black labradoodle puppies for sale brisbane

black labradoodle puppies for sale brisbane

Initial speculation[ ] The Easter egg was revealed by one of Jagex's banner ads in early September .It informed players about the Knowledge Base, and the search feature included in it. The word "bulldog" was typed in, and the search button was clicked. Search results were not shown in the banner ad. However, this sparked many players' curiosity, and those who actually searched for "bulldog" were greeted with an article saying "Thanks for using the Knowledge Base! Summoning Teaser[ ] Jagex hinted that the Summoning update would include bulldogs. In the "Summoning: Part 1 - Concept" Development Diary , it said that the bulldog animation was "previously released as a teaser linked from a banner advert for the Knowledge Base". This hint was indeed true as bulldogs can be obtained from the Pet Shops in Taverley and Yanille at level 4 Summoning. This is a non-combat pet and the bulldog simply follows your character around. It has two stages, puppy and adult. The bulldog eats raw meat. At level 14 Summoning, you can talk to the bulldog. I guess mostly because Smoke has shit droptable, Garg is annoying and a shit droptable normals are still better wtf , Sire is the worst boss in the game and Hydra is still relatively new. The Bloodhound is a pet that can be received as a rare reward from master clue scrolls at a rate. A pet is a non-combat NPC loyal to a player that is generally obtained from monster drops and skilling. Only pet that might be faster than chaos ele I think is skotizo if you consider gathering the totems through slayer to be zero time and not count towards the "grind". A Terrier is a type of pet dog which a player can have with level 4 Summoning. Pets can be obtained from many different sources, such as monster. Using a set of bones on the bloodhound will result in the chatbox message You give the dog the bone — it eats it. But there are also some elite pets locked behind serious grinds or difficult bosses, where only the best of the best will have a chance of obtaining them. When a player receives the pet, it will automatically try to appear as their follower. When other players examine the pet, it will show them the owner's total. Coming in at number one is easily the. They came alongside humans , who came from the same planet as they did. Pet's are a mini version of bosses or skill-affiliated animals that will follow you around as a new tiny companion on your journey throughout Gielinor. Players can store up to 52 pets in the Menagerie of a player-owned house with the highest-level pet houses. It's probably because killing Scorpia isnt profitable, so the only people that grind it are pet hunters a minority of the osrs community. Using a set of bones on the bloodhound will result in the chatbox message You give the dog the. Stray dogs are dogs that roam around Varrock and Meiyerditch. At level 14 Summoning, you can talk to the bulldog. The Hellpuppy is a pet dropped by Cerberus. Are pets insured in leagues? It can be bought from a Pet Store for coins. Chaos ele is probably the fastest pet in the game with 2 different methods to grind for it which means it should appeal to more people and it is smack dab in the middle. There are two stores with identical shop stocks and functionality. The Easter egg was revealed by one of Jagex's. Most dogs, except those in Brimhaven Dungeon, are aggressive and they all attack with melee. It is a non-combat pet and simply follows the player around. There are some very commonly available pets in OSRS, like cats. The Bulldog is a pet you can purchase from a Pet Shop and use at level 4 Summoning. Using a set of bones on the bloodhound will result in the chatbox message You give the dog the bone - it eats it. It is a non-combat pet that simply follows the player around. The Labrador has two growth stages, puppy and adult. Can you buy a pet Osrs? There are currently 57 available pets in Old School RuneScape, of which 52 fill a collection log slot. It has two stages, puppy and adult. One potential reward could be new pets from a diverse set of wildlife, such as the capybara! The bulldog eats raw meat. A wide variety of dogs can be found across Gielinor. She will tell you the store was broken into last night and all the puppies stolen! However, if a player receives a pet while having a follower out for example, a cat , it will be placed into their inventory. Dogs can be assigned as a slayer task from Turael, Spria and Mazchna at level 15 combat. What is the rarest pet in OSRS? Wild dog - Found in Brimhaven Dungeon. How does one actually get a pet and how rare are they? Is there a specific method to increase your odds? When examined, Blue tells the player how many clues that they have completed. A high-stakes gamble requires a honor points bet and needs you and your team to successfully. This is a non-combat pet and the bulldog simply follows your character around. Introduce pet dogs bulldog, dalmation, greyhound, labrador, sheepdog, terrier, etc with the new quest "Stolen Puppies". Didymus the Lorehound is a pet obtainable from May's Quest Caravan. Dogs are commonly kept as pets by humans, either for companionship or work. Pet dagannoth supreme. Pets can also be interacted with. A pet is a non-combat NPC that is devoted to the player and may be acquired via monster dropping or skilling. Pet shops are shops that sell pets. Available to members only, some pets must be raised to maturity by following the player, such as cats. Support some of your favourite J-Mods as 24 teams descend upon St. Typically, a player must raise a pet to maturity by having it follow. Sheepdogs come in three different colours:. There are currently over 70 pets that can be obtained in-game. There are currently 57 available pets in Old School RuneScape, of which 52 fill a collection log. Controls and outfit settings for this pet can be found in the customisation interface under the companion pets section. Upgrading your skills or unlocking specific achievements. Book at the 1 Vacation Rental in Villar de. A Sheepdog is a pet dog that can be bought from any pet store for coins. Villar de Plasencia Vacation Rentals. It is unlocked by allocating at least 25 quest points to the pet track. They came alongside humans, who came from the same planet as they did. The follower details interface displays information about a players currently summoned familiar or pet. Players need level 4 Summoning to buy a sheepdog puppy. The KBD is one of the easiest bosses to kill and is great for players who are getting into bossing. Pets which resemble true animals or which are interpretations of some well-established fantastical beast are very intriguing, but those which are simply cloned miniatures of the bosses which drop them are altogether unlike pets. A terrier has two stages, puppy and adult. Runescape's pets are mini versions of a boss or a skill-affiliated animal that will follow you around, acting as a new tiny companion on your numerous quests and trips to the Grand Exchange. Players can interact with stray dogs in the following ways: Shoo - It can be shooed away by the player "Thbbbbt! They came alongside humans, who came from the same plane as they did. In the kills it took me to get the pet, I only encountered 2 pking groups, and one guy that was interested in duoing for his slayer task. Stray dog - Found in Varrock and Meiyerditch. Many pets can also be fed and interacted with. Any donations raised through this link will be matched by Jagex, doubling money! The summoning screen for a pet. A high-stakes gamble requires a honor points bet and needs you and your team to successfully complete every wave and kill the Penance Queen at the end in order to qualify for a. New Account Speedrunning All Pets. Can you lose pets in rs3? Using them to dig like a spade is cool as hell, having them hold agro or act as a bone crusher is too far. Players with have to speak with Anita, sister of Probita, at their pet shop in East Ardougne. A skilling pet guide on the fastest methods to obtain the Heron, the fishing pet in Old School RuneScape. Dogs are animal creatures. What is the best way of training. Dogs have no noteworthy drops beside bones and ensouled dog heads. The screen can be reached via the Summoning icon on the action bar. These dogs are related. Dogs, like cats, should exist as basically a minigame with non combat uses. Jackal - Found in the Kharidian Desert. Pets can be obtained from many different sources, such as monster drops, looting chests, or purchasing from the Grand Exchange. There are several kinds of dogs in RuneScape. Most hotels are fully refundable. At the same time, a red message in the chatbox will state You have a funny feeling like you're being followed. It can be interacted with to perform an emote. The three methods available for getting pets in OSRS are: Defeating specific bosses Upgrading your skills or unlocking specific achievements Monster drops and pet drops Having said that, Sheepdogs come in three different colours: light grey, dark grey and brown. Because most pets are extremely uncommon drops from particular monsters or skilling activities, and therefore are frequently regarded prestigious, they serve little function other than looks. Scorpia was very dead when I grinded it. A pet is a non-combat NPC loyal to a player that generally requires a certain level in Summoning to own. Updated April .The Rarest Pets, based on the number acquired per day of. Although no pet is necessarily easy or guaranteed apart from the pet rock and cat, but who counts them , there are some that, with some skill and. In Taverley, south of the summoning store. Skilling pets in Runescape are hugely sought after, but often have unorthodox drop rates depending on the skilling activity. It has 3 heads like the boss and huge dragon wings. Labradors may be black, grey or yellow in colour. A fiery little pup! Typically, a player must raise a pet to maturity by having it follow them. A bulldog previously was seen roaming the streets of Yanille with his guardian, the Yanille Pet shop owner, before the release of the skill. Players are able to purchase pet dogs from the pet shops in Taverley and Yanille. Where to kill dogs osrs? Traveling with Pets Guide. If ignored, it will follow for a certain amount of time, and then it will leave to find a different player to follow. Dogs are commonly kept as. A pet seldom seen, and with good reason. Labradors, like all dogs, eat raw beef, raw bear meat, raw beast meat and raw rat meat, but not chicken, rabbit, bird, yak, undead beef, undead chicken or any kind of fish. Old School RuneScape: All pets and how to get them …. However, players can now have a bulldog as a pet due to the release of the Summoning skill. Give a dog a bone in OSRS! Pets can also be. Sheepdog Mark dog Gabe Bloodhound - A pet obtained through master clue. Although no pet is essentially easy to obtain not. Can you get a pet dog in Osrs? Terriers eat raw meat and bones, but not fish, raw pawya meat or chicken even at adult stage. Pets may be stored in the bank or inventory, and will follow the player when dropped. This screen is only available when a pet or familiar is actually in use. AndrewAJT .Osrs, how do you acquire a sluggish cat? Monster drops and pet drops. A safespot for the guard dogs in Hosidius. Although no pet is essentially easy to obtain not counting the faithful pet rock there are some companions that are especially rare for your character to stumble across. Basically, the Ranged slayer's best friend. Pet info Gallery The pet performing its emote Update. The Slayer Pets are amazingly rare pets that you can get only from Slayer Bosses, which you can only kill while on task. Jun 1, Replying to and 6 others I will drop all my plans tomorrow and stream myself tobbing on steam client. They require high levels of Slayer, and they drop at a rate of 1 every 3, except for the Abyssal Orphan, which has a 1 in 2, chance: Noon, from the Grotesque Guardians with 75 Slayer. Now, if only I could find another hundred Stock Animal Diet : Bones can be fed to your Dalmation despite the fact dogs can't or at least shouldn't eat bones in real life. Giant Crab Red and green variant. In order to receive the baby crab players must first receive a "Crunchy Claw Token" which is dropped by Mogres and later traded with the Mogre Nungnote To reach Nung players need a Diving Apparatus and Fishbowl Helmet to go underwater at Port Khazard. Power Pincers : Presumably since it's a crab, though like most pets it can't fight. You Know I'm Black, Right? Dat not right, right? A dog that can be purchased at a Pet Shop with level 4 Summoning. Three different variants of coat exist for this pet such as brown, grey and dark brown. Raw meat and bones are also used to feed it. Once the player reaches level 14 in Summoning the player can understand the Greyhound. Canine Companion Dog Stereotype : As is sometimes typical in portrayals for the breed the Greyhound is speed personified, which can be seen in its examine text and in many conversations with it. Stock Animal Diet : Bones can be fed to your Greyhound despite the fact dogs can't or at least shouldn't eat bones in real life. Labrador Yellow variant. Three different variants of coat exist for this pet such as black, grey and yellow. Raw meat is used to feed it. Once the player reaches level 14 in Summoning the player can understand the Labrador. Canada, Eh? This is likely a reference to the eastern Canadian province Newfoundland and Labrador. Fun Personified : It's made very clear through many of the conversations with the Labrador that all it really wants to do is play. A pet that can be caughtnote Need to be at level 48 Hunter. As a baby it is fed either raw fish or ground fishing bait, while as an adult it is fed regular fishing bait. Gender Reveal : Possibly, since only male platypuses have venom. See Poisonous Person below. High-Class Glass : Seems to think so and implies to have one in a conversation. Poisonous Person : Before the Platypus becomes your pet it is capable of poisoning the player with their "webbed feet of doom". Puzzling Platypus : Its examine text describes it as "A most unlikely creature. The Smart Guy : Seems to enjoy the arts, doing math, philosophy and using big complex words. A pet that may be received from Apprentice Clerval at the Mage Training Area after completing the quest Rune Mechanics were the player helps Clerval discover how to make one. Color Motif : Aside from it's original grey color a Rune Guardian can have its color changed to another color, one that relates to the Runecrafting Altar it's used on. Family of Choice : Despite being some sort of Golem ; thus having no biological family, and being a relatively recent creation of the apprentice wizard Clerval it sees the older Entrance Guardian as a sibling. Gem Tissue : Its eyes are emeralds. Proverbial Wisdom : Speaks like this quite a bit. Three different variants of coat exist for this pet such as grey, black and yellow. Raw meat is also used to feed it. Once the player reaches level 14 in Summoning the player can understand the Sheepdog. Sheepdog: "I say. It's not on, stealing someone else's coat. It's from a sheep, not a sheepdog. How terribly embarrassing. Three different variants of coat exist for this pet such as tan, grey and black. Once the player reaches level 14 in Summoning the player can understand the Terrier. Canine Companion Heroic Dog : Based off of conversations with the player it wants to help the player save the world. Jumped at the Call : Based off of the conversations the player can have with the Terrier it is very eager to join the player on their Adventures. Stock Animal Diet : Bones can be fed to your Terrier despite the fact dogs can't or at least shouldn't eat bones in real life. Tooth Creature Healthy adult. Decayed adult. Owning one completes the Milky Teeth achievement, which is also a requirement to own "Master Quest Cape". Canine Companion : Surprisingly this seems to be the case due to its similar appearance to the Tooth Creature named Gnarly, who's implied to have been grown from the tooth of a Terror Dog. Hellhound : Surprisingly this seems to be the case due to its similar appearance to the Tooth Creature named Gnarly, who's implied to have been grown from the tooth of a Terror Dog. The Tooth Hurts : The decayed variant is likely this since it's acknowledged as being made of teeth. Trademark Favorite Food : Milknote Feeding the Tooth Creature regular milk will result in it becoming a healthy adult while chocolate milk will result in it becoming a ''decayed adult. Unreliable Illustrator : Despite being implied to have been grown from the tooth of a Terror Dog the Tooth Creature looks more like a goat or sheep. Interface Pets Penguin Blue variant. A penguin that can be hatched from an egg received from the Penguin Keeper at the Ardougne Zoo, once the player reaches level 30 Summoning. Three different variants exist for this pet such as the blue, brown and grey. Raw fish is also used to feed it. Once the player reaches level 40 in Summoning the player can understand the Penguin. Gameplay and Story Segregation : For some reason you need to be at level 40 Summoning to understand this pet, despite the fact there are no requirements for speaking with other penguins. Orc Raised by Elves : This pet is the offspring of the penguins from the Cold War quest who want to take over Gielinor. Raven Blue variant. With crest. A raven that can be hatched from an egg once the player reaches level 50 Summoning. Six different variants exist for this pet such as the black, blue and red, along with their own crested variants. Raven chicks are fed ground fishing bait while adults eat regular fishing bait. Once the player reaches level 60 in Summoning the player can understand the Raven. The Bard : Is a bit of a poet, though the player doesn't seem to understand or enjoy it. The Eeyore : Is perpetually depressed as an adult, which is noted by the player. Play with me! In General Pets players can get through the daily activity Treasure Hunternote Though some pets can now be gained through other means. Bribing Your Way to Victory : Unless you're lucky, players will probably need to pay to increase their chances of getting these pets. Promotional Powerless Piece of Garbage : Many of these pets are hard to get and don't help you at all in the game itself. Revenue-Enhancing Devices : Most of these pets are completely useless in game and getting them requires a lot of luck or money, which is used to buy the keys needed in the game. After the 16th of September the pet was removed from the game when its promotion ended, though on October the 2nd an alternate version of this pet could be acquired at Solomon's General Store. Much like other breeds of Chinchompa the Golden Chinchompa can explode only in its case it rewards the player that raised it with various items. Having a Blast : Like most other Chinchompa breeds they can explode. Solid Gold Poop : Possibly since the Golden Chinchompa claims that it will turn into a chinchompafly and leave behind lots of gold for the playernote Though other items can be gained from the chinchompa exploding as well. Temporary Online Content : This version of the pet was completely removed from the game after the 16th of September, though a lookalike became available in a Solomon's General Store shortly after. Follower Pets Hype Train Choo choo.A rare prize from Treasure Hunternote Though it can also now be purchased with Oddments in the Marketplace. Originally the Hype Train was as object based pet, but in late May the Hype Train was converted into a Follower interface pet. Cool Train : It's a little train that follows the player around. Living Toys : Due to its small size, the fact it appears to be completely made of wood and the fact it's completely autonomous it's likely one of these. Real Time : Becomes more active as the system update time counts down. The Speechless : Though capable of making noise as a train it doesn't talk, though the player does talk to it. Skully Misses his body. Originally when won if players don't want him had the option of having him converted into , coins. Skully according to some of his dialogue owes his undead nature to a curse that was placed upon him. Originally Skully was as object based pet, but in late May Skully was converted into a Follower interface pet. Black Comedy : Every conversation with him has this. Curse : Is apparently cursed to live forever. Dem Bones : Just a skull and spine. Glowing Eyelights of Undeath : As one can see in his image his eyes glow green. Skully: "Can we slow down? I don't have the legs I used to. Actually, how do you even get around? The player also has some in another conversation. Tumbleweed The pet for the lonely. Not much is known about the Tumbleweed's history, but some removed examine text suggests it likes the player's jokes. Originally the Tumbleweed was as object based pet, but in late May the Tumbleweed was converted into a Follower interface pet. Actually Pretty Funny : Its examine text in the player's inventory; back when it was a object pet, suggests this. Tumbleweed: "! I'm going to have to train you better. Misc Path of Glouphrie error The yellow, blue, and indigo circles from the Path of Glouphrie were never obtainable until the logic of the puzzle was updated sometimes in .It is still impossible to get the yellow circle due to a math error. Debug texture On 28 December , a debug texture was added into the cache. Source: Polar in the RuneScape Preservation Unit discord, in the general-osrs channel on 28 December Hidden examines Some subjects have have an "hidden" examine that can only be seen if by packet-editing as they have no examine option in-game. Locations Shop. More bridge. Why not the hindquarters? Source: Polar and Hlwys in the RuneScape Preservation Unit discord, in the general-osrs channel on 02 January Unused examines Some unused examines: "" : "test", "" : "test", "" : "'Hope is the thing with feathers. D", "" : "'Nostalgia is a side effect of dying. Spirit kalphite chathead - Bull ant chathead - Early pak yak - Penguin pet - Baby penguin pet - Early arctic bear - Penguin pet chathead - Baby penguin pet chathead - Gecko - Spotted gecko - Gecko chathead - Undead chicken familiar prototype - , Dreadfowl - Spirit wolf - Greyhound puppy - Dalmatian - Dalmatian puppy - Labrador puppy - Bulldog puppy - Labrador - Bulldog puppy - Sheepdog puppy - Terrier puppy - Terrier - Greyhound - Sheepdog - Saradomin owl - Macaw - Arctic bear - Wimpy bird - Source: Wahi in the RuneScape Preservation Unit discord, in the general-osrs channel on 02 January Unused Elena chathead There exist an unused variant of Elena's chathead in the cache. Source: Wahi in the RuneScape Preservation Unit discord, in the general-osrs channel on 17 Janurary Toned down Spongebob reference During a cutscene in the Guardian of the Rift minigame, a pinapple model is shown is the background. The final model has a recoloration config that toned down the Spongebob reference. It is defined in location id .Source: Wahi in the RuneScape Preservation Unit discord, in the discoveries channel on 31 May Unused Wimpy bird An unused model for Wimpy bird was added in the cache in the update "Rejuvenating the Wilderness: More risk, more reward".

