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How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Your puppy should have access to clean water throughout the day, but it should be taken away at night. Puppies between the ages of eight and twelve weeks benefit from being fed three or four times per day. Any changes in the amount of food a puppy consumes should be implemented gradually. A German shepherd puppy needs a lot of food between 6 and 8 months to grow into an adult. Adult food provides numerous superfluous nutrients that the puppy does not need at that time. Feed him tiny servings of puppy food per day. After a year, you can switch him to adult food. It is recommended to feed your dog as directed by the manufacturer. These instructions may vary by brand and composition. Make sure your dog stays fit. To feel the spine, ribs, and pelvic bones. A noticeable waistline is a must. German Shepherds are capable of consuming a wide variety of human meals, including beef, chicken, pig, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots , peas, and pumpkins are also permitted. Additionally, you can feed your GSD additional foods such as rice and noodles, yogurt, and cheese. This procedure should take two to four weeks to finish. Supplements should be avoided since they may add too many nutrients to the diet that are already there. If you wish to provide a treat, eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt are excellent additives for improved digestion or flavor variation. Although it is natural for young German shepherd pups to be hungry, persistent hunger should be a matter of concern. Worms can make your dog be ever hungry. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. When should I change my German Shepherd puppy to adult food? Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. This is a very controversial topic. I'll bet if you asked 10 dog owners this question you'd get 10 different answers. Growing puppies should only be fed a high quality puppy diet which you need to continue feeding until your dog reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For many German Shepherd puppies, this occurs usually around 8 to 9 months of age. Keep in mind that individual German Shepherd puppies growth rates will vary greatly from dog to dog. If your puppy is growing exceptionally quickly, you might want to ask your vet about switching your GSD puppy to adult food even sooner. And how will you know if your puppy is growing faster than most, you may ask? Well, for one thing I would check with your own GSD breeder. And if you didn't get your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, for example, if you got your puppy from a rescue organization or from a shelter or maybe some other source I would then suggest speaking with your veterinarian about your pups growth rate and when the change in diet should occur. You may wonder why you don't just start feeding your puppy adult food in just one meal or so. That's just asking for trouble. There's a really good reason for this slow transition from one type of dog food to another - to avoid upsetting your dog's intestinal tract or causing diarrhea. If you were to just drastically switch from one food to another without this transition period you will have runny poops and just overall messy poops and a puppy with an upset stomach. And this can be easily avoided by following the transition as suggested above. And for adult GSD's, I always suggest feeding a good quality dry food only. You don't need to supplement a good quality dry dog food with any type of canned food. A good dry food is an excellent choice for a growing German Shepherd in many respects and it is very beneficial to their teeth as canned foods can cause many problems with tooth decay. What puts man in a higher state of evolution is that he has got his laugh on the right end. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. According to Total German Shepherd , all feeding changes should be made gradually to ensure the best possible results. The food recommended by the breeder or rescue organization should be used for the first few weeks to avoid digestive disruption, and kibble should be mixed with a little water. Clean water should be available to your puppy all day but taken up at night. Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old do best with being fed three or four times daily. After 12 weeks, feeding your puppy twice a day is fine. Any changes to the amount of food a puppy eats should be done gradually. Puppies will experience their most significant growth rates between three and six months old. In most cases, this will be around a year old, although larger males might take longer to reach this size. The Happy Puppy Site states that a lot of problems German Shepherds can encounter are due to bone growth that occurs too rapidly. These issues include hip dysplasia. Choosing the right food and feeding the right amount both play a leading role in making sure your puppy grows at an acceptable rate. A raw diet might prove beneficial once your dog has reached adult size. One of the possible benefits is reducing the possibility of hip dysplasia. When your puppy has a growth rate that follows a proper pace, the dog will reach the appropriate proportions when they are supposed to. Even though all dogs run the risk of injury, a puppy that grows at the appropriate rate has healthier bones. Puppy food for large breeds with a high protein level is best for German Shepherd puppies. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to continue the same brand and essential formulation, but to switch to the adult version when appropriate. You will not only avoid any issues with finicky behavior but will also help ensure that your puppy continues to meet its essential nutritional needs. The outcome of taking these steps will be better overall health for your dog. Then, you will replace half the food for two days and three-quarters for two days, ultimately making the switch totally to the new food. This process should take two to four weeks. This video helps put the process of switching your dog over to another food into perspective. This relatively simple step is an essential way of making sure that your dog is nourished. Avoid adding supplements, because they may add too many nutrients that are already present in the food. Eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt make suitable additives for better digestion or flavor variety if you want to provide a treat. Amanda J. These guidelines may vary depending on the brand and formulation. Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight. The spine, ribs, and pelvic bones should be easy to lightly feel. All GSDs should have a visible waistline. If the food your puppy is eating seems to be leaving them unsatisfied or they do not appear to be gaining healthy weight levels, you may need to consider following up with your veterinarian. Medium-length beef marrow bones can be a tasty treat in addition to their food, especially if stuffed with pumpkin without any spices or peanut butter. However, avoid pork or poultry bones, because these can splinter very easily. Gravy should never be given as a treat because of its potential to cause diarrhea. Another concern is that gravy might contain spices possibly toxic to dogs. Avoid feeding table scraps for the same reason. There are concerns about some kibble-based dog foods that owners should be aware of, according to Anna Burke. These foods include grain-free varieties high in potato and legume content like lentils or peas. Such ingredients increase the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Large dogs like Shepherds may be somewhat more prone to this condition. If you want to consider this diet, wait until your dog has achieved adult size. Avoid homemade diets, as these are mostly deficient in crucial nutrients that growing puppies require. Melissa Smith notes that timing is everything when it comes to switching from puppy to adult food, and your vet will play a leading role. One of the reasons why timing is so important is because the calorie content of puppy food is so high. This can make the young adult dog gain weight too quickly, in the wrong places, particularly the belly area, where fat can be dangerous. A growth spurt after a year is possible in German Shepherds, particularly males, and your vet may have a good idea of when the growth will finish. However, what about Shepherds that are not purebred? This question is very reasonable, as it is a little more difficult to guess when a mixed-breed is done growing. Compare your measurements to popular GSD growth charts for reference. Consider making sure your vet is on-board as you make the transition from puppy food to adult. Your vet will be able to spot any nutritional deficits that require addressing. Another advantage is being able to ensure the dog has proper bone growth. If your German Shepherd has needs that require a special diet, your vet will be able to provide valuable guidance about the appropriate timing. Even though you might find it challenging to think about obesity when your dog is transitioning out of puppyhood, this stage is not too early by any means. Early prevention is key to stopping many conditions besides hip dysplasia. Both obesity and being underweight can come with their share of problems for your growing dog. Obesity, when unchecked, can not only lead to bone and joint issues but can also lead to heart disease and diabetes. If your dog is underweight, Amber King recommends a high-protein diet with a moderate amount of fat. Follow up with your vet to help uncover the cause of the low body weight. Another possible health issue of concern, according to Dr. OCD is a condition that involves abnormal cartilage growth at the end of a joint. Wobbler syndrome is another condition that may have its origins in overly rapid growth. This disorder is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck area, often leading to difficulties with walking. When you have a growing German Shepherd, the right nutrition makes all the difference in their growth and development. Even though it may feel as though the amount of information on nutrition is overwhelming, it is essential. Making the right choices early on will mean greater health and happiness for your dog. A dog that grows at a reasonable, healthy rate will do much better in life. Recommended reading:.

