best food for my golden retriever puppy

Just be sure to avoid thinner collars as those concentrate more pressure on a small surface area, which can be painful for your pup. Belt buckle style is exactly how it sounds — the typical belt buckle closure — and is always made of metal. They are very secure, but take a bit longer to fasten than the quick release option. Quick-release style snaps on and off more quickly, and comes in both plastic and metal options. The quick-release is a nice safety feature in case you need to quickly remove the collar, whereas the belt-style buckle requires more fiddling to get it off. You can keep this information in mind as you select the best collar for your needs. Best Nylon Collars Nylon is the most affordable and common material for dog collars. They are lightweight, cheap, and come in a variety of colors. They come in three widths, and a selection of buckle colors and finishes. This offers a secure form of ID, as sometimes tags can break off. They are adjustable and built to last your dog a long time. Quality leather can look either sophisticated or rustic, depending on the style, and if you properly care for the material, it can last a lifetime. It comes in brown and black and you have the option to choose a single or double-stitch. Dirt, mud, rain, and salty water are no match for the strength and appeal of a Paco Collar. Whether you just want something classic, a little something special, a little rustic, or a whole lotta bling, Paco has something for everyone. Collars are all fully customizable with different leather options, stone colors, and buckle options. Their customer service is out of this world, and they are dedicated to helping you find the perfect collar for your dog, even if that means a totally custom design. These collars come with a lifetime guarantee, and will even turn the nameplate into a memento bracelet when your dog passes, free of charge. You get an adjustable, high-quality leather collar, with a durable metal quick-release buckle. This is a hand-crafted collar made to last. Best Biothane Collars Biothane is best described as a faux leather material made from coated webbing. It is super durable, stink-proof, long-lasting, and comes in just about any color you can imagine. It features a belt-style buckle and a D-ring to attach the leash. With the choice of 13 gorgeous colors and electroplated hardware, this collar will hold up to whatever adventures you and your Golden Retriever find yourselves on. This collar is stronger and lighter than leather, but still has that polished look leather is known for. There are plenty of color options and some choice of hardware, so you can customize it to your preference. Best Martingale Collars A martingale collar is designed in such a way that the leash attaches to a small loop that tightens when pulled. This is a great safety measure for dogs who tend to slip out of their collars. Unlike a slip collar which can tighten indefinitely, the martingale does not choke your dog as the loop can only tighten so much. But keep this in mind: a martingale collar is NOT a training collar. You should not use it to correct your dog or punish your Golden Retriever by quickly tightening or popping the collar. Some martingales use a metal chain for the loop portion of the collar. A lot of dogs might find the sound of the metal scary or off-putting, so consider a martingale that uses non-chain material for the loop, especially if your Golden has some sound sensitivity. The buckle makes putting the collar on and off your dog easy, and is great for dogs who dislike having things pulled over their head. Sloppy Chops Co. Denali Limited Slip Collar is an incredibly durable, hand-crafted collar. Loads of color options and three hardware finishes give you plenty of freedom to create the perfect collar for your Golden Retriever. You get all the benefits of biothane, plus the benefit of a martingale style, in one beautiful, practical collar. This style is not adjustable, so be sure you measure accurately. Best Safety Collars A breakaway collar is a collar that breaks when enough tension is applied. Life can be unpredictable, especially with dogs, and sometimes collars can get caught on something, which can pose a big danger to your dog. Sometimes a collar can get snagged on a fence or on the jaw, paws and claws of another dog. Another common scenario is when a dog lays down on an air conditioning vent and their ID tag gets caught in the slits of the vent. A safety collar that snaps off in these scenarios can truly be lifesaving. This can save you a lot of stress if your dog were to get loose, as you can use an app to find their location. They can also help you make sure your dog is getting enough exercise each day or week. One of the most popular GPS options for dogs is Fi, and you can check them out at their website here. Sometimes your puppy will take a nap and then wake up needing their collar loosened. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to get the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! The price is very affordable, which is great because they will outgrow it before you know it! If your Golden pup is really teeny, you might need a size smaller. It includes a plastic quick release buckle and is highly adjustable. Do NOT pop or quickly tighten the collar in an attempt to train them. It has everything you need for a puppy collar. The XS and small sizes will likely fit your puppy well. Generally, you want to be able to fit two fingers between the collar and their neck. Sometimes collar manufacturers will have their own specific directions for measuring your dog to ensure a proper fit, so always check to see what they recommend. Always measure a couple of times, so that you get the right number. You might need a helper to get an accurate measurement, especially with wiggly puppies. Have any questions about getting a collar for your Golden Retriever? Let us know down in the comments. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related Articles:. So, here are some essential factors you should consider while shopping around. First of all, you should get a comfortable fit collar. However, since goldens can grow massively in size, from a pup to a full-size adult, just in a few weeks, start with an adjustable collar. Usually, a collar size of around inches is sufficient for an adult golden retriever lbs. Speaking of width, .Lastly, the weight of a collar depends upon the padding it encloses. Generally, lightweight and thinner collars are considered good for puppies and vice versa. Buckle Two types of fastening options are offered in retriever collars; belt buckle and snap or quick release buckle. Belt buckles are more secure and of metal which makes them sturdier than snap buckles. So, if you have a huge golden with a high leash intolerance, belt buckles are better for you. On the other hand, the quick release option is mostly offered in plastic build but easy to unfasten and fasten than belt buckles. They really prove life savior in emergencies. Besides, plastic quick-release buckles are also good for puppies who fiercely resist wearing a collar. On the other hand, flat collars are great for goldens with thin and small hair that is not prone to matting. During winter, these collars also keep your dog cozy. Besides harsh correction collars like prong, shock, and choke collars, all the other types of collars are suitable for goldens. Besides, if your golden is an escape enthusiast, look for a collar with a microchip read, to track his location on GPS. As mentioned in the buying guide, a .Not for puppies, though, but martingale collars are actually good for adult golden dogs. However, keep in mind that these collars should only be used for leash training rather than as regular collars or correction collars. Conclusion Think how difficult it is to win the hearts of humans around you. Whereas a golden retriever puppy serves you his heart on a plate just for being a bit gentle with him. Remember that you are the best human near him, so you need to try at least to prove it by thinking about his life-improving gadgets more seriously. Similarly, avoid using shock collars and prong collars on your golden dog since it can make them scared. For leash training, you can use no pull collars or citronella collars but only after consulting a qualified vet. Cody Mitchell Cody Mitchell is a pet lover and a passionate pet writer. He has worked as a professional writer for over 6 years, with a focus on creating compelling content for pet-related brands. His work has been featured in major publications. When he's not writing, Cody can be found playing with his two dogs a labradoodle and a cocker spaniel or cuddling his cat. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. Best Collars for Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers 6 min read If you are considering a Labrador or a Golden Retriever pup, then the best collars for these breeds are flat leather collars that are .A 1 inch wide leather collar would suit a long haired golden retriever, while a 1. In comparison, they do seem to be very much alike. They grow to a similar weight and size, they both love water and strive to please their owners so grooming and bath time will be easy with either dog and they both shed year-round. Not only will the amount of hair on the Golden be a greater aggravation to sweep up, but the hair does also play a big part in picking a collar that will suit your dog's needs. However, the hair is only one difference to consider when determining the collar of choice for your best friend. The second thing to consider is the temperament of the dog. Both dogs are playful, but the Labrador seems to be more apt to play than the Golden, who has a medium playful attitude and needs longer rest periods. The material and how the collar is made will come into play when outdoors in the dog park. Labradors will need a wider and stronger leather collar than the Golden, who can get away with a narrower leather collar that won't matte their long hair. And as they grow in weight and height, you could determine how thick their neck would grow and the size of collar they would need. Since they both love water, our line of waterproof leather collars are the perfect compliment to your Goldie or Lab. When considering what size to get, we recommend a collar at 8 weeks in which the puppy would probably be able to wear with little to no adjustment until the 16th week. Then, going to the next collar up in size at roughly 32 weeks, which would become their full-grown collar, and should continue to fit them as they grow to be around 75 - lbs. Healthy Growth As much as we pet owners say we will not feed our dog's too many treats or table scraps and stick to a diet plan recommended by the Veterinarian, some of us will look into those sweet puppy dog eyes and give in to our temptation of just one cookie. This is where the danger of obesity also plays a part in keeping the right collar that will fit on our dog. When it comes to the fit of any collar, keep in mind that when you adjust your dog's collar, put one or two fingers in between your dog's neck and the collar. If your fingers have enough room, then your dog can breathe well, and the fit is perfect. You will need it for training and taking them for walks. A 1 Inch wide leather collar is the best choice for a Golden Retriever who has long hair, as the narrower collar will prevent matting. The added width will help disperse the pressure around their neck as they pull on the leash. In order to avoid confusion with the Newfoundland Dog, he used to be called the Small Water Dog, since the Lab was most commonly used to retrieve the cork floats of fishing nets and swimming them ashore so that fishermen can pull in the fish-filled nets. The Labrador Retriever was often used to retrieve game and fish, pull small fishing boats through icy water, and help fisherman in swimming tasks. As the years went by, the breed population decreased and died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. It was in England where the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game, and the breed continues to grow in population. The popularity of the Labrador Retriever has been growing steadily to become the most popular breed in America by , and remains so today. Although they where employed as retrieving dogs in the past, today, he is held in high regard as a guide dog, sniffer dog detecting drugs and explosives, and a popular companion. Appearance The Labrador Retriever is easily recognizable. He is a moderate dog, not extreme in any way, with a stocky build. He is square or slightly longer then tall, of fairly large bone and substance. He stands at 21 to .His coat is short and hard to the touch. It is drip-dry and is entirely weatherproof to protect him from icy waters. A black coat was the most popular known colour for the Labrador, but yellow became more widely seen as of 50 years ago. The yellow coat ranges from light cream to red fox. Today, there is quite a trend for chocolate, also known as liver. He has a broad head and strong medium-sized jaw, which allows him to carry the largest game birds, such as Canadian geese. His heavy set and strong legs enable him to swim and run powerfully. He has a relatively short, thick-coated tail, which is known as an otter-tail. He has kind and intelligent hazel-brown, medium-size eyes which express a gentle temperament. He has a broad backskull with a moderate stop. His forelegs are well-boned, and straight from shoulder down to the ground. His paws are round and rather compact. His chest has good depth and width with well-sprung ribs. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are regularly cross-bred to utilize their combined skills. When the Labrador is well trained, he is obedient, amiable, and tolerates well with the acts of children, other dogs and others pets. He does not seem to take offence at any insult. He is good tempered and very agile. He is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog. He is eager to please, enjoys learning, and excels in obedience. Lab Upkeep If you are the type of person who enjoys activities and spends most of your days in the outdoors, then the Labrador is for you. This breed needs daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. If you have a swimming pool, you should either fence your Lab out, or be prepared to share the pool with him. Although, he can live in town surroundings, he should not be deprived of regular, long walks. He can consume any quantity of food; however, sensible feeding is important to prevent this breed from carrying too much weight. Retriever Health Issues Unfortunately, many Labradors do not live up to the image they carry. Living up to 10 to 13 years old, some suffer from hereditary cataracts, hip and elbow arthritis and even wayward temperaments. Major health concerns for this breed include: Canine Hip Dysplasia CHD : An abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its most severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. Elbow Dysplasia: A condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint, specifically the growth of cartilage or the structures surrounding it. Obesity: A medically relevant nutritional disease which is defined by an excess amount of body fat. Pattelar Luxation: Occurs when the dogs kneecap is dislocated from its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. Before any of these major and common health issues develop, Lab owners should always get their dog tested to see if they have issues with their hips, elbows, eyes, and knees. We all know that the Labrador Retriever is one of the most reliable, smartest and friendliest dogs in the world. Despite all of these great qualities, there are still things about them that need to be taken care of. If you enjoy long walks, a long swim in the lake, a game of fetch or perhaps a day of hunting, the Lab is your perfect dog and will remain your loyal companion for years to come. Recent Articles. The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. The QR code can fall off .The Martingale design stops your dog from running too far. Unlike most Martingale-type collars, this one features a fast-release buckle for easy use. The only downside is that this collar is a little expensive in comparison with others of its kind, but a lot of people are willing to spend that little extra knowing this product is better for the environment than other options. What are the differences between flat collars and rolled collars? Should I use a harness or a Martingale? While some people love the idea of getting a collar for their new puppy, others worry that their dog might not like it. The main reason most pet parents will use a collar is to make sure their pet always has an identification tag with contact information attached to them in case they ever get lost. While you may argue that a microchip will solve this problem, having an ID tag will mean that your pooch can get returned to you much sooner since anyone can read the information and give you a call. Another reason to have a collar is to attach a leash to it. There are other options, of course—some people opt to use a harness instead. Flat Collar Flat collars are the most common types of collars available. As their name suggests, the flat collar is a flat, wide strip that closes with a clasp. Some flat collars are padded for extra comfort, and usually, they come with a D-ring for attaching an ID tag. Flat collars are best for well-behaved dogs that do not attempt to pull away. If your dog pulls hard, the pressure can cause them to choke, so most flat collars are designed to break away under strain. For active dogs like Golden Retrievers, flat collars are fine for everyday use, but we recommend using something more suitable when going for a walk. These collars are popular with breeds that have a long coat, such as the Golden Retrievers—however, be aware that the rolled collar can pose even more of a choking hazard than the flat collar when using a leash. The leash is then attached to a clip on the harness. A harness is not suitable for aggressive or hyperactive breeds, but for obedient Goldies who are so often eager to please, harnesses are an excellent option. According to the American Kennel Club, Goldies are the fourth most trainable dogs breeds out there. Martingale Collar Martingale collars are designed to help you control your dog without the risk of choking them. As your dog slows down, the collar loosens around its neck. For Golden puppies, consider using a harness instead. For walking, a good quality Martingale, or a harness may be best. Some pet parents like to use rolled collars for their Goldies because the design is even less likely to catch long fur compared to flat collars. That said, rolled collars are no good for attaching a leash, as they can lead to trachea damage if your dog pulls. It looks great for everyday use and for attaching an identification tag, while it also provides a safe way to attach a leash, all at a fair price. For a premium option, the handcrafted Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar is water resistant, made from full-grain leather, and the colors compliment Goldies excellently. Remember, you can use more than one collar interchangeably if you wanted to. In fact, we recommend owning at least two collars: one for everyday use and one for walking—or if you use a harness for walking, then a second collar with ID tags for backup, in case your everyday collar and ID tag gets lost or broken. Either way, we hope our reviews have helped you figure out which collar is best for your Golden Retriever! With a background in gardening and photography, and interests including hiking and amateur astronomy, her busy schedule means she enjoys the finer aspects of life, such as drinking coffee and snuggling with her cat on a crisp morning while blazing a trail across the keyboard.