These dogs are small to medium-sized but have an energy level that makes a house with a yard a better choice. Unless these dogs get minutes of exercise daily, noisy or destructive behavior is a distinct possibility. Boxer Jack Russells have a strong prey drive. These dogs are susceptible to several serious health problems inherited from either parent breed. Without a health clearance from the breeder, you may not know how vulnerable your dog is to some conditions. These dogs are quick learners who are especially receptive to training. One of the things that people who live with these dogs enjoy the most about them is their friendly nature. These dogs thrive as much as possible around human company. These designer mixes do not shed as heavily as some breeds and benefit from weekly brushing and bathing. However, aside from brushing and bathing, these dogs are low-maintenance in their grooming needs. Boxer Jack Russell Mixes are eager to learn and relatively easy dogs to train. These mixes learn basic commands quickly when you use positive reinforcement training. Obedience training classes with these dogs are a delight for all. Most owners consider these dogs medium or low maintenance. The dogs have modest grooming needs, as well as reasonably robust exercise needs. When you have one of these dogs, you can be sure of your dog being a natural charmer. The Boxer Jack Russell Mix has what we consider to be an alert, happy appearance. Many of these dogs take on more characteristics from one breed or the other as they age. Some of these dogs might resemble one breed more than the other. However, most will probably share a blend of traits from the parent breeds. Boxer Jack Russells may have brindle or brown and white coats similar to Boxers. Other popular colors are the traditional Jack Russell patterns, including white, tan, brown, or black. Most of these dogs have an average height of inches and weigh pounds. The size range will depend on whether one breed is more dominant, as well as the size of the parents. These dogs usually enjoy a ten-year lifespan, and many live to .Breeding quality can also lead to how long these dogs live. Ideally, it would help if you looked for a breeder that provides health clearances. Sometimes, you might find one of these designers mixes through a rescue or shelter. These dogs may also show up in Boxer or Jack Russell-specific rescues. Rescue and shelter workers sometimes have to make the best guess at which breed a dog is. Your dog will likely enjoy or tolerate these tasks over time. Weekly bathing is more beneficial for these dogs than not. Bathing is the best way to avoid flea and tick infestations that can become very uncomfortable. A quality shampoo containing natural flea-repelling ingredients is best for your dog. However, doggie odors can be a little much to tolerate sometimes. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient for these dogs because they do not usually shed a lot. Brushing helps rid your dog of loose fur that becomes uncomfortable if it forms mats. A dog with a brushed coat also looks much better. Checking the ears for signs of excess wax or dirt about once a week will help prevent discomfort and infections. If there are any issues, an ear cleaner for dogs is your best choice. Some of the most effective cleaners are enzyme-based. Although most dogs resist brushing at first, most will at least tolerate brushing, mainly if you use dog toothpaste in an appealing flavor. Torn nails can get infected, making a shorter length more desirable. Some of these conditions are more Boxer or Jack Russell-specific, while others are common to both breeds. Breeders who care about their dogs will consider any possible health problems an obligation. Some of the conditions that you may need to think about include: Skin irritations from flea and tick bites Hyperthyroidism. This dog was normally kept for his prowess as a hunting dog and was also a good fighter. The Boxer was also kept because he was a great working dog and assisted the soldiers during the World Wars. Generally speaking, the Boxer was also very playful, not very aggressive but very loyal to its owner. If your Jack Russell Boxer Mix gets some of his traits from the Boxer, he will be a great companion and protector of your children. He acquired a tiny female Terrier in and made it the foundation of his breeding plan, which resulted in the present-day Jack Russell Terrier. John standardized his dogs to be white and effective in hunting foxes. The modern Jack Russell Terrier is normally white in color with brown patches. He has a strong body measuring 10 to 15 inches in height. He weighs around 14 to 18 pounds. These dogs tend to be tough and courageous. They have a great stamina, and also show a great sense of independence. However, they are also loyal and easy going around people. Both the Boxer and the Jack Russell are breeds that are strong and powerful. They have a very strong prey instinct as well. If you socialize the Jack Russell Boxer Mix puppy well , he is likely to get along well with other animals and new people he encounters. Jack Russell Terrier Boxer Mix puppies are capable of being independent and love to have their own alone time when it is a full house. Like all other dogs, this breed also responds very well to positive reinforcement. They are generally social and have a very warm temperament. Generally, the Jack Russell and Boxer Mix is an amazing companion and very protective of their owners hence will be a great addition to your family. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Therefore, what this means is that the Jack Russel Boxer mix may have features that vary depending on the genes that were inherited from the parent breeds. There are some Jack Russell Boxer Mix puppies that inherit more features from the Boxer than the Jack Russell terrier and the vice versa is also true. It is only until the Boxer Jack Russel mix puppy gets older that you will be able to tell the characteristics it inherits form each parent breed. The bodies of the two breeds are very similar in stature — short and stout with a ferocious prey instinct. This is reflected in their muscular hindquarters, their short legs have allowed them historically to chase foxes into dens. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. Boxer History Boxers were originally bred in Germany in the 19th century from a now extinct breed known as the Bullenbeisser — these dogs were originally used as bull baiting dogs and later migrated to helping butchers herd cattle into slaughterhouses. Boxers migrated then to become hunting dogs for Europeans, owing mostly to their very strong jaws and large bite footprint, making them perfect takedown companions for fox, duck and other medium-sized game. Boxers rank fairly well on the popularity scale in the United States, coming in as the 14th most popular dog of , according to the American Kennel Club. Though they were bred for aggression and hunting, they can be wonderfully gentle, making them a fine fit around children. How Did Boxers Come About? Boxers were originally bred as hunting companions in Germany in the 19th century, being a cross between a German Bullenbeisser a type of Mastiff, now extinct and a imported British Bulldogs. While historical information on Boxer crosses is spotty, we do know that there are now several different types of attempted crossbreeding of Boxer dogs. This likely began in the s and early s, as crossbreeding in the United States became more popular. Here are several popular Boxer crosses: Boxer Labrador Retriever Mix Boxador Boxer Great Dane Mix Boxadane Boxer Rottweiler Mix Boxweiler Boxer Golden Retriever Mix Golden Boxer Jack Russell History The Jack Russell is a breed of terrier that was developed in the 19th century by Parson John Russell, an avid hunter who wanted to create a dog that could work well down a foxhole, was fast enough to catch the foxes he hunted — small enough to follow them down the hole if not — and was good enough with other dogs to hunt alongside Bloodhounds. Essentially, John Russell wanted to create a small addition to his army of thirsty, quick hunting dogs. Thus, the Jack Russell was bred and became a firm favourite among English and European hunters. They currently rank 72nd most popular dog in the United States, this is likely due to their hyper-energetic nature and the fact that the AKC only recognized them as a breed, officially, in .Jack Russells were bred by Parsons John Russell in England in the 19th century as a hunting companion for his bloodhounds. Prior to the s and early s, the Jack Russell Terrier was not a popular crossbreed in the United States, due to its lack of popularity overall. However, during this time, crossbreeding was becoming more popular, allowing for the Jack Russell Terrier to be crossbred with other dogs. Here are several popular Jack Russell crossbreeds likely created during the crossbreeding craze. Is it more like the Boxer or the Jack Russell? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boxer Jack Russell Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue , we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Jack Russell Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Boxer Jack Russell Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Boxer History: The Boxer is a relatively new breed from the late 19th century. It hails from Germany. He hails from the Bulldog and some German Jack Russells. As most dogs he is a mix of many breeds. He was bred to be a working dog and has hunting and fighting in his past. He was a voracious worker in both World Wars. He is a very playful dog and really not very aggressive, but is extremely loyal. He is extremely alert and will be good with your kids. If he or his family feels threatened, he will show his protective side. Reverend Russell had a passion for fox hunting and the breeding of fox hunting dogs. Jack Russell Terriers are a type, or strain, of working terrier; they are not pure bred in the sense that they have a broad genetic make-up, a broad standard, and do not breed true to type. This is a result of having been bred strictly for hunting since their beginning in the early 's, and their preservation as a working breed since. The broad standard, varied genetic background based on years of restricted inbreeding and wide outcrossing, and great variety of size and type, are the major characteristics that make this strain of terrier known as a Jack Russell such a unique, versatile working terrier. Lifespan: 13 - 16 years Boxer Jack Russell Mix Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed. Both of these parent breeds can be strong and powerful and have very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Boxer mixed with the Jack Russell might be prone to just avoid this mix Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Avoid this mix. What are the exercise requirements? What are the training requirements? Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in.

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Orlando FL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Orlando FL? These price differences depend on a variety of elements. The reputation and experience of each breeder will play a part in what they chose to charge for their pups. Can I only choose puppies from Boxer breeders in Orlando? Absolutely not! Many of the businesses and companies within the Uptown network are experienced at helping new puppy owners organize travel for their dream pup. How do you screen breeders selling Boxer puppies in Orlando? We put plenty of time and effort into screening new applicants to the Uptown network. Every partner in our network has to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other networks with Orlando Boxers for sale? We know that when you start searching for Boxer puppies for sale Orlando it can be hard to sort the good guys from the scammers. At Uptown, we only work with the very best breeders, so you can browse our site with total confidence. What are puppy mills, exactly? Puppy mills are terrible places where money comes before the welfare of pups and their parent dogs. Sadly, poorly bred puppies kept in squalid conditions at mills are at a higher risk of suffering from both genetic illnesses and behavioral problems. Both of which can lead to expensive veterinary bills as your pup grows up. Can I find a Boxer for sale in Orlando right now? The best way to find out is simply to start browsing our site. What are you waiting for - your dream pup could be out there and is just waiting to meet you! Where do Boxers come from? The history of the Boxer is thought to date all the way back to B. C but the breed as we recognise it today was founded in 19th Century Germany. Originally a hunting dog, the Boxer then became famed for their abilities as police dogs, war dogs, guide dogs and of course, talented guard dogs. What are Boxers like? While Boxers are fearless protectors of their families, they also have a funny and silly streak that only those close enough to them will be lucky enough to see. Boxer puppies Orlando are slower to mature than a lot of other breeds so they need time to develop slowly. How big will a Boxer be when mature? Once an Orlando Boxer is fully grown they stand impressively tall. Males can mature to be 25 inches high at the shoulder, with females slightly smaller at .Males weigh pounds and females pounds. An Orlando Boxer for sale will need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. Including plenty of both physical and mental exercise will keep your Boxer happy and content. Boxers make great pets for both families and individuals, with their energetic and loyal traits. Adopting a puppy requires a lot of time and research to find a breeder that is best for you. While there are many to choose from, how do you make a decision? To give you some options, here are 5 Boxer Breeders in Florida to help you find your new furry friend and loyal companion. They are based in the Northeast Ocala area of Florida. Our goal at Shoquest is to produce puppies of the highest quality that will bring a lifetime of joy to their families. For more information, you can send them an email at shoquestboxers gmail. Our Boxers are raised inside with us and are part of our family. We do not have a kennel. The puppies are also raised inside, along with my children, and are well socialized. They come pre-spoiled. Their puppies are socialized from the day they are born and until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, have their 1st set of vaccinations, a Florida Health Certificate and their AKC registration form. To learn more and get in touch, you can visit their website here. We could not be happier with our puppy and the process itself from start to finish. We will definitely be using the JCS Boxers again for our next puppy. They follow a meticulous diet for their puppies, with all of it starting with the health of the mom. Additionally, they plan their litters responsibly. Currently, their next litter is for January and you can view their gallery of puppies on their website here. In order to stay in touch about upcoming litters or to answer any questions you may have, you can send them an email at info jcsboxers. They are located in Central Florida and have been in business since .Boxers are our passion and ours are part of our family, living beside us inside our house because that is where they belong. We have owned Boxers as far back as I can remember. They are a very special breed but they are not for everyone. They require little grooming but they do need daily exercise. Boxers are very intelligent and loving.They are also very playful and have plenty of energy. They are great with children but need proper early training. They are all AKC, will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, vaccinations and health certificates before you take them home. And, they require an application before placing their puppies with you as they want to make sure they are going to loving, forever families. To get in touch about their next litter, you can contact them on their website here. They pride themselves on having a business that focuses on American production including all of the food and everything they use to raise their puppies. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. Their puppies are a part of their family, they have areas to exercise and play and have the best quality care. Currently, they have one boxer from their litter that is available. To keep in touch with their future litters, you can visit their puppies page here. And, to learn more or get in touch you can call them at .With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. These prices are estimates only; each seller can charge whatever they like. The main factor that may affect the price of a boxer puppy is your location within the state which could either increase or decrease the cost. Other factors include breed popularity most popular breeds are generally listed at an average price , whether or not the dog has been AKC registered such registrations often come with a fee and if shipping is included in the price. There are several questions that should always be asked when deciding on whether or not someone is reliable enough to purchase from. Look out for these warning signs: The smell of ammonia or other foul odors this means the boxers were not kept clean Dirty cages, feeds or toys The presence of rats, mice or other pests. If at any point during your visit something seems off, trust your instincts and do not buy from the breeder. In some cases, it might even be helpful to contact your local SPCA or humane society as they may have handled situations involving this particular breeder. Meeting past customers will help you get a feel for whether or not you can trust the breeder and if they produce healthy, happy dogs. If their reviews are negative, be wary of buying from this person. Your breeder should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with their practices and the conditions the boxers are kept in. If this is the case, how can you expect them to take care of your pup? Ask to See The Health Certificates for Your Boxer Puppy If any records exist, ask to see proof of all vaccinations, deworming and other procedures listed above; if none do, be wary. For this reason, you need to ask questions and obtain proof of any conditions your puppy may have. If the breeder does not provide this information easily, move on. This will prove that your Boxer Puppy is purebred and that the breeder is authorized to breed boxers. If these documents cannot be provided, take it as a warning sign. There are several simple things you can do in order to get yourself and your house ready. A playpen or kennel is perfect. When you go to pick up your boxer puppy, there are a few things that you should bring with you. Their new environment can seem overwhelming, so give them plenty of love and reassurance during this time. The younger they are when you start, the easier it will be Older Boxers can also be trained but it will take longer and be more difficult to do so. Keep this in mind before bringing your puppy home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We have the answers! What is the price range for a Boxer? The price range for Boxer puppies for sale Florida can be pretty wide. Breeders consider a number of factors when putting a price tag on their precious puppies including gender, coat color, and pedigree. Browse our featured Boxer breeders Florida to get started. Will I meet only local Boxer breeders? When looking for a Boxer for sale in Florida, your initial top choices will be breeders in your city or state. Your chosen breeder can then arrange to have your puppy safely transported to an airport near you. Our vetting process is designed to keep inexperienced breeders and puppy mills out of our network. Breeders and businesses who wish to join us undergo a strict screening process where their breeding knowledge, practices, and facilities are examined. How is Florida Puppies different from other puppy websites? They are good at marketing though! What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are dishonest breeders who mistreat their animals and forego essential newborn puppy care to make a bigger profit. Are there any Boxer puppies available in Florida right now? We can help you find out! You can also let us know if you have a specific Boxer puppy in mind! Where are Boxer dogs originally from? Boxers have quite an interesting history that dates back to the late s. It is still up for speculation which specific breeds were crossed to create the Boxer but the list includes the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog. The Boxer was created to be a guard dog, a role that it took upon with great success. Today, Boxers do police work but are also popular family dogs. What can I expect from the average Boxer? Boxers are energetic, alert, even-tempered, loyal, loving, and goofy. Boxers are smart and can be trained to do almost anything but keep in mind that they mature slowly -- they are basically puppies until the age of three! As a family dog, Boxers will do anything to protect their family and they are also known to be gentle with kids. How big do Boxers get? Boxers are medium-sized working dogs that can reach a weight of 70 pounds. Male Boxers usually stand at inches at the shoulder while female boxers can reach up to .They are muscular, sturdy, and quite quick. How does Florida Puppies work? Florida Puppies is a network of ethical breeders and businesses and your best source for finding Boxer puppies in Florida. Boxers's Available!

Some Final Words After you decide on a toy poodle and the gender, you still have to decide on the type of food you will feed him or her. Plus, you have to learn how much to feed your little puppy. Once you make all the decisions, the rest should be easy. To learn how to feed your toy poodle and what food you should use, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that your little fell or gal will be healthy for years to come. Take a few minutes to see how important this information is. You do not want to feed too much to your little pet. It is easy for a dog to gain weight and become too fat. Then you have the difficult task of getting them to slim down. That may be harder than it is for you to stick to a diet. You can feed them a little less if you want to but not too much less. Their growing bodies need the nourishment of nutritious dog food. Many dogs may whine if they are only fed once a day and the reason for that is that they are probably hungry. However, you do not want to serve them large meals each time you feed them. Split the amount up over the number of times they eat so that they get the same amount of food. Also, you may give more food if your dog is a little more active than average. While you do not want to over-feed your pet, you also do not want to underfeed them either. For the most part, this will be up to you. Many people like to feed their dogs only once a day. But if their day is active, your pet may be hungry again in the evening or at night. It is not cruel to feed a dog once a day but if your pet is hungry, you should make allowances in the schedule to make sure they are getting their full nourishment share each day. To add a little variety to their diet, you can mix in some human food. The type of human food you give your toy poodle should be healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. For specific foods to share with him or her, talk to your vet. A lot of times, poodles and other dogs will decide which human food they like. While some people recommend up to three times a day, there is a risk of over-feeding your pet and giving them too much food. Of course, if your pet is very active, then you may give them some extra meals or snacks but not too much. The risk of over-feeding your poodle is great and your treasured friend may develop different diseases if you overdo the feeding portion of their day. There are some foods that your pet should not or cannot eat. Some of those food items are chocolate, xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts, raisins, or drink alcohol. While these items may make your dog beg for some, resist their puppy dog eyes, and say no. Every dog owner and vet have their own personal favorites. You can choose any one of the top brands on the market today be wary of the cheap off-brand varieties. Those cheaper foods may fit your budget, but they are not as healthy as the top brands are. They do not have the very best or healthiest ingredients in them. Some Final Words Feeding your pet is a bit of trial and error. With every dog being different, you have to find the right amount of food and the right number of feeding times for your dog. Make food adjustments as you monitor their weight and their growth. Taking care of your pet means making sure they are getting the proper diet and exercise as well as the right amount of food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As your Toy Poodle puppy is maturing and growing, it is crucial to provide it with the proper diet and our Toy Poodle feeding chart will help you. This comprehensive manual is packed with advice that will assist you in providing appropriate portions. Provide a healthy and well-balanced diet tailored to the specific requirements of your Toy Poodle puppy. Until they are six months old, Toy Poodle puppies should eat three or four small meals a day. The six-month mark marks the time when you should begin reducing their daily intake to two meals. Toy Poodle Feeding Chart RER is the amount of energy a Toy Poodle puppy needs at rest to keep their vital organs working, including their respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Hence, your Toy Poodle puppy would require about calories per day in order to keep its body running normally while at rest. You should talk to your vet about how much food and how many calories your Toy Poodle puppy needs. Begin feeding your dog wet puppy chow and other solid foods around week 5. Have patience as your dog undergoes the transition to a new diet. Provide quarter cup of food at each of three to four meals a day. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, and transition your puppy to a dry kibble diet. Keep an eye out for signs of diarrhea and make sure they have plenty of water. Provide plenty water and keep an eye out for symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. It may be beneficial to eat only twice or three times a day instead of six or seven times a day. Maintain a steady supply of fresh water and watch for signs of diarrhea or weight gain. Toy Poodle puppies require a high-quality meal that has been developed just for them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bloating, gas, or constipation. You should start transitioning your Toy Poodle to an adult diet as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for any signs of bloating, gas, or an allergy. Never stop providing a healthy, age-appropriate diet and plenty of fresh water. Maintain a healthy, age-appropriate diet while keeping an eye out for tummy troubles, allergies, or excess weight gain. Toy Poodles are prone to being overweight, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed them. You should feed them twice a day, each time with about a half cup to three quarters of a cup of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on indicators of gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, or weight gain. High-quality protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a healthy diet. A 4-pound Toy Poodle puppy would need roughly calories per day, or calories per pound of body weight. Their calorie requirements will rise as they get taller. Try to eat meat, fish, and eggs as protein sources. Puppies need DHA and other essential fatty acids for proper brain and eye development. Before they reach about six months of age, Toy Poodle puppies should be fed three to four small meals every day. Take into account their age, and degree of activity when determining the appropriate portion size for their meals. To find out how much food your puppy should be eating, talk to your vet. You should also provide your puppy access to clean water at all times and steer clear of feeding it any human food or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight or nutritionally deficient. Kibble vs Wet Food For Toy Poodle Puppies Puppy kibble and wet food are both good options for feeding your toy poodle, but they are not identical. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and it helps maintain dental health by stimulating jaw movement and cleaning teeth. Nevertheless, puppies of the toy poodle breed may have trouble chewing and digesting this food if they have dental problems or a sensitive stomach. Conversely, wet food may be more appealing to fussy eaters because of its quicker digestion and higher moisture content. More moisture is provided, which is great for toy poodles because they often become dehydrated. It can get pricey and go bad rapidly if left out for too long. Toy poodle puppies can do well on either dry kibble or wet food, or a mix of the two, but the best option will ultimately depend on your dog and his or her preferences and dietary needs. The changeover is expected to take around a week. As the puppy becomes older, they can transition to adult food by eating a combination of the two, with the amount of adult food increasing as the puppy food decreases. You should also be sure to provide your toy poodle with high-quality adult dog food. There are a number of potential causes if your Toy Poodle puppy is not eating. Puppies often lose their appetite at times of rapid development, teething, or stress. But, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, you should take him to the vet to rule out any serious health problems. If your dog is picky eater, consider breaking up their meals into several smaller servings and giving them more often. You may also try moistening their kibble with warm water or chicken broth. You should also make sure your puppy gets lots of activity and drinks plenty of water. Toy poodle puppies, should not be freefed, or let to graze on food left out all day. Puppies have special dietary demands that must be met in order to guarantee they grow and develop normally. Overeating, obesity, and behavioral issues including food guarding and hostility are all possible outcomes of a freefeeding regime. Providing your toy poodle puppy with measured meals at set times throughout the day is advised. This will control their eating habits and make sure they have enough to eat to be healthy. This dry dog food is made for developing puppies who like smaller kibble. DHA from fish oil promotes brain, vision, and learning health. An antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix also boosts immunity. Pros DHA from fish oil for brain and eyes Healthy immune system form antioxidant and vitamin E and C No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Comprehensive and Balanced Nutrition 2. For If you have a small-breed puppy like the Toy Poodle, this is the perfect supper for them. This dry dog food is designed for your growing small-breed pup. The first ingredient, farm-raised chicken, delivers quality protein to help your little companion grow strong muscles. It contains 22 essential nutrients, including omega-3 DHA, which improves cognition and makes your pup smarter and more trainable. For dogs under the age of 7 years, visit your vet every year. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat your dog for parasites and worms. Dogs that are over the age of 7 years should visit the vet every 6 months. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat for parasites and worms. Responsible dog owners get their pets vaccinated regularly, wormed, and treated for parasites such as fleas. Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost. One of the health problems that toy poodles are prone to in later life is diabetes mellitus sugar diabetes. The hormones associated with estrous heat in the female can trigger diabetes. Therefore, it is wise to get your female toy poodle spayed. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Small but resilient, toy poodles often live well into double figures. They do however tend to suffer from health issues as they age. Diabetes, poor teeth and heart disease are most common. These issues, once identified, can often be managed in order to help your pet live a long and active life. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Depending on age, poodles may require different levels of calories, protein, and other nutrients. Also, there are a variety of different types of dog food formulated for puppies and adult dogs. Therefore, feeding amounts may also vary based on life stage, lifestyle, size, and body condition. Toy poodle puppies need a lot of protein for their muscles, calcium for their bones, and calories for growth. How much to feed a toy poodle puppy is what we want to guide you on in this article. Too little or too much of any nutrients can harm your puppy. Maintain a good weight Sometimes, all you need to do is serve your toy poodle puppy with just the amount of food he needs. That is how you maintain a good weight for the puppy. When the pups are very young, they rarely get too thin or too fat. At this stage, they usually eat what they need, not more, not less, as long as the food is available. How to determine how much food to give to the puppy To determine how much to feed your toy poodle puppy, first find out the number of food calories the puppy needs for proper growth. Likewise, determine the amount of protein and calcium your puppy needs for proper muscle growth and bones to stay healthy. You should give any poodle under twelve months old dog food for puppies only. Be specific when choosing the right food. Make sure you take food that is labeled puppy food and is meant for toy dogs. The right frequency for feeding toy poodle puppies Puppies are often fed more than adult dogs because they still have small stomachs that can only accommodate small amounts of food, but that also need to be filled more frequently. Therefore, feed a toy poodle puppy small meals but regularly. The most preferred amount is four meals per day until the puppy is three months old. After that, feed your toy poodle puppy three meals daily until he turns six months old. Finally, give him two meals daily from when he is six months through adulthood. What to serve your puppy and how to do it Commercially dry kibble is one of the most popular options for toy poodle puppies. Besides being reasonably priced, it contains balanced nutrition for the puppies. Also, kibble is convenient and good for the little and delicate teeth. You can add a little warm water to the food to make it easy to eat and moisturize it. Also, you can add a little canned food to whatever food you are serving for extra flavor and nutrition. Another convenient feeding option is wet food. Canned food is majorly wet food and is digestible. Many of them are full of balanced nutrition. Give your puppy more wet nutritious food if he needs better hydration or has a problem with his teeth. Canned food usually contains 75 percent moisture, which is a lot more than the 6 to 10 percent for dry food. Final Verdict By now, you should know how much and how often you should feed a toy poodle puppy. It is a skill that, when learned, you can be an excellent owner or breeder. That is why you should take this information seriously. With the right amount of food every day, your toy poodle puppy will be strong, healthy, and growing appropriately. Related Posts. Like all other dogs, this tiny breed is omnivorous. Our domestic dogs have adapted to thrive on a diet made up of plant and animal matter. Toy Poodles need a balanced diet that contains appropriate levels of fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates and water are also essential for the overall health and wellbeing of the poodle. Puppies and senior dogs need higher levels of protein than adults. The ideal level of protein for your dog will vary depending on their age and health. Fat A puppy needs 8 percent of their daily food in fat while adults need only 5 percent of fat every day. Fat is found in many types of animal protein including chicken skin and pork belly. Your Toy Poodle needs fat to maintain its hair, develop no cells and tissue, and get energy. Vitamins Not all dog foods contain the necessary vitamins your Toy Poodle needs. They are packed with vitamins such as A, B1, D, and E which keep our dogs healthy and fight off disease and infections. Minerals Your toy dog needs calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium in small amounts in their diet to stay healthy. They would usually get their daily needs from the plant matter in their commercial food. You should keep your Toy Poodle hydrated at all times. On average, your dog needs about one ounce of water a day. They might require more when they play outside on a hot summer day. Change the water every day and keep the water bowl full. Age, activity levels and health can all determine the best amount of food for your Toy Poodle. So, you should always take online feeding guides with a pinch of salt …not literally! Feeding charts are available on most commercial food packaging. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked.