With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies isolated against white background English Bulldog puppy in grass Two English Bulldogs against wooden background English Bulldog puppy isolated on white background English Bulldog puppy lying on floor English Bulldog puppy sitting on rug English Bulldog puppy on leash English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! Fact checked by Sarah Scott Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home. With proper training, they make excellent family pets because they get along with everyone and everything. Bulldogs have a whole lot of love to give. These moderately active dogs boast a quintessentially stocky build with wrinkled skin, and their coats are super soft. Want more reasons to love bulldogs? These cute faces should tell you all you need to know. Even then, they like to think that they're lapdogs. These soft-coated dogs have big heads and strong jaws that, when combined with their unwavering loyalty, make them top-notch watchdogs. Continue to 2 of 10 below. They weigh less than 30 pounds, but they make up for their small size with unabashedly bold character. One of America's most popular small dog breeds , French Bulldogs are quiet but alert, making them almost as effective as their American and English watchdog cousins. Continue to 3 of 10 below. Today, their tough appearance has earned them mascot status at California State University, Yale, and the University of Georgia. Continue to 4 of 10 below. Regular exercise will help them maintain a healthy weight. Make regular walking, hiking, or running a habit. Exercising your bulldog will keep its muscles and heart strong, increasing its lifespan while preventing problems such as hip dysplasia and heart disease. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Some bulldogs will sleep for 12 to 14 hours in 24 hours and must be encouraged to get up and engage in a bit of daily exercise. Continue to 6 of 10 below. They're ready to do whatever everyone else is doing. French bulldogs have a long history as companion dogs because of their loving, playful, and calm nature—they won't mind spending the day poolside with you. Continue to 7 of 10 below. Your bulldog will likely allow you to dress it up in a Halloween costume and birthday crown every year. Just don't be surprised if your photos capture big, wide puppy-dog eyes asking for a little mercy. Continue to 8 of 10 below. American bulldogs are fiercely loyal and love their owners to no end. They are exceptionally affectionate but can get territorial and suspicious of strangers. They'll socialize easily with everyone once proper training is enforced. Continue to 9 of 10 below. These dynamic dogs are enthusiastic companions and eager to please, offering as much loyalty as their big cousins and the protective instinct to prove it. Continue to 10 of 10 below. Stubbornness may just be a sign of intelligence since bulldogs seem well aware that they can wait out their owners. Once you have a treat in hand, your dog will likely learn and obey your every command. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pedersen, N. A genetic assessment of the English bulldog. Canine Genet Epidemiol, vol. With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies isolated against white background English Bulldog puppy in grass Two English Bulldogs against wooden background English Bulldog puppy isolated on white background English Bulldog puppy lying on floor English Bulldog puppy sitting on rug English Bulldog puppy on leash English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! They are also known by other names like English bulldog or British Bulldog. But whatever you may call them, they are one of the best ever breeds still existing. In ancient times, bulldogs were actually used to drive cattle to the market and used to participate in a game known as bull baiting. But today these bull dogs have became a gentle companion dogs who really love their kids a lot. But remember there are other various amazing information about this breed in the article. Read it full without a miss. Despite its energy or lack thereof , no one can deny that bulldogs have the propensity to have fun! In fact, a bulldog named Otto is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records because of its love for skateboarding. They are very compact in overall shape. They have massive folds all over their body especially on the head. The head is covered with extra skin on both the skull and forehead. The cheeks generally extend to the side of the eyes. The ears are small in appearance and are placed slightly high on the head. The short and flat coat of the bulldog is straight smooth and glossy. They are also found in various coat colors like solid white, red, brindle, fawn, pale yellow and various other combinations. One of the most common problems for English bulldogs is conception. Because of its build and biology, male bulldogs often find it difficult to mate with female bulldogs. As such, most English bulldogs are bred via artificial insemination. The next part of the problem would be giving birth. Combine that with their compact build and huge muscles, and they might quickly sink to the bottom. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool at home or you regularly go to the beach, be sure to keep an eye on your English bulldog. You can get a doggie life vest and build more sea-bound memories with your pup. They can look cute, and they can look fierce. Because of this, the English bulldog is the most popular college mascot of all time. In fact, at least 15 colleges and high schools use the English bulldog as their official mascots. The height of the bulldog is normally inches and the weight is about pounds on an average. Females are slightly of less weight ranging from pounds. Bulldogs are very prone to breathing problems and some are found with small windpipes as well. They have a poor eye sight and can fall into a heart stroke anytime in a house or a car. They are also very prone to weather changes. Skin problems and hip and knee problem are also very common. So it can be said that they are full of diseases from very early age. But if you can keep them in a good care they will obviously survive more. A bulldog is possibly the first-ever dog to ride a car. In , cars were still quite rare. Horatio Nelson Jackson, along with his co-driver Sewall K. With a horsepower car and a pair of goggles for Bud, the three of them proved to the world that cars will pave the way for transportation in the near future. So, maybe you can find a way to use these as motivation for your little one to run and play with you. Bull baiting was banned in the UK in .After that, the English bulldog almost faced extinction. Luckily, many others saw the potential of the breed. Breeders then tried to make them gentler and kinder by mixing them with other breeds that have these characteristics. As a result, they became one of the sweetest and gentlest breeds out there. They are very gentle in nature and they are very affectionate and dependable on their owners. Bulldogs are mainly known for their good courage and guarding abilities. If you are the owner they will need your attention all the time. Even some bulldogs are very dominating in nature. So if you are an owner of strong mentality, you can control them. All of England loves this breed! Since then, it has become one of the most popular breeds in the US, snatching the fourth rank. When bulldogs are young, they are very active and playful but this reduces with time as they grow old. This breed is real family pet and is very suitable for small families. Bulldogs have a habit of drooling which sometimes results in stinky smell. If you can train them in a correct way they will really do everything according to the command. So you can self train them or take them to a dog trainer who can easily train them. Bull dogs are human lovers and they really depend on them. So humans should also be very lovable towards this dig breed. English bulldogs are perhaps the most heavy-eyed dog breed out there. English bulldogs often sleep for 14 hours a day. Maybe they got tired fighting bulls in their early days which is also where they got the name , and they now just want to sit back, relax, and take a nap. English bulldogs are extremely popular among celebrities and important personalities. Some of them have even lived in the White House. Both President William G. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt also took care of a family bulldog called Jaques. David Beckham once received a bulldog named Coco from his wife Victoria as a Christmas present. Even though bulldogs may not like the water or swimming in particular, Michael Phelps has one named Herman. Adam Sandler also has a bulldog named Meatball who served as his best man in his wedding. An English bulldog is best for a small house or an apartment life. Once they grow up they will not be very active in the indoors and bulldog is a real indoor dog. So if you live in a temperate climate, you can bring a puppy today as your pet. You will really get amazed by seeing their loyalty. You have seen some beautiful photos of English bulldog puppies and you can imagine how sweet they are. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts.

The high level of intelligence and ability to interact with other dogs, kids and visitors makes them the perfect family dog. Our show dogs are sometimes tested further as a formality. Our poodles come from healthy, health tested lineage dating back many generations. Raised with love Poodles are our passion. We carefully plan our litters based off our always building wait list. Call today to learn more about our confident, adorable puppies. Winston demonstrates eagerness to please and loves to spend time training. Lee and family do such a great job socializing their pups that Winston acclimated to our household of 3 cats and a 6 year old labradoodle within hours! He is a very loving little guy and clearly had a great start at Berkshire Poodles! Could not have made a better choice in breed of dog and breeder. After only a little over 2 weeks she has blossomed into such a sweetheart. She has continued to amaze me with her intelligence. She was going in and out of crate after 3 days and now I have her actually jumping up at string of bells on door and barking to go out. She has not had an accident in the house in over 5 days. Thank you Lee, for such a wonderful companion. She walked on the leash pretty much like she had been doing it all her life! Got her home and she adapted so quickly! What an awesome pup! Lee and his wife were so kind and accommodating we couldn't ask for a better transition! Would recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great poodle! They obviously love their dogs! Crystal Dewey We really had a good experience with Lee and his father in regards to picking out our puppy and having the information and local references we needed about her health and care. She was an adorable puppy and has turned into a well behaved loving member of the family. She's a beautiful dog too and gets compliments everywhere we go. Ginny Our Pally, now nine months old, is a delight in every way. She is smart, curious and very affectionate. She is never aggressive with anyone, human or canine; she just loves to be companionable and learn new things about the world. She has one weakness: socks. But if you keep your sock drawer closed, she is a practically perfect poodle. Get in touch. Berkshire Poodles. There are many types of Poodles available. Poodles are very popular and are also incredibly intelligent. Their actual intelligence is just after the Border Collie. They are also highly skillful, able to be dogs that assist, and more! See more Los Angeles, CA poodle on recycler. Poodle Place. Poodle Puppies For Sale. Find Poodle Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Poodle information. Poodles for Sale in Los Angeles. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Chino Hills, CA. Norco, CA.Miniature Poodles for Sale in Los Angeles. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy.Miniature Poodle Puppies for sale in Los Angeles, ca from top breeders and individuals. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Our colors are dark red, cinnamon, cream, and strawberry blond, gold with red highlights, cream.Moonstruckpoodles - Miniature Poodles, Breeder, Puppies for.Moonstruck Poodles, miniature poodles in San Diego since .Take a look at our Miniature Poodle puppies for sale below! Khloes Red Toy Poodles. Happy Saturday insta fam I'm very Happy to see that our puppies. Miniature Poodle Puppies for Sale - Adoptapet. Adopt a Poodle Miniature near you in California. Below are our newest added Poodle Miniature available for adoption in California. To see more adoptable Poodle Miniature in California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! At Hidden Meadows, we raise beautiful, pure-bred moyen and miniature poodles, and sometimes bernedoodles. Our puppies are bred with quality, patience, Page 6: Poodles for Sale in Los Angeles. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Toy Poodle Adoptions in Los Angeles. Poodle, Miniature puppies for sale from dog breeders near Los Angeles, California. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets … Looking for breeder of minis in California. Looking for a reasonable breeder of minis. If near Los Angeles, PM me. Looking to Poodle puppies for sale? Uptown Puppies is what happens when top Los Angeles Poodle breeders join together to deliver the best Poodle puppies. Poodle Miniature puppies and dogs in Los Angeles.Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Poodle Miniature near you. Picture of.Selectively bred from AKC-registered sires and dams, our puppies all have Champion dogs in their immediate lineage. We specialize in Red and Apricot Poodles in various sizes, including: Moyen lbs. Written health guarantee. Fully socialized. The typical price for Poodle puppies for sale in Los Angeles, CA may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. Poodle - Miniature puppies for sale. Find a Poodle - Miniature for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Los Angeles. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on … Craigslist monroe la pets. Dachshund Lover dog sale pic Dec 20 2 baby hampsters to rehome pic Dec 19 mini Australian shepherds Lafayette.Pet of the Week: 4-year-old miniature poodle named Chanel. Search for miniature poodle rescue dogs for adoption near Los Angeles, California. Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. Los Angeles: Poodle - Miniature Breeders. Below is a sample search of our Poodle - Miniature breeders with puppies for sale. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. Screened for quality. Transportation to Los Angeles, CA available. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets … los angeles for sale "poodle". Miniature Poodle Breeders Pacific Northwest. This is the price you can expect to pay for the Poodle, Miniature breed without.About Poodles. Elegant but goofy, proud but friendly, and refined but playful, Poodles seem to have it all—including an allergy-friendly coat! Ky classifieds pets. Learn more about Ziggy today. Why buy a Poodle Miniature puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Miniature Poodle puppies. Poodle puppies for sale in Los Angeles, CA from trusted breeders. Pomapoo adoption. For those passionate about dog shows, Poodles For Sale Central Coast. Microchip, Vaccination, Vet.Poodle mix dogs for sale near me. Explore listings for Poodle puppies for sale in bc at best prices. Bichon frise for sale los angeles - babyartikel. Standard Poodle Puppies for Sale - Adoptapet. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Poodle Standard … Moonstruckpoodles - Miniature Poodles, Breeder, Puppies for.See more Poodle puppies for sale craigslist. Get connected with vetted Los Angeles Poodle breeders and find the perfect Poodle.Browse Poodle puppies for sale from 5 Star Breeders. Size: Mini. Book us for a small get together with your friends, a corporate team building event or your child's.Female Adult Miniature Poodle mixed 7 lbs Small. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Showing: 1 - 10 of .Litter of .Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Standard Poodle is a medium- to large-sized dog. When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Standard Poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. This highly intelligent dog is one of the most trainable breeds. Some can be trained to hunt. The Standard Poodle is generally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give it the proper amount and type of exercise. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. It are not the type of dog to live outside in a kennel, as it enjoys being with its owners and dislikes being alone. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some can make good guard dogs. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader , providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues. Height, Weight Height: 15 inches 38 cm or more. Weight: Males 45 - 70 pounds 20 - 32 kg Females 45 - 60 pounds 20 - 27 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Runny eyes, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause blindness. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat , so it is wise to feed your Standard small meals a day, rather than one large one. Living Conditions If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice. Exercise The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties. Life Expectancy About or more years Litter Size About puppies Grooming Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to Germany, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now-extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gundog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks. French fashion designer. Published Paris, Feuchot. Song by Coco Chanel, as a result she took on the name Coco. Stiviano gives a dog water on a hot day in L. A as she returns from shopping at chanel Featuring: V. Dog toth black and white texture. Tartan print. This sculpture is of a Frenchwoman represented as a small, elegant, snooty lady, wearing a Chanel-style suit, rubber-zippered high-heeled shoe covers and an imitation beret, firmly holds against her chest a French Poodle and stares with discontent at the head office of the Bank of Montreal, a symbol of the English power. After buying a handbag to give to his boyfriend Tommaso Stanzani, Tommaso Zorzi goes out in the company of two friends he met by chance in a boutique, then after a walk along the streets of the quadrilateral he greets them and goes home alone. Little Lola Sunshine, the most famous fashionable street looking Yorshire Terrier celebrity dog in the world. Paris Fashion week .Defile Chanel. Grand Palais, Paris, France. The first Westminster show was held on May 8, , making it the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States behind only the Kentucky Derby, which was first held in

Pat yourself on the back, as you chose a tremendous breed! While adding a puppy to your family is an exciting time, raising a young puppy also requires pet owners to undertake a series of responsibilities. Puppies will require regular feeding , potty training, some toys to play with , love and attention, and, last but certainly not least, vaccinations. However, during their puppy period, they will require a series of vaccinations that are essential to their ability to fight off bacteria and diseases. Booster Vaccinations for Labrador Retrievers The first vaccinations that your labrador retriever will need are called boosters. Why call them boosters? Super creative, we agree! The first booster vaccination is recommended to be done between weeks old and is done to combat canine distemper. In many states, giving your pets a rabies shot is required by law. DHPP Vaccine and Beyond The third vaccination that your labrador retriever is scheduled to receive takes place between 16 and 20 weeks old. This very efficient shot contains four vaccines all in one that fight against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Depending on the where you and your new puppy live, your labrador retriever might also need to be vaccinated against diseases such as lyme, leptospirosis, and coronavirus. The name kennel cough derives from the likelihood that dogs that are boarded contract it. The vaccine DHPP is used to prevent kennel cough. Hepatitis in dogs is a viral disease that attacks a their liver and eyes. It can lead to reproductive issues and causes significant discomfort. Though humans can also contract forms of hepatitis, this form can not be transmitted to humans. It can be transmitted to humans. DHPP is used to prevent it. Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for puppies. It is often fatal. The cost of vaccinations will vary slightly depending on the provider. We recommend that you call a few of your local veterinarians or clinics to ask for price quotes for of each vaccination you are preparing to give your puppy. Another option for pet owners is to consider acquiring pet insurance for their labrador retriever. Pet insurance provides pet owners with the freedom to make veterinary decisions without stressing the financial implications. Learn why most vets recommend pet insurance to pet owners. Looking to learn more about your labrador retriever? PetPlace is a wonderful resource for pet owners who want to discover more about their pet, and others. We have thousands of vet-approved articles that will quench your thirst for pet-related info. Specific to labrador retrievers, you can discover 5 attributes about labs that make them great or tips for house training your new puppy. What vaccinations does my puppy need? Discover which diseases your puppy will need to be protected against. Getting your new pup vaccinated will protect them from common infectious diseases. Without this protection, your dog could develop serious illnesses which could have lasting effects, and even be life-threatening. Core vaccinations are those recommended for all dogs. Your vet may suggest extras, depending on your lifestyle and plans. When should my puppy be vaccinated? These antibodies will fall, so pups need to develop their own immunity through vaccination. Most puppies should get the first of their core vaccinations from six weeks of age. Speak to your vet about best timings for your pup. Usually, they'll need to return to us for their second set. If you arrange for this to happen at your own vet, please show them the puppy's paperwork. This is so they can check that they stock a compatible vaccine. Vaccinations can take days or weeks to be fully effective — your vet will be able to tell you more. This is also a good time to put in place a flea, tick and worming regime for your pup. You should also keep them away from lakes, rivers and stagnant water. What do puppy vaccinations protect against? More about core and additional vaccinations. Core vaccinations Vaccinations against the diseases listed below are generally recommended for all dogs. Canine parvovirus A highly-contagious and often-fatal virus that causes severe illness with signs such as vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Canine distemper A viral disease which can cause severe, and often fatal, pneumonia lung inflammation and encephalitis brain inflammation. Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2 These viruses can cause severe and fatal hepatitis liver inflammation as well as upper airway inflammation. Leptospirosis This infection can cause liver and kidney failure. The bacteria live in stagnant and standing water such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Additional vaccinations Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza for kennel cough Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria and parainfluenza is a virus. Both are highly infectious and can contribute to a respiratory condition commonly known as kennel cough. While rarely serious, kennel cough can be unpleasant for your dog and may cause more serious problems, especially if they have a compromised immune system. Talk to your vet about whether it'd be advisable for your dog to have a kennel cough vaccination. Many boarding kennels will only accept dogs who have had one. Rabies A severe and fatal viral disease. If you want to take your dog abroad, you may need to get them protected against rabies and should speak to your vet well in advance of your trip. Booster and top-up vaccinations for your dog As well as their initial set, your dog will need booster vaccinations every year. As well as a first-year booster, your pup will typically need: a top-up dose of leptospirosis vaccine every year top-up doses of canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus and canine distemper vaccines every three years. Checking the cost of puppy vaccinations To help you budget, you can check the costs of puppy vaccinations and other routine vet care with your local vet before starting your search for a dog. Your vet practice may offer care plans pay monthly or yearly to spread the cost of essential pet care such as flea and worming treatment, vaccinations and neutering. These plans may also include check with your vet - a yearly booster vaccination, health checks, dental and neutering procedures, and a sample bag of pet food. Some might also send preventative treatment by post. If you already have a pup, but are struggling to cover costs, charities such as PDSA and Blue Cross may be able to help. This depends on your circumstances and your location. Our vet visit pages are full of tips to make things more pleasant for you and your pup. And our Dog School video below is all about getting your pooch used to being handled. Share with someone else. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Vaccinations can protect your dog against a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Not to mention, some vaccinations are required by law. Why Do Puppies Need Vaccinations? Puppies need vaccinations to help prevent the catching of various dangerous diseases. If your dog ever comes in contact with a disease they have been vaccinated against, his immune system will know how to destroy it. There are vaccines available to protect your puppy against more than 11 different diseases. However, depending on your circumstances and where you live, your puppy might not need them all. Your vet will be able to recommend those they think your really needs, with others being up to your choice. There are four core vaccines for diseases all puppies should be vaccinated against and seven non-core vaccines that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association recommend. The non-core vaccines may or may not be recommended by your vet, depending on different variables, mostly the prevalence or absence of a disease in your area. The Core Vaccinations Rabies. This is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Depending on which state or country you live in, your dog will need to have a booster once every one to three years. This common virus is hard to treat and has an 80 percent fatality rate, which is why inoculating against it is so important. Canine viral hepatitis is also known as adenovirus. Canine distemper. Before vaccination, this was a big killer of dogs. Vaccinating against this disease will protect your puppy if he comes in contact with the virus while out and about. The Non-Core Vaccinations Lyme disease. The vast majority of cases have occurred in the eastern American coastal states between Massachusetts and Virginia. Parainfluenza and Bordetella. The parainfluenza virus and the bordetella bacterium are both major causes of kennel cough. Inoculation is generally only necessary if your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs. For instance, at boarding kennels, doggy daycare or dog shows. This infectious disease is a common cause of stomach upset. This bacteria can infect dogs and their human companions. In serious cases it can cause organ failure and death in dogs. In certain high-risk parts of the country, your dog might need a booster every six months. Giardia are parasites that commonly live in the digestive tracts of dogs. Many dogs have them, but they rarely cause problems. How Are Vaccines Given? Most vaccines are given as injections. These are given either under the skin or into the muscle. Most combination injections protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus and parvovirus. This allows their body time to develop a good immune response. Recommended and Most Common Schedule of Vaccinations: 6 to 7 weeks old: This is when your puppy should get his first combination injection. He needs his second combination vaccine. Make sure you have a record of his first injection to show your new vet. If necessary, he will also have a Lyme disease vaccine. At this point, your vet will advise you when your puppy can go out for his first walk. Are There Any Risks Involved? Unfortunately, there are potential risks to having your puppy vaccinated. That said, the risks are far outweighed by the benefits. However, you should monitor your dog closely after a vaccination and contact your vet right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: Hives. Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.