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. The U-EL license is applied only for the staff of the organization that holds the account. Maximum number of electronic items is unlimited applies as a total of each type of usage. This is an additional license to the rights included within the regular Royalty-Free license. Note that the other restrictions still apply. Time Limited Exclusivity This license represents an exclusive right to use the downloaded media, but such exclusivity will only last for a limited period of time. Dreamstime will disable the image immediately after the buyer acquired this license. The Contributor will be required to disable the file permanently from all other places where he or she may sell it, as soon as possible after the sale occured, but no longer than 72 hours. The Contributor acknowledges and agrees to provide the buyer with the exclusive right to use the file retrieved using the SR-EL1 or SR-EL3 licenses, for the duration of the selected exclusivity period. The length of time for the exclusivity period depends on which license is selected. SR-EL1 will grant an exclusive right to use the media for one year. Similarly, SR-EL3 will grant an exclusive right to use the image for three years. The print run for both licenses is unlimited and continues after the exclusivity expired. After the end of the exclusivity period, the Contributor will also be free to offer the media for download from other places where the Contributor sells his or her media. Sell the rights This license represents a full ownership of the downloaded media. The buyer can use it exclusively exclusivity applies from the moment that the file was downloaded using this license; buyer must take into account potential past downloads made for media and choose it accordingly or investigate further via support , and include it in any type of design with just a few restrictions: sensitive subjects may still apply and the buyer may not claim that the file was created by him nor resell it as his work. The agency will disable the media immediately after the buyer acquired this license. The Contributor is required to disable the file permanently from all other places where he may sell it, as soon as possible after the sale occurred, but no longer than 72 hours. This license grants the buyer exclusivity so the Contributor needs to keep in mind that exclusive media is represented by concepts, models, wardrobe, and subject matter which provide a unique creative message and small variations in the image variations in camera angle, model posture or gesture, for example do not enable other files as being different. All such variations rendering the media very similar in concept and message to the one sold under SR-EL should be removed from sale as well. The photographer acknowledge and agrees to provide the buyer with full ownership for the file retrieved using the SR-EL license. ID

Buying A Boxer Puppy? Finding Your Puppy -- Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breedthe written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources--especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork--but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy who has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious committment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required--it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content.

Things to do in Arizona with you English Bulldog English bulldogs are a beloved breed among dog owners worldwide, known for their distinct appearance and loving personality. While they may not be the most active breed, they still enjoy spending time with their owners and being involved in various activities. Here are some ideas: Hiking Arizona is home to a variety of stunning landscapes and hiking trails that are perfect for exploring with your English bulldog. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your furry friend, as well as a leash to ensure their safety on the trails Dog Parks Dog parks are a great way to meet other dog owners and allow your furry friend to interact with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. Just make sure to keep an eye on your bulldog at all times, as they can be prone to overheating and exhaustion in the hot Arizona sun. Swimming While Arizona may be known for its arid climate, there are still plenty of opportunities for your English bulldog to cool off in the water. Many parks and lakes in the state allow dogs to swim, and there are even some dog-specific swimming pools that cater to canine guests. Road Trips Arizona is home to a variety of scenic drives and attractions that are perfect for a road trip with your furry friend. Just make sure to plan ahead and bring plenty of supplies for your bulldog, including food, water, and bedding. Agility Training While bulldogs may not be the fastest or most nimble breed, they can still enjoy agility training and benefit from the exercise and mental stimulation it provides. Look for local agility classes or set up your own obstacle course in your backyard. Just make sure to check ahead to ensure that the establishment is truly pet-friendly and allows dogs inside. Camping There are plenty of pet-friendly campsites throughout the state, as well as national parks and forests that allow dogs on the trails. Just make sure to bring plenty of food, water, and bedding for your furry friend, as well as any toys or games they enjoy playing. Therapy Dog Work English bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, which makes them great candidates for therapy dog work. Just make sure to invest in proper training and certification for your bulldog before starting this type of work. In conclusion, there are plenty of things you can do with your English bulldog in Arizona to keep them happy and healthy. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Arizona? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. English Bulldog Description The Bulldog is a small-statured, medium-sized dog, originally bred for working with bulls but trained and bred to fight bulls for sport. This practice began in England in the s and throughout Europe until the mids. Its distinctive undershot bite allowed it to hang on to the bull with amazing strength. Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! The shuffling gait is a result of this selection since the dog needed to be able to withstand severe shaking and thumping without having its spine or ribs broken. Bulldogs can move swiftly and make sudden leaps, which accounts for their surprising agility and cleverness. The coat is glossy and fine, with standard colors including, red, white, yellow or a combination of those. Young bulldogs are full of energy, but they slow down as they age. Their appearance makes them great watchdogs, but their personalities make them huge lovers. A Bulldog that understands its place in the human pack with thrive with all people including kids. The English Bulldog is described as very affectionate, dependable, gentle with children but known for its courage and bravery. This breed is good with family pets , but some English Bulldogs can be combative with strange dogs especially if their owners are not present to lead them. Bulldogs are very people-oriented and will seek as much love and attention as they can get; in fact, these dogs require a lot of affection from their owners if they are to thrive and be happy. This breed snores very loudly so buyer beware. This is a trait that these dogs are famous for and it is just a fact of life for them. Most English Bulldog puppies also drool and slobber so they are messy eaters, but most owners find these qualities endearing in their bulldogs. They are also prone to flatulence, especially when fed food other than their regular dog food diet. A once ferocious and tough dog — through select and skilled breeding — the bulldog has become a docile and loving pet and cherished member of countless families. The bulldog is beloved for its patience and affection for children making it an excellent family pet known for being jovial, charming and at times comical though messy. The breed is devoted, obedient and always willing to please, yet preserves its own independent brand of stubbornness present in the bulldog breed. Most of them are pleasant or even aloof towards strangers; however, some can be hostile to unfamiliar dogs, though the breed is compatible with most household pets. The fact is dogs are much happier when they know they follow their human. English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating so their owners are best to show strong leadership and understand alpha canine behavior. This is not a dog to drive around within your car, especially in the Arizona summer months. The breed is prone to mast cell tumors , skin infections, and hip and knee problems. See store for details on a specific puppy. American Canine Association.