We strive to provide families with their ideal 4 legged companion for life. We have a history of producing family friendly Goldens with willing and outgoing attitudes. Golden Retrievers often do well in agility, rally, obedience, hunting and service. Every Golden Retriever puppy is evaluated for personality and temperament from the time they are whelped. Our focus is on finding the right combination for each individual family's needs. All of our puppies are well socialized and have had exposure to many different sights, scents, sounds and surroundings before heading off to their forever home. We encourage everyone to stay in touch and let us know if they have any questions during the raising of their Golden Retriever puppy, as well as after their puppy is grown. We will provide you with complete and accurate information on getting started with your new family member, as well as an AKC new puppy packet with all the needed information such as traveling tips, grooming and of course, the basics on training. No need to worry about the process of registering your puppy, we gladly do it for you. All you need to do is come up with a name and we will take care of the rest. You and your puppy will be off to a great start. We are now offering additional services to our puppy families. We believe that a healthy puppy, starts with good nutrition. We feed top quality, holistic dog foods and treats that are sure to please. We offer these items to our puppy families at a reduced price. We want all of our 4 legged friends to get the best of the best. Most of our puppies are sold to pet family homes. This means they are sold with a limited registration and are not intended for breeding. In rare occasions, we will sell a puppy to a show or competition home with an unlimited registration, for an additional fee as well as additional contract requirements. The last litter in , was evaluated for their ability to work as service dogs, 3 of the 9 puppies qualified. We have placed one of them in a wheel chair home and another as a diabetic alert dog. These puppies have bright futures ahead of them. We are proud!!! One of which is a companion to an amazing Autistic boy and the other to a family that has been challenged with Muscular Dystrophy. We are excited to hear how they progress and have no doubt, they will be terrific. In , we have had several excellent litters, from athletic field and agility pups to easy going, laid back, family pups. We have also added a new girl to our family. We have high hopes for her. We are now providing additional training and boarding option as well as one on one help for our families and their pups. In and , we were hard at work in the confirmation ring with Nina. Nina is now a Champion and producing beautiful, intelligent and loving pups. We are not only offering training and boarding for our puppy families, we also have a wide variety of products available to keep your pooch happy and healthy. In , we were blessed to add Theo to our family. Theo was born with a cleft palate but with love, a lot of work and commitment as well as faith in what we do, he is well on his way to becoming a hospital therapy dog for children. He is a loving guy with a goofy temperament and zest for life. I couldn't imagine not having him here with me. Unfortunately, in , my oldest and 1st Golden girl Bailey was diagnosed with a tumor on her heart. She fought a good fight and continued to brighten our lives daily. We sadly said farewell to her in August, shortly after her 16th birthday. It is now a blessing that we have recently bred Bailey's great granddaughter, Greta and are hoping to continue this line of most amazing family members. Now we have arrived at , We have some beautiful new additions to our kennel. We have several girls that will be entering the show ring and a new boy in our group. I am thrilled at the temperament and looks of these dogs. I am excited to share more information as the year progresses. It was a crazy year, we were all caught off guard by Covid .Started a home renovation that went a bit sideways and evacuated for almost 2 weeks during the September fires. We made it through the year, produced some beautiful puppies and celebrated many fur kids birthdays. Hello !! Lost power for 12 days during the February freeze. Hoping we get to do some dogs shows, camping and finish some kennel updates. We have some new additions to our fur family and have celebrated Brody's 14th birthday! So far so good. Well now, is more than half way over and we are just getting caught up with some past due projects. We have some beautiful dogs in our breeding program and are looking forward to the future. Brody has just celebrated his 15th birthday in May and is going strong. His great, great grandaughter Astrid will hopefully be joining our breeding program in Januarey .Lots of great things in the future for our family of fur kids. In this kit you will receive all the basics you will need to get off to a great start with you forever friend. We will include a collapsible wire crate, crate bed, waste clean-up bags, toys, collar, lead, chew bones, treats, brushes, comb. You can customize your kit to your liking by choosing from a variety of colors and styles. All you have to do is pick out what you like when you choose your puppy and it will be here ready to go when you take your forever friend home. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how adorable they are! They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the USA and are known to be loyal, loving, caring, and just a bundle of joy! Besides the obvious golden color of a Golden Retriever, they also come in dark golden, cream, and lightly golden. They are full of energy and make the best companions especially if you love the outdoors. Since they are Retrievers, naturally they love the water so bring them to lakes and oceans for a nice swim! To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! The Goldens are AKC registered, and they raise their Goldens like they are part of their family and want you to have the best companion and friend forever. They are well-loved in the Oregon community and have 5-star ratings on Facebook and on Google! Everyone loves Mike and his wife and they care deeply about the quality of life they give their dogs and pups. They are always available to help you and answer any questions you have and are known to be honest and knowledgeable. Name of Owner. I have younger dogs and older dogs available, as well as the puppies. My love of Golden Retrievers began over 45 years ago when on my 15th birthday my parents bought me my first Golden Retriever, Taffy. I did 7 years of competitive obedience with her and after that decided I wanted to show in conformation! I got my first show Golden in and was hooked from then on. Cody, Ch. Bonanza's Shyan Calico Cody , was my foundation bitch and was truly my beginning. She became an Outstanding Dam and even with my novice handling was also a Specialty winner. I've been breeding Goldens for over 35 years and showing Goldens since .I have produced numerous Champions and many other titled dogs. Golden Retrievers have the most wonderful temperament and want to be your best friend, forever! They are intelligent, confident dogs and are very easy to train. Health and temperament are essential to my breeding program and all my dogs are OFA hip, elbow, and Certified Cardiologist cleared, and also have their eyes examined annually by a Certified Ophthalmologist before entering into my breeding program. All my pups are raised in my house with everyday noises, so when they are placed in their new homes they are confident, well adjusted puppies. All pet puppies are sold on a limited registration which means they must be spayed or neutered. With every litter, a lot of thought and hard work goes into planning the breeding. My goal is to improve with each breeding in terms of structure, soundness and temperament. I always want to be there for the lifetime of each puppy and look forward to new updates and any questions from all my puppy owners. The puppies make a visit to my vet for their first set of shots and are healthy and well socialized before leaving to their new homes. Thank you for visiting Shyan Goldens. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like any information about our dogs or our upcoming litters. Any use of these pictures without the express written permission of Shyan Goldens is forbidden. Find a Golden Retriever for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Eugene. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory. This is a free search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area! Important: Breeders. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog. Then you found the right person to provide you with the best AKC Golden Retriever puppy to add to your family! We have a few puppies still available. We are an established breeder for many years. We take pride in raising well socialized and healthy puppies. Expecting puppies Oct 18th. We are taking reservations at this time. Ebert Goldens St. We strive to breed dual purpose golden retrievers that make great family dogs and can excel in the show ring as well as field trials. Males and females available to approved homes. Parents have full clearances and genetic testing. Puppy Culture, raised and socialized inside our home. Father is a therapy dog. Application will be required. We have one female available, pictures of Green puppy! All OFA tests completed with negative results. A very light golden color. Small hobby breeder located on 5 acres in rural Utah. My goldens are AKC,Champion bloodlines and a 2 yr health guarantee. With over 30 years of raising goldens in my home. Clearances on heart, hips, elbows, eyes on parents. Another Mom hits retirement. That's enough to wear any Mom out. Champ lines,Two year Health guarentee. Custer Coulee Goldens. Hi, my name is Val Haack and it's nice to have you visit my website. My kennel is located in a small country community in Lane county near Eugene Oregon. I have been at this same location for 40 years and am a native Oregonian. I live on and maintain 6 acres of mostly wooded property. We have always had a yard full of critters keeping us company. From pet skunks and ferrets to exotic birds, rabbits and Gerbils. My husband never knows what I am going to come home with next! I have owned, raised and bred Golden Retrievers for over 30 yrs. I started out in the early 80's with a field trial line female who was spunky and full of energy. As I bred in those early years, I was thinking that most of my puppies would go to bird hunting homes but after awhile, I came to realize that most were being placed as pet companions. As my golden puppies tended to come from high energy lines, I began to slowly change my breeding program and to introduce genetics that would lower the energy level down a bit. If that is really possible in a Golden Retriever. While still producing the structurally sound dogs that I want, I am now focusing on producing dogs that will fit most life styles. At "Golden Melodies" kennel here in Veneta, we strive to maintain a high standard for producing healthy, productive, Golden Retriever puppies. Whether your interest in owning a Golden Retriever is for conformation showing, hunting and tracking, obedience and rally, agility, or a companion for your family, our dogs will get you there. If your heart dog is a Golden Retriever, we strive to breed for that wonderful temperament. We always take a long hard look at the genetic match ups with our dogs to maintain the highest standards for producing the healthiest puppies we can. They have their clearances for eyes, heart, thyroid, hips and elbows. I am a member of The Golden Retriever Club of America and try and keep up with new issues that come along with our breed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have regarding my kennel and or breeding program. I encourage you to go to my buyers list of questions that I have prepared for anyone wanting to purchase a Golden Retriever puppy. It's very important to ask any breeder of a litter questions to make sure they are breeding to AKC standards and have all their clearances. Learn not only about the Dam and Sire of the litter, but also several generations back. Be an informed buyer so you get a healthy happy puppy. My website is constantly under construction and changes often so check back now and then for the latest updates.

Take your puppy on a short, slow trip in the car Start of with short journeys — take your puppy for a drive around the block. Make sure you use lots of praise and treats at the end of the journey for riding quietly in the car. Slowly increase the length of your trips As your puppy gains more confidence and seems happy in the car, you can increase the length and frequency of your trips. Be patient, use lots of praise and treats, and you should see progress pretty quickly. Remember to be patient and aim for gradual progress. Motion sickness when traveling with puppies in a car Car sickness in puppies is very common although most dogs do grow out of it. The key to preventing and overcoming car sickness in puppies is patience and gradual progress. Follow the steps mentioned above, and introduce your puppy to the car gradually. The more comfortable and confident they are in the car, the less likely they are to experience motion sickness. Just in case they are sick, it is handy to carry lots of paper towels. Additionally, puppies with full bellies are more likely to be sick. If your puppy seems to be struggling badly with motion sickness, ask your vet for their advice. Restrain your puppy When traveling with puppies in a car, a restrained puppy will be less of a distraction to the driver and other passengers. In fact, in some countries it is actually law that dogs are restrained when in a moving vehicle. This will not only prevent them from jumping around the car being a nuisance, it will protect them from potential injury. Restraining a puppy is safer for them as it prevents them from flying around the vehicle if the driver has to suddenly stop or turn a sharp corner. Harnesses are like dog seat belts; they come in different sizes and attach onto ordinary car safety belts. Ensure you give your puppy lots of praise and treats for wearing it, before you use it for real on your journey. You can even use a window guard that lets you open the window more without allowing your puppy the chance to jump out. Firstly, there are window shades that attach to the windows to prevent strong sunlight coming in. You also have the option of window guards, which will allow you to open the windows for fresh out without the risk of your puppy jumping out! You should never leave your puppy in the car on warm days, or even in the winter, as it can be fatal. They are car less likely to get injured if you need to do an emergency stop or turn a sharp corner. This is so that your puppy associates the carrier with positive things. Do not place your puppy in immediately, and definitely do not close the door until they are comfortable sitting or lying down in it with the door open. This will make your puppy fear the carrier, and it will take much longer for them to get used to it. You want it to become a safe place. When your puppy is comfortable chilling in the carrier, take him out for a walk around the block, or to the cafe. The more practice runs you do, the less anxious your puppy should when you set off on your real trip. Get your puppy used to busy environments. A well traveled puppy, is much more likely to be confident and calm in new environments. This way, your puppy can get used to the sights, sounds and smells of an airport. However, I understand that this may not be possible. Try to limit access to food and water before your trip. A puppy that needs to go to the toilet is more likely to be distressed and anxious when traveling. Not only will it reduce the chances of them needing the toilet while traveling, some puppies may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a trip. If you are traveling with puppies in a car, make pit stops every couple hours, at least. If your puppy is very young, you may want to line your car with waterproof material, in case of any accidents. Pack supplies the night before. This will make the whole journey much less stressful for you, which will in turn make your puppy calmer. Supplies are key to a happy, healthy trip. An extra leash Plastic bags and hand cleaners in case of accidents. A safe toy or bone for chewing on during the flight A blanket If you are planning on crossing borders with your puppy, you may also need some documents. The documents required depend on where you are traveling from and to. But generally, you may require any of the following: Microchip certificate. January 22, Do you take your dog for car rides or road trips? Are you aware of the risks of traveling by car with your dog? Make your journey fun and safe. An unrestrained 60 pound dog traveling at 35 mile per hour can turn into a 2, pound projectile in an accident. Keep your dog safe when traveling in a car. There are several ways to restrain your dog in your car. One way is using a dog harness specifically made for car travel. It has less hardware which makes it light and easy to use. The padded vest along with a patent pending infinity loop work together to distribute and reduce damaging forces that can cause injury. It has a 3 point contact design that helps reduce forward and lateral movement in the event of a collision or sudden stop. Click Here to see the Center for Pet safety test Results and videos. Keep in mind not to place your dog in the front seat. During an accident, your dog can be injured or even killed if the airbag deploys. Be sure to place and restrain your dog in the backseat. The safest spot for your dog is the middle of the back seat. Related Posts:.