I have owned and trained Labradors since .My wife and I have been breeding Labradors since for the sole purpose of improving the Labrador breed as a whole. When I first thought about breeding Labs, one of my early mentors, the late George Kane, told me his definition. Now, more than two decades later, we bring to light that definition with every decision we make. Dogs that we personally own have competed in more than 1, stakes in just the last ten years. Why go to all that time, trouble and expense? Because that Sire or Dam is only as good as their last series or stake they ran in. So, week in and week out, you can find our Sires and Dams competing in various venues all over America and Canada. You always have and always will, set the standard for other breeders to follow. You certainly have the records and so many accomplishments to prove it. I never thought about it that way. Nothing comes easy, and we always take the road less traveled. The good Lord has blessed us with so much. Scooter earned his first advanced title at 10 months of age and his MH title at 21 months and 5 days old. Have you ever gone to a hunt test or field trial, and learned that you had the youngest dog competing in that event? It sure makes you feel very proud and blessed. Simply amazing! Again, we are so blessed. Scooter went on to qualify for four National Field Trial Championships. I am not sure how many Fox Reds can say they qualified for more. We have a support team of multiple awesome professional trainers and great friends who share our unquenchable passion for helping Black Ice Retrievers produce the most intelligent decorated pointing Labradors in the country. We take the responsibility, investment, and extensive research, which all go along with our goal, extremely serious. Sometimes, we have waited close to three years across multiple repeat breedings just to get the exact one pick of the litter we desire. I grew up hunting ducks off of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in St. This is where if your lab could not handle multiple marks and blinds, you and your dog were not invited back. We have some of the highest standards in the industry. While other lab kennels breed great grandchildren, grandchildren, and daughters of well accomplished dogs, we only have litters from dogs that are well accomplished themselves. Why do breeders promote puppies from unproven parents? Second, the testing of the dog takes time, effort, and investment. You need to decide for yourself what type of buyer you are and then do your research. This industry is very competitive, and you can buy a lab from just about anywhere, but you get what you pay for. Our best customers are families who simply want the best possible dog for the dollar and take the time and effort to make the best informed buying decision possible. Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you enjoy browsing through all the details of our proven brand. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. Our contact information can be found on the Contact page. May God Bless you and your families. God Bless! Both parents come from a 5-generation pedigree. Mother is IKC registered. Grandparents and great grandparents are field trial champions. Father is a strong, chunky Labrador with an excellent breeding background, he was never registered but both grandparents were IKC reg. Both mother and father are cherished family pets, live together and can be seen. Parents are gentle natured, excellent with kids and have great personalities. Owners are vets themselves. This is our first and last litter as we are not breeders. We wanted to keep a line from both parents which was the motivation to have a litter. Our beautiful puppies are happy, healthy, and very confident. They have a fantastic temperament. Pups have been raised in our family home ensuring they have been well socialised with kids and other animals such as cats. These confident puppies are extremely intelligent and will be easy to train! They are already semi-toilet trained and have great re-call. Puppies are very affectionate and loved by all the family hence we are only looking for suitable home as a family pet or loyal companion. All pups are - Vet health checked - Vaccinated - Microchipped - Wormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks - Treated for fleas and mites. Pups will be ready to go to their forever homes from September 17th. For more information or to arrange to view the puppies please call or email me on or megandoherty00 gmail. If I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you. Thank you! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits. Labrador Retriever Gun Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. History The ancestor of the Labrador Retriever was the St. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. General Appearance The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized, short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to hunting injuries. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Characteristics The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. Serious Fault: Any evidence of shyness in a mature dog. Disqualification: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Aggressiveness toward humans or other dogs. Head The head is proportionate to the size of the dog, clean-cut, and without exaggeration of any sort. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are approximately equal in length, and joined by a moderate stop that is defined, in part, by the moderately well-defined supraorbital arches over the eyes. Faults: Wedge-shaped head; long, narrow head; massive, cheeky head. There may be a slight median furrow between the eyes at the forehead, and the occipital bone is not conspicuous. Cheeks are clean. The bridge of the muzzle is straight and on a parallel plane with the top line of the skull. Viewed from the top or the side, the muzzle is slightly deeper and wider at the stop than at the tip. Lips fall away in a curve toward the throat, and are neither pendulous nor squared off. Removal of whiskers is permitted but not preferred. Faults: Snipey muzzle; muzzle too long and narrow or too short and stubby. Level bite is acceptable, but not preferred. Faults: Missing premolars. Serious Faults: Undershot or overshot bite, misaligned teeth, missing molars. NOSE The nose leather is black on black and yellow dogs, and liver on chocolate dogs. A slight fading of nose pigment is not a fault. Nostrils must be large and open. Disqualification: Nose completely unpigmented. EYES The eyes are medium sized and somewhat triangular in appearance, but never so much as to give a hard expression. Eye color is brown in black and yellow dogs, and brown or hazel in chocolates. Eyelids are close fitting, and eye rims match nose pigment. Expression is kindly and intelligent. Faults: Yellow eyes; eyes too dark; eyes too small or too round and prominent; eyes set too close together; eyes protruding or too deep set; any feature that detracts from the correct Labrador expression. Disqualification: Absence of pigmentation in eye rims. EARS The ears are drop, triangular in shape, and rather short, with the front edges attached well behind and just above the eyes. When pulled forward, the tip of the ear should just cover the eye. The ear leather is pliable. When alert, the ears are drawn up and forward, with the inner edges of the ears close to the cheeks. Faults: Large ears; heavy ear leather. Neck The neck is of sufficient length to allow the dog to carry retrieved game with ease, and powerful, but not throaty. The neck is clean and blends smoothly into well laid back shoulders. Faults: Neck too short and thick; ewe neck. Forequarters Shoulders are smoothly muscled. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back with the upper tips fairly close together at the withers. The upper arm appears to be equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. The elbows are close to the body and set directly under the withers. The forelegs are straight, strong and sturdy in bone, with strong, short, slightly sloping pasterns. Faults: Too much or too little bone. Serious Fault: Legs too short and heavy boned. Whether the dog is standing or moving, the line of the back is strong and level from the withers to the slightly sloping croup. The loin is short, muscular and deep, with little or no tuck-up in a mature dog. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung out from the spine, forming a broad, strong back, then curving down and inward to form a deep body. The brisket extends to the elbow. Viewed from the front, the chest between the forelegs is well filled and of moderate width to allow for efficient movement and stamina. Viewed from the side, the forechest is well developed but not exaggerated. Faults: Slab sided or barrel ribbed; chest too narrow or too wide. Hindquarters The hindquarters are broad and muscular. In profile, the croup slopes slightly. The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. The stifles are well bent, and the hocks are well let down. When the dog is standing, the rear toes are just slightly behind the point of buttocks. Viewed from the side, the short, strong rear pasterns are perpendicular to the ground and, viewed from the rear, parallel to one another. Faults: Cow hocks; spread hocks; sickle hocks; over-angulation causing a sloping topline. Feet Good feet are essential for a working retriever. The feet are of medium size, round and compact with well-arched toes and thick, elastic pads. Dewclaws may be removed, but is not mandatory. Faults: Splayed feet; hare feet; knuckling over; feet turning in or out. Tail The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed. It is a natural extension of the topline, very thick and muscular at the base and tapering to the tip. A tail of the correct length extends no longer than the hock. The tail is covered with the same thick, dense coat as the body, but never feathered. When the dog is relaxed, the tail hangs down naturally. When the dog is moving or alert, the tail may be carried level with the back or only slightly above level. The tail should never curl over the back or be carried between the legs. Dogs with docked or altered tails resulting from working injuries are not to be penalized. Serious faults: Tail extremely short or thin. Coat The Labrador Retriever has a short, dense, water-repellent double coat. The outer coat lies close to the body and is straight, although a slight wave down the back is permissible. The coat texture is firm and resilient, neither coarse nor silky. Undercoat is soft and dense. Serious faults: Woolly coat; soft, silky coat; sparse coat; absence of undercoat. Color Color may be solid black, any solid shade of yellow from red to pale cream, or any solid shade of chocolate. Yellow dogs may have variations in shading on the ears, back and underside of the dog. A small white spot on the chest is permissible but not preferred. White hairs from aging or scarring should not be penalized. Disqualifications: Any color or combination of colors other than described above; albinism. A correctly built Labrador Retriever male in working condition should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds and a female should weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Fault: One-half inch or greater over or under the standard height at maturity. Gait When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and well coordinated, showing good but not exaggerated reach in front and drive behind. The topline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance. It is recommended that dogs be shown on a loose lead and moved at a moderate speed to reflect true gait. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Nose completely unpigmented. Absence of pigmentation in eye rims. Here at Kentfield Kennels we are firmly committed to breeding the traditional English Style Labrador Retriever that will become your best friend, a loving family member, hunting companion, service dog, or will be out there competing in one of the many events you can enjoy with your dog. What we wish to produce is a substantial, medium sized dog with a good bone structure, strong muscles, a broad head and muzzle with wide set eyes that have a kind expression. A great double coat to keep out the cold and that thick traditional otter tail that is carried straight and flat from the body is our goal in each breeding. We want our females to weigh approximately lbs, and our males to weigh around lbs. All of our puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club, micro-chipped and enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. What makes us different The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate and patient dog. They are highly intelligent, quick to learn, lively, good-natured and love to play, especially in the water! We wish to breed into our dogs the excellent, reliable temperament that is sociable, friendly, loyal and above all else, great with children and other pets. You are among an elite group whose love for dogs is unwavering; and it carries through in all you do as a breeder and dog owner. The AKC is proud to have you represent the largest, and most respected registry in the world! The program gives AKC a new way to engage, encourage and recognize ALL breeders who meet specific health testing standards and who participate in continuing education.