This girl is currently super scared of new things and will need a lot of work to grow her confidence. Willow is a 2 year old, female Golden Retriever. She weighs 59 Pounds but looks way smaller and compact. She will be spayed, vaccinated and microchipped as part of her adoption. She is thankfully Heartworm negative. Willow does have a serious medical issue. She has a higher level heart murmur. She will need a family that can afford cardiology visits and likely medication for life. This is not fixable, it is something that needs to be managed throughout her life. Currently you would never know there is anything wrong with her health. If you do not have serious funding for vet care please do not apply to adopt her. She needs a home capable of supporting her through this for life. She is very shy at first and startles easily with loud noises. If you give her a few hours she becomes your shadow. She loves to cuddle up with you and get all the pets. She is doing great with other dogs and another confident dog in the house really helps her. We do not know how she would do with cats. She is not fostered with kids but did great at the vet with children loving on her. She does need the kids to give her space for the first few days while she adjusts. Willow is doing great with her training so far. Shes potty trained and crate trained. She will go in her crate on her own and relax if you leave the door open. Shes great in the car and does well on the leash. She has a medium energy level currently. When she settles in she gets more playful and excited but also has a lot of relaxed cuddle times. She loves you to be petting and touching her at all times. She likes running around the yard and is starting to play with toys. Due to her shy nature and her heart issues we are requiring a fenced yard for her. So far we have not seen any issues with her sharing food, treats or toys with other dogs or people. Goldens are just like other dogs. They need training, exercise and socialization. There seems to be a false narrative that they are instantly easy perfect dogs and that is just not true. Every dog needs their owner to support them with the things listed above. They also typically have a high energy level until they get a little older. Proper exercise is crucial. Shes overall a very sweet and gentle girl with so much potential. Please only apply if you meet all the requirements and can provide her the life she deserves. More VaGolden Retrievers Hello, I hope you enjoyed my website, and have taken the time to review all my pages , from text,photos and videos. You can find answers to most of your questions on my site. Placing you and one of my puppies together is something I take very seriously. Knowing you are happy and that one of my puppies has made that happen, means a lot to me. I do hope each family takes the time to get to know me and the line of adult Golden's I have. This is my line. A strong line of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. They crave love and affection. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Puppies For Sale If you're interested in my coming litter,, please call I have litters arriving thought out the year. Once they arrive, I will have videos of the puppies on this website. It's always best to plan taking a puppy home and contacting me in advance is always best. He has been the most amazing dog and are so blessed to have him in our life. He is going to turn 10 months old and looks so much like his Mom and Dad. Thank you Grayland for such an amazing dog! We named him Hook because we are a Disney family and he is the Captain of our new home. We will definitely recommend you to future Golden owners. Hello, it's been 3 weeks since our Penny came home. I just wanted to thank you for this precious pup. We love her very much and she's become an integral part of the family. She's doing great with house training and is even using door bells to let us know when she needs to go out. She can sit, lay down, and shake. Penny has an awesome personality and loves everyone even our cat! She just had her 10 week check up and our veterinarian said "she's perfect in every way. She's exactly what a golden should be. So thank you so very much. We are so thankful to have our little Piper. She is quite a gem that has added that extra spunk to our Golden family. We now have 4 and plan on adding to our brood with just one more from VA Golden Retrievers. We have had such a positive experience. You can definitely see that Mr. Nelson loves his Goldens. They are friendly, energetic and well bred. Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us. We purchased our golden back in April and we named him Theodore. We are so happy with him! Theo has the sweetest disposition and learns quickly. He does well on the leash, sits, stays sometimes! Our girls absolutely love him I just wanted to let you know what a blessing our puppy has been to us! Hello Mr. We meet before back in .Bailey is such a blessing to our family. First off he is the most loving and sweetest dog in the whole world! We could Not imagine life without him he has truly given our family so much happiness! I just wanted to thank you so much for our sweet boy! We brought Beamer home in December and he has been such a blessing to our little family.

This means all our breeding dogs trace back to AKC registered purebred dogs or they have been DNA tested to ensure no other breeds are present in their ancestry. Each and every dog in our breeding program has been tested and certified clear of issues of the heart, eyes, hips, elbows, and patellas. Furthermore, every dog has a complete DNA panel completed to determine if they are carriers of any of the issues that plague our breed. Fox Creek Farm is the proud founder of this non-profit organization created to guide the development of the Goldendoodle and to track the lineage of every Goldendoodle. Their mission is to improve canine health and to ensure puppy buyers are working with reputable breeders that meet their requirements for endorsement. They concentrate on breeding practices, physical health of breeding dogs and their puppies, mental health of breeding dogs and puppies, environment, and buyer education and policies. All heart, eyes, hips, elbows, and patella certifications are completed by the OFA. Vets complete x-rays and physical exams and submit the results to the OFA for certification. Fox Creek Farm has these 5 certifications on every breeding dog in our program. They verify the identity of breeders and screen the information against a recognized puppy mill database. They provide resources to breeders to learn about health and nutrition, pregnancy and whelping, and puppy care. Puppies learn to climb objects, problem solve, and manding. We use methods to prevent aggression and we teach our puppies to sit on command by 8 weeks of age. Sign Up for our Newsletter First Name. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Bridgeport West Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our next planned litter will be in Autumn, we have space on our waiting list for Coco and Hamish's beautiful puppies. Family run home breeders of Australian Labradoodles based in the Capital of the Highlands. We are passionate about breeding Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles. Having achieved the top 8 star rating for best breeding practice awarded by WALA. Our goal is to breed healthy, happy, intelligent, Australian Labradoodles with low to non-shedding coats in fleece. The non-shedding fleece in the Australian Labradoodle are considered allergy friendly with a low doggy odour. The Australian Labradoodle is adaptable, intuitive and responsive to human emotions which makes them a great candidate for the role of assistance dog from medical alert dogs to therapy dogs. They get on well with children and love the company of their human family. They enjoy regular exercise. The Australian Labradoodle seeks out the company of their family and are happiest when they are with you as an active member of the family. Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles. Complete the puppy enquiry form here What our customers say Our puppy came to live with us at the end of July. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. Kim Hewlett I decided to get a dog after much encouragement ,following the loss of my eldest daughter. I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Suzanne Thom We have now had Cooper home with us in Scotland for a week. Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! She is perfect!!! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Davina made the whole process very easy and our fur baby is so calm and loving Brought our puppy to Belgium We bought our puppy November .What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. A great service and amazing dogs Louisa Johnson We picked up our new puppy on Saturday from Courtlands. We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Tess May Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. She illuminates our life and I hope for a very long time yet Fabrice Poirot.

