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Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. He has a shaggy or curly coat that requires maintenance. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a crossbreed their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs and people. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. If you are interested in a Labradoodle, start your search at your local shelter or on Petfinder. This type of cross-breed is often available for adoption. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications — even for a cross-breed — is the best way to do that. Other Quick Facts Labradoodles were originally bred in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. They have since become popular pets. Labradoodles are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. A well-bred Labradoodle should be sociable, friendly, nonaggressive, and extremely intuitive. The History of the Labradoodle People have been crossing dogs for millennia in the attempt to achieve a certain look, temperament, or working ability. But crossing two breeds over and over does not a breed make. A breed is a group of animals related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. To achieve consistency in appearance, size, and temperament, breeders must select the puppies with the traits they want and breed them over several generations for the traits to become set. Crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle have become popular over the past ten or twenty years as people seek out dogs that are different from the everyday Yorkie or Poodle or that they think will have certain appealing characteristics. And no matter what his breed or mix, an individual dog may be more or less allergenic or intelligent or healthy. Whatever his breed, cross or mix, love your dog for what he is: a unique, special and loving companion. In general, though, Labradoodles are friendly dogs who are devoted to their families. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Labradoodle, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need To Know About Labradoodle Health All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog. Please refer to the breed guides on Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Miniature Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these breeds. Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas. A puppy may develop one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Keeping a Labradoodle at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of diet and exercise to help ensure a healthier dog for life. The Basics of Labradoodle Grooming Labradoodles can have different types of fur. Some look like shaggy retrievers, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls. Many fall somewhere in between. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Plan to brush the Labradoodle at least every other day using a slicker brush, and have him clipped every 8 to 12 weeks. Ear infections can be a problem in Labradoodles. Be sure to keep the ears dry and clean, especially after the dog has had a bath or gone swimming. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails every week or two, and brush his teeth regularly — daily if possible — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath. Finding a Labradoodle Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder Finding a quality breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out as many problems as possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. Reputable breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances, and what the dogs are like to live with. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the cross-breed, and discuss what health problems affect them and the steps that were taken to avoid them. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will clear. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include over availability, multiple litters on the premises, a choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Labradoodle might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort. An adult Labradoodle may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Labradoodles available across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Labradoodle. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Search online for Labradoodle rescues in your area. Poodle rescues and Labrador rescues are also good resources for this crossbreed. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Labradoodle home for a trial to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Labradoodle, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Labradoodle to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. It's time to talk about Labradoodles. This combination Labrador retriever and poodle is an excellent family dog who's often sought out by allergy sufferers because of their minimal shedding. The ever-popular Labradoodle is immensely trainable and, unlike some dogs, a good fit for first-time dog owners. On the larger side, these pups can take up some space-but are great with kids and will adapt to their family's lifestyle. The standard version, which is a Lab bred with a standard-sized poodle, can grow to be about 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. If you're searching for a dog on the smaller size, it's possible to also find mini Labradoodles, a hybrid of a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. The loving, loyal doodles are a fun addition to any family. They're prone to zoomies and more than happy to play with the baby. Labradoodles are healthy dogs and need exercise, though the amount of running, playing, or swimming might depend on their makeup of Labrador and poodle genes. But regardless of the genetic breakdown, you'll need to get used to trips to the groomer. These pups are hairy. A quick note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles aren't the same. Australian Labradoodles are crosses between a poodle, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Appearance Like many Labradoodle characteristics, your dog's appearance will depend on the generation you're looking for. To illustrate: Martinez breeds F1 half Labrador, half poodle , F1b 75 percent poodle, 25 percent Lab , and F2 87 percent poodle, 13 percent Lab Labradoodles. The half-Lab F1s will have longer, wavier hair and will still shed, Martinez says. The F1bs and F2s will have more poodle-esque hair that's tighter, curlier, and generally won't shed. They'll often look like little teddy bears as puppies. Labradoodles are often thought of as hypoallergenic -even though no dog is truly an allergen-free animal-but generally the F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers. Martinez recommends people with allergies spend time with their puppy before they adopt. His customers are required to. They'll come in around inches tall, Martinez says. As for colors, Labradoodles run the gamut. You'll find them in black, white, cream, red, chocolate, or a mix of those colors. Taking after their poodle brethren, these fluffy boys and girls need to be brushed frequently , too. Temperament Martinez loves the dogs he breeds-he owns 10 himself-and was especially effusive about how Labradoodles act around people, families , and children , even kids who might not know exactly how to pet or interact with dogs "They love people," he says. But not only can these pups live with cats -Martinez says several of his puppies have gone on to become therapy dogs , meaning they're calm and affectionate enough to visit schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to offer psychological and physiological support to patients and people in need. Some Labradoodles go on to become service dogs , as the breed creator originally intended. But don't confuse them for docile dogs. They still have big personalities-Martinez describes a typical day with his dogs as "entertaining"-but mischievous behavior can be counteracted with training , which Labradoodles quickly pick up on. Genesis Service Dogs , which breeds Labradoodles to help children and adults with special needs, says