Always include your names, Address, and phone number Recommended Supplies We have a couple suggestions of items you may need to help you get started. This is a list of recommended supplies that can be purchased through Amazon: Find our favorite toys, crates, and grooming supplies below. Just click on the image to view the product on Amazon. The Puppy Primer book is an excellent resource to help you prepare for your new addition! Here are some shampoo and conditioning products that we recommend. We love these brushes! Everything by Chris Christensen is great, but these brushes are perfect for all of your daily grooming needs. These are some other grooming tools you will want to have on hand. This seat-belt helps protect your pup in car rides. The harness style ensures that the belt would not pull on their neck in case of an accident. We recommend a travel-crate like this one for puppy pickup. It is collapsible, and can be secured using a seatbelt during travel. This is another option for puppy pickup and travel while they're small. The belt on the inside hooks to your dog's harness to keep them safe in case of an accident. Although we get most of our treats from Life's Abundance, these are some other toy and treat options that we love. There are risks associated with some of the other styles. Great option for storing food and treats. In general, most Doodles are not very food-motivated, but not always. If you have a Doodle who tends to eat too fast, this bowl will make eating a puzzle, and will slow them down. If you enjoy hiking or camping with your pup, this backpack is a great way for them to carry their own supplies. Our dogs love this, and it makes them feel like they have a job to do. We love this front-hook harness for leash-training purposes. Your pup will love this bed. It is super comfy, and machine-washable. This is a lifesaver! Hook it on to your leash to ensure that you are never out of baggies when you take your pup for a walk. This door mat is great! We love it so much we bought one for each door. We get the SuperChewer box, which provides us with several extremely durable toys for our dogs to love. If the toys alone weren't enough, the healthy snacks and treats that are included are great as well! An Australian Labradoodle will bring lots of joy and love to your household for years to come. The following is a list of must-have items that will help you raise a healthy, well-behaved Labradoodle puppy. Kennel and Exercise Pen X-Pen A new puppy must be supervised or confined to a safe, puppy-proof area at all times. Proper confinement aids potty training and keeps your puppy from engaging in potentially dangerous activities, like chewing electrical cords or getting into the trash. A kennel provides a cozy, private place where your puppy can sleep at night and rest for short periods during the day. Kennels are typically metal or plastic and come in a variety of sizes. Most adult Labradoodles require a inch crate. X-pens are available in metal or plastic and can be easily configured to fit a variety of spaces. Bedding Bedding will keep your puppy comfortable and cozy while in the kennel or x-pen. Be sure to choose something that is comfortable, but easy to wash. Old towels or blankets will do, or you can purchase bedding made specifically for dogs. Collar with ID Tag and Leash When selecting a collar and leash, there are many colors and styles to choose from. Your puppy will grow fast, so select a collar that can be easily adjusted to different sizes. Be sure to attach ID tags with your address and phone number, in case your puppy gets lost. A 6-foot leash is usually the perfect length. Toys, Chews, and Treats Puppies love to play, explore, and chew on everything in site. Tennis balls, Frisbees, fleece toys, Nylabones, and Kongs are all great, inexpensive choices. A variety of treats can be used to reward your puppy for good behaviors. Food and Water Bowls Choose ceramic or stainless steel bowls for your new puppy. Purchase a good quality dry food from a pet supply store, as opposed to the cheaper brands sold in most grocery stores. Quality food has fewer preservatives and the essential nutrients your puppy needs to live a long, healthy life. By reducing or eliminating the scent, your puppy will not be tempted to return to the same area to repeat the offense. For yard cleanup, a pooper-scooper is the ideal tool to get the job done. Use a soft bristle brush on your new puppy, gradually introducing a soft slicker brush. Ideally, your puppy should visit the groomer every months. Love and Affection Enjoy your new puppy and have fun! There are bound to be mistakes along the way, but time really does fly. Remember to take plenty of pictures and videos as your puppy transitions into a well-behaved adult. As long as the product does the intended job. Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, so you can be sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy. They also give back to the pet community by supporting animal-related charities and initiatives. Overall, PuppySpot is a convenient and ethical way to find your perfect Labradoodle puppy. So why not check them out and add a new furry family member to your home? Preparing Your House — The Basics Besides getting all of the necessary supplies a Labradoodle puppy will need, you will also have to ensure that your home itself is prepared for a puppy. What can they reach? Where will they sniff around? You have to address all manner of safety issues before your puppy arrives home. Designated House-Training Area House training, and many other kinds of training, should start as soon as your puppy moves in. Designated Sleeping Area For the first couple of weeks, it has been proven more successful when you have your puppy sleep in a crate beside your bed than in some other room in your home. Your puppy will be able to feel asleep a lot easier if they know they are close to you. So unless you enjoy having to move a single crate around your home every single day, it could be a good idea to have one for your bedroom and one for whatever other room you have planned to be their future sleeping spot. You could equip the crates with nothing more than just a waterproof mat and something to comfort them such as an old t-shirt or rag from the breeder. Baby Gates Puppy gates or baby gates, getting a few of these around your house before bringing your puppy home is a good idea. Not only are they important for training purposes, but for their own safety, they are absolutely vital. Electric Cables This is something a lot of people overlook, but it can potentially be life-threatening if not taken care of. Designated Daily Area It can be challenging enough to look after a puppy, so having a sectioned-off room or area for them can help you significantly. Before you bring your puppy home, consider having a designated area for them set up and ready for use. In this area, there should be their crate, water, food bowls, assorted toys, treats, and some cleaning products ready to use. Final Check of the Home As I mentioned above, your new Labradoodle puppy will probably surprise you with their never-ending curiosity. Having Several of the Right Kinds of Toys With new puppies, a lot of the questions I hear typically have something to do with their mouths. Their teeth, chewing, biting,… the list goes on. So this is something that we have to take a look at. And you should also remember that when bringing a new puppy home, it might not have received any worthwhile training at all. This is why having a lot of the right kinds of toys will be very beneficial and helpful to both you and the puppy. The Best Toys for a Doodle puppy include: Hard, tough chew toys. These are usually toys made from hard rubber or plastic with small recesses and massagers. Dog bones. Known for their durability and ability to last for a long time. They often have a slight flavor to keep your puppy attracted to them and they are generally a great all-round option. Interactive toys. Soft training toys. You should only use these toys for training. If you do that. Doing it like this makes the toy an efficient object for training and having a handful of these toys ready would be a great idea. But allow me to also cover some general tips and tricks on how to care for your puppy and what you should do in specific situations. Have a look at the tips below to hopefully help you understand how you should act in everyday situations that puppy owners can find themselves in. Knowing just a few of these can help you prepare better for a new life filled with puppy love. A Labradoodle puppy is very intelligent and can quickly build an association between the command and toilet time. When your puppy manages to do its business in the designated area, even if you had to carry him all the way there, give him a lot of love and praise him massively. The key to a successful life with dogs is positive reinforcement training. Talk with the breeder about what their current meal times are, and then continue following that. This will make it a lot easier for the puppy to transition into this new life of theirs. Can Your Puppy Go in the Yard? Use Comforters When talking about comforters, I mean anything that your puppy can associate back to either your or their mother. This can be anything from a smell, shape, texture, or just how the item feels. These sensations remind the puppy of having their mother with them. When I first heard about these products, I brushed it off as a silly gimmick, but I got one from a friend of mine as a gift, as I was pleasantly surprised at just how great and cute, they actually are. And they are also highly recommended by other puppy owners. Final Words So that was our small Labradoodle puppy checklist, and if you follow just half the advice given, you are as prepared as you can be before welcoming your new Labradoodle puppy to your home. You now have a comprehensive list of products, how you prepare your home best, and just what you can expect from your new puppy. Taking in a puppy, training them, and just all about their general care and well-being is a very large subject. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. This pen should be used when you are unable to pay attention to your pup. This will provide a safe place for your pup to sleep and play when you are not available to keep a close eye on him. This can also be an alternative if your pup will not tolerate a crate. It is also highly recommended to be used outdoors in the yard. The back yard can be such large and overwhelming place for the pup to get lost in and it will also help protect him from chewing on poisonous plants and flowers. It folds up flat for easy storage and travel. Includes 8 ground anchors for outdoor use, 8 corner staballizers and 4 thumb-snaps for easy assembly. Exercise Pen includes 1 year manufacturer's warranty. Not worry about birds of prey seeing them from above or coyotes jumping into the pen. There will be potty accidents in the house. Be prepared with a product that will take care of the stains and eliminate odors that can cause the pup to return to the same spot. It is safe for plants, carpeting, furniture, shoes. We provide your first bottle. Have this one on hand before something you love gets chewed on. For 1 to 2 minutes repeat YUCK over and over continuously three times a day for 2 to 3 days. This will train your pet to understand YUCK is bad. If you dog picks up a disgusting item just say YUCK and the dog will drop the item. A good variety of chew toys will help keep your pup occupied and not bored. Avoid rawhide; it is not completely digestible and colored rawhide can stain your carpet. Avoid, Nylabone products that are made from massive amounts of cornstarch. Treats should be very limited until about 4 months old or until training begins. Training can be more effective if your puppy is not used to always getting them and they can cause diarrhea in the more sensitive puppy tummy. Avoid junk food for dogs, for example, Snausages, Puproni, anything made in China, and other unnatural products. We will not provide an 8 year health guarantee for pets fed non-Lifes Abundance food and training treats. A semi-secured to fully secured pet is safer for everyone in your vehicle. If you do a lot of traveling with your pet we recommend this item. More than likely, your pet will chew their way out of a restraint if left alone. They will chew your nice seats, any seat belt in reach, or anything they think will set them free. Mane and Tail works great, too. Only wash your puppy about once a month. Over bathing can cause skin problems or irritation. Cowboy Magic- This grooming product is great for maintaining a good coat and to help eliminate matts. This product is not needed for our doodles with a fleece coat. Buy a cleaning solution and if needed a drying powder. Keep Kwik Stop on hand in case you cut the nail back too far. Bleeding will be difficult to stop without it. Blunt Trimming Scissors- For trimming between eyes, feet, etc. This will remove the dead puppy coat so the adult coat will not matt into it. This transition usually occurs before one year of age and can take several months before the adult coat is fully in. We have noticed this happens around 11 months old with our puppies. De-Matting Comb- For brushing through mats in your doodles coat. Food and Water dishes, or a water bottle to hang in the crate door. Brushes are great for surface brushing Doodles but you really need a good comb for getting the mats out and getting all the way down to the root of the hair. I love the Carlson Gates with the handles, I do not recommend the cheap accordion style wooden ones. Puppy Bed and Blankets, if puppy is peeing on their bed or blankets then replace them with a Stuffed Animals to cuddle Whelping Pads. Your puppy has been trained from birth using these so if you absolutely can not let them outside, I think these work better then the disposal potty pads they chew and drag around. Dewormer — I recommend using Safeguard dewormer, an over the counter dewormer that kills all 4 types of intestinal worms and also treats giardia which is a very common parasite transmitted via infected feces in water or soil and the 1 cause of diarrhea in young puppies. Dreamydoodles puppies are dewormed 4x before they go home and should be wormed again at home with Safe-guard at 12 wks and then every 6 months. Feed you puppy the same food at the same time every day. Puppies should be fed times a day on a strict set schedule. Growing too rabidly can cause hip, joint problems. Appetite changes. Do not worry too much just continue your feeding routine and pull up leftovers after mins and try again their next scheduled mealtime. Puppies should be drinking even when stressed. Let sleeping puppies lie. Growing Puppies need lots of sleep, so if your puppy is sleeping, just let them sleep. ALSO some puppies may sleep even more then normal the first few days home, as a coping mechanism to the stress of a new environment. Take this very short period of time to just let them settle in and start to feel at home with you and your family and THEN you can show them off to the world, in fact I encourage you too! Kids love to carry around their new puppies but most puppies. .Talk to young children about how important it is to stay calm, Not to fight over them with each other or get super loud or scare the puppy. BEFORE you know it your kids and your puppy will be the best of friends but try to take it slow especially the first week. You wouldnt leave your infant with your 3 year old right? You gotta be just as logical with your kids and your puppy. All the situations listed below should be observed at least a couple times without a negative reaction from your adult dog… before considering leaving them alone together. For example… How well does your adult dog handle the puppy jumping on them or invading their space, bugging them while their asleep? How do they react to puppy trying to eat out of their bowl, or sleeping or playing in their bed, playing with their toys etc? Introducing puppy to new people! After the first few days and once their settled in and adjusted then I recommend you start introducing them to LOTS of new people, every age, size and type of person you can find willing to meet them. You should also start introducing them to lots of new environments and new situations. Just stay away from high dog traffic areas until after 16 wks and their last set of vaccinations. MOST puppies will grow out of this, with early puppy socialization. Take some time out every day to have a short training session with your puppy. Prepare by getting out your treats, treat bag, a few toys and chews. Bonding with you puppy! The best way to bond with your puppy is through training, games and getting down to their eye level and playing with them. Throw a toy and see if you can get them bring it back to you for a treat, use their name! Remember to keep puppy training session short. Always end by asking them to perform a command or task that they know well so you can end with a big win and lots of praise. Zak George, has a ton of helpful and positive puppy training videos! Check out the rest of his videos on his channel! Take your puppy out after eating and sleeping. Supervise your puppy! Crate-training is essential! Designate a certain potty area and stick with it! Pick an area of your yard where you want them to go, preferably in a corner of the yard away from the door and where they will play the most, this not only makes your clean up area smaller then your whole yard but it also helps it click for them. .Correct accidents only when you catch them in the act. Training treats. LA turkey and berry , dried liver and salmon Puppy Proofing Tips One of the most important things you should do before your Australian Labradoodle puppy comes home is to make your home and property safe for your puppy. Below are a few suggestions on puppy-proofing your home. Click here for a complete list. You will see first hand what they might discover. Protect your puppy from any toxic plants I send home a list. Move trash cans out of reach of your puppy. Items like sanitary supplies and razors can be hazardous. Look for any drowning hazards. Full buckets, bathtubs. Move all cleaning supplies and medications up and away. Secure and elevate electrical cords. Puppies love to chew on electric cords. Electrical cords can cause burns in the mouth. You can buy cord concealers, use PVC pipe or cable wrap to eliminate the hazard. Be aware of poisonous human foods I send home a list. Falling risks. Be careful not to leave your puppy unattended on a bed, couch, etc. They can easily injure themselves falling. Secure stairs with a baby gate. Elevate and secure cords for draperies and blinds. They are a strangulation risk!

However, the average measurement is around 11 to 14 inches, so you should pick the collar size accordingly while adding around 0. Top 3 Collars for German Shepherd Puppies on the Market When it comes to pet collars, there are several options on the market. However, choosing the right one for German Shepherds puppies can be quite tricky. PetSafe Martingale Collar Kicking off the list with this collar from PetSafe, which is one of the overall best options on the market. This collar is a martingale one, which is specifically great for most untrained German Shepherd puppies, which are popular for their playfulness, curiosity, and eagerness to run around. The PetSafe collar features a high density nylon webbing construction, which makes it practically indestructible no matter how hard the puppy pulls it. Additionally, the buckle of the collar is quite sturdy and reliable while making it very easy to put the collar on and off. The collar comes in various sizes, including a small size that is suitable for German Shepherd puppies in addition to a strap width range that extends from 0. Top Features Excellent for hyperactive and curious puppies Highly recommended by vets and trainers 2. Blueberry Classic Collar This one is a classic collar that is ideal for relatively trained puppies that are generally calmer and more composed. Blueberry used high density polyester while making this collar, which makes it durable and reliable while taking your dog on a stroll. The collar has a strap width of 0. We also like that it comes in a huge variety of vibrant colors, so you can choose the ideal one for your little doggie. Top Features Available in a variety of amazing colors The D-ring is relatively large for easy attachment to leashes and harnesses Accurate and reliable sizing chart for referencing Helpful Dog Health Resource: Note: Our Health is 1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This collar has a genuine soft leather construction, giving the collar a remarkable level of durability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, the collar has a rolled design that keeps the collar comfortable to wear. Besides the standard leather colors, the collar is also available in various color options to match your taste. As for size options, the 12 to 14 inch one should be ideal for most German Shepherd puppies, but there are several other sizes for unique cases. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. German Shepherds puppies usually have a neck size of around 11 to 14 inches in circumference. This means that a collar that ranges between 12 to 16 inches should be good enough for your puppy. For example, what one manufacturer considers a small collar, another might label as a medium. Loosen the tape enough space to fit a finger or two between the collar and the neck. Things to Keep in Mind While Buying a Collar for Puppies Besides sizing, here are a few more aspects to consider while buying a collar for your German Shepherd puppy: Type There are several types of collars out there. But when it comes to German Shepherd puppies. The two we recommend the most are standard and martingale collars. Standard collars are regular collars that you wrap around your puppy's neck, then attach to a leash while having a walk. The martingale collars are ideal to train hyperactive puppies that like to pull the leash to maintain good behavior. On the other hand, the classic is better suited for trained or naturally calm puppies. Material There are several materials to consider while buying a collar. Each one has its unique features. Polyester: Fairly affordable and very comfortable to wear, but not as durable as nylon. However, if you want a more adjustable collar, you should consider a prong buckle with notches. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. It was a great adventure and our girl Aura is now spayed. During that period, and to this day, people still ask me what the best collar is that they can put on their German Shepherd puppy. I personally feel that the puppy stage is a time of learning. This is why I like harnesses. That said, all dogs are different and have different motivations. What works for one may not work for another. I personally have many different collars for different situations. I will go over them below. I have always loved the harness and I recently discovered a new type of harness specially designed to prevent your puppy from pulling as the latch is on the front. This is an amazing idea and the reviews on this item speak for themselves. I wish I had one of these. I just ordered one for Aura even though she is 6 years old! Easy Walk Harness The best place to buy this special harness is on Amazon. Beware of imitations and knockoffs! This link will take you directly to the correct Amazon page where it is sold by Amazon and not a third party. I personally purchase 2 different sizes when I order these because German Shepherd puppies grow so fast. I would personally go to this harness when the pup is around 12 weeks of age. Puppy pads yes? What size collar does a German Shepherd puppy need? Collars on the market come in all shapes and sizes, some with colors and bling. Collars prevent a dog from being lost. But if a collar is too big, it slips off. Then too, both Bonnie and Clyde will grow out of their first collar pretty quickly. In most areas, dogs must have a collar with identification, so the sooner Clyde starts wearing his collar, the better. So how do you shop? A more scientific approach is measuring. A little wiggle room makes for comfort. More than that, and watch Clyde become an escape artist. A German Shepherd puppy can wear a collar on the day you bring it home. The sooner you introduce your Shepherd to wearing a collar, the sooner it becomes accustomed to the feeling. Nonetheless, there are choices in the types of collars you can consider. They may be leather, nylon, or cloth. You can find them at nearly every pet shop, and you can easily add ID tags to the rings. The rolled collar wears a little longer, but a puppy can choke on these, so think flat, especially if Clyde has a tendency to tug. You can start walking Bonnie about 2 weeks after her inoculation, so you want to take extra care in getting the right collar. There are ways to introduce them to it, and make the experience far better for both of you. Approach it as part of your training ritual. Let Bonnie smell her collar. Give her a piece of kibble afterward. Next, actually fasten the collar, leaving it for a few minutes, and provide a treat. Slowly lengthen the time you leave the collar in place. Some owners of German Shepherds opt for a harness over a collar. If you are planning to walk your dog regularly, a collar becomes part of training your dog to heel. The attached tag becomes essential should it get out of the house or break off the leash. Even if your dog is chipped, the tag is immediately recognizable to anyone finding Bonnie. In the world of canines, there is no such thing as one-size-fitting-all. Every puppy, even those of the same breed, will have slightly different measurements depending on how quickly they grow. If you are unable to take Clyde on a ride, you can use a measuring tape at home, then buy accordingly. Tip: If you are buying online, get two in different sizes. Leather: Leather is strong, comfortable, and durable but a little expensive. Smelly Dog Collar? Bacteria, dead skin, dirt, and environmental debris can all be contributing to that unpleasant aroma. No collar is stink-proof, so wash yours regularly. Vinegar, water, and baking soda usually does the trick. German Shepherds are powerful and often headstrong. This makes even a puppy difficult to control. So, you may have questions about what is the best collar for a German Shepherd Puppy. It can injure the dog when Clyde pulls hard. The design lets you give a gentle pull for correction. Bonnie will take a little extra time adjusting to this, so be patient. Harness: Harnesses have less control over your dog when walking, but are a good option for Clyde if he has respiratory problems restricting the use of a conventional collar. The idea of a shock collar makes many dog owners grimace. However, if you decide you want to use one, you will need to wait until Bonnie is 15 weeks of age. If she responds to your commands and actively participates in your play time together, she is probably ready. As you get to know more about your pup, training and socialization become easier. Post Views: .Made from genuine leather for durability and style Soft padding for extra comfort Strong and secure brass hardware Handcrafted for a luxurious look and feel Available in various sizes and colors Cons: Higher price point compared to nylon collars May require more maintenance to keep the leather in good condition The Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar is an excellent choice for those who prefer a classic and elegant look for their German Shepherd. Made from genuine leather, this collar is both durable and stylish. The soft padding ensures your dog's comfort, while the brass hardware provides a secure and strong leash attachment. Although it's pricier than nylon collars and may require more maintenance, this handcrafted leather collar is a luxurious option for your German Shepherd. These top 5 German Shepherd collars each offer unique features and benefits. However, the other collars on this list also provide excellent options depending on your preferences and budget. By considering the specific needs of your German Shepherd and your desired features, you'll be able to find the perfect collar to keep your furry friend safe, stylish, and comfortable. With numerous collar options available, it's crucial to consider specific factors to ensure you select the best collar for your loyal companion. In this article, we'll discuss the top five factors to consider when buying a collar for your German Shepherd. Size and Adjustability The first factor to consider when selecting a collar is the size. German Shepherds have an average neck size ranging between 18 to 24 inches, depending on their age, sex, and individual growth. Measure your dog's neck using a soft tape measure, allowing for two fingers of space between the collar and the neck for comfort. It's also essential to choose a collar that is adjustable. Adjustable collars usually come with a buckle or sliding mechanism, making it easy to modify the collar's size as needed. Material and Durability While German Shepherds and shepadoodles share certain traits, their collar needs can differ. German Shepherds are strong, active dogs that require a collar made from durable materials. Common collar materials include nylon, leather, and metal. Nylon collars are favored for their durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. Leather collars, on the other hand, present a timeless aesthetic and robustness but may demand more upkeep to maintain the leather's quality. Metal collars, like choke chains or prong collars, should be approached with caution and only implemented under the direction of a skilled trainer. Choose a collar that can withstand your German Shepherd's strength and energy while remaining comfortable for daily wear. Safety Features Safety should be a top priority when selecting a collar for your German Shepherd. Reflective or brightly colored collars can improve visibility, especially during early morning or evening walks. Some collars also come with breakaway features, which can be beneficial if your dog gets caught on something while exploring. If you're concerned about your German Shepherd wandering off or getting lost, consider a collar with GPS tracking capabilities, like the Fi Collar. This advanced feature allows you to track your dog's location in real time and provides peace of mind. Collar Type There are various collar types to choose from, including standard buckle collars, martingale collars, and head collars. Each collar type serves a different purpose, and it's essential to choose the one that best suits your German Shepherd's needs. Standard buckle collars are the most common and suitable for daily use. Martingale collars are designed to provide more control for dogs that tend to pull on their leash, while head collars are ideal for dogs that require additional guidance during walks. Style and Personalization While style may not be the most critical factor, many dog owners enjoy selecting a collar that reflects their dog's personality or matches their aesthetic preferences. Collars come in various colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to choose one that suits your taste. Additionally, many collars offer personalization options, such as embroidery or engraved tags, which can display your dog's name and your contact information. This adds an extra layer of security and can help reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost. When choosing a collar for your German Shepherd, considering factors such as size, adjustability, material, safety features, collar type, and style will ensure you select the best option for your furry friend. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to find a comfortable, durable, and secure collar that meets your German Shepherd's needs and keeps them safe during their adventures. The Fi Collar is a smart collar that not only provides the durability and comfort German shepherds need but also offers cutting-edge technology to help you keep track of your dog's activity and location. This feature is particularly helpful if your German shepherd has a tendency to wander or if you're worried about theft. Activity Monitoring The Fi Collar also monitors your German shepherd's daily activity, helping you ensure they're getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can even set daily activity goals for your dog and monitor their progress through the Fi app. Durability and Comfort German shepherds require a collar that can withstand their strength and energy. The Fi Collar is made from high-quality materials, such as chew-resistant bands and a secure metal buckle, ensuring it will last through your dog's adventures. Plus, the collar is comfortable for your German shepherd to wear daily. Customizable and Stylish The Fi Collar is available in various colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit and style for your German Shepherd. Get the Best German Shepherd Collar Today When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your German shepherd, the Fi Collar offers the best combination of durability, comfort, and advanced technology. Keep your loyal companion safe, healthy, and stylish with a Fi Collar. Don't wait any longer! Get the best German shepherd collar for your furry friend today by visiting Fi's website and discovering the Fi Collar difference. Your German shepherd deserves the best, and Fi is here to provide it. Conclusion: In the journey of caring for a German Shepherd, attention to detail makes all the difference. Recognizing the importance of accurately determining the neck size goes beyond mere aesthetics or the fit of a collar. It's a testament to our dedication to their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. As we've explored in this guide, understanding the 'German Shepherd Neck Size' holds significant value, impacting various facets of their life and health. As responsible guardians of these noble canines, it's our duty to ensure that every aspect of their care, no matter how nuanced, is meticulously addressed. In doing so, we not only foster a stronger bond with our furry companions but also ensure they lead a life marked by comfort and dignity. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Discover how to select the perfect collar size for your German Shepherd puppy to ensure comfort, safety, and style for your furry friend. Welcoming a German Shepherd puppy into your home can be an exciting time. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your German Shepherd puppy? It is a vital tool that contributes significantly to their safety, training, and overall well-being. Safety: First and foremost, a collar carries identification and contact information, which is crucial if your puppy ever gets lost. A snugly fitted collar ensures that these details are always with your puppy, increasing the chances of a safe return home. Training: A properly sized collar is indispensable for leash training. It provides control without causing discomfort, making walks and training sessions safer and more enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Health: An ill-fitting collar can cause various health problems. Comfort: Last but not least, a well-fitted collar ensures comfort. Determining the right size collar for your German Shepherd puppy is crucial to their comfort and safety. Most collars come with a size chart to help you decide what size collar to get for your puppy. Here are some steps to help you find the perfect fit: 1. You can use a soft measuring tape for this. Add Some Length: Once you have this measurement, add an extra 2 inches to allow room for growth and adjustment. This is particularly important for puppies, as they grow quickly. Collar sizes usually indicate the neck measurements they fit. Adjust it so that you can comfortably slip two fingers under the collar. A collar that fit perfectly a month ago might now be too tight. German Shepherd puppies have an average neck size of around inches. Make sure to adjust the collar accordingly as your German Shepherd puppy gains weight during their growth period. Best Dog Collars for German Shepherd Puppies Choosing the appropriate collar for your German Shepherd puppy can make a significant difference in their comfort, training, and safety. Here are some collar types you might consider: Adjustable Collars These are the most common type of collars. They are typically made from nylon or leather and come in a variety of colors and designs. They have a buckle or a quick-release fastener and are ideal for attaching identification tags. These flat collars offer adjustability to fit a variety of sizes, making them great for growing puppies. As your German Shepherd puppy gains weight, you can adjust the collar size to ensure it always fits correctly. The reflective collar comes in 12 vibrant colors and is adjustable to fit dogs of various sizes. With its combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, and reasonable price, this collar is an excellent choice for pet owners — especially if you live in a neighborhood without street lights like mine! A breakaway collar is designed to reduce the risk of a dog becoming fatally tangled or caught by his or her collar. It will give you the peace of mind when your dog plays with other dogs because the patented buckle will separate when pressure is applied. To take your German Shepherd puppy on a walk, you simply need to fasten the two metal D rings to prevent the collar from breaking away. Blueberry Classic Dog Collar Wearing a collar may be a new experience for your German Shepherd puppy, so you want to ease the transition. Available in 21 vibrant colors, this classic dog collar combines safety, comfort, and style, making it a favorite choice among pet owners. Harness Collars A common choice for German Shepherd puppies, harness collars offer the best comfort and safety for your furry friend. Head collars are also great if your German Shepherd puppy is very active and loves to pull on the leash. Harness collars are available in many different materials, including nylon, leather, and mesh. While a harness may be more comfortable for your puppy than a neck collar, it can be harder to put on and take off. Head Collars A head collar for dogs is a type of behavioral tool designed to guide or lead a dog. This design can help reduce unwanted behaviors such as excessive pulling, jumping, or lunging during walks. Despite their appearance, head collars are not muzzles and do not prevent a dog from opening its mouth to eat, drink, pant, or bark. Martingale Collars Martingale collars are a great choice for German Shepherd puppies who tend to slip out of their collars or have sensitive necks. Unlike traditional collars, Martingale collars tighten gently when your dog pulls on the leash, preventing him from escaping while minimizing the risk of choking or injury. These collars are made with a slip loop that tightens as your puppy tries to back out. GPS Collars If you live in a busy area or have a large property, a GPS collar can give you peace of mind knowing that your German Shepherd puppy is never out of your sight. These collars are equipped with GPS tracking devices that allow you to locate your puppy if he ever wanders off. GPS collars are available in a range of styles and sizes to suit different needs and preferences. Training Collars These include various designs like prong, choke, and electronic collars. They should be used with caution and preferably under professional guidance, as incorrect use can harm your puppy. Tactical Collars These are durable, strong collars often used for working dogs. They may come with features like handle grips and patches. When selecting a collar type for your German Shepherd puppy, consider their current size, expected growth, and training needs. Final Thoughts on What Size Collar for German Shepherd Puppy Choosing the right collar for your German Shepherd puppy is an important part of raising a healthy, happy, and well-trained dog. And as with everything you purchase for your German Shepherd puppy, make sure you do your research and invest in a quality product that will last for years to come. Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published.