With a deep understanding of behavioral learning theories and a passion for the physical and psychological well-being of animals, Amanda specializes in using non-coercive, reinforcement-based approaches to generate desired behaviors. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 44, times. Is your new puppy chewing on and eating stones? Fortunately, it's possible to train your puppy to stop eating stones and start focusing all of their adorable puppy energy elsewhere. Keep reading to learn why puppies eat stones and how to stop it from happening. Steps Section 1 of 3: Why do puppies eat stones? All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Puppies are naturally curious and have a small attention span, which can be a tricky combination. They need to be entertained, or their curiosity can get them into trouble. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Small rocks and pebbles can look a lot like kibble to a puppy. If a puppy lacks any nutrients, they may resort to eating rocks. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat non-food items. Pica can be caused by a variety of things, like poor diet, anxiety, and more serious health conditions like gastrointestinal disease and liver disease. If your puppy starts vomiting or having trouble going to the bathroom, bring them to a vet as soon as possible. This command is especially important when training a puppy because it could be the difference between praise and a trip to the emergency clinic. Follow these steps to teach your pup this simple command: [5] X Research source Place a high-value treat in one hand and a basic treat in the other. Make a fist with the hand holding the basic treat and let your pup sniff your fist. Training your puppy to drop stones can save them from potential health risks. Go to source Offer your pup a high-value toy. Let them play for a few seconds. Place a high-value treat in front of them. Pick up the toy and hide it behind your back as they eat the treat. Keep repeating and then give the cue without showing treats. A game of fetch or tug-of-war or even taking them on a walk or hike will keep them occupied. Go to source Play fetch to tire your puppy out before they go outside. Fill a puzzle toy with treats or kibble to keep your puppy mentally stimulated. Find these toys online or try your hand at making your own. Kong and Nylabone toys are great distraction and active toys that give your pup something to chew and play with. Most packaging will suggest what age range the toy is best for. Their bodies are looking for more food, so they turn to what looks most like it—rocks! Go to source Chat with your vet to see what diet is best for your pup. Every dog and breed is different, and their diet depends on their genetics and day-to-day lives. Bitter tastes will keep a puppy away from just about anything. If your furry friend finds ways to sneak stones into their mouth, spritz the rocks or pebbles with anti-chewing spray. The bad taste will make them less likely to chew on and eat the stones. Buy an anti-chew spray or try making your own. To make your own spray, combine a ratio of water and distilled white vinegar. Add 20 drops of an organic citrus essential oil like lemon or bergamot. Puppies need a safe place they can roam without getting into trouble. Set up a playpen in an area of your yard, making sure to remove any stones inside the pen. Go to source Advertisement Section 3 of 3: Do puppies grow out of eating stones? Go to source Help your pup grow out of their stone-eating habit with basic training. Teaching basic commands and tricks can help them mature into the best and brightest non-stone-eating dog. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash Why do puppies eat stones? Puppies eat stones to investigate their taste and texture, to chew on while teething, to strengthen their jaw muscles, due to a lack of calcium, nutritional or dietary deficiencies, boredom, or because they are a breed that likes to have something in their mouth, such as Spaniels and Retrievers. Puppies will often put everything in their mouths , including rolling stones no not Mick Jagger or holding pebbles in their mouth. Most will spit them out, but some will try to swallow them too, which is dangerous! How do I get my puppy to stop eating stones? To stop your puppy from eating stones, ensure that their nutritional needs are met, that they are not bored, that they have ways of expressing breed-specific behaviour, teach them to leave it and drop, and stop any punishment-based techniques that you may have been tempted to use. Check out our puppy nutrition , raw feeding for puppies and home cooking for your dog guides. Prevent boredom by using enrichment toys Brain games and puzzle toys w ill all help to prevent boredom in your dog, and give them something better to do than entertain themselves with stones. Provide Breed Specific Outlets If you have a Gundog or retrieving mixed-breed, such as a Labrador , Cockapoo , Cocker or Springer Spaniel, then they are genetically engineered to find carrying things around in their mouth rewarding. The Zigzag app is specifically written to work with breed differences because retrievers gonna retrieve, German Shepherds want to work and Terriers gonna rag and tear! Teach them to leave it Teaching your dog to leave it if they start to go towards stones can be a really useful way to stop your dog from eating stones. They need to learn this one before you start using it on high-value things like pebbles and stones, so teach them to leave food and toys with the help of our article on leave it or the more detailed leave it lessons in the Zigzag app. Teach your dog to drop Teaching a dog to drop things on cue, is a good idea for lots of reasons, and not only to teach your dog not to eat stones. It will help prevent your dog from swallowing the stone and prevent you from having to go in and fish the stones out, which can lead to resource guarding if not handled correctly. Teach your pup with Zigzag today! Avoiding getting cross! Muzzle if necessary Muzzles can be a good management tool to prevent your dog from picking up and eating stones. Photo by Emy Nguyen on Unsplash What happens if my puppy swallows a stone? Stones can cause intestinal blockages; symptoms of this can include diarrhoea , constipation and lack of appetite. When you take your puppy to the vet , they may suggest an X-ray in order to make an informed decision as to what to do next. In some cases, if the stone is large, your puppy may require surgery to have the stone removed. If you have a puppy who is a gravel grazer or a stone scoffer, there are things you can do to stop your puppy from eating stones. This can range from an increase in enrichment to dietary changes, and positive reinforcement training to teach them to leave the stones alone. Head on over to our leave it guide to stop the stone eating, or how about learning why does my puppy eat everything? It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Search for: Search Button We're an affiliate We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Interesting Facts Perhaps you have noticed that your German Shepherd chews on rocks constantly and even may swallow them. You may be wondering if this is normal dog behavior or is it a result of something else and if you should worry about it. Why does my German Shepherd chew on rocks? A common cause why a German Shepherd chews on rocks is a medical condition known as pica which is the compulsive urge and desire to eat non-food objects such as trash, plastic, metals, rocks, among other inanimate items. Other than pica, other reasons for this behavior include nutritional deficiency, stress, and anxiety, boredom, relief of teething pain, intestinal parasitic infestation, medical disorder, a call for attention, and simple curiosity. As a German Shepherd owner, you need to know the root cause of why they chew on rocks with the help of your vet so that an appropriate method can be implemented to stop this potentially harmful habit. This article explores the common reasons why your German Shepherd chews on rocks, the risks associated with this, and how you can stop them from chewing rocks. This will help in knowing the core reason your German Shepherd is engaging in this behavior and how you can help them stop to prevent the associated risks. Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Chews On Rocks Similar to coprophagia which is a canine behavior of eating feces or stool, Pica is the desire to eat non-food items and is the common reason why a dog chews on rocks. Other reasons apart from pica also result in this behavior. Recommended Reading: Why does my German Shepherd eat cat poop? This will help you know the appropriate action to take to help stop the habit. Your vet will help in determining the underlying cause of this behavior, either being from medical or behavioral related causes. To entertain themselves, they direct their attention to what they can chew on. Being an energetic dog, a German Shepherd requires outlets of energy but in situations where they do not have these outlets, they find something to do, and chewing of rocks also becomes an option where they direct their attention. Stress And Anxiety When a German Shepherd experiences stress or anxiety they might direct this to chew on rocks to cope with the feelings. Chewing on anything or rocks tends to ease their feelings. This behavior is normally seen in traumatized dogs especially the ones from shelters that have not had an easy life. Call For Attention Chewing of rocks is also another way your German Shepherd could be seeking your attention. They would be knowing that behaving in a particular way, will lead to a reaction from you therefore they may also engage in chewing rocks just to get your attention. Your dog adores you, they love spending time with you and when they feel they need more of it, they may result in strange behavior to have you focused on them. It is strange but this is common whereby your dog is drawn to chewing and eating rocks for supplementation of these nutrients. Infestation With Intestinal Parasites Infestation with intestinal parasites can also lead to this behavior. Intestinal parasites deprive a dog of the essential nutrients they require leading them to start having cravings in this case chewing and eating rocks. Your vet can easily check for parasites by testing the fecal material of your dog to find out if this is the cause of the behavior. Malnourishment When your German Shepherd is not getting enough food to be full and satisfied, they may opt to eat anything that they find to fill them up to ease the hunger. They could also choose to chew and eat rocks for this purpose. Relief Of Teething Pain Puppies may chew on rocks to ease the discomfort and pain of teething. Teething is a period where adult teeth start emerging from the gums. It is a painful and uneasy stage where puppies tend to chew on anything in the home to ease the discomfort. Simple Curiosity Dogs explore the world around them using their sense of smell and taste. It is common to find them chewing or eating odd things such as trash, their own poop, cat litter, or even rocks. Therefore when this behavior is observed, it is important as a dog owner to discourage and stop it because it can be fatal to your dog. There are risks associated with this which include: Punctured Colon Or Stomach Ingested rocks or stones can cause holes or perforations in the intestines and stomach of your dog which damages their lining. Your dog will be in pain due to this and this requires immediate medical attention. Take your German Shepherd to the vet immediately if you know or suspect they have swallowed rocks to avoid the risk of damage to their intestines and stomach. Provide Toys Providing toys such as chew toys to German shepherd puppies or an adult dog will minimize the destruction of items in your home. Puppies will be able to ease their teething discomfort with toys while the adult German Shepherd will be able to enjoy his chew sessions and jaw stretching moments with an item they are allowed to use. You can also use these toys in the training sessions to show your dog what items are ok to chew on and what are off-limits. This will help your German Shepherd distinguish what is not allowed and toys that they can chew on. Abdominal Blockage Swallowed rocks can cause an abdominal blockage. Intestinal blockages are dangerous because they prevent adequate digestion in the gut which denies your dog nutrition and can cause your dog to become lethargic and also vomit. This is a serious situation that requires surgery for the removal of the blockage. Immediately see your vet if you think your German Shepherd has swallowed rocks. Broken Teeth When your German Shepherd constantly chews on rocks, this chips away at their teeth which damages them. In the long run, they will require dental work and sometimes removal of the damaged teeth. Therefore it is important to curb this behavior to prevent stomach upsets as a result of it. From this, they will be able to recommend treatment, special diet, or advice on behavior modification. When any medical-related problem has been ruled out or addressed by the vet, you can implement a plan to help stop your dog from chewing on rocks. The following is what you can do: Train Them Against The Behaviour The chewing of rocks as a behavioral problem needs to be addressed to stop it. This requires behavior modification of training to teach your German Shepherd to avoid and stop this habit. This teaches them to leave the rocks and they will understand not to pick rocks. Remember to use positive reinforcement every time your German Shepherd understands and obeys and does what is expected of them. Reward them by giving treats, hugs, or praise. This will encourage them to continue with good behavior. You may also need to engage an animal behaviorist to help with this to provide specialized training to stop the rock chewing habit. This will limit access to rocks and also minimize rock chewing. You can do this by clearing all the rocks in your yard, fencing off a gravel area, or applying spray repellent on the rock area that will discourage your dog from chewing the rocks. For areas outside your home, take walks with your dog in areas or parks where there are few rocks or gravel. Coupled with obedience training, your German Shepherd will also listen to you when you instruct them not to pick rocks in case you encounter some. Provide Adequate Exercise Your German Shepherd chews on rocks because they have nothing else to do because of lack of mentally and physically stimulating activities. Due to boredom, they indulge in chewing rocks. By providing adequate exercise, your dog will be occupied and kept active which will minimize and stop them from engaging in this behavior for lack of something better to do. Address Nutritional Deficiencies In consultation with your vet about rock chewing, your vet will examine your dog and provide advice to address any nutrient deficiency that may be the cause of this behavior. They will recommend the best nutrition to also prevent malnourishment as well as treat parasitic infections if present. Give Attention To Your German Shepherd If your German Shepherd chews on rocks as a call of attention from you out of feeling lonely, address this by creating bonding time with them. You can do this by having fun activities such as walking, playing frisbee, or catch. Time with you is very much valued by a German Shepherd therefore try to make time to direct your attention to them. Provide Chew Toys Provide chew toys to your dog which will keep them busy by having something to chew on when they have the natural urge and compulsion of chewing on something. Your dog may also get bored quickly with their toys and could direct their attention to chewing rocks. To prevent this from happening, have different chew toys on rotation to keep them occupied and entertained so that their attention does not shift to rocks. Also, provide chew toys for puppies during teething which they can chew on to relieve teething pain. Supervise play When your German Shepherd is out playing in the yard, supervise them so that you can prevent rock chewing by directing them not to pick them up. This will prevent the risks that are associated with rock chewing and swallowing. Frequently Asked Questions Can a dog pass a rock? A dog can pass a rock if the rock swallowed was small. However, if the rock was large enough it will be hard for it to pass through the digestive system and it will cause an intestinal blockage that requires surgery to remove. How long does it take for a dog to pass a rock? If a dog ingested small rocks, this will take the same time as ingested food to get through the digestive system and be excreted. However, if the ingested rock is too large, it will not pass and will cause blockage in the intestines. Conclusion: Why does my German Shepherd chew on rocks? Chewing of rocks is a strange habit that your German Shepherd can engage in and is as a result of different reasons. The most common cause of this behavior is medically referred to as pica which is the desire of eating non-food items. Other common causes include stress and anxiety, boredom, nutritional deficiency, relief of teething pain, infestation with intestinal parasites, medical disorder, and curiosity. I hope this article helped you know and the reasons why a German shepherd chews on rocks, the potential risks associated with this habit, and how you can stop your dog from chewing on rocks. By following the different methods that are provided, you should be able to help your German Shepherd stop this habit. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts. Your German Shepherd eats rocks due to one or more of the following reasons: boredom, anxiety, stress, they like the smell and taste on rocks, or they may be suffering from a medical issue. Why does my German Shepherd puppy eat rocks? German Shepherd puppies may be eating rocks simply because they are curious. They are natural explorers and may be drawn to many things, including rocks. Some puppies may also be teething and they chew rocks to alleviate the pain, while others just have nothing else to do. Perhaps you have not been paying them too much attention. While other dogs are okay with lounging around the house all day, German Shepherds were bred to work as livestock herders. This means that they require a lot of simulation. Has your dog been spending most of its time indoors? Do you take them out for a walk, exercise or just to play? Bear in mind that your German Shepherd is an intelligent animal and they will need to be stimulated. If left on their own and without enough stimulation, they would definitely look for some form of entertainment. This may include eating rocks or other objects, or even destroying things. Reading tip: Why does my German Shepherd eat poop? The first is fear. There are several things that dogs can be afraid of. It can be their environment or a person. Some are afraid of storms or other loud sounds. The next reason for anxiety is related to their age. Older dogs may have a condition called cognitive dysfunction syndrome which can be the reason for feeling anxious. The University of Lincoln has published research that identified 4 root causes of separation anxiety in dogs. Aside from eating rocks, your German Shepherd may also be doing any of the following: too much barking, aggression, and urinating or defecating all over the house. Perhaps the rocks are under your grill and your dog can smell the grease. They proceed to eat the rocks because the smell reminds them of tasty food. Or they could just be curious. Puppies in particular, love to explore. Smelling and tasting the things around them actually allows them to understand their environment better. Warning: The problem is that rocks pose a choking hazard. They can also cause gastrointestinal obstruction. But dogs are not wired the same. There are even dogs who like to chew and eat grass. It not only tastes good for them, but it can even provide them some nourishment. Also, if your German Shepherds are not getting enough nutrition, they may feel hungry all the time. This may be the reason that they will just start eating whatever is near them including rocks! According to PetMD , it is a condition where dogs crave for something that is not edible. Those who are afflicted with pica may eat anything from rocks, socks , and the like. Pica affects all kinds of breeds, regardless of their age or gender. There is no specific test that can determine whether your German Shepherd has pica. After the diagnosis however, it is still important to find out what exactly caused the pica to manifest. The underlying cause could again be a medical issue. Your German Shepherd might have parasites in his body, or suffering from hormonal imbalance or even diabetes. Other times it can be due to stress and fear. Dogs are social animals and when left for long periods of time, it may make them do things they have never done before. Perhaps the rock-eating is just their way of acting out and getting your attention. Make sure to shower your German Shepherd with lots of love and attention. Go for a walk with them daily. Play with them and talk to them, and make them a part of your family. This could lead to health issues that will not only cost you money but could also put their lives in danger. Some of the possible complications include: Chipped teeth. A perforated stomach. A blockage in their intestines. For more information, follow these tips: 1: Go to your veterinarian Once you see your German Shepherd eating rocks, take them to the veterinarian right away. Your dog may have already swallowed some rocks. In this case your vet can run an X-ray to determine if there is any blockage. Even if there is no blockage, your vet may also help you find the reason why your dog is eating rocks. Aside from getting a medical history, some blood tests and even fecal analysis may also be required. Once a diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian can easily address the issue. That could be the reason why they have started eating rocks in the first place. Make sure that they are getting enough vitamins and minerals in their food. There are nutritional guidelines that you can check out to see if you are feeding your German Shepherd the proper food. Some of the important ingredients that must be present in their food are: Fats. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be doing it and the signs to look for. You can also read about what you should and should not feed a dog here. Boredom German Shepherds are a breed that was bred to be extremely active where they would work with their owners doing intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. This means that they need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. If they do not get a lot of exercise then they will look to make their own entertainment which could include trying rocks or gravel. Generally, it is recommended that a German Shepherd get at least an hour of exercise daily. It could be that this is a trait that dogs still have today which is why they occasionally choose to eat gravel. This could be why wild dogs are often seen eating small rocks. Illness One proposed reason why German Shepherds eat small rocks is that they do it to ease an upset stomach. One way this happens is where the small rocks can cause it to be sick causing its stomach to feel better. If you think that sickness could be the reason, the rock eating will likely have come on suddenly and it should stop after a few days. It likes the taste It could simply be because it likes the taste of the small rocks or gravel. To reduce this from happening you can make sure that your German Shepherd is getting a lot of exercise and you can give it things to divert its attention away from the rocks such as toys to chew on. It smells food Another cause that your German Shepherd might be eating small rocks could that it smells food there. This could be the case when the gravel is where there has been food such as below a barbeque or where some leftovers might have been thrown. If your German Shepherd recently had something happen that could be causing it to be stressed such as a change of environment, a change of owner or if one of your other dogs died then this could be the reason. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to stop eating rocks it would help to have a better understanding of why it is doing it. Below, I will mention a couple of things that you can consider. When it started eating rocks It would help to consider when it first started eating rocks. It would help to consider what happened at around the same time that it started eating rocks. When it eats rocks, stones or pebbles It would also help to consider the timing of when it does it. Whereas, if it does it when it has not eaten for a while then it could be the case that it is hungry. How to get your German Shepherd to stop eating rocks There are a number of things that you can do to reduce how much your German Shepherd eats rocks that I will mention below. Make sure its diet is right Giving your German Shepherd a good diet could help to reduce its rock eating. You can read on nutritional guidelines at petswebmd here. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Give it exercise Since boredom could be what is causing it to eat rocks it would help to make sure that it is getting enough exercise provided that it is definitely not ill. Generally, it is recommended to give a German Shepherd an hour of exercise daily. You can do so by teaching it to play fetch, letting it swim, walking it for an hour or having a dog walker do it for you. Give it other things to chew on Another option you have is to distract your German Shepherd from eating gravel. You can do this by giving it other things that will keep it occupied such as by giving it lots of toys to play with and by giving it lots of toys that it can chew on instead. Train it to come to you You can also train your German Shepherd to come to you when you call it. That way when you see your German Shepherd eating rocks or when it is about to eat them you can call it to come to you which will help you to reduce the number of rocks that will be able to eat. To do this do as follows: Get some treats that it likes and a long lead if you have one Tell it to sit then reward it with a treat. You then repeat the process each time getting it to keep its attention a little longer. Then you tell it to stay then walk a few steps back then if it stays you walk back and reward it. Continue to do that each time walking back a bit further and, when it gets good, wait for a few seconds before walking back to it. This would be especially important if it has been acting unusually in other ways as well. Reduce its access to rocks It would also help to reduce its access to rocks whenever possible. You can do this by preventing it from being able to access certain areas of the yard or by monitoring it when it is in the yard. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. What is that all about? Why do some dogs like rocks so much? We explore some common reasons why dogs eat rocks, risks associated with eating rocks and finally how to stop your dog from eating rocks. This will help you get to the root of why your dog is engaging in this strange behavior and how to help them stop. Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks? The most common reason your dog might be eating rocks is a medical condition called Pica. The classic signs of pica are eating non-food items. In addition to rocks, dogs with Pica might also eat dirt, trash, plastic, metal or articles of clothing like socks. There is no known cause as to why dogs get Pica, but it is often linked to nutritional deficiencies. Another reason your dog may start eating rocks is that he or she has a behavioral issue. Stress or anxiety in your dog may manifest into your dog eating rocks. Your dog might be seeking your attention when he puts rocks in his mouth or he could be anxious or bored. He or she can do an exam and run diagnostic tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or parasites. They may also ask some lifestyle questions about your pet to determine if the issue is behavioral. Risks associated with dogs eating rocks Eating rocks is not a safe behavior for your dog for many reasons. It can lead to illnesses or injuries that result in the need for costly surgery or medical care. Intestinal blockages If your pet ingests a large enough rock, it can cause a blockage that will require surgery to remove. Intestinal blockages prevent dogs from getting adequate nutrition and can cause your pet to vomit or become lethargic. If you think your dog has swallowed something and it is causing a blockage, see your vet immediately to confirm with an X-ray and have it removed. If your dog is in pain or showing any signs of perforation you will want to take them to the vet for treatment. Chipped or broken teeth If your pet is chewing on hard stones or rocks they can chip or damage their teeth, resulting in the need for dental work or even having an impacted tooth removed. Dog dental work is done under anesthesia and therefore poses some additional risks. Try changing where you walk your dog. You can also look for dog training facilities that allow you to rent space to exercise your dog indoors in extreme instances. Use behavior modification Offer your dog an alternative like a favorite treat or a tug toy for dropping the rock. For some breeds of working dogs, leash walks are not enough mental stimulation. You can add training exercises or even give them puzzle toys to help stimulate their minds. Some dogs even enjoy learning tricks or tasks around your house. You may wish to consult a trainer, especially if your dog is a working or herding breed like a Border Collie or Husky. Give your dog ample amounts of attention Similar to ensuring your dog has enough physical and mental exercise, if eating rocks is a behavioral issue, you will also want to ensure that your dog is getting enough attention. If they are eating rocks to get attention from you, being proactive with your attention may lessen their desire to eat rocks in the first place. It might take some time and patience on your end, as change does not happen overnight, especially with dogs. By ensuring your dog is getting adequate nutrition, providing physical and mental exercise, attention and opportunities for behavior modification you will be helping them live their happiest and healthiest lives. The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.

Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique? With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. Looking for a nonshedding, family oriented, compassionate, intuitive, companion dog? We have puppies now and coming up. Contact us: text or voice. Our email is info cherryvalleylabradoodles. You can also DM us on Instagram! Are you worried about getting a healthy dog? All our moms and dads are extensively health tested. Our puppies come with 2 year genetic health guarantees. Do you want a breeder with a good reputation? We know our blood lines and we know they are healthy with balanced people-oriented personalities. We have a health guarantee that is fair and industry standard, and rarely necessary. If you read our instagram page , you will find many of our happy customers making comments and posted their own puppy pages. And we can give referrals. Contact us for current available puppies that are ready to go now. Minis are here. She is the sweetest, mellowest smaller girl I have ever know. Flops over for belly rubs. She is from a favorite long line of Cherry Valley labradoodles stretching back 20 years to our first imports from Australia. The sire, Indy is a complete and utter love sponge, loves hikes. We have a boy and a girl available from this litter. Ready to go home mid to late September. Call or text for info. SO excited about this combo. AND we will get some fun coloring, black, red and spots! Sabine is my personal hiking buddy and snorer under the bed. She is hilarious but takes herself very seriously. And let me tell you. When she nibbled the earphones into destruction, could she ever flutter those eyelashes like a diva princess of innocence. Amazing standard pups with therapy dog temperaments, excellent healthy lineage and fun colors!! Pups are here. Boys in creams and an apricot. We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. Testimonials As a veterinarian I work with multiple breeders. Charl and Jerry Beauchat have been clients of mine for several years. Their dogs are always kept in great condition. Every puppy is health checked and micro-chipped prior to going to its new home. Providing healthy family members remains a priority of mine as well as theirs Jonathan CortezDVM We can not say enough about the integrity of your program. Pete and Jiffy …head and shoulders above the pack when it comes to a quality breeder…. Do yourself a favor and visit Charl and Shadow Mountain Labradoodles if you are considering a new puppy. We have made a full time commitment to our program. Three of us work full time with our dogs, puppies and families. Charl and Jerry are in Southern California, our daughter Jena, has branched out and is now carrying on our work in Oklahoma! We are also currently training 10 new Australian Labradoodle Breeders in California, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Missouri and Ohio to bless families and to protect this wonderful breed! Shadow Mountain Australian Labradoodles are bred with love and care in a home environment. We work hard to place our puppies in an environment where both the families and the puppies are set up for success. Quick Links.