Woolite Carpet Cleaner apparently a special version for "pet accidents". In any case, get a product that works for you! When the dog goes to the right place to use the bathroom, you need to lavish praise and treats on him, all the time repeating the key word. Frankly, it works best if you overact when expressing your pleasure or displeasure. If by chance you see the dog in the act going on the papers or later in the litterbox , you simply have to be beside yourself with joy and happiness! Believe me, the dog will catch on when you are dancing, praising, and kissing his little head when he goes in the right place! Help the Dog Become Accustomed to the Litter box With either method "paper to litter box" or "crate style training" you'll need to get the dog accustomed to the litter box. It should be in his area from the beginning, with a tiny bit of litter in the bottom and some newspaper inside of it. Newspaper should also be put right next to the litter box if paper training. Some folks have reported better results by adding a one of the commercial "potty aid" liquids in the litter box during the early stages of training. At the outset, you'll need to get the dog used to simply getting in and out of the box. This can made into a fun experience for the dog. Simply lift and place the dog in the litter box and use the key phrase like "use the box". Praise him and be happy. He'll likely get out of the box. Repeat the "praise and happy" routine and even give a little treat. If the dog stresses or tires of the game, just stop. Repeat it another time or day. Soon, you'll be able to repeat the keyword, while gently guiding the dog in the box from outside the box. After a few sessions, you should be able to have dog go in the box on his own when the keyword is used. Placement of the box is also important. It must be next to the newspapers, and the open side should minimize "fallout". Dogs have a digging instinct. I haven't met a dog yet that won't try at least once to dig his way under the litter box! Notice the top picture on this page. See how the litter boxes face toward each other and a wall? This minimizes clean up in the event of digging episode! It looks like a tight spot, but honestly, the small dogs don't have any problem getting in and out. A well-arranged litter box will minimize the "fallout" from a digging episode or normal tracking. Progressing from Paper to Litter box If your dog is solidly paper-trained, you can make a gentle progression from paper to litter box. As I said before, the "crate style" training works best, but some people prefer a more gentle approach. I've used both of these methods successfully. The key for the "paper to litter box" method is to make it very gradual. You'll need a supply of cardboard boxes in various sizes. You can sometimes get these from grocery stores, a moving company or U-Haul store. Moving boxes work particularly well because they come in a variety of sizes. Some masking and duct tape is also useful as you change the sides and shapes. The first step is to make a flat "pan" area with the papers. You can cut out the bottom of a cardboard box and line it with papers, or get something like the washing machine pan pictured here and line it with papers. It should be a minimal "box" -- that is, simply enough side to it that it is not completely flat. This should be an easy transition for the dog. If not, start with the papers on a flat piece of cardboard, then move to a slight "pan shape" box. As time progresses, you need to change the cardboard "pan" to a "box" by gradually changing to boxes with higher sides. This needs to be done slowly, over a period of weeks. At some point, you should have a cardboard version of a VERY large cat litter box the "step up" or "step over" edge should never be higher than your real cat litter box. Next, slowly decrease the size of your "cardboard cat litter box" to be just slightly larger than your real cat litter box. At this point, put the cat litter bottom, or tray, into your cardboard box and line the bottom and sides with newspaper. Once the dog is comfortable with using that, you can clip on the plastic hood remember the top should be cut off. The key is for changes to be so gradual the dog doesn't notice. Next, slowly remove all the cardboard so the dog is using papers in the litter box. Finally, you'll need to slowly move from paper to litter. Start with a thin layer of litter in the front of the box, and paper covering almost all of the bottom of the box. Over a period of days, move to less paper and more litter covering more of the box, and slightly deeper with litter. At some point, you'll be putting a tiny piece of newspaper in the back of the box. It looks really weird, but it works! At some point, you'll be able to get rid of the paper altogether. Crate Style Training Crate style training is, in my opinion, the quickest and most effective means of litter box training. The concept is simple. Every creature has a natural aversion to soiling where it eats or sleeps. The crate style method for litter box training is similar, except than eventually, the dog will have greater freedom, even while you're away from the house. Prior to starting crate style training, you should already have the dog comfortable with the litter box, and able to hop in and out of it without fear see earlier section. The dog should also be accustomed to, or know that he is expected to use "his area" for the bathroom. Instead of just a travel kennel or cage, you make an area with a bed, food, water and the litter box. The area must be large enough for the dog to get up, turn around and lay down comfortably -- but there must be no open space for the dog to use the bathroom except the litter box. The cage material should be sturdy, and something the dog cannot jump over or hurt himself trying to escape from. Use bungee type strapping hooks to easily lash and hook your cage. It's also possible to use playpens or commercial cages. If using a pen or cage, be sure to fill any open space with plastic buckets or some other safe material that will prevent the dog from using open space in the pen or cage as a bathroom area. Once you have constructed your "crate area", place the dog in this "crate" at typical bathroom times after eating, after sleeping, etc. The dog should stay in this crate area until he uses the bathroom. Try to be nearby so you can catch the dog in the act and praise him right after he uses the box. Remember to use your key word or phrase! The crate area should also be the where