While it is our goal on this website to only include listings of responsible and ethical breeders of purebred dogs, and there is certain criteria that must be met in order to be listed, we can only rely on the honesty of those submitting the request. Therefore, we cannot recommend, nor do we endorse or support any one of these listings. If you are looking to purchase a puppy, it is your responsibility to do your research in learning what to look for in a breeder. In addition to the Breeders listed here, the Breed Clubs generally include listings of member Breeders on their web sites and, if not, then a listing can usually be obtained either by e-mail or telephone. We do not randomly add Breeders to any listing. All Breeders listed have requested to be included either via a general link or paid advertising. If a young pup is not an absolute requirement for you, then considering the adoption of a dog from a rescue organization or shelter is strongly recommended. In addition, Breeders occasionally have young adults available and many also take in rescued dogs. This section includes several articles and general information along with listings of shelters and rescue organizations that are not breed specific from across Canada. The purchase or sale of any dog is strictly between the buyer and seller. Accuracy of information for all advertisements is the sole responsiblity of the advertiser and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. Quick Links. Ready for their homes last week of September. Male 1- pure white Male 2- fawn sold Male 3- brindle Male 4- white with fawn spots Male 5- fawn Male .Serious inquiries only please. Boxers are one of the most amazing family dogs and deserve a loving forever home. Kijiji constantly glitches and changes the date of birth. Born Aug 9th and can be ready for their forever home for Oct 4th. Mom is onsite. Looking for forever homes boxers are very lovable.Looking for a good home for her. These happy girls will come vet checked, first shots and dewormed. If you're looking for a sweet.There is an incredible fawn female. She is extremely sweet and loving. Raised in home Tails docked First vaccines Dewormed Health book Super social and cuddly, the puppies are raised in our home. They are used to.Up to date on all vaccines. Potty trained. Very calm and playful dog. Looking for a good home for him. He is a boxer and Rottweiler.Contact for more details. Best blood line. Crate and potty trained. Comes with initial stuff like crate, leash, collar, toys, Each comes with first vaccination, dewormed and vet check. Puppies are playful and used to being.I am looking to re-home him because my work circumstances have changed and I do.Please Contact Mother American bulldog , not sure of fathers side Winnipeg Mother is a purebred American bulldog boxer , father is mixed breed no pictures of him got pictures of mother , 4 puppies LEFT 1 male brindle and 3 females. European lineage Corner Brook Ready anytime! Very friendly. .Delivery in Nova Scotia available!!!

If your bulldog lost much water because of excessive bowel movements, you may give this as a first aid. To be sure, consult your veterinarian for the dosage to give. This bland diet could be plain rice topped with vegetable broth. Rice is low in fiber and easy to digest which is exactly what you want for your bully. Many people may suggest to feed your bulldog yogurt, but remember that yogurt is an allergen for many bulldogs so avoid yogurt, as it may make things worse for you and your dog. Therefore, you may do the following while observing the progress of its health: Let your bulldog fast for 12 — 24 hours. Simply put, do not feed your bulldog first. This will allow its digestive system to heal itself by eliminating the improper contents inside then resetting after everything is expelled. Feeding your dog while its stomach is upset may actually interfere with the process of cleansing. Hydrate your dog while it is fasting to avoid dehydration. As your dog is pooping, it is losing much water. Thus, keep it hydrated during the hour period. Yogurt is a dog friendly food that you can offer your bulldog as they recover from diarrhea. Use yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Yogurts have active good bacteria for the stomach and are a probiotic. Because overeating can make your dog suffer diarrhea, make sure that it eats the right amount of food every meal time. As humans, a bulldog needs to maintain health as it has a sensitive digestive system. Therefore, make sure that you do not feed your bulldog with so much treats with poor ingredients. Also, check the ingredients to avoid giving food that your dog is allergic of. Bulldogs have many food allergies. Some of the most common food allergens are chicken , beef, and dairy. Most dogs love chicken and beef, but bulldogs must avoid these ingredients. Do not make sudden dietary changes. A gradual change in diet, preferably more than 10 days, is much better than treating a diarrhea. Conclusion Knowing the food and medicine to feed your bulldog during times of diarrhea is as important as knowing the first aid treatment you should do to relieve discomfort. As diarrhea is a sickness of the digestive system, food is the key to deal with the root cause of the sickness. Give your bulldog extra rest as they recover and a diet that is gently on their stomachs. Once your bulldog shoes signs of recovery, slowly start introducing foods that will be gentle on their stomachs such as rice. Hopefully with the proper treatment, the diarrhea will pass in a couple of days and your bulldog will be back to themselves. Remember to re-introduce food slowly as your bully friend recovers. Also be patient and loving with your bulldog while they are sick. Post Views: 1, We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Make some vegetable broth mixed with pumpkin. This firms the bulldog stool and relaxes the stomach. They can be given plain rice topped with vegetable broth too. Rice is supposed to be low in fiber, which is what we need for our bulldog to ease their digestion. Many people may advise you to feed your bulldogs with yogurt. You can also feed them with wet dog food. It will help them recover slowly. Let them fast. By doing this, the cleansing of their stomach will not be interrupted. Their digestive system eliminates all the harmful contents and then resets itself after everything is gone. All the inappropriate and undesirable contents come out in the form of poop. Feeding your bulldog while having diarrhea may hinder the cleansing process of the stomach. Keep your bulldog hydrated all the time. They must have lost a lot of water while pooping. As your bulldog is recovering from diarrhea, try feeding them yogurt. It is a dog-friendly food. Remember not to give them yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Yogurts consist of good active bacteria for the stomach and are also probiotics. Do not forget to consult your vet about feeding them the yogurt. Measures for Preventing Bulldog Diarrhea The causes of bulldog diarrhea are already known to you now. Bulldogs have a susceptible digestive system, which makes it compulsory for you to check the ingredients. You must not give your bulldog food that has inferior ingredients. Also, check for allergies; if your bulldog is allergic to anything, check the ingredients to avoid allergies. Most bulldogs are allergic to many things, such as beef, chicken, and dairy. Bulldogs love chicken and beef a lot, but it should be avoided at all costs due to allergies. Ensure they eat the perfect amount of food, as overeating can cause diarrhea. Do not change it suddenly, as it can make their stomach upset. If you decide to change their diet, then plan it accordingly. Start by giving them old and new meals together for around ten days. In those ten days, change it gradually and replace the new one with the old one. It is always better to prevent diarrhea than to treat it. They will get used to new meals too. These were some standard measures for avoiding diarrhea. Keep observing your bulldog, and you may know the changes in them. Before You Go Bulldogs have a susceptible digestive system, and diarrhea is prevalent in them. You have to notice their routine to know whether they have diarrhea or not. You should give them proper treatment immediately if you see any symptoms. If you observe any additional symptoms, then rush to the vet immediately. Take care! Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Preventing Puppy Diarrhea Puppy diarrhea is, unfortunately, a reality of pet ownership. Puppies do not have fully functioning immune systems, so they can be a little more sensitive to changes and potential sources of infection than their adult counterparts. Mild cases of diarrhea may go away quickly on their own, but other causes—including infections and parasites—can be a sign of a serious problem. Here's what to watch for and how to know what your next steps should be when your puppy has diarrhea. Some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in puppies include environmental factors, infections, and parasites. Hopefully this helps you find answers to "Why does my puppy have diarrhea? Moving into a new home, meeting new people and animals, learning to walk on a leash , vet visits and vaccinations , that first encounter with the Roomba. All of these experiences can cause stress, and your puppy may get diarrhea because of that. Diarrhea related to stress usually occurs within hours to a day of the stressful event, and generally resolves quickly on its own. Ask your puppy's breeder or previous owner what brand and formula of food she is used to eating, and start off by using that same diet. If you want to switch to a different food, do it gradually over several days, starting with just a little of the new food mixed in with the old and increasing the ratio of new food over time. Some dogs may have food intolerances or, less commonly, allergies to specific ingredients. These can also cause diarrhea. Identifying a food allergy or intolerance is a time-consuming process and will require guidance from your veterinarian. Some common parasites that can infest puppies include roundworms, hookworms , whipworms, tapeworms , coccidia, and giardia. Parasites are most commonly transmitted through poop a dog with worms poops out eggs and larvae, a puppy sniffs poop and inhales them. But some, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from mother to puppies through the placenta. As well as having diarrhea, puppies with parasites may have distended bellies, bloody diarrhea, appear thin, or be lethargic. Sometimes you may be able to see worms in the poop. Your veterinarian can c heck your puppy's stool for worm eggs and other parasites. Always bring a sample along if your puppy is having diarrhea. Once the offending parasite is identified, your vet can prescribe the best deworming medication to resolve the issue. Being treated for worms or other parasites does not prevent your puppy from getting them again, however. Remember how parasites are often spread through poop? Be sure to thoroughly clean your yard, removing all poo to minimize the number of parasitic worms living in the soil and environment. Otherwise, your puppy can reinfect herself from her own poop. All puppies should be on a regular deworming schedule starting while they are with the breeder. Most veterinarians recommend continuing regular, long-term deworming, such as with a monthly product. Dietary Indiscretion and Toxicities Like toddlers, puppies love to put their mouths on anything and everything. Eating the wrong thing can cause diarrhea in a couple different ways. This could range from feasting on the garbage leftover from your cookout to swallowing a chewed-up tennis ball or munching on your amaryllis plant. Eating an excessive amount of rich or fatty foods can cause stomach upset. In cases like these, your puppy may vomit or appear uncomfortable as well as having diarrhea. If your puppy has eaten something toxic, exact symptoms will vary depending on what and how much she ate. If you suspect your puppy has eaten something toxic, or are unsure about the potential threat of her illicit snack, contact an animal poison helpline such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline , , immediately. These services do charge a fee, but it's well worth it to have access to the most up-to-date information on toxicities in dogs. Even nontoxic non-food items can be problematic if they get stuck in