Do you have a stubborn German Shepherd that pushes your nerves? Below are a few training tips to help you train a stubborn German Shepherd. Training a stubborn GSD requires an approach that rewards good behaviors and ignores unwanted behaviors. Instead… Focus on teaching your German Shepherd that good behaviors get good rewards. Keep a bit of treat in your pocket or use a small treat bag that attaches to your waistband. When you see your dog perform a behavior you like, reward them! Positive training leads to trust, confident leadership, and sets the ground for future learning. You can even learn how to train your stubborn German Shepherd from the convenience of your home. Treat-Based Training is Great! The training reinforcer MUST be a great one, such as real meat. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, uses the Ferrari of dog treats… Freeze dried liver. Keep trying a variety of treats until you find one that your dog would basically sell its soul for. With this type of reinforcement your dog will soon follow you like a shadow, ever willing to please. When you use your walks for training and have many short training sessions during their walk, your dog learns that every single session is in a different setting with different distractions. Whether on a quiet street or a busy sidewalk, near schools, the local park, or open fields and trails, your German Shepherd learns to listen to your instructions and quickly and happily comply… No matter where they are or the distractions! During your walk stop for a short training session about every 50 feet or so, depending on where you are walking. Every time you stop and ask for the sit and they give the appropriate behavior, resuming the walk is the reward for sitting. Keep the training sessions to around 5 seconds or less. Once your dog picks up on the routine, include short sequences of body position changes, for example, sit-down-sit, sit-down-stand, down-sit-stand, or any other number of positions your dog knows. Focus and attention are skills that a dog has to learn. If your German Shepherd is stubborn when there are distractions then consider beginning their training in quieter locations and avoid jumping straight into busy environments. Training in quieter, less interesting locations at first helps to build up to training where there are many distractions. Too Many Distractions? Add in just one distraction at a time if your dog needs the confidence to follow your commands. For example, if your dog can perform commands near the park without children, but has issues listening to you when kids are playing, step away from the noise and work your way toward getting closer to it slowly. Work up to harder situations and have them focus in different environments. A stubborn German Shepherd usually has a very poor recall and might even ignore you when you call them. If you want a dog that is quick to return to you, then use this easy 5 step system to get a perfect recall from your GSD … every time you want! Take Advantage of Fun Games and Play Using games to train your dog can reduce stubbornness and improve their listening skills and, games are fun and less stressful for both of you. They need games and play! You need to make yourself exciting, fun, and a pleasure for your dog to be around! What to train during play and games? Everything you teach is a gentle lesson, not a reprimand or correction. For example, have your dog sit or perform a down before you throw a toy or ball and before you take it back. Progressively increase the length of sit-stay or down-stay with each repetition. If you want some ideas to play with your dog, try a few of these games for German Shepherds to get started. Integrate Training into Your Everyday Lifestyle Even your usual routine can include many training opportunities. Remember that you are responsible for knowing how to train a stubborn German Shepherd and to develop their impressionable canine brain into a smart, intelligent companion. What to teach your stubborn German Shepherd daily? Call your dog for a body position sequence down-sit-stay or another combination every time you open the fridge or send an email. Or, while watching your favorite TV show during the commercials go over the commands your dog already knows and work on a new one. If you ask your dog to perform a simple body-position sequence on these occasions, you will easily train your German Shepherd over fifty times a day… All without deviating from your normal lifestyle! With total integration of training into your daily lifestyle and routine, your dog sees they are expected to participate in your life and look forward to engaging with you to earn those tasty rewards. Try using meals for training! Mealtime is a great way to train your dog to listen and pay attention while giving your dog more structure. Your dog will probably look at you with disbelief or wonder as they eat their small portion and look at you for more food. Now, casually walk away from the bowl and busy yourself in the same area with another mundane task. As your dog begins to watch you, slowly walk over and place another handful of food in their dish. Do this until their entire meal is served. Boredom can increase stubbornness in a smart working breed. Instead of allowing your dog to develop bad habits due to boredom and lack of mental stimulation, increase the mental activities and mind games for your German Shepherd. You can purchase other games and increase the difficulty as they become quicker at earning their treats through playing. Mental enrichment can help calm a stubborn German Shepherd and increase their engagement with you, giving you both less stress in your lives. Your German Shepherd might not be stubborn… They might need more enrichment and mental stimulation. A long lead also called a long line or check cord is a secure training line that allows your dog space to roam while keeping them safe and letting you stay in control of their recall. Use the following techniques to get your stubborn dog to listen. Start recall training in an area with few distractions and your dog on their long leash a 20 to a foot long line is common for this type of training. As they turn to look at you call them and take some steps backward to encourage them to return to you quickly. Always have a super tasty reward for them when they come to you to solidify the recall. Give them the treat and praise them while holding their collar or harness gently in your hands. After a few seconds, release them to sniff again and repeat the sequence. As your dog gets better and better at their recall, increase the difficulty. Use longer distances to call them back and slowly change up the places that you practice to include more distractions. Never, ever, ever call your dog or puppy and then grab them by the collar to reprimand or punish them! Doing this even just once will make your stubborn German Shepherd hate coming when called. Frequent or severe punishment is an indication that your training is definitely flawed! Remember, it is much more effective and efficient to reward your dog for doing it the way you consider to be right rather than punishing them for the many ways they do it wrong. Repeated punishment is a wedge that slowly destroys the dog-owner relationship, sometimes to irreparable conditions. The whole point of living with a working breed is to engage with them in a harmonious relationship and to enjoy their company. Did you know that chewing is natural for your dog and helps them to reduce stress and pent-up energy? Your stubborn German Shepherd needs time each day to help release some of this energy so they are better able to pay attention and listen to you at other times. There are lots of options for a chew session for your dog, such as a crunchy pig ear chew that helps to reduce plaque and keep their teeth clean. Or, the favorite of many dog owners, a stuffed Kong for extreme chewing. Offering your German Shepherd a tasty stuffed Kong a day will help keep the behavior doctor away and give your dog the natural chewing session they need to help keep calm. Why is my German Shepherd so stubborn? Eliminate poor practices from your routine to help you train a stubborn German Shepherd. Stubbornness may also be brought on by adolescence and sexual maturity, which is expected in a growing German Shepherd puppy and does lessen as they mature. Considering the following ways to help your German Shepherd to be less stubborn by eliminating these poor practices from your daily routine. You must include basic training from the moment your dog comes to live with you, no matter their age. Lacking consistency Your training must be consistent or else your dog will become confused. Mixed reactions, command words, and behaviors will take your dog far longer to learn than consistent commands with expected actions. For example: If you scold your dog for jumping on you, but not your guest your dog learns that jumping is still OK on some people. Make sure all members of your family follow the same rules, commands, and expect the same behavior from your dog. Get on the same page before training even begins. Not meeting their energy needs A tired dog is a happy and trainable dog. If this is not done, your pet not only is exposed to health problems such as obesity and joint-related issues but also behavioral problems, including stubbornness. Try to exercise them before working on training commands so they are more calm and able to focus more on their training. Not enough mental stimulation German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds and require mental stimulation daily to keep their minds active. Include brain games, nose work, and giving them a job at home to make sure their minds stay occupied and challenged. They may behave differently or show disobedience when feeling stressed from illness, poor health, or other types of pain. Your first action should be a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any health issues. While German Shepherds are considered a highly intelligent breed they can also experience bouts of stubbornness that really tries your nerves. Without the proper training… It will only get worse! German Shepherds are VERY smart dogs and do well with a training program that stimulates their minds and can help you succeed at training your dog on your own. References and Resources. Check it out! Reinforcement of stubborn behavior Wait, what? While this may work in some cases, the ultimate lesson from this is that your GSD has just learned that refusing your command at first, leads to good things shortly after. Something more interesting is distracting them This is perhaps more of an innocent reason for stubborn behavior, but nonetheless still annoying. Truthfully, however, if sufficient training has been put in, your GSD should still be inclined to listen to your commands even if there are other distractions present. Underlying health issues or pain In more unfortunate circumstances your German shepherd could be dealing with an existing health issue or pain. Dogs dealing with a health issue or chronic pain will react in a range of ways, but disobedience and defiance is one of the most common. Typically, if something is wrong with your GSD there will be multiple indicators happening at once. If you witness physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or food refusal then its important to speak to your vet as soon as possible. Consistent daily training Training your GSD on a daily basis will not only increase their skills and ability to carry out commands, but it will reduce bad behavior, defiance, and stubbornness. Try dedicating minutes to basic command training, and see how your GSDs behavior improves over the course of weeks. Avoid situations that trigger stubbornness A classic example of this is calling your GSD back inside from the door. For example, before calling them back in, go outside and interact with them for 5 or 10 minutes… After a while head closer to the door and encourage them inside. This is a much better approach than simply calling your GSD from the door. A GSD that is calm and content will be more than happy to obey your commands the second your give them. Getting a calm and content GSD is all about providing a great daily routine with everything they need particularly their stimulation needs. Interact with your German shepherd more Simply improving your bond with your German shepherd can also work wonders when it comes to their obedience and willingness to listen to you. One way to build your bond is to simply interact and engage with your dog more. Other than being the one to feed them and play with them, ensure you train, brush, bathe, talk, and engage with them. All small actions like this will ultimately create a better bond and help establish you as their clear leader. Let me know if your German shepherd is acting stubborn. Thanks for reading! Back to more German shepherd articles. The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement, also known as rewards-based training, implies giving a reward to increase the frequency of the response. Rewards can be: Treats. Choose healthy treats, pieces of kibble, or tiny pieces of meat. Physical attention. You can pet behind the ears or give a hug. Verbal praise. Give your GSD his favorite toy that you save for rewards. Rewarding your German Shepherd for good behavior is an underrated tool in your dog-training arsenal. It is simple yet incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, it is also often ignored. If you scold him, he might feel content for having received your attention. This speaks to the importance of patience; the more patient you are, the more your German Shepherd values positive attention. When you bestow it upon him during his calmer episodes, he starts recreating the setting. You will notice him sitting in the same place where you patted him or held a similar position. It might be tempting to pet him then, but you have to be patient, or you will confuse the dog. Wait until he mimics the actual calmness you want to reward, then use reinforcement by giving him attention, affection, and treats. Increase Socialization If you have previously delayed socializing your German Shepherd, the chances are that the lack of socialization is a key contributor to his disobedience. You should socialize a German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, which is usually when you bring your puppy home. Your breeder would have already begun early socialization from 3 weeks, so you should now continue the process of exposing your pup to a range of sights, smells, sounds, and interactions with people and other dogs. No matter whether your doggo is a pup or an adult, increasing socialization will set your German Shepherd on the right path to becoming a confident, friendly and obedient dog. I have a great article on how to socialize a German Shepherd from pup to adult. This details easy ways to go about this and includes how to socialize an older dog or even an aggressive German Shepherd. When your German Shepherd has pent-up energy, he might not be in the state to receive commands. By sufficiently draining this excess energy safely and productively, you can make your German Shepherd more receptive and less stubborn. In this state, you can reinforce restraint-centric anchors. That said, you must not wait until the dog is in his most agitated state before you take him out, as that would associate acting up with freedom, and he will almost always act out to be taken for walks or playtimes. Instead, prevent it in the first place. If you have a young pup and need some ideas, you can check out this article, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and adults need at least hours of daily exercise. In addition to essential exercise for your German Shepherds to stay obedient, he also needs to be mentally stimulated, which brings me to the next solution. Provide Varied Mentally Stimulating and Fun Games We have to remember the original purpose of the German Shepherd, which was to herd and protect livestock. Although rarely used in this capacity nowadays, the genetic working trait remains with the breed. They need a job to do and thrive off pleasing their owner, which is why they are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs today. Every evening around 8 pm, my German Shepherd will sit in front of me and give me the stare! I love this toy, and dogs enjoy finding the treats in the puzzle toy, which keeps them busy for ages. This best-seller gets a crazy amount of good reviews and is widely recommended by almost 60, dog lovers, so it must have something about it. Increase Training Sessions Similar to socialization, if you have previously delayed training your German Shepherd or if training is incomplete, the chances are that the lack of training is a pivotal contributor to his disobedience. Not only does your German Shepherd need to learn that he should listen to you, but he must also find out what listening to you entails. While the best time to start training your GSD is at 8 weeks old , the next best time is now. This will keep your dog continually focused and interested. Your German Shepherd must also learn his position. This entails going back to training in a distraction-free setting. He might not intend to ignore you deliberately, so this is where you need to get him to focus his attention on you. Manage the environment when progressing outside. Start off with not too many distractions. Use high level treats when outside. Check out this excellent video on how to train a German Shepherd with distractions. This gorgeous pup is only 5 months old and is learning to focus on the trainer in a controlled outside environment. Chewing has several functions, including providing pain relief for teething pups, keeping teeth clean and jaws strong in older dogs, and relieving boredom. Dogs just enjoy chewing. But what if the chewing becomes destructive? Providing your dog with a chewing outlet, such as various interesting chew toys, will stop many German Shepherd behavior problems. The happier your doggo is, the less stubborn he will be when it comes to obeying you. Choose something like the KONG variety of chew toys. Follow a Training and Feeding Schedule Having a schedule provides structure and discipline and teaches your pup that you are the leader. Your German Shepherd will soon pick things up and catch up. You should also stick to a feeding schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit, and providing meals at expected times means listening and obeying you when you call them to eat. German Shepherds are prone to sensitive stomachs, and many are not food motivated, unlike the Labrador. Having a feeding schedule also prevents your German Shepherd from becoming a fussy eater. It might be that he wants that extra treat or wants to climb on the couch. So now the tide is turned. Instead of your dog ignoring you, you now ignore your dog. Never bow down pardon the pun to any form of demanding behavior, especially demand barking. This will only teach your best friend that he gets what he wants when he barks for something. Instead, ignore the demand barking, and at the precise moment he becomes quiet, quickly reward him with a treat. That way, he will soon learn that when he stops barking at you, nice things will happen. The trick here is in the timing. Use Brief and Effective Time-Outs When training a stubborn German Shepherd, one of the most crucial steps is teaching your dog to accept time-outs. Rewarding your doggo with treats is easy; it is in discipline or punishment where most people mess up. You need to teach your German Shepherd to follow your commands — or ground himself. So, what do I mean by a time-out? A time-out is a type of negative punishment in which we deprive the dog of what they enjoy, in this case, social engagement. Use an area of the house, a room with a dog gate, or an exercise pen for young pups. Time-outs should be around 60 seconds for young puppies to minutes for older dogs. Use the time-out at the moment of the stubborn behavior, not after. But not only does regular brushing help to control and reduce shedding , but it also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. Most dogs enjoy being the center of attention. Brushing is relaxing and beneficial to the skin and hair. Your German Shepherd will also learn that it is acceptable to handle his body and feet, and you will develop trust with your canine buddy as a result. This has the everlasting effect of reducing his stubbornness when you need to clip his nails or he needs to be handled by the vet. Go here to find out the best grooming tools for German Shepherds and the ones I use. This will give you peace of mind that he will respond to you positively and help curb any bad habits. Often, inexperienced owners just need to be taught what to do. Attending obedience classes solves this knowledge gap and creates an opportunity to increase socialization, so you kill two birds with one stone. You can also enlist the help of a professional trainer as they will be experienced in training stubborn dogs and improving obedience. Key Takeaways German Shepherds are socially intelligent dogs. However, with delayed or insufficient training and a lack of guidance, they can become asocial and disobedient. Fortunately, with enough patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement training alongside increased exercise time and stimulation, any German Shepherd can be brought back into the socially acceptable circle of obedient dogs. Related Posts You May Like:. Are German Shepherds Stubborn? There are a number of reasons that German Shepherds display signs of stubbornness. Most of them relate back to the fact that German Shepherds are highly intelligent and independent dogs, though sometimes inconsistent or improper training methods can contribute to the problem. Personality Reasons for Stubbornness Personality can be part of the reason for stubbornness or misbehavior. Some of the reasons for stubbornness include: Intelligence: German Shepherds are smart. They were originally bred as working dogs and herding dogs. They often respond to the instincts of their breeding and are intelligent enough to challenge an owner if they feel strongly enough about the matter. Independence: German Shepherds are extremely independent. They just need a lot of training and the right approach to convince them to do so. Protectiveness: German Shepherds are both loyal and highly protective. Sometimes, that protective streak can get the better of them. Confidence and Bonding Issues: Sometimes, a German Shepherd can have issues during its puppy years that influence it later in life. Overprotective owners, improper treatment, or even a sibling relationship with another dog, can make them more inclined to stubbornness. Overprotective owners can incline a German Shepherd to laziness, whereas neglectful or harsh owners can make them unwilling to act for fear of punishment. A German Shepherd with a sibling, or a sibling relationship with another dog, may not form strong bonds with the humans in their family, which may make them stubborn or anxious. The strong bonds they form with a sibling dog may keep them from responding properly to a human companion. Unclear Expectations: German Shepherds prefer to have clear boundaries and expectations laid out for them. Delayed Training: The temperament of a German Shepherd lends itself to forming strong opinions, so the earlier you start training, the more receptive your German Shepherd will be to learning the boundaries you want to lay down for them. If you start training them at an older age, then you want to remember that it may take longer to encourage them around to your way of thinking. Training them through punishment for misbehaviors is less likely to get good results, and may result in stubborn refusal to obey. A heavy hand will make them either stubborn or unhappy. They like plenty of social interactions, especially with their owners. If your German Shepherd is acting stubborn, they may just want to spend more time with you, or need more exercise and mental stimulation. Some stubborn behaviors are obvious. Refusal to obey orders or shutting down and refusing to show any signs of attention are both signs of a stubborn German Shepherd. These behaviors include: Barking obsessively, or at all hours Jumping at people, or showing signs of aggression Chewing on things inside the house Going to the bathroom in inappropriate places, such as in the house All of these may be signs that your German Shepherd is feeling stubborn and needs some attention or encouragement. If your German Shepherd is showing signs of stubbornness, there are a few techniques you can apply to coax them out of their determined mindset. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Try to maintain a routine with your German Shepherd. German Shepherds were bred as working dogs who followed certain patterns of behavior. Maintaining a general pattern of routines, with regular mealtimes, playtimes, and training will help coax your German Shepherd into being less stubborn, as they get used to the patterns and routines of their life with you. Use Positive Reinforcement: German Shepherds thrive with positive reinforcement training techniques. Give them plenty of praise when they behave well, or when they follow commands. Reward good behavior with treats or extra attention. German Shepherds do best in a positive, encouraging environment. They do like routine, but within that routine, they like some variation. Incorporate different techniques or commands in your training process and routine. Ask for advice from someone experienced for things they would recommend for motivating your German Shepherd to be more cooperative. They were bred for working and herding, and the energy and instincts remain, even in the most sedate of family life. German Shepherds get bored without plenty of stimulation. They need plenty of physical exercise and mental engagement. Toys they can interact with are a good idea. So is plenty of time outdoors and playing. German Shepherds need plenty of space. They may be less stubborn and more responsive if they have a yard to play and run around in. More bonding time is always beneficial, especially with a German Shepherd. German Shepherds, like any other breed, vary in individual temperament. Some may be incredibly strong-willed and independent, whereas some may be more calm and sociable. Early influences can be the difference between a stubborn dog and a quieter one. German Shepherds, especially ones raised in a family home, can be very stubborn if it involves protecting the members of their family. They can also be very patient with members of their family, especially younger children. Stubbornness in dogs, as they know it, is a bit different than our definition of stubbornness. When it comes to German Shepherds, they are usually far from being considered stubborn dogs. They tend to want to please their owners, and usually do their best to try and achieve their goals. Due to their history as working dogs , the German Shepherd is well known as being an easy to train dog that is quick to learn. They are athletic and capable of learning and performing a wide variety of tasks which is one of the primary reasons they are used as police dogs. Like many other working dogs such as the Great Pyrenees , the German Shepherd tends to put their job first and foremost, While this intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first time dog owners, there are a few situations in which you might see a more stubborn German Shepherd. Certain individual German Shepherds may have a more hardheaded personality at various points of their lives, or if they have experienced the following: Reason 1: Adolescent Stage As with most dogs, German Shepherds who are within the adolescent stage of their lives which generally occurs between 8 to 12 months of age tend to be a little more difficult to work with sometimes. Just like a human teenager! During this period of their lives, German Shepherds tend to become more curious about the world around them and they start to test boundaries. They may even seem like they are a totally different dog! Many adolescent dogs will not participate in the activities they previously enjoyed, or they may show an indifferent attitude towards their owner , both of which can appear as a stubborn streak. As they age and exit the adolescent stage , there is usually a reduction in this behavior and they become a little easier to work with…depending on the individual dog, of course! While German Shepherd puppies may still pick up on things quicker than some other puppies, you should still cut them some slack while they are learning something new! Reason 2: Boredom German Shepherds are highly intelligent, and if they do not receive enough mental or physical stimulation, they can become bored and frustrated. This pent-up energy can express itself as stubbornness in training, and can show up as the dog ignoring cues, redirecting their energy and focus zoomies, grabbing at the leash, etc. While working dogs may be more tolerant of this type of training method, most German Shepherds do much better when the training is done at their pace and focuses on allowing the dog to work out the problem rather than using pain and punishment to force them to do something. Rewards definitely help! For German Shepherds who have had a negative experience with training, their owners, something in the environment, or even just the world in general, their stubbornness might be due to their wariness and remembrance of whatever caused the negative association in the first place. For example, if a German Shepherd was learning a recall and did not respond right away and their owner chased them down and yelled and smacked them for not coming when called, then the next time the owner asks them to come when called the German Shepherd might refuse to do so out of fear. This will look like the dog is being hardheaded, but why would he want to go to someone who previously beat him when he responded the first time albeit a little slowly? German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, and those that have experienced negative or painful things may think twice about responding to an owner. Reason 4: Poor Training Foundation While easy to train , German Shepherds still require a good training foundation just as any other breed does. Adult German Shepherds who did not receive any training as puppies or young adolescents, they may seem more resistant and stubborn with the training process once an owner finally attempts to train them in a more formal fashion. Just as we humans must learn how to navigate our own schooling and education, so must dogs learn how training works and what is expected of them in the training process. For German Shepherds who have a poor training foundation, the stubbornness may be difficult to work with in the beginning but once they understand what is required of them the process usually speeds up quite a bit. Miscommunication from the owner can also cause a German Shepherd to appear stubborn, and they may just stare at you and wait to see if you clear it up or not. Addressing the miscommunication will usually help clear up the seemingly stubborn response. Deafness either partial or full can cause a change in reaction from your dog. If your German Shepherd has any hearing issues, they may respond more slowly or not at all to your cues, and they may also perform a different behavior. While dogs primarily rely on visual cues, if you trained your pup using mostly verbal cues, then impaired hearing can still have a noticeable effect on their responsiveness. This is especially true if your pup used to be very responsive but then they started to ignore cues or took longer to respond to you. In that same vein, dogs who are losing their vision may also differ in their responsiveness to cues. While this can vary based on the level of vision loss and how quickly the dog is able to become accustomed to the loss of vision, there might still be some delays that appear as stubbornness but are really due to the dog not seeing the cue. This depends on the underlying reason why our German Shepherd is displaying a stubborn streak. If they are a young dog, then it may just be part of their normal growth cycle. Shortening training sessions and being more patient with the process will help encourage learning but avoid overwhelming your pup and potentially causing them to shut down and refuse to work with you. Additionally, employing the help of a reputable local dog trainer can help set you up for success and make sure that there is no misunderstanding between you and your pup. Providing high-value rewards and switching things up will also help with a hardheaded German Shepherd who has become bored with the training process. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are generally best and will help your stubborn German Shepherd change their negative association into a positive one. If your German Shepherd has a medical issue that is contributing to their stubbornness, speak with your vet and research how to live with and train deaf or blind dogs. Many support groups exist to help with these conditions, and once the adjustments are made your German Shepherd will likely show off their enthusiasm for training once again. Closing Thoughts In most cases, the German Shepherd is not considered a stubborn breed of dog and they are often one of the easiest breeds to train and work with which makes them a great choice for first time dog owners. However, certain instances can lead to stubborn streaks. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. What Is Stubbornness? Stubbornness in dogs is a personality trait that is characterized by an unwillingness to change their minds, even after being shown evidence that their initial judgment might be incorrect. Simply put, it refers to the fact that a dog continues to act as they wish and will never listen regardless of punishment or reward. Identify Stubborn Behavior One way to identify stubborn behavior is to figure out the root cause. So, if your dog has jumped up on you a lot lately, have you given him too much food? Did you find a new snack and he thinks he should get it all the time? If he chews up your slippers or, more frequently, your shoes, perhaps he feels neglected. If he keeps running up to people or other dogs and barking, perhaps he thinks he is taking control. If he keeps digging in your backyard, perhaps he is looking for a job to do for channeling that excessive energy. Why Are German Shepherds Stubborn? There are a variety of possible causes of stubbornness in dogs. We will first list out some of the most common reasons when it comes to German Shepherds. Then we will provide suggestions to tackle their stubbornness later in this article. German Shepherds can be stubborn at times because they have high levels of intelligence. They do not want to be told what to do by their human companions. If you have a German Shepherd, then you know all about the headstrong personality traits that these dogs possess. However, without proper training or socialization, GSDs can become too aggressive and dangerous. He might be considered intimidating with the barking and lunging when approached by strangers. This behavior of your dog will persist if left unchecked. Without them, they will become destructive or difficult to handle. German Shepherds need to know what their role in the family is. Therefore, it is important to teach your German Shepherd the right way to become a good canine citizen right from the beginning. Your German Shepherd, if adopted, may have been bullied by other animals, or had previous negative experiences with people or other animals. They are less likely to follow your command before trusting you. An overprotected dog would basically be unwilling to explore anything new, be it a new trick or a new treat. Similar to a fearful dog, a discouraged dog may be reluctant to try anything new for fear that he may be punished. After all, positive encouragement like praises and hugging can go a long way. And they e. Chance are they have their bond with each other are much better than with you as the owner. This is also known as Sibling Syndrome. When two puppies are placed together, they learn to rely on each other. One of the puppies always becomes shy, increasingly withdrawn and introverted. And he may never reach his or her full potential. These puppies often fail to bond to their human family as strongly as they otherwise would. When they start to mature, they may begin fighting with one another, often quite severely. What to do if my German Shepherd is Stubborn? Stubbornness can also present itself as an inflexible attitude when it comes to training. For example, a dog who refuses to learn new commands and shuts down himself. The good news is, there is more than one way to make your dog less stubborn. German Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds out there, and they are known for being very trainable. As a puppy, your dog will learn that certain behaviors yield positive results, which will help to keep them in check. Most breeders recommend teaching dogs a variety of commands as early as eight weeks old. This will prevent your dog from becoming too stubborn to learn. Give clear commands Next, you need to be firm with what you want your dog to do. Most puppies will try to please their owners. But, this will not be the case for everyone. If a dog is allowed to get away with certain things, then he will eventually begin to think that the way they are treating you is acceptable. To avoid this, it is imperative that you be very clear with them. Try to use positive commands and tell them firmly what you want them to do or eat, without making it sound like an order. Let them understand what it is you are asking them to do without being harsh. When they have done something you asked, praise them with a happy voice and even a big hug, and let them know they have done a good job. Provide lots of positive encouragement Positive reinforcement is the key to helping your dog become less stubborn. This means that you will always create a situation where the dog will naturally seek to do what you want. It helps to reward them for good behavior, giving them immediate feedback about what they did right and what they did wrong. To further motivate your pup, you may also like to have different kinds of treats in one training session. This will keep your puppy looking for more. Three Types Of Rewards Voice: A happy, lively, and motivating praise is one of the best and easy positive reinforcements you can give your dog. Treats: It works especially well with food-motivated puppies who are always hungry. Playing and Petting: If your dog is not food-motivated, you can reward her with a toy and petting as alternatives. It can be a tennis ball or a frisbee. Or you can just give her a warm pet after praising her, which is something almost all dogs are fond of. Every dog takes their reward differently, you may need to try them out to see which one works best for your pup. Sometimes a dog may need a combination of one or two. Not only does this prevent them from getting exercise, but it can also lead to boredom and behavioral issues. For reference, an adult German Shepherd should have at least 1 hour of exercise per day. This is important because he needs time to learn how to behave like a good dog. And most people thought a pup would understand every single word they said right off the bat. Well, this may not be the case. And the fact is, you will need to develop a good bond with your dog first — by spending quality time playing with him, walking with him, staying with him, and caring for him. After all, GSDs are bred to be working dogs, and they are best known for their herding, guarding, scenting, and retrieving abilities. They might not seem to be a big help for your routine, but it could certainly let your GSD thrive! Here are a few jobs in the house that you can let your GSD do for you. Tidying up their toys If you love to spoil your beloved pet pal, he always has toys around the house. And chances are, these toys will sometimes be scattered around the floor. You can make it their job by asking them to retrieve all their toys and drop them in a designated bin. Getting stuff All dogs use all their senses to track down items and even people. Once your dog understands the basis of the game, you can teach him to find and fetch all kinds of objects. For example, you can teach him to bring you your shoes before a walk or carry over his own leash. Keeping track of family members Herding is a great job for working breed dogs like the GSD. But sometimes it can be hard to do without a flock of sheep or other livestock. If you have a whole pack of pets, teach your herding dog how to gather the other dogs, and even the cat, around the kitchen for dinner. Be careful using this trick with children, but you can potentially employ your dog to help keep the entire family where you want them. Carting helper Working breeds like Huskies, Mastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have been trained in carting for a long list of jobs. Starting from your yard, you can give your dog the job of helping in a garden or with yard clean-up. Your dog is the perfect candidate. The simple task of carrying something can be immensely satisfying to a work-driven dog. When you go hiking or on a walk, strap a backpack onto your dog and let him carry his own water and treats. Final Thoughts Stubbornness can become a huge problem, especially with dogs like German Shepherds. That is why it is so important to understand the reasons why German Shepherds have stubborn personalities. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be stubborn and the clues that they might come with. If you have not taken the time to train your German Shepherd then taking the time to do so will likely help a lot in getting it to be less stubborn. You can train it using some of the tips mentioned below. However, if you jump straight to the distracting environment then it will likely be challenging to get it to listen to you. Instead, it would help to train it in an easy environment and then to build up to one where there are distractions. This is why it is important to continue to train it to behave how you want it to so that it continues to behave that way. This would be more likely if you tend to punish your German Shepherd when you tell it to do things or if you only call it when it is time for it to stop playing. In addition to that, it would also help to start out by getting it to do things that are easier and then to build up to getting it to do things that are more challenging. When they do not get so much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral issues. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not currently getting that much exercise then it would likely help to make sure that it does. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. This would be more likely if it has been showing other signs of being ill and if it has been acting unusually in other ways as well. How to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn that I will mention below. Train it to do the things that you want The first thing to do is to take the time to train it to behave the way that you want it to. You can do this by using positive reinforcement training by teaching it easy commands in an easy environment and then by building up to more challenging ones. You can read about how to use positive reinforcement training to get your German Shepherd to come on command here. Avoid negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement training is where you reward your German Shepherd when it behaves in a way that you do not want it to. If you tend to give your German Shepherd things that it wants when it is stubborn then it could be the case that it has learned that being stubborn gets it things that it wants. Instead, it would help to train it to behave the way that you want it to and to reward it for behaving in that way. Give it exercise As mentioned earlier it is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting enough exercise. If it is not currently getting much exercise daily then it would help to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. Ensure that its diet is right It could be the case that your German Shepherd has been being stubborn due to something that you have been feeding it. This would be more likely if it started being stubborn when you started feeding it something different. You can look here to see what you should or should not be feeding it. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Be patient It is unlikely that you will be able to get your German Shepherd to behave exactly the way that you want it to with just one training session. However, if you continue to train it consistently then it will be much more likely to learn to behave the way that you want it to. This is why it is important to have patience when training your German Shepherd. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn it would help to have a good understanding of what might be causing it. There are a number of things that you can consider but I will mention a couple of more useful things below. When it started being stubborn It would help to consider if it used to listen to you but it stopped doing so suddenly. This would be more likely if it started being stubborn when you punished it. However, it would also help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it stopped listening to you. To rectify this it would just be necessary to train it again. For example, if it only comes when it is getting fed then it would be necessary to train it to come at different times as well. 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.