the dog stays when you leave the house. When you are with the dog in the house, this crate area should be open, and part of his "direct path" to his bathroom area. If the dog uses the bedding material as his bathroom spot, change it immediately! Replace the bedding, and sprinkle bits of food on the new bedding. If there are treats frequently found on the bedding, the dog will not use it as a bathroom area! The crate training routine should continue until you see the dog use the litter box on his own. You should occasionally stay in the room with the dog at times you know he needs to go. With the crate area open, encourage him to use the litter box, repeating with the key word frequently, and praise him whenever he uses the box. Soon, you'll be walk with the dog into the room, use the keyword, and the dog will go in the litter box to do his business. Eventually, he will go there on his own. My dogs sleep in my bedroom. In the middle of the night, they will get up, go across the house to the litter box to use the bathroom -- and then come back to bed! When I leave the house, I can leave them in a small area of the house, and they use litter box! At home, they come and go as they please. Bad weather, cold weather -- it doesn't matter! Everyone is happier! What Can I Do? I've never seen the crate style method not work. Properly laid out, it simply doesn't give the dog any other choice. Check to make sure you have the area as small as possible, limiting his choices. If the dog won't go unless crated, then you'll need to spend more time teaching him to use the box -- simply reinforcing the command to get in the box, and staying with him in the room and gently guiding him in the box, repeating the keyword, and using lots of praise. Use treats as a reward for going in the box along with praise! You can eventually wean the dog away from treats and more towards praise. Remember, this process even crate training takes several weeks before the dog will reliably go in the box by itself, and several months of checking and monitoring before the dog will be fully "on his own". With every dog, there's frustration and you'll say "He just doesn't get it. He will never do this". Then, suddenly, he'll catch on! Another common problem is for some dogs to use the litter box to pee, but they'll poop outside this box or even worse, reversed. There are two factors here: First, dogs typically don't do all their business in one spot. Second, some dogs especially hound breeds sometimes need to "walk it out". That's impossible to do in a litter box. I have one dog who would happily do all his business in the box. My other dog finds it very difficult to poop in the box. Our compromise is that ALL peeing is done in the box. No exceptions. They are allowed to poop near the box, but always in "their room", on the tile, and preferably on the paper next to the box. This works well because I pick up and flush the waste with tissue, and dispose of the litter waste in pails and plastic trash bags. Also, I'll mention that I find that since converting to the Purina dog litter and box system, I've discovered not to use as much litter as the Purina folks would lead you to believe. It's actually easier and more effective to use a thin layer of pellets in the bottom of the litter box rather than the 1" to 3" deep they claim. Using that much wastes a lot of litter, plus it makes it more difficult to scoop out the "used" litter. The Big Mistakes From my own experience and in talking to others, there are some common mistakes to avoid: Be consistent. Pick the dog's area or spot and stick with it. Use the same keyword or phrase. Stay with one brand of litter. Keep a routine as much as possible. Any change must be very gradual. Watch the dog constantly during the first two weeks. If the dog is not beside you with you watching him, he should be in his crate area. There must be a direct path between you and the dog's bathroom area at all times. A single "uncaught" act of peeing or pooping in the wrong place will set you back nearly to the beginning. Never hit, beat or "grind" the dog's nose into the "accident". It will be a mistake your dog will never forget, and you will always regret. Keep the litter box clean. Regularly go into the litter box or boxes and dispose of all the waste. At least once a month, empty out the box and wash it out with soap and water. The dog won't want to use a nasty box. Always deal with relapses or accidents. Once the dog begins to use the litter box, you'll provide more freedom. Then, he or she will have an accident -- or simply decide to start using a different spot. NEVER let this go without dealing with situation. Immediately start the routine again, including crating, if necessary. If you don't deal with a relapse, the dog will revert to going anywhere and everywhere in the house. I disagree with the "experts" in one area: Every book and article I've read says that if the dog has an "accident", he can't make an association between the accident and a rebuke after the fact. In my experience, this isn't entirely true. If my dog has "an accident", I let him come to the spot and I quietly stand slightly away. When the dog inevitably starts to sniff the spot, I give him a sharp "NO! It makes a difference. They do make a connection. Understand, it's not a matter of yelling, screaming, or punishing the dog. Use common sense. If your dog acts confused and bewildered at this type of correction -- don't do it. Alternative Boxes There are also additional alternatives for litter boxes. You can use large plastic bins or the top of travel crates if you need a larger space. There are companies that build and sell self-contained litterboxes to which hoses can be hooked up to flush and exit waste water. You can also build your own custom Ultimate Litter Box! Click here to see one including photos, specifications, and parts required. The End Result What can you expect? After several weeks of work, and a month or two of monitoring and frequent checking, you'll be able to let the dogs roam freely and have confidence they will use the box. You'll be able to put them in their room and go work -- knowing they're not "holding it" or worse, walking in it. You'll be able to go dinner or a movie and not have to cut short just because you know he or she has to go. This isn't an excuse to abandon the dogs -- there are few places I'd rather be than with my little buddies! It gives me freedom, and it gives them freedom. Oh, and on those cold, wet days -- we just look out the window and smile