your puppy's gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. Besides having diarrhea, a puppy with an obstruction may vomit, be lethargic, refuse to eat, and have abdominal pain. Viral and Bacterial Infections Parvovirus, often referred to as simply "parvo," is a diagnosis that strikes fear in any puppy owner's heart. This virus is highly contagious and wreaks havoc on your puppy's immune system and body, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Treatment consists of supportive care to help your puppy fight the disease and target symptoms. A puppy with parvo will likely be admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated, medications, and round-the-clock supervision from her veterinary team. Parvo is often fatal, especially if treatment is started too late. Thankfully, there is an effective vaccination for parvo, and it is included in the routine puppy series. Your puppy will receive several rounds of the vaccine depending on her age. It's essential to get your puppy to her booster appointments on time; even one missed vaccination can leave her unprotected. Once she has finished her puppy series, the following year she can either get a one-year or three-year vaccine. Avoid places with other dogs, such as dog parks, boarding kennels, and popular dog-walking spots until she is fully vaccinated. Only allow her to interact with dogs who you know are vaccinated. If your puppy does get parvo, she will need to be kept away from unvaccinated dogs and puppies to prevent spreading it to them. Besides viruses such as parvo, your puppy can also get bacterial infections in her G. Common culprits include clostridium, E. Your puppy can pick these up from eating rotten food or poop from an infected animal. As she matures and her immune system finishes developing, she will be less susceptible to these tiny invaders. Puppy Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea are a dangerous combination. Both cause your puppy to lose water from her body, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent damage to her internal organs in a matter of days. If your dog is experiencing this one-two punch of vomiting and diarrhea, you'll want to call your vet right away. When to Call Your Vet If your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful and normal, there is no need to panic. It will likely resolve on its own. Here are the signs to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment: Diarrhea that lasts more than a day Bloody or black stool. At this point I do not think it is the food, but it could be although the food change may be only making the initial problem worse and causing stomach upset too. Whenever you get a new puppy, the first thing on your to do list should be getting a fecal done by your vet. Even if you are not having problems with diarrhea, get one done anyway. Almost every puppy I have bought has had either worms or coccidia. There is no real signs of this except for swollen looking belly and diarrhea. Molly had worms but her poo was not soft so go figure. Otherwise they are playful and happy just like a puppy should be. And they will be hungry. Very hungry. But all bully pups are, so that you can throw out the window. Almost all puppies have internal parasite, coccidia and worms, and if not treated by the breeder lets face it, not all breeders take care of it as they should. Depending on the cleanliness of the kennel there can also be giardia or worse. So if you have not yet, get your pup to the vet and have a fecal done. You can bring some with you to make it easier, just grab a ziplock bag, turn it inside out, and then put it on as a glove. Scoop up as much of the poo as you can grab, and then reverse the bag off your hand and seal shut. Use Pedialyte for Hydration Canine diarrhea can cause dehydration because of frequent bowel movements. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to hydrate your dog. Pedialyte is one of the most recommended liquids for canine dehydration. However, before you give your dog Pedialyte, you should consult your vet. You need to give their stomach some time to adjust. One way to do this is to feed them a bland diet. Feed them Vegetable Broth to Firm Their Stool Vegetable broth with pumpkin is excellent for a bulldog with loose stool because it not only firms their stool but also soothes their stomach, making it easier for them to handle other types of food. Try a 12 Hour Fast Putting your bulldog on a 12 to 24 hour fast allows their digestive system to heal on its own and eliminate all the components that may be causing diarrhea. When you introduce food before the digestive cleansing process is complete, it may interfere with the process and only make the condition worse. During the fasting period, ensure your dog stays hydrated, giving them plenty of water because diarrhea causes dehydration. Try Yogurt Yogurt is also an excellent food to feed your bulldog as they recover from diarrhea. Before you give your dog yogurt, consult your vet. Some bulldogs are allergic to yogurt, and feeding it to them can only cause more problems in their digestive system. How to Prevent Bulldog Diarrhea Helping prevent your bulldog from developing diarrhea is much easier than helping them recover from it. Avoid overfeeding: Only feed them their recommended serving sizes when they are supposed to eat. Prevent them from getting extra food from your garbage and pick up their food bowls when they are done eating. Change their diet gradually: Introduce one new food at a time so that their stomachs can adjust slowly. However, before administering any medication, make sure you consult your vet about dosage and whether or not the medicine is suitable for your type of dog.

Since Golden Retriever puppies grow quickly it is necessary for them to get a lot of sleep so that they are able to direct their energy towards growing. With that being said, if your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps for more than 20 hours per day and it is lethargic when it is awake then it may be cause for concern and it would be important to take it to a vet. Other things that can cause a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot Even though it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot, it could still be the case that there are other reasons for it sleeping a lot. Additionally, if it is more than 16 weeks old, it should be starting to sleep much less than it used to. If it is still sleeping for more than 14 hours per day then it could be that there is something else contributing to it. If it is also lethargic when awake, it would help to take it to a vet. Below, I will mention a number of possible reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy has been sleeping a lot and what would make them more likely. Hot weather The cause could be due to the weather becoming hotter. This would be more likely if it becomes more tired at midday when it is hot outside and if it can get hot indoors. In this case, it would help to make sure that it has access to lots of shade, water and a cool room. It would also help to avoid taking it out in the sun when it is directly overhead and it would help to exercise it when it is less hot in the morning or evening. Illness It might also be the case that an illness or medical condition has been causing it to sleep a lot. This would be more likely if it has started sleeping more suddenly, if it is fatigued when it is awake and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as vomiting. If it does seem like illness could be the cause then it would be the best option to take it to a vet. Boredom It might be the case that it has been sleeping more than usual due to being bored. Golden Retrievers can be very active as puppies. If they do not have things to stimulate them in their environment then it can cause them to become bored. Golden Retriever adults require a lot of exercise. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. However, the amount that you should be exercising your Golden Retriever puppy will be a lot less since their joints are not fully developed yet. Instead, you can give it exercise, while it is young, by training it to behave the way that you want it to when it is older. It is important to take the time to train it while it is young since it will be easier to change its habits and you will be able to avoid behavioral issues when it gets older. With that being said, you can still give it exercise and it is recommended to give it 5 minutes of exercise per month of age two times per day source. Diet Another possibility is that an issue with its diet has been causing it to become fatigued. This would be even more likely if it suddenly started sleeping more when you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your Golden Retriever puppy. It would also help to talk to your vet about what you have been feeding it. Too much exercise If it has suddenly started sleeping a lot more, it might be the case that your Golden Retriever puppy has been getting a lot of exercise and it has been wearing it out. It is normal for Golden Retriever puppies to be highly active when they are awake and then to fall asleep shortly after being highly active. However, depending on its age, there is a recommended amount that you should be exercising it yourself. According to the Kennel Club , a good rule of thumb is to give your Golden Retriever puppy 5 minutes of exercise two times per day for every month of age. So, if it is 3 months old, it would be recommended to limit its exercise to 15 minutes twice daily. Consider if it suddenly started sleeping a lot more If it has suddenly started sleeping a lot more, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it did then it could be the case that an event-triggered it to start doing it. Possible things that might have happened could include: A change in its diet The weather becoming hotter It got an illness However, if it has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it would be recommended to take it to a vet for expert help. When to be concerned While it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot, there are some situations where you should be concerned and take it to a vet. Examples would include: If it started sleeping more suddenly without any apparent cause It is lethargic when awake It has been showing signs of illness What to do about your Golden Retriever puppy sleeping a lot Below are some options you have when dealing with your Golden Retriever puppy sleeping a lot. Take it to a vet If your Golden Retriever has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it has been showing signs of illness or it is concerning you then the best option would be to take it to a vet. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice and to rule out the possibility of illness or medical causes. Allow it to sleep as much as it needs to It might be tempting for you to try and get it to stay awake more. However, you should allow it to sleep as much as it wants to. When Golden Retriever are puppies, they are growing rapidly and most of the growth occurs when they are asleep. Make its sleeping environment comfortable It would also help to ensure that it is able to sleep easily. This means that you should ensure that its sleeping environment is reasonably cool, dry and not too bright especially at night. Ensure that its diet is right As mentioned above, it might be the case that there is a problem with its diet. It would also help to ask your vet if you have been feeding it correctly. Give it access to cool and shaded areas If the weather is hot outside then it would be important to give it lots of access to cool and shaded areas so that it can stay out of the sun. It would also help to exercise it when the sun is not directly overhead. Golden Retrievers, young or old, need a large amount of sleep. Puppies 8 to 10 weeks old or about 2 months old will sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day, so there is no need to be concerned when your puppy is playing ferociously and then promptly falls asleep. In order for your puppy to mature in a healthy time span, sleep is important because it releases vital growth hormones and energy for the body. When your puppy is 8 to 10 weeks old, not only should they be getting proper amounts of sleep, but they should be participating in canine social skills. You can sign up for a puppy kindergarten class, which helps build proper social skills such as bite inhibition and socialization in new environments. This also gives puppies a healthy way to release their bundle of energy so that they can sleep well. Playing with your puppy will also help them use their energy so they can sleep well. If your puppy is teething, keep an eye on how this process affects their sleeping habits. Teething can make a puppy more tired because of the discomfort, but it should not change the puppy's day other than some extra chewing , whining, drooling, and barking. In fact, it's more common for puppies to become more rambunctious while teething to cope with the pain, so they will sleep less rather than more. If your puppy is lethargic while teething, or sleeping more than 20 hours, this can show an underlying health issue that requires a visit to the vet. What are the 3 Stages of Sleep for Golden Retrievers? There are three stages of sleep for all dogs. Naps Naps happen when dogs are bored or have nothing to do during the day. Their minds are still awake and their muscles are not completely relaxed. This means they can wake up at any time. For puppies, naps happen because they are necessary. Sleep Sleep happens at night. A dog's muscles are completely relaxed and they do not wake up for long periods of time. This is when you see your puppy's eyes twitch, run in their sleep, or even bark. This is all completely normal and just means your dog is dreaming. Like babies, Golden Retriever puppies may have a hard time sleeping through the night, especially when they first move into your home and still need to get used to the new environment. By the time they are 16 weeks old or 4 months old , puppies are able to sleep through the night because they have settled into your home, established a routine, and they don't have to go to the bathroom multiple times every night. Dogs are similar to humans. Our brains love routines! Like when puppies know that it's time to eat, sleeping can be the same way. Young puppies may not sleep through the night because they are nervous about their new environment, are teething, or have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. There are many ways to establish a quality sleep routine for your puppy. Go Potty Before Bed Take your puppy to go to the bathroom right before they go to bed. That way, when they go outside to use the bathroom, they will know that it's time to wind down and go to sleep. This creates less stress for your little friend because they will be going somewhere that is familiar and is associated with sleep. Keep the Sleeping Area Dim and Quiet Reducing bright lights and loud noises will encourage your puppy to fall asleep faster. This will indicate that everyone in the home is sleeping and tell them that it's time for them to sleep as well. Go to the Restroom When Needed When your puppy needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, be gentle. If you react aggressively, your puppy will associate nighttime with stress. Reacting without a big emotion will help to build trust. Go Outside in the Morning Have your puppy wake up at the same time every day and let them run around outside! This will help your Golden Retriever get their energy out and associate waking up with something positive. Sleeping with your puppy can ease anxiety symptoms for both dogs and humans. However, because dogs and humans have different sleep cycles, this can affect the quality of sleep you both get. In many cultures, dogs and their owners have slept in the same space. In the United States, it is more frowned upon and assumed to be the cause of behavioral problems. Research shows that co-sleeping with your dog does not automatically cause behavioral problems. Any problems that come up are most likely due to previous issues. If you are concerned about dealing with behavioral issues while trying to sleep, place your puppy's bed close to yours. This way, you can still create a bond while still having your space. By the time Golden Retrievers are adolescents or 1 year old, their sleep time will decrease. Fully grown Golden Retrievers will sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. Senior Golden Retrievers may sleep 15 to 20 hours a day. Cindy J. Cindy is a prolific writer and online researcher who can't imagine life without dogs. There is scarcely a dog topic she has not researched or written about. Her love for dogs and helping dog parents is evident by the thousands of dogtemperament. Most of all, each topic Cindy writes on helps forge a stronger bond and understanding between her and her happy Catahoula Leopard Dog Jossie. They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. Diet Illness, Injury, Surgery, and Medication All these things can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever sleeps, and knowing these factors is essential. Age The age of your Golden Retrievers is one of the biggest things that contribute to the amount of sleep needed. At the far end of each spectrum of age, the amount of sleep increases. Due to their growing bodies and fast metabolism, puppies need more sleep. Likewise, senior dogs also need more rest due to their aging bodies and slower metabolisms. Adults typically need 12 to 14 hours per day, barring any health issue or lack of activity, as discussed later on. So, all factors being equal, one Golden Retriever may need more sleep, another less. Golden Retriever puppies and seniors sleep more than adults Activity Level Not surprisingly, activity directly impacts the amount and quality of sleep that your Golden Retriever gets. Typically if they have not had a fulfilling amount of physical activity and mental stimulation during the day, their sleep will be sporadic and in short bursts. So, you may find your Golden Retriever boredom naps — the dog naps a lot because there is nothing better to do. However, the quality of that sleep is not optimum. In other words, while they may nap a lot, they typically are more restless than when they have been adequately exercised. Usually, you will see a less restless dog and one that sleeps longer and more deeply. In addition, they are less likely to seek attention and become mischievous. Because they have burned an adequate amount of energy and have far less in reserve while getting the quality sleep that their minds and bodies need. For example, when I take my Golden Retriever Bailey to doggie daycare, he sleeps from the time he gets home at pm to the following day at am, and it is sound sleep. Yet, even the next day, he may not be in the mood for a vigorous walk until later in the day. In contrast, on days where he gets little activity, such as especially frigid days during our cold Canadian winters, he is more restless during the day, although he naps frequently. As a result, he is more inclined to seek our attention for play on those days, or he amuses himself by being mischievous. Personality As noted previously, there are individual differences between dogs within a breed. Or in other words, they have different personalities. When people select a dog, they often put far too much emphasis on breed characteristics versus individual differences in a litter. So, while the Golden Retriever is considered a very active breed, you can have individual puppies within a litter that are super high energy like ours and others that are a bit less so. Dogs, like humans, need adequate calories each to fuel activity and biological functions. In addition, to function optimally, their bodies need proper levels of macronutrients protein, fats, and carbohydrates and micronutrients vitamins and minerals. Sleep can be impacted when a Golden Retriever is underfed and too skinny or one that is overfed and too fat. Either body state is unhealthy and has the potential to impact activity levels and sleep. An obese dog may have less energy and difficulty exercising, so it may sleep more. Whereas an underfed Golden Retriever may not have enough energy to be active, causing it to be more lethargic and sleep more due to lack of energy. Illnesses, Injuries, Surgery, and Medication Sick or injured dogs will need more sleep. Sickness and injury stress the body, and it requires a lot of energy to support healing and recovery. Sleep supports those processes, so expect a dog to sleep more if injured or sick, much like we do when we have the flu or cold. Dogs might also sleep more if they have a pre-existing health condition for much of the same reasons as sickness and injury. Potentially compounding any pre-existing health issues is if it requires medication. Medications can impact sleep, either increasing it or decreasing it. Surgery, such as when getting spayed or neutered , will also cause a dog to sleep more as it heals. Consider our Golden Retriever Bailey when he was neutered. Initial sleep was from the anesthesia medication and the stress of the surgery. But, even a few days later, he was still sleeping more than usual, partially from the pain medication and the need for his body to recuperate. It could be due to children not allowing the dog to sleep enough during the day, or chronic pain, medication, or injury. Whatever the reason, sleep deprivation can be detrimental to Golden Retrievers in much the same way it is for humans. Lack of sleep in your Golden Retriever can affect hormones, brain function, and the ability to learn and retain memories source. In other words, your dog may become cognitively impaired. Often signs of lack of sleep in dogs will manifest as stress, anxiety, or even agitation or aggressiveness. If you think your Golden Retriever is sleep-deprived, you must talk to your vet to determine the cause and remedy the issue so your dog can sleep better. One that meets both is macro and micronutrients. Talk to your vet for recommendations. Also, make sure your Golden Retriever is fed proper portions. Watch for potential overfeeding issues from snacks or table feeding. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight positively impacts its health and its sleep. Similar to children and even adults, dogs also need consistent routines. As discussed earlier, Golden Retrievers are diurnal and need the brunt of their sleep through the night. Try to be consistent with when your dog goes to bed, when you get up, go for a walk, feed your dog, and any rituals before bed. As discussed in my article on puppies and sleep, Golden Retrievers are very good at learning routines. If you can, try to get your dog outside during the day, especially in the morning. Be prepared for some disruptions during changes during daylight savings time. Slowly adjusting their schedules a few weeks in advance helps ease them into the change rather than abruptly shifting everything by an hour on one day. A tired dog sleeps more and better than one that lacks its fulfillment of physical and mental stimulation. If you work and have little time to exercise your dog, consider hiring a dog walker or dropping off the dog at daycare two or three times per week. I wrote an article on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working, but much of it applies to adult dogs. Make Bedtime Relaxing It is beneficial to teach your Golden Retriever the skill of calming himself or self-soothing before going to its bed. Most dogs will chew to calm themselves, so make sure it has good chew toys to help wind down the mind. During the evening, your dog must relax before bed. Ensure your dog has burnt excess energy from the day during the evening. A walk after supper or some play helps. If your dog is a chewer, giving it something to chew in the evening is a MUST. For example, we use Kongs and snuffle mats you can find the ones I use in my recommendations and resources at the bottom of this post. As a special treat, Bailey sometimes gets a big soup bone. The chew toy or foraging mat helps preoccupy him a few hours before bed. Kongs provide a snack and chew toy for BAR, which helps calm him in the evenings Also, avoid stimulating or getting your Golden Retriever worked up before bed. Instead, give him adequate time to decompress and wind down. Lastly, make sure the room your dog sleeps in is a dark, quiet, and cool room. Dogs, like us, sleep better in these environments. Treat Underlying Conditions Consult your veterinarian for solutions if there are underlying health conditions that negatively impact sleep. Your veterinarians will address any underlying causes and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, or medical interventions. Recommendations from your vet may include prescribing pain medication if your Golden Retriever is suffering from decreased sleep