black labradoodle puppies for sale brisbane - Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. They had been left alone by their owner to suffer through the night — and for one of them it was already too late. The surviving bulldog, dubbed Phoenix, was hairless, sick and clearly terrified by her sudden change of environment. She was started on antibiotics, steroids, medicated baths and foot soaks, and antihistamines, to treat her inflamed skin — and immediately she began to heal. Second Chance Dog Rescue When Phoenix improved to the point that she could be spayed, the surgeon found another horrible surprise. It was a miracle that the little dog had not died from complications or infection — proving that above all else Phoenix was a survivor. Her patient foster mom slowly began to train her on how to be a household pet — exposing her little by little to the outside world, and teaching her basic commands. Second Chance Dog Rescue Three months after Phoenix was abandoned, the little dog has finally learned what having a home really means. And her life as a spoiled pet is far from anything she could have imagined. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. Cookie Settings. Published on July 19, PM EDT Photo: roadogs Stanley the fluffy French bulldog has earned the nickname Stanley Smiles because of his big, natural grin, but just a few months ago, this adorable dog was found in "deplorable conditions. Yes, French bulldogs and English bulldogs are cute, but I think a lot of people have no idea how many health issues they can have and how expensive they can be to maintain. We spend a lot on vet bills," Carvey added about Roadogs. In May, authorities confiscated dogs, including Stanley, from a small residence in Modesto, California, after police officers responded to "a domestic violence call and found the dogs being kept in deplorable conditions," Carvey told PEOPLE about Stanley's origins. The authorities found the dogs packed in stacked crates with little room to move. Three Orphaned Bear Cubs Move to California Wildlife Center for a Second Chance "One officer recalled gagging and vomiting at the smell of ammonia and feces outside, and inside there was dry urine and feces all over the floors. The owner was taken to court a month later, and the DA was successful in getting all the dogs signed over to the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. They then chose to work with several reputable rescues to ensure these dogs get the best homes. Roadogs was one of those rescues. Even though Stanley "stank of urine" and "was pretty disgusting" when he was rescued, the dog's personality shone through the muck. He was used to being confined in a cage, so even though he'll be in the bedroom with space and comfy beds, I'll find him squeezed in a tight spot behind the treadmill — or under a chest of drawers. I'm just letting him come around in his own time," she said of Stanley's recovery. Korean Animal Groups Save 21 Canines Left Behind at Dog Meat Farm from 'Unbearable Situation' While Stanley is rebounding well after his rescue, Roadogs hopes the story of how this cute-looking dog was found crammed in a filthy cage amongst dozens of other canines encourages animal lovers to research where they get their pets. These Greeders focus on creating the next rare 'It' dog just so they can charge more money — despite the fact that many of these dogs will have long-term health issues," Carvey said of illegal breeding operations that sell dogs online. That's how you end up with a situation like Stanley's, where dogs spend their lives in cages, living in filth," Carvey said. Stanley came from a Modesto duplex. And there are many more people out there with dog cages stacked in their homes or garages. Be vigilant. If you see something, report it. If you smell something, report it! Carvey also said that the easiest way to ensure you are not supporting animal cruelty when you get a pet is by adopting your furry friend from a reputable rescue or shelter. And if you adopt, you are definitely not supporting a puppy mill," she explained. For those set on purchasing a dog, Carvey advised that the animal lovers do their research, visit the home of the breeder they plan on buying from, and never agree to purchase a dog online without meeting the breeder and animal first. After some time at Roadogs recuperating from the neglect he experienced at his last home, Stanley is ready to find his forever family. The fluffy French bulldog is looking for a patient family willing to work with him on housetraining and prepared to keep Stanley on his raw food diet, according to Roadogs' Instagram. To learn more about Roadogs rescue and their life-saving work, visit the nonprofit's website. Related Articles. Introduction A very special dog is now becoming part of your life. So many of the people who have undertaken this journey before you have reported that it was the most rewarding thing they have ever done — and the odds are that it will be for you, too. Puppy mill rescue dogs Over the next year or two, you will watch a dog who has been deprived of virtually every known pleasure begin to first explore, then enjoy, a life that offers her these pleasures. But it may not be an easy road for you and for your new canine companion. Puppy mill dogs have had their world turned upside down. This guide provides you with some specific methods for helping your puppy mill survivor. It is meant to supplement our larger report entitled Understanding and Caring for Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs , which is a comprehensive summary of the findings of our study of over 1, breeding dogs who were rescued from lives in puppy mills and adopted into human households. In obtaining full psychological and behavioral profiles of them, we were able to gain a wealth of information about these incredible dogs. Some basic facts: Puppy mills. They are large-scale commercial dog-breeding operations where the happiness of the dogs is all but ignored in order to make a monetary profit from selling the puppies. To maximize profits, the dogs are housed in very small enclosures, live in unsanitary living quarters, are fed inferior-quality food, are denied decent medical care, and, most important, are severely deprived of positive human social contact. Psychological functioning. Because puppy mill dogs are born and raised in an impoverished environment and endure severe stress throughout life, their psychological functioning is not like that of normally raised pet dogs. This shows itself in how they interact with people, their desire to make eye contact, their social skills with other dogs, their desire to play, their ability to focus attention and learn — in short, their ability to function like a typical dog. Fortunately, the dogs have a remarkable capacity to recover from their psychological impairments. Many recover to the point where they appear to be completely rid of their psychological difficulties, others recover partially but not completely, and others are so severely troubled that they continue to struggle emotionally. Every puppy mill dog has a different capacity to adapt and recover, and we almost never know at the outset what this limit will be or when the dog will reach it. What this means is that adopters must accept up-front that the dog they are taking into their home may retain some psychological impairment throughout his or her life and may always be a special-needs companion. Rehabilitation of puppy mill dogs is often difficult and fraught with frustration. It may take weeks, months, or even years for the dogs to be free of their fears and other emotional struggles. But, as our studies have shown, the adopters who open their arms and hearts to these little survivors are all but assured an immensely rewarding experience. Course of recovery. For some it is fast, but for most it is slow. It can be fast, and then slow, and then fast again. Steps forward are often interspersed with steps backward. All puppy mill dogs are affected by their puppy mill experience in their own way, and their needs for healing are very unique when they escape that life. Methods of rehabilitation will also vary in their effectiveness from dog to dog. Methods that are beneficial for one dog may be ineffective and even counterproductive in another. Rehabilitation can involve some trial and error until you see what works best for your dog. Normal dog behavior. We know that there are many aspects of normal dog behavior that dogs who have spent their entire lives in puppy mills cannot be expected to show at first, among them: Showing any control or discrimination over when and where they urinate and defecate Trusting humans Desiring petting or being picked up, held or hugged Playing with humans, other dogs or toys Understanding any cues Walking on a leash Eight words to live by. Write them on a piece of paper and post it on your refrigerator so you will see it every day. For example, while almost no dog straight out of the puppy mill has any concept of or experience with a collar and leash, if a dog has been given enough time to learn about these things in a foster home, it may mean that, upon coming home with you, the dog is very familiar with wearing a collar and being on a leash. Back to top 2. How to prepare for bringing home your rescued puppy mill dog There are some things you will need to do before your new adopted puppy mill dog arrives in your home. Do: Dog-proof your house. In particular, remove or place out of reach small objects that might be ingested and anything you do not want chewed. Buy a dog crate that is the right size for the new dog tall enough for the dog to stand, long enough to accommodate the dog lying down from nose to base of the tail. Wire crates provide more ventilation, but the dogs feel more exposed correctable by draping blankets over the top and sides. The plastic crates are more den-like, thus providing a greater sense of security. The tops also can come off, allowing a fearful dog to be removed without pulling her through a crate door. Finally, be sure that the bottom of the crate is very comfortable to walk on, as many of these dogs have walked on nothing but wire cage flooring and their feet may be injured and painful. A soft blanket or pad works well for this. Have these additional items already at home before the arrival of the dog: Nylon leash, 6 feet in length Sturdy nylon collar of the correct size You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the collar when it is on the dog. Harness Again, you may have to wait until the dog arrives for proper sizing. Back to top 3. How to introduce your dog to your home You will almost certainly adjust to your new dog well before he adjusts to you, your family, and your household. Because of this, one of the strongest inclinations for newly adopted puppy mill dogs is to hide — behind, under, farther away — in any way that lessens the fear. The hiding can be for days or weeks, with the dog coming out only at night to get some food and water. When a puppy mill dog enters your home, your most important job is to protect him from things that frighten him. Do: Be patient. For these dogs, use of a crate will likely have to be omitted from any steps during the adjustment phase to the new home. Ideally, give her a quiet room to herself, where she can adjust without threats and disruptions for the first few days. Place a bowl of water and a little dry and canned food in the room not far from the crate. Put newspapers or piddle pads available at pet stores on the other side of the room. Then leave her alone and just peek in on her occasionally for the next few hours. Fully expect to find that your dog has urinated or had a bowel movement in the room. After a few days in his own room, bring the dog in his crate to an area of the house that has some human activity, but not a lot. The crate should either sit backed up into a corner or be shielded with towels or blankets draped over its top, sides and back end to give the dog a sense of safety behind him. The door to the crate should be left partially open. Here, the dog can feel some security in his crate but begin to be exposed to the all-new experiences of a human household. Next, set up the exercise pen in a room so that your dog can safely venture out of her crate but still feel somewhat protected. The pen also prevents the dog from going into parts of the house that you or she are not quite ready for. Always try to move slowly when around your puppy mill dog. Sudden and fast movements can be very frightening. Minimize loud and sudden noises, since they also can be very frightening. In fact, having another friendly and compatible dog in the house is what adopters tell us is the single most effective thing you can do to rehabilitate the adopted puppy mill dog. At night, having your dog sleep next to your bed can help him adjust to you in a non-threatening way. This may not be suitable for all adopters or the dogs themselves, so each adopter must decide which nighttime sleeping arrangement is best. You want him to learn that, in his safe place, nothing bad happens, which then allows him to feel more relaxed at all times because he knows he can always go to his safe place. Introducing puppy mill dogs to other friendly dogs in the house usually goes smoothly, but here are some tips to encourage a successful meeting. If possible, carry out the first contact between your newly adopted puppy mill dog and your current dog s in a neutral location — that is, someplace that none of the dogs have been before. With you supervising, allow them to watch and smell each other for a few hours. Let the dogs stay there for another hour or two. Next comes face-to-face introductions. If you have several dogs, do the following introduction with just one dog at a time. Put a collar and leash on your dog and also on the puppy mill dog if she accepts it. Have someone else bring the other dog into the room where you and your puppy mill dog are waiting. Be ready to use the leashes to separate them promptly if either shows any signs of aggression growling, snarling, baring of teeth, attempting to bite. When they start to show interest in other things in the environment rather than fully focusing on each other, it will tell you that they are generally accepting of each other. If you have to leave the house, confine the dogs separately so that your puppy mill dog and your other dog s cannot physically interact. You can keep them in separate rooms, or use a dependably strong baby gate to separate them, so that they can still see, smell and hear one another. Feed the puppy mill dog in an area at least 10 feet away from where the other dogs are fed, preferably where they cannot see each other while eating. If your puppy mill dog appreciates toys, she should have her own. Sharing things like toys, beds, food, and treats will come later, once your dogs become friends. Praise all the dogs for friendly behavior toward one another. Maintain a soft and soothing that is, not excited tone of voice so as not to startle or worry a noise-sensitive puppy mill dog. If you notice this happening, keep interactive sessions short until the dogs appear more calm during play. Back to top 5. Puppy mill dogs suffer on both counts. And because of this, puppy mill dogs arrive in the human home with very little willingness or ability to trust you or any other human. More importantly, the trust you want to help your dog develop is a trust in the world, of which you are one very valuable part. For puppy mill dogs, fear diminishes and trust grows in small increments over time. Our studies show that the vast majority of puppy mill dogs come to trust humans, but we have also learned that, for some of the dogs, this trust is extended to only one or two people. As long as the dog has at least one person he can trust, the opportunity exists for him to fully enjoy his life. Establish a consistent schedule that the dog will learn she can depend on. This is a critical part of building trust. Make a schedule for feeding times, going outside, play, rest and sleep — and stick to it. You want to teach your puppy mill dog that he can trust the world, that he can depend on the world to function in a reliable and nonthreatening way. Teach your dog that you are the source of good things in life, starting with food. Most puppy mill dogs will not eat from your hand at first, but with patience you can almost always teach this degree of trust. You can also build trust using treats. Sit on the floor with delicious treats placed at varying distances on the floor around you. It could take minutes or it could take months, but over time almost all puppy mill dogs will eventually start coming closer and closer to you to get the treats. Then, gradually shorten the distances between the treats and your body and between the treats and your hand, until you can place a treat in your upturned palm and have the dog take it out of your hand. When this happens, it is a huge sign of acceptance and trust. You will also want to simply teach your dog that you mean her no harm whatsoever — that you are not something to fear. So, sit on the floor, preferably and talk very softly to your dog. Many people read aloud in a soothing tone, which benefits both your dog and you, since you can get some reading done. If your dog is very frightened, you can read to her as she lies in her crate. Back to top 6. How to touch and handle your dog It is human nature to want to comfort frightened creatures by holding and embracing them. Giving hugs, cuddling, and showering them with love seems to be just what rescued puppy mill dogs need. Most puppy mill dogs are uncomfortable with physical contact by humans, and some are outright terrified. And, in light of their life experience, they have every reason to be. They have received very little or no positive human touch their whole lives. Change takes time, so be patient. Occasionally and gradually edge your arm, hand, leg, or body closer to your dog to show that nearness is no cause for alarm. Given enough time, almost all puppy mill dogs will eventually get close enough to sniff you — a huge step for them. Sometime after that, the dog will usually touch you with her nose or a paw. Let your dog have several weeks of developing confidence in her touching you before you try to touch her. If your puppy mill dog accepts your touch, you may try to pick her up, but do it in gradual steps. First, make sure she allows you to touch her sides, then allows you to place a hand under her body. Just back up to the point at which she did accept it and move through the steps more slowly. If at any point she seems distressed, stop and give her a few days before trying again. Dogs who do this also may roll onto their backs and even pass some urine. All of this is a show of submission. Celebrate your dog making her first physical contact with you. Remain absolutely calm and silent. Any sound or movement could erase the big step the dog has just made. Make direct eye contact at first. Point your head a bit off to the side and keep visual contact out of the corner of your eye. Ever startle a puppy mill dog by touching her from behind. Back to top 7. Early exposure to and interaction with humans during puppyhood is essential for the developing canine brain to form the connections that make for positive social relationships with humans throughout life. So, if a puppy is exposed to stairs in a positive way, for example, his comfort level with stairs will be natural throughout life. By contrast, if a puppy grows to adulthood without ever encountering stairs, he may have a persistent fear of stairs. As you can imagine, puppy mill dogs are routinely deprived of exposure to so many things that dogs living in homes experience every day. So, our overall goal in socializing puppy mill dogs is to lessen their fears of the basic, normal things that pet dogs encounter. We are striving to have them feel comfortable with being around humans and other dogs, being outdoors in wide open spaces, walking on solid ground, going through a doorway, playing with toys, riding in a car, hearing a vacuum cleaner, going up and down stairs, getting bathed, and so much more. Our greatest efforts, of course, are directed at helping puppy mill dogs to become comfortable around and bonded with people so they can enjoy living in human society. Because of the uniqueness of each and every rescued puppy mill dog, socialization plans must be tailored to the individual. Every aspect of the plan — what they are socialized to, where they are socialized, what specific steps and pace are required, what supplemental help e. Other dogs serve as a valuable role model for everything from how to play to where to go to the bathroom. Based on extensive reports from adopters, socialization efforts are very beneficial for many puppy mill dogs, but for others it can actually create distress. First, it is crucial for the puppy mill dog adopter to accept that every dog will maximally socialize to a different level. For example, some puppy mill dogs may be initially unwilling to walk on stairs, but over time will become completely comfortable running up and down stairs. Others may become better on stairs but never comfortable, and still others may become comfortable going up stairs but not down, or vice versa. The same is true with regard to socialization to humans. Some dogs may never achieve a comfort level with certain people in their lives. Only time will tell. All but a few of rescued puppy mill dogs will bond to their primary person, however. Have another dog around to help socialize your puppy mill dog. If you do not have one already, consider adopting another dog in need of a home. Misery may love company, but misery also compounds misery when two fearful dogs live together. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning to help socialize your dog. These techniques make the fearful stimulus e. The goal is to get your dog to associate good things with going to the vet. The same technique can be used to get a dog to enjoy the presence of people, other dogs, or a new baby in the house. When using desensitization and counter-conditioning, everything is done in small, gradual increments. Progress may occur rapidly or very slowly, and different dogs have different limits. Have all interactions between your dog and people she is shy around or fearful of e. They should stand sideways to the dog, crouch down if possible, not make direct eye contact, make no sudden movements, and talk to your dog in a calm, quiet tone of voice. If it is safe to do so i. If this goes well and your dog remains comfortable, give some treats to the person to place in the palm of the hand that she extends to your dog. Avoid the avoidable, when possible. Try pheromone therapy, which can ease anxiety and fear in many dogs. Dog-appeasing pheromone DAP comes in a spray bottle, a plug-in wall diffuser, and a collar. It is available through many online websites and at pet supply stores. Consult your veterinarian to see if this option is appropriate for your dog. Provide whatever comforting words and gestures seem to help your dog cope with his emotional challenges. How this absurd notion ever got started is a mystery, but it is scientific nonsense. Use common sense here. If you had a snake phobia and were placed in a box where snakes were poured on top of you, would you come out of the box less or more fearful of snakes? Ignoring the barking is the best response, because it prevents the dog from being rewarded for trying to get people to go away, and hence reinforcing the behavior. Back to top 8. But we must realize that bodily eliminations inside the house are not accidents at all to the puppy mill dog; in fact, to these dogs, this is perfectly normal behavior. To make matters worse, most of these dogs are very fearful, so training them to do anything — even with strictly positive techniques — can make them even more fearful. For puppy mill dogs, the basic rule is this: Reward the good, distract from the bad. Punishment is never a good idea when house-training a dog, but it can be even more harmful for the fragile and sensitive emotional make-up of rescued puppy mill dogs, impeding and even reversing any progress they are gaining in trusting people. House-training may take a week, it may take a month, it may take a year. Try not to get discouraged. As our studies clearly show, some dogs will achieve full mastery of eliminating in the right place. Be very careful when using even the gentlest-sounding house-training methods with puppy mill dogs. Because of the fear these dogs can have, even the most benign things, such as rewarding the dog for urinating in the right place, can scare them. Keep in mind that many puppy mill dogs are very frightened of being outdoors, which is, of course, a major hindrance to training a dog to do her business outside. For these dogs, use piddle pads or newspaper to train the dog to eliminate indoors initially. As an aside, not everyone wants or needs to train their dogs to do their business outside. For them, having the dog eliminate indoors on piddle pads or paper is just fine. It may happen, but do not allow it to be your expectation. Back to top 9. How to deal with marking Marking is when a dog most often a male, but occasionally a female urinates on specific objects or locations because of the influence of sex hormones or some source of stress. Male dogs in puppy mills, all of whom are not neutered obviously , mark in their cages and enclosures as a territorial signal to the other nearby males. The longer they do this before they leave the puppy mill, the more habitual it becomes and the lower the likelihood that it will fully stop even when they are neutered. In addition to the influence of sex hormones, marking can also be triggered by stress, anxiety and fear. And because we know that these emotional states are prominent in rescued puppy mill dogs, it is not surprising to find that marking is common in their new adoptive homes. Competition over human attention, sleeping places, access to certain locations e. Try dog-appeasing pheromone DAP , which comes in a spray bottle, plug-in wall diffuser and a collar, and is available for purchase via many websites. Use belly bands available at pet stores and online if needed. Clean all urine markings very thoroughly with white vinegar and an enzymatic product, which neutralizes urine odors available at pet stores and online. How to leash-train your dog It is extremely rare for dogs in puppy mills to have ever been on a leash. While we take for granted that for a dog or a human , using your neck to pull against something is no big deal, if you have never done that in your life, it would be a very unusual and possibly even scary sensation. This is likely why, in our study of puppy mill dogs, they pull against a leash much less often than typical pet dogs. Similarly, any pulling of the puppy mill dog with a leash is likely very frightening to him because he has never had something pull against this part of his body. Why leash-train? It allows you to gently get your dog out of a tight hiding place, such as out from under furniture, if need be. And it allows you to gently lead the dog to the chosen potty area if the dog is frightened of being picked up and carried. Purchase a sturdy nylon collar and a harness of proper size and fit. This will provide a mild pulling sensation on the collar that should not be upsetting. Be sure to always supervise the dog very closely to prevent the leash from catching on something and endangering your dog. Use the same leash-dragging strategy with the leash attached to the harness. You can alternate this with the sessions of collar attachment. Use only the harness if the collar is upsetting to your dog. Use delicious food treats as enticements and rewards when you first attach the collar, harness or leash, if your dog seems resistant but not distressed. Feed the treats while another person is placing the collar or harness on, or attaching the leash. Doing this in short trials over several hours or days should lead the dog to associate the apparatus with the treats and then be accepting of having them put on and wearing them. When it appears that leash-dragging is well tolerated, pick up the leash and follow your dog as she walks around, occasionally giving a very slight pull on the leash. Slowly increase the amount of resistance so she can feel what a little tension against the collar or harness feels like. Using this method, most dogs become quite comfortable with walking on leash. When she seems relatively confident with the outdoors, you can take her outside on the leash. Almost all of these things are eventually achievable, but you must go very slowly and be guided by what your dog shows he is ready for. Back to top .How to crate-train your dog The first thing to know about crate-training a puppy mill dog is this: Not all puppy mill dogs can be — or should be — crate-trained. Seeing, and especially being in, a cage-like enclosure may arouse memories of the puppy mill. Why crate-train? For this function, the crate door is left open. There are times when you need your dog to be in her crate, such as during the night or when workers are in the house and your door may be inadvertently left open. For this function, the crate door is kept closed. Make being in the crate a positive experience for the dog. Try feeding the dog in her crate and offer treats in the crate. In fact, anytime you lead your dog into the crate for the purpose of confinement, include a favorite treat e. Make sure your dog has first had the opportunity to go to the bathroom anytime she is put in the crate with the door closed. Start with short periods of time in the closed-door crate and slowly work up to longer periods of time. This means first observing how long your dog is comfortable in the crate before showing any indications of anxiety, such as pacing, pawing at the crate door, digging into the corners of the crate, crying, whimpering or barking. If possible, do several of these sessions each day. Then, over the next few weeks, very gradually increase the time she is spending in the crate during each session. In most cases, you will be able to extend the length of time that she can comfortably spend in the crate by several hours. He will very quickly form a mental association between crate and fear, and that may simply escalate the fear level. Use the crate in any way as punishment. Allow anything to make the crate an unpleasant experience. How to teach your dog to respond to basic cues Teaching your dog to respond to basic cues e. Basic training also establishes a leader and follower relationship, which is the most basic foundation for correcting any problem behaviors that may arise later. For the dogs who are negatively affected by training, there are two main factors at work: fear and an impaired ability to focus and concentrate. Actual training methods can be found in many books and online videos, including the Best Friends online pet care library. What you need to know here is how standard methods of basic training must be modified for the special needs of puppy mill dogs. Take your dog to training classes if you prefer having the structure of a class, but only if the other dogs, people and commotion do not cause your dog distress. Make certain that the professional trainer if you use one is knowledgeable about rescued puppy mill dogs and has had experience with them. Learning requires the mind to concentrate and maintain focus, and our studies show that, when compared to typical pet dogs, puppy mill dogs are less able to do this. None of this means that puppy mill dogs cannot learn, but they will have different capacities for how fast and how much they can learn. Try desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques if your dog seems very fearful or distressed by attempts at training. How to deal with poop-eating Dogs coming out of puppy mills do some strange things, but eating poop known as coprophagia is certainly one of the most unappealing to us humans. Puppy mill dogs eat poop for many reasons — ranging from hunger to relief of boredom. There are food additives that can make poop distasteful to a dog. The additives must be added to the food of any dog whose poop your dog is eating. Other things that your dog may prefer over poop include crumbled dog treats or small bits of bread. Punish your dog for eating poop. If you are considering applying for one of our puppy mill survivors, please read the following essay and think very carefully about whether you can provide the consistency, patience, experience and care that a puppy mill dog requires to thrive. If you are a first time dog owner, a puppy mill dog is probably not for you. However, once you have been an experienced dog owner, you may find that sharing your life with a puppy mill dog creates a unique bond. Please note that an adopted puppy mill rescued dog may be at different stages of rehab so we have tried to start this from the beginning. Permission is granted to use this article, unedited, on your website or in print, as long as credit is linked to this page. Every mill survivor is different. What works on one, or many, will completely fail on others; the only thing that is consistent is that they will need lots of patience, understanding, love, and probably most importantly, unconditional acceptance of what they are and what their limitations may be. At first glance a mill survivor may look like many of your friends' dogs; maybe not a perfect example of the breed, but close. What you won't see is the condition they were in when they came into rescue. Many have fur so matted that it all had to be shaved off, and even the short haired breeds suffer from thin dull coats. Many times removing the filth and matting have revealed open sores, usually from flea allergies or sarcoptic mange. Their ears are often full of filth and usually mites, and some survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear infections. Most survivors require the removal of rotten teeth, even young dogs. Their gums are usually very infected and the teeth have excessive buildup on them. Many vets who are not familiar with puppy mill rescued dogs will miscalculate the age of the dog if using only the teeth as their guide. Many survivors also suffer from swollen, splayed and sore feet from so much time walking on wire. While finally getting some good nutrition and extensive medical care after arriving in rescue, all too often there remains the psychological damage that can't be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery. We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs. Not being "up to it" is no crime, but you need to be honest with yourself, and us, about your expectations. These dogs have already been through more than their share of heartache and if your entire family is not willing to make the commitment, the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found. Handling: Many mill survivors have spent their entire lives in the mill with only an elevated wire cage to call home. Puppies growing up in a mill miss out on many crucial socialization periods with humans and they never learn to trust, to love, or to play. They have had minimum physical contact with people and have virtually no concept of what to expect or what is expected of them when they are placed in a family situation. Their life in the mill may have been what we would consider unpleasant, but it is the only life they have ever known. In the mill, they were probably fed and watered using automatic dispensers, and their feces and urine was only cleaned after it fell through the wire that they lived on. Actual human contact normally came when they were being vaccinated, dewormed, or moved to a new cage to breed or to whelp puppies. Many of the quirks that mill dogs might have will be discovered while the dog is still in our rescue, but there are things that may develop after the dog feels a little more comfortable in your home. Most of the dogs we encounter have had their spirit broken many years before and aggression is not normally something we encounter; however, there are memory triggers that the dog may experience after it is settled in your home, so we will talk briefly about these. The physical contact that they have received probably has not been pleasant. For one thing, because they are not handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their "stock" by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and don't really want to stand around holding some stinky little dog any longer than necessary. It is not uncommon for these survivors to be sensitive at the backs of their necks, after all, touch there brings the unexpected. Many mill dogs will try to always face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. NEVER startle a mill survivor from behind: you will lose any trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating being picked up and consistently tell them what you are going to do with the same word, like "up". It is not uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog's part, and while it may be frustrating trying to pick up a dog in this position, these dogs will seldom show aggression in their lives. It is okay to pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the "freeze;" the dog will initially try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simply freeze up--rigid, like a statue--and accept their "fate. Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see that they are receptive to it. Imagine how you would feel if taken hostage at gunpoint. The gunman may never harm you in any way, but you are aware of the danger the entire time, and you don't have the ability to leave when you want. No matter how nice the gunman is to you, you will never enjoy the experience and will always watch for an escape route; however, you can turn the tables around and see a ray of hope. Imagine the gunman has been captured and you decide to visit him in jail. Now you are in control. You call all the shots, and you have the ability to leave at any time. The bottom line is that these dogs have to progress at their own pace. Anything you force them to do will not be pleasant to them; let them visit with you on their terms, whenever possible. .Learning about the House: Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time it is fine to crate or confine them to a quiet area. After that, though, they should have exposure to the household. If crating, the crate should be in a central location. The ideal spot is one where there is frequent walking and activity. This allows the dog to feel safe in the crate, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it; they need to hear the table being set, the dishwasher running, phones ringing, and people talking. Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. After the quarantine, when the dog is out of the crate and supervised, it is not a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them. Let them get used to the feel. It is easy to fall into the mindset that they must be pampered and carried everywhere, but leash training is important. It will make your life easier to have a leash trained dog, but it will also offer your dog confidence in the future. Gaining Trust: A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of rehabbing a mill survivor. We have seen a lot of mill dogs that don't want to eat whenever people are around. It is important that your mill dog be fed on a schedule, with you nearby. You don't have to stand and watch over them, but you should be in the same room with them. They need to know that their yummy meal is coming from you. For the majority of mill dogs, accepting a treat right out of your hand is a huge show of trust. Offer treats on a regular basis especially as a reward. Don't concern yourself too much if your dog does not eat for a few days. Because most of our mill rescues have been fed with self-feeders and confined to small places, it is not uncommon for them to be a little overweight. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea and your dog is otherwise acting healthy, a few days of nibbling at their food while they learn to live by your schedule, is not going to hurt them. It is important to teach them that food is fed on a schedule and you should not be leaving food down at all times. While you shouldn't force yourself upon your dog, she does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this an area where she, not necessarily you, is the most comfortable. Some dogs sadly, never will adjust, and we'lll talk more about them later. Never allow friends to force attention on a mill survivor. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eyes. It is not uncommon for mill dogs to simply never accept outsiders. Let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches, ask them to talk quietly and hold out a hand. No quick movements. Ask that any barking be ignored. Remember that these dogs bark to warn and scare off intruders. If you acknowledge the barking you may be reinforcing it with attention. If you take your guest outside, you have just reinforced to your dog that barking will make the intruder go away. Housebreaking: A child spends the first one to two years of their life soiling their diaper and having you remove the dirty diaper and replace it with a clean one. A puppy mill dog spends its entire life soiling its living area. Potty training a child and housebreaking a puppy mill dog are the exact same procedures.A regular schedule, constant reinforcement, praise, and commitment on your part are musts! Would you scream at your child, march him to the bathroom and make him sit on the toilet AFTER you discovered he soiled his diaper? A dog is no different in this sense; scolding them after the deed is done is of no benefit to anyone. The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule which will put them on a regular potty schedule and to observe them closely after feeding time. Getting them on a premium, low residue food is very important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm very easy to clean up and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Low cost or over the counter foods have a lot of fillers, and it is very hard to get a dog on a regular cycle using these foods. Before you even begin to housebreak them, you must learn their schedule. As soon as they are finished eating, command "outside". Always use the exact same word in the exact same tone. Watch them closely outside and observe their pattern as they prepare to defecate. Some will turn circles, some will scratch at the ground, some may find a corner, some may sniff every inch of the ground, some will get a strange look on their face.We could give you a million tips that our adopters have found to work best for them, but as we have said, every dog is different. As long as you always keep in mind that housebreaking and potty training are one in the same, you should eventually see results. Never do to a dog what you would not do to a child. It may take a week, it may take a month, it may take a year.In most cases, the success of housebreaking depends on your commitment. While we have focussed mainly on bowel movements, urinating in the house is just as hard to correct as defecating in the house if not worse. Below we will discuss "marking," which many people associate only with male dogs. We will go into that in more detail, but if urinating in the house remains a problem for your dog, we highly recommend crate training. This can be researched online in more detail, but if crate training is not working because your dog is soiling in the crate, you should discontinue the training immediately--as you are only reinforcing that it is okay to soil their area. In general, if you can understand your dog's bowel patterns, you will usually find that they urinate before or after a bowel movement. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, as most dogs will understand "outside" and associate it with both urinating and defecating. Of course, in the meantime, you will want to protect your carpets by either removing any that can be rolled up, or confining the dog to a tiled floor when you aren't holding it on your lap. This should only be done during the training process, as socialization is just as important as house training and often tiled floors are in areas that we don't spend a lot of time. Marking: Puppy mill survivors all have one thing in common.A dog that marks its territory is 'warning' other dogs that this is its area.However, in a puppy mill situation, the dog's area is normally a 2X4 cage with other dogs in and around their 'territory'. It becomes a constant battle of establishing territory and it is not uncommon to see male and female survivors with marking problems. Normally, marking is seen in dogs with a dominant nature. This is good in the sense that these dogs can normally withstand verbal correction better than submissive dogs. The word 'NO' will become your favorite word as you try to deal with the problem of dogs that mark. Don't be afraid to raise your voice and let the dog know that you are not happy. Always use the exact same word and don't follow 'NO' with "now what has mommy told you about that, you are a bad dog. You have to teach them that it is not acceptable to do this in the house. The only way to do this is to constantly show your disappointment and stimulate their need to 'dominate' by allowing them more time outside, and even to areas where you know other dogs have been.While you and your survivor learn about each other, and your survivor develops a sense of respect towards you, you will have to protect your home from the damage caused by marking. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful. White vinegar is your best friend. Keep a spray bottle handy at all times. Use the vinegar anytime you see your dog mark. The vinegar will neutralize the smell that your dog just left behind. Using other cleaning products may actually cause your dog to mark over the same area again. Most cleaning products contain ammonia.Your dog will feel the need to mark over normal cleaning products, but normally has no interest in areas neutralized by vinegar. Potty Pads.These can be found in any pet store, but most 'housebreaking pads' are treated with ammonia to encourage a puppy to go on the pad instead of the carpet; since we are trying to discourage your dog from marking, these aren't always the best choice. You might check at a home medical supply store. The blue and white pads used to protect beds usually work best. Staple, tape or pin these pads white side facing outward to any area that your dog is prone to mark walls, furniture, etc. Do not replace the pads when your dog soils them.These are not a solution to the problem, but will help protect your home while you deal with the problem. Scotch Guard. Scotch Guard is really nothing more than a paraffin based protector. It puts a waxy substance down which repels water and spills and in our case, urine. Shake and spray this onto the fabric areas you want to protect, such as the base of the sofa and the carpet below doorways or areas your dog is apt to mark. It may make the area stiff feeling at first but it will normally 'blend' in with normal household temperatures and humidity. After the first use, you will need to microwave the bottle and emerge the spray mechanism in a bowl of hot water so that any wax residue will melt. I have never had any problems, but it is always best to check beforehand. Belly Bands. Belly bands can be easily made at home out of things you probably already have. Depending on the size of your dog you can use the elastic end of tube socks, the sleeve of a sweatshirt, etc. Simply fit the material to your dog and then place a female sanitary napkin under the penis. Another easy way is to measure your dog, cut the fabric and sew on Velcro to hold it in place. There are also many sites on the Internet to order these if making them yourself is just not up your alley. Just remember to take the belly band off every time you bring your dog out to potty. Again, this is not a solution, but a protective measure. Quirks: Poo-poo, shoo-shoo, ca-ca, doo-doo, 2, feces, poop, stool.But nothing is more gross than owning a dog who eats poop! Coprophagia is the technical term, but for the purpose of this article, we're just going to call it the 'affliction'. Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have the affliction but in puppy mill rescues, it is not uncommon at all to find dogs afflicted with this horrible habit. As in any bad habit, the cure lies in understanding the unacceptable behavior. There are three primary reasons that a puppy mill survivor is afflicted. We'll start with the most common, and easiest to remedy. It tastes good and they are hungry! Rescues that have come from a mill where dogs were not fed properly often resort to eating their own or other dog's feces as a source of food. These types of situations will usually remedy themselves when the dog realizes that he is always going to get fed. It is also easy to discourage this behavior by adding over-the-counter products to their food which are manufactured for this purpose. Ask your vet which products are available and you will normally see results in weeks. Learned behavior. This is usually the cause of puppy mill dogs that have the affliction. There are several reasons why a dog learned to behave like this, but the most common cause is being housed with dominant dogs who fight over food. These dominant dogs will often guard the food dish and prevent the more submissive dogs from eating even if the dominant dog is not hungry. Food aggression in caged dogs is usually fast and furious and often results in severe injury to the submissive dogs. Because the dominant dog is often eating much more than is needed, the stool is virtually undigested and contains many of the nutrients and 'flavors' of the original meal; therefore almost as tasty to the submissive dog as if he'd ate the real thing. Puppies that were raised with a dominant mother or dominant litter mates also pick up this habit very early--in this case, it is a little harder to treat, but it can usually be done. This eating pattern is usually maintained throughout the dog's life, so the age of your dog will play a big role in how hard it is to correct the behavior. It's become habit.Dogs with the affliction will actually go hunting for a fresh stool when you take them outside. The key is to give your dog something better to hunt for. You may find something that he likes better and is as readily available and affordable. The good thing about popcorn is what your dog doesn't eat, the birds will. We can almost guarantee that once your dog has learned to search out the popcorn, he'll pass those fresh turds right up, LOL! It may take weeks or months before your dog 'unlearns' to seek out stools but most dogs are receptive to this training. You may have to sprinkle the lawn with popcorn the rest of your dog's life.As mentioned above, Coprophagia means 'eating poop'. Coprophagia is a form of a much more serious problem called Pica. Pica is the unnatural compulsion to eat foreign objects. Dogs suffering from Pica will eat not only stools, but rocks, dirt, sticks, etc. A good rescuer will observe dogs prior to placement and will recognize the seriousness of this problem. A dog suffering from Pica should never be placed in an inexperienced home or any home that is not aware of the problem and the dangers. Dogs suffering from Pica will often end up having surgery.If you are the owner of a dog which you believe suffers from Pica, I suggest you consult your vet; these dogs often require medication for their disorder and only your vet can guide you on the best way to proceed. Before we close this section on Pica, we want to say that true Pica is rare. Most dogs will chew on sticks or rocks--or sofas and table legs. However a dog suffering from Pica will not just chew on these items.Just because your dog is eating his own stool.If in doubt, consult your vet. The "special" ones: Occasionally, we see the survivor who has survived the mill, but at such a great cost that they can never be "brought around". These are the dogs that have endured so much suffering that they remind us of children who are abused, and survive by separating their mind from the body. These damaged dogs will never fully trust anyone. So where does that leave these poor souls? Most are still capable of living out a wonderful life. They need a scheduled environment but most importantly, a home where they are accepted for who and what they are. They may never jump up on a couch and cuddle with you, or bring you a ball to play catch, but you will see the joy that they take in living each day knowing that they will have clean bedding, fresh food and water, and unconditional love. To them, those small comforts alone are pure bliss. These "broken ones" are the ones that normally never leave their foster homes. Ironically, these types of dogs normally do very well in a group-dog setting. They seem to have shunned the world, and most certainly mankind, and have created their own little world without humans. Whenever we suspect that a mill rescue may be "too far gone" for a fast paced family, we try to place them in experienced homes; quiet homes; or homes with other dogs. These are by far the hardest ones for our hearts to accept, but they are also a constant reminder of why we do what we do. We work not only to adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind that puppy in the pet store window. We hope that you will keep a journal or blog on the reform of your puppy mill dog, and we hope that you will join us in our campaign to educate the public--through the eyes of the survivors--by always taking the opportunity to further educate others. Together we have made a difference in the life of just one dog, but together we can also make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs still caged in puppy mills. It is only when the public realizes the connection between pet stores and puppy mills that we will end the demand, end the supply, and end the abuse! Copyright A New Start on Life,


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Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Sizes Dog Food Protein Content The pet food label usually expresses its content as a percentage instead of an amount. Animal-based proteins are complete and contain all the essential amino acids. Grains are another excellent protein source, albeit they may not have all these building blocks. The important thing is that the puppy food meets this minimum standard to ensure healthy development. Dog Food Fat Content Fat is a vital macronutrient that offers an excellent source of energy and the raw materials for the synthesis of good cholesterol. The recommended amounts differ radically in puppies and dogs, making a solid case for giving your pet food appropriate for its life stage. Of course, they also need it for growth and development. Dog Food Ingredients Pet food is regulated with required labeling to help you choose the best food for your Golden Retriever puppy. One of these requirements is a nutritional adequacy statement. That informs you about the life stage of the product. Manufacturers must identify the ingredients in their products, starting with the one that makes up the most weight. We can also say something similar about so-called human-grade pet foods. No formal definition exists for the term. The other concern lies with what manufacturers substitute for the grains. Some evidence suggests a potential link between the substituted ingredients and this disorder. Golden Retrievers have shown a higher rate of DCM and low taurine levels, which can cause it too. These dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies. However, this breed has a propensity for not producing enough. That makes taurine in the ingredient list something we always check. Dog Food Sizes Most manufacturers produce several sizes of dog food. However, bear in mind that larger ones are usually a better value. Also, your puppy will grow quickly—along with its appetite. We suggest keeping both factors in mind when choosing a product. Final Verdict Ollie Fresh dog food came out on top in our series of reviews. We were impressed with the natural ingredient list and focus on nutrition. Read more Advertisement. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But there are so many choices. The pet food industry has exploded in recent years. Remember though that, if you intend to switch your dog to a new diet, do so over the course of seven to 10 days to help avoid intestinal upsets or diarrhea. Types of Foods The main types of commercial foods are dry, moist, dehydrated, and fresh. As a large-breed dog, it would take a lot of moist food to properly feed a golden. Why Do the Ingredients of a Food Matter? Of course, your golden is a highly intelligent and sociable dog. Unfortunately, goldens have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer. But AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles consist only of minimum values for all the nutrients required by dogs and maximum values for just a few nutrients that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. But, even with such regulation, not all foods are created equal. Feeding a food with low-quality ingredients may contribute to chronic inflammation and obesity. And chronic inflammation can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and infection. Foods should be made from wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. They should be rich in high-quality animal sources such as poultry, meat, and fish. Our beloved goldens are one of the breeds most likely to become obese. If your dog becomes obese, you can even ask your vet about prescription weight-loss diets. There are certain requirements foods should meet. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adult dogs require a minimum of 18 percent of protein in their diets, whereas puppies require at least 22 percent protein. A good food should contain healthy meats and fats. They should also contain fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the proper mix of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Natural preservatives such as tocopherols vitamin E , vitamin C, or rosemary extract should be used rather than artificial ones. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breeds do. They grow more quickly than breeds who are small or medium-sized as adults. Golden retriever puppies have a greater risk of developing a crippling form of hip disease if fed a diet that contains too much calcium. Adult goldens can be fed any high-quality kibble or a kibble specifically for large breed dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , large-breed dogs have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts and can be considered seniors when five or six years old. The veterinary community has also been compiling and analyzing data on diet-related DCM in dogs. DCM is a disease in which the heart muscle weakens, leading to the loss of the ability to contract normally and pump blood through the body. Symptoms of DCM can include weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, fainting, and the inability of exercise. It can become life-threatening. The link between grain-free foods and DCM is still being investigated, as there are many variables to be considered. Note that some dogs are allergic to certain grains and may need to avoid them. But this is best decided by a veterinarian, especially a board-certified nutritionist. Diseases which impact goldens, such as inflammatory bowel disease or atopic skin diseases and allergies, have a strong link to the foods they ingest. And, in determining how much to feed, the manufacturers of pet foods provide guidelines on their labels. But remember that the guidelines are just that. You can always adjust the amount of food he eats depending on his weight and health. In addition to doing your own research, you can consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to determine which food and amount would be best for your golden. But remember: there is no one perfect food for any dog. And choosing a high-quality food may also reduce his risk of health problems. What Do the Terms on the Label Mean? The labels on pet foods can be confusing. Learning what the terms mean can help you decipher which one is a higher-quality product. The terms on a label are listed in descending amounts of ingredients. So the first few listed are found in larger amounts than those at the bottom of the items listed on the label. Meat Meat is the skeletal muscle of animals as well as tissue from the heart. This may be beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or salmon. This is the animal flesh without any water extracted. Meat Meal It can include only actual meat, skin, and bone, which can be nutritious. But it can legally contain animals who were dying, diseased, deformed, or had died before slaughtering. Meat meals are the product after the excess moisture has been removed from the meat. These include lungs, kidneys, brains, bone, blood, heads, spleens, stomachs, beaks, feet, feathers, and intestines. Unfortunately, like meat meal, it can contain animals who were very sick or dead before slaughtering which need not be disclosed to the consumer. Whole Meats versus Named Protein Meals These are named proteins such as chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb. They can contain up to 70 percent moisture prior to cooking. Named protein meals, such as lamb meal, have that excess moisture removed being processed into kibble. So meals actually have more protein by weight than whole meats do. Fish Meal Fish meal is the clean ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, with or without the oil extracted. Ground Corn Ground corn is the entire corn kernel ground or chopped. Corn Gluten Meal Corn gluten meal is the by-product after the manufacture of corn syrup or starch, and is the dried residue after the removal of the bran, germ, and starch. Brewers Rice Brewers rice is the small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from larger kernels of milled rice. Brown Rice Brown rice is the unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed. Soybean Meal Soybean meal is a by-product of the production of soybean oil. Holistic or Natural These are terms that some companies use. But they have no meaning according to the FDA. So beware that such foods may not be what we think of as being holistic or natural. Organic This means that the food is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. Of course, higher-quality ingredients cost more. Also avoid foods that have been overly processed or contain hormones or steroids. Meat by-products and poultry by-products are one of the lower-quality ingredients. Try to avoid them. It can also be restaurant grease. Corn and soy are generally regarded to be inferior ingredients and fillers. Remember that if you feed a high-quality food to your dog without fillers, you often can feed less. And I also considered various foods before making my selection. My dogs are doing well on this food. Goldens love their food and eat a lot because of their size. The Dog Food Advisor is a public service website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. The write-ups are taken from those found on the Dog Food Advisor website. The links will also lead to information regarding additional high-rated foods. The formula contains a minimum of 34 percent of named proteins. Its high-protein content helps form strong muscles. The formula includes increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health in larger-sized dogs. This recipe contains the preferred amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog the size of a golden. It has no meat by-products or fillers. And no corn, wheat, or soy. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Large-Breed Chicken Formula The top five ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch, with a minimum of 32 percent protein. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. It also has antioxidants to boost immune health and no poultry by-products. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for healthy joints. It contains a minimum of 27 percent with named proteins. Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon, and duck. The formula also has antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. These are great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease. This recipe is recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and five years of age. It contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger-breed dogs. There are no by-products or artificial preservatives. The formula contains probiotics to support digestion. There is no gluten, wheat, corn, or soy Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Adult Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The food contains a minimum of 38 percent protein. The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy hip and joint function, essential for large-breed dogs. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil help ensure a healthy skin and coat. A unique raw-infused kibble recipe is loaded with protein. The recipe has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is gluten free. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food The top five ingredients in this formula are chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It has a minimum protein of 26 protein percent. The formula also has live probiotics to support healthy digestion. Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture. It has live probiotics to support healthy digestion as well as omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. Although this formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. But apparently many consumers have found that their dogs are doing well on this food. Some Suggested Foods for Your Golden Retriever Puppy Of course puppies require a higher amount of protein and fat than adults generally do. But note that adult goldens who are very active, such as dogs who do agility, generally need more protein and fat than other goldens do. But they may not need as much as puppies do. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal. The recipe contains a minimum of 32 percent protein. It has 14 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs and has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44percent. It also has a safe, balanced amount of calcium. Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel. This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent. This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods. Diamond Naturals Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice. This budget-friendly food has a dry matter label analysis of 30 percent protein, 17 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs. It has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56 percent. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 46 percent estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58 percent. This is a top-rated food that is budget conscious. Purina Pro Plan Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry by-product meal. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32 percent protein. It also contains 15 percent fat and 45 percent estimated carbs. This yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47 percent. This formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers. Purina Pro Plan is what we are currently feeding our guide dog puppies. But, as is true of the adult Pro Plan food listed above, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. Final Thoughts There are so many choices when selecting a food for your beloved golden retriever. It can really be challenging to find the right food. But remember because there are so many choices, there is no one right food for your pup. Dog food ratings can help make a choice. So can knowing the basics regarding what the terms on a food label mean. Are you thinking of switching foods? Please leave your comments in the section below. Related Article:.