the dogs will mature slower than their Labrador retriever brethren, so they'll be puppyish for about a year and a half. Then they'll become even more affectionate toward their humans. They're mostly quiet, keeping barking to a minimum, but Labradoodles' energy level can vary based on their generation, Martinez says. The dogs with more Labrador genes F1s will be more energetic than the ones with more poodle in their blood. Labradoodles will often reflect the energy levels of their owner, Martinez says, but they're still descendants of sporting dogs who like having something to do. Whether that means long walks together or playing games in the yard, a Labradoodle will be happiest with any activity he can do with you. Living Needs Labradoodles are flexible when it comes to where they live. While the standard Labradoodles are bigger, they can still reside in an apartment, though generally Martinez admits smaller dogs, potentially miniature Labradoodles, are better suited for living in smaller homes. If you do live in an apartment or smaller home where yard space is limited, make sure you can regularly fit in enough exercise and play for your active pup to blow off some steam, like a visit to the local dog park every so often. Labradoodles certainly won't turn down a house with a big, fenced-in yard , though. Martinez lets his group of pups spend plenty of time outside, where they'll be just as likely to lay down for a spell than run around on the doggie playground equipment. They do need exercise, though. If Martinez sends a puppy home with someone who works all day, he advises them to invest in a dog walker so their doodle is able to stretch his legs during the hours he's left alone. But if you have the time and like to explore, a Labradoodle could be the perfect hiking partner. And since poodles are considered water dogs, some Labradoodles like to swim , too. This breed is good for all ages, Martinez says, but Labradoodle owners will still need to put the work in with positive reinforcement training and to meet their activity needs. He subscribes to the oft-used mantra: There aren't any bad dogs, just bad owners. Care It's important to start training your Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labradoodles are considered smart dogs and will pick up what you're teaching very quickly. Martinez says they may even understand some commands within the first day. Labradoodles are smart enough that daily training doesn't take too long. Martinez recommends three or four sessions of 10 minutes each day to accommodate the dogs' short attention spans, which is like that of "a young child," he says. They're so easy to train and quick to learn that even first-time dog owners can fare well, Martinez says. But if you don't have the time or know-how to train, obedience school is the answer. Once he's learned to recognize the basics, your doodle will start making those classic head tilts when you mention their favorite words walk, car, treat. According to Martinez, early socialization -both with other dogs and people-is important for Labradoodle puppies. Martinez says he lets the puppies he breeds spend their early days with his adult dogs to get them used to other dogs at a young age. If your vet says it's safe, you may want to have your new Labradoodle puppy meet other humans and dogs in their first few weeks in their new home. When it comes to exercise, three to four walks a day will suffice which is why you might need a dog walker. Otherwise, swimming, hiking, or some playtime in the yard or at the park will help your dog immensely. Labradoodles do enjoy their activity, but Martinez says they'll spend just as much time lounging around to relax. Grooming is another integral part of caring for your Labradoodle, but it's probably best to outsource it. These fluffy boys and girls need regular trims. Martinez sends his dogs to the goomer for a haircut every six weeks, regardless of whether they're F1s, F1bs, or F2s. Regular brushing is a good idea, too, because you don't want your Labradoodle's hair to get matted or uncomfortable. You'll also want to keep those ears dry and clean , and don't forget to keep up with the nail trimming and tooth brushing , either. Health Here's another reason Labradoodles are good for first-time dog owners: They're a relatively healthy breed over their years of life. But being the ideal combination of Labs and poodles also means Labradoodles can be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. Labs, for instance, will commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia , so the risk is there for Labradoodles as well. Doodles can also run into problems with myopathies, diseases that damage muscles , and exercise-induced collapse. For anyone looking to adopt a Labradoodle, Martinez couldn't emphasize enough: Make sure your breeder conducts DNA tests on your puppy's parents to find any genetic abnormalities. The same goes for having their hips and elbows tested and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the breeder you're considering doesn't do that testing or says it isn't needed, find someone else. Martinez notes that Labrador retrievers are happy to eat just about anything and everything. While your Labradoodle will likely be a bit pickier, be sure to keep any weight gain in check since they may have a tendency to overeat if they're allowed to. History Australian Wally Conron is credited as the modern-day creator of the Labradoodle, breeding the first one in the late s. He was trying to create a guide dog that would also be hypoallergenic, by breeding a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. Clearly, his efforts were successful. The breed exploded in popularity, and since it is the combination of the U. People seek out the Labradoodle for its trifecta of cute looks, friendly demeanor, and minimal shedding. While the Labradoodle is the seemingly ideal dog for people with allergies, Conron has said he regrets his creation. Because of the intense demand for these "designer dogs," Conron has expressed concern over the bad actors who breed Labradoodles in puppy mills-and the inexperienced and sometimes misinformed breeders who fail to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to new generations. Labradoodles have belonged to several famous owners, including golfer Tiger Woods, actress Jennifer Aniston, and actor Henry Winkler. Doodles certainly earn their keep on Instagram, so if you need some extra fluff in your life, the Dood Squad is a good place to start. Was this page helpful? It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems. She's happy to get it thinned, but it doesn't last long it grows back fast. We caught them in the flower pots and started to shoo them away, but had to take a picture first.Labradoodles make amazing pets. We have been socializing them and exercising them faithfully every day and can see their excellent temperaments developing. His coat is less curly, more shaggy and scruffy looking. He is cool, laid back and more mellow than most other Labradoodles. It could be his age. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The first Labradoodle was a dog named Sultan—who first came to existence in the late 20th century. With astounding success, Sultan had both a hypoallergenic coat and the intelligence to be trained as a service dog. Wally then teamed up with a partner in Hawaii, and the two worked to establish the Labradoodle as its own breed. Currently, multigenerational breeding is being conducted in hopes to iron out and stabilize the Labradoodle breed. This, of course, means the Labradoodle breed is not registered with the AKC. Unfortunately—as time passed and more Labradoodles were bred—Conron realized that the crossbreed is inconsistent. Streamlining the breed is currently a work in progress, stagnated by the array of incompetent puppy mill breeders trying to create their own Labradoodles. Known for their intelligence, calm temperament, affection, extroversion, and elegant gait, the Labradoodle is a fantastic home dog. In fact, the Labradoodle personality is so affectionate and sociable, that they often need to be trained to mitigate their abrasive