quality due to osteoarthritis, chronic pain, or other health issues. Training is valuable in teaching your dog how to settle for the evening and calm down, and it also strengthens the bond with your dog. Of course, it positively impacts the brain, helping with learning and memory. For example, on days that BAR gets a lot of nosework sniffing on walks and has a few training sessions, he is much more apt to be calm in the evenings and sleep better through the night. Lastly, you can train your dog to calm down. Many dogs suffer from hyperactivity and excitement that can be addressed with training. Healthy adult Golden Retrievers sleep a lot, and that is normal. Dogs get the brunt of their sleep during the night with frequent naps during the day. Puppies and senior Golden Retrievers will need more rest due to increased need. Lastly, be thankful for all that sleep. A well-rested Golden Retriever is a much calmer and happier Golden Retriever. At times, my dogs can sleep for most of the day, which never fails to get me worried. It turns out that a lot of people are also wondering the same thing, and I get asked this a lot, so I went ahead and found answers! So, why does my golden retriever sleep so much? But there are other reasons why your dog could be sleeping so much, and some of them do indeed require you to pay attention to your dog. When golden retrievers are puppies they sleep longer than older dogs. After playing or any other activity they will sleep to recharge and they wake up refreshed and ready to play again. Their nap will mostly be wherever they are playing, and it takes from 30 minutes to two hours. When they are napping, try not to move them and make their nap as comfortable as possible also make them feel safe at that time. Males and females mature a bit differently, and you can learn more about this in my post on the differences between male and female goldens here. They can, however, sleep up to 18 hours if they have had a really active day and are super tired. Sleeping more or less depends on their size, diet, and activity that day. Just like puppies, they can nap after a lot of moving around since they will be totally out of energy and need to recharge. If your adult golden sleeps more than 14 hours and without doing a lot of activity you may need to make an appointment with their vet. Age 7 — 9 years — hours or more per day Seniors can also sleep 12 to 14 hours per day but they will often sleep more than 14 hours which is totally normal. Keep in mind that the same activity they used to do while young is now harder on them and require more effort and energy of them, so they are getting exhausted more easily. Just something you should know, once goldens reach five years old, they can change a bit and they may require more care and sleep. Sleeping a lot in senior dogs may happen because they are bored, ill, or just tired because of some activities. They can also be suffering from hip dysplasia or arthritis and they sleep to avoid any movement because of the pain in their hips. They will also nap more than adult goldens, their napping will be on and off during the day for 16 to 18 hours. At this period in their life, they will need to exercise and playing to keep them active and provide them with a comfortable bed to help them rest their bones. The Final Word Golden Retrievers Sleeping Decoded Though it is natural for dogs to sleep for long durations during the day, there may be certain reasons that are behind your Golden Retriever falling asleep frequently. Here are a few reasons that explain why. It Is a Natural Personality Trait The first and the most obvious reason for this is that they are programmed like that. Nature demands that Golden Retrievers sleep for 11 hours daily, at least on average. Sometimes, it can even stretch to 14 hours of sleep a day. This may extend further if you have a puppy or an old dog. Therefore, if you have a Golden Retriever, you should get accustomed to these sleeping patterns. Golden Retrievers Will Sleep More in Hot, Humid Weather Have you ever wondered why you turn lethargic on warm summer days and all you want to do is to take a nap during the day? Well, it is perhaps because the heat makes the activity seem impossible. It works not very differently for dogs who also tend to get lethargic and lazy during hot and humid weather. Walk the dog in the early morning and late evenings. Make sure the dog has ample shade or access to cooler parts of the house else the heat may even get to the dog. However, if the prolonged sleep cycle continues way beyond the hot weather, you should get in touch with a vet to check if all is well. This could be because of a number of serious and non-serious problems such as fatigue, food poisoning, or an injury. Golden Retrievers naturally are inclined to high levels of activity and enjoy being engaged in sports and fun activities. Anything less than an hour of exercise could be a bummer for your Golden Retriever. In fact, inactivity may leave the dog understimulated and bored. Hence, you will find your dog sleeping incessantly. Even dogs are what they eat and changes in their food patterns can impact their behavior and sleeping patterns. It could be a diet that is inducing sleep or food items that are making your dog lethargic that may lead to your dog sleeping more than usual. It could also be that your Golden Retriever is eating things not meant for it. Well, it is the same with dogs and particularly Golden Retrievers. Furthermore, an aging Golden Retriever will also be sleeping for long stretches of time during the day and night. Young puppies are growing and therefore use sleep time to build muscle. Hence, it is not uncommon to see young Golden Retrievers sleep for more than 15 hours. For older dogs, sleep time is the best time to recover from the fatigue of moving around and getting some much-needed rest after prolonged periods of activity. Tips to Ensure Your Golden Retriever Sleeps Well Now that you know that Golden Retrievers love to sleep and that it is medically normal for them to do so, you should ensure that your dog sleeps peacefully. Here are a few tips to do that. Keep a Check on Their Diet This is a key consideration for a pet parent. You should be careful of what you feed your dog and if there is someone who also feeds your dog in your absence and if yes, what do they feed the dog. Things that are harmful or not particularly beneficial must be kept off-limits for the Golden Retriever. This will not only ensure healthy sleep patterns but also good overall health for your dog and fewer diseases and ailments. If you feed your Golden retriever packaged food, make sure it is healthy and okayed by a vet. Monitor the portions carefully. The trick is to feed the right quantity of food, not too much and not too little. Lastly, certain foods such as ice cream, chocolate and nuts that dogs can choke on should be kept away from your Golden Retriever at all costs. Well, you can do this by maintaining a routine and also by giving your dog ample physical stimulation during the day in the form of exercise and activities. You should also make it a habit to take your dog into their sleeping area as soon as it is night or late evening. If you follow this, slowly the dog will become accustomed to the schedule and routine of it thereby embracing healthy sleeping habits i. They are known to help dogs, but consult a vet before doing this. You must consult a vet and check if there are any injuries and illnesses that you must be aware of. The Final Word Golden Retrievers are known to sleep a lot and it is something they are naturally programmed to do. Nature The cause of your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot is likely to be because it does it naturally. It is natural for a large dog like a Golden Retriever to sleep for hours per day source. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy or it is old then it will likely sleep for even longer. Hot weather The reason why your Golden Retriever has been doing it could be that the hot weather has been making it feel lethargic. This would be more likely if it has started sleeping more since the weather has become hotter. In this case, it would help to keep it cool by walking it in the mornings or evenings, giving it access to shaded areas and a cool room. If it continues sleeping for longer than normal when the weather becomes cooler then it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup. Illness An illness could be what has been causing it to sleep a lot. This would be more likely if it has started doing it suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of having an illness such as vomiting or being fatigued when awake. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet. Boredom Golden Retrievers are meant to get quite a lot of exercise on a daily basis. The reason why your Golden Retriever has been sleeping a lot could be that it is understimulated. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. If yours is not getting that much it would help to make sure that it does. Diet It could be the case that there is an issue with its diet that is causing it to feel fatigued. A problem with its diet would be more likely to be the cause if it started sleeping more when you started feeding it differently. It would help to make sure that no one else has been feeding it without you knowing and that you have been feeding it correctly. You can look here to see some tips on what you should and should not feed it and it would help to consult on its diet with your local vet. If it is young or old It is normal for puppies to sleep even longer than adult dogs since they are growing quickly and they rebuild their muscles when sleeping. This is why it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep for between 15 and 20 hours per day source. Likewise, it is normal for an older dog to sleep for longer as well since it takes more effort for them to move around and they need more sleep to recover. Things to consider If it suddenly started to sleep more When trying to figure out why your Golden Retriever has been doing it, considering when it first started would likely be helpful since an event might have caused it to start. If it did start sleeping more suddenly, it would be more likely to be due to things such as a sudden diet change, becoming ill or the weather becoming hotter. In this case, it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup. If it has always slept a lot and the vet has not found any issues then it would make it more likely to be normal behavior. When your Golden Retriever sleeps a lot It would also help to consider the timing of when it sleeps more since the timing could also have something to do with it. If it tends to sleep more at certain times it would make it more likely that it is due to things such as the weather becoming hotter, being fed the wrong foods or too much food or it could have simply formed a habit of sleeping at that time. What to do about your Golden Retriever sleeping so much Below are some things you can do about your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Allow it to Since it is natural for Golden Retrievers to sleep a lot, it is important to let it sleep when it needs to. When they sleep they are rebuilding their muscles and recovering from all of their activities when awake. Trying to get it not to sleep when it wants to will likely make things worse. Make sure that it is able to sleep comfortably It would also help to make sure that the room it tends to sleep in at night is comfortable for it. This means that it should not be too bright, it should be cool and there should be a space for it to lay down comfortably. Make sure that its diet is right As mentioned above, it could be the case that there is an issue with its diet. You can look here to see what you should and should not feed it and it would also help to talk to your vet about its diet when you see them next. Keep it cool If the weather has become hotter where you are, it would also help to keep it cool. You can do this by giving it access to shaded areas, a cool room and by walking it in the morning or evening. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your Golden Retriever has been sleeping a lot or it has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it would help to take it to a vet. By doing so, you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular Golden Retriever and to rule out the possibility of it being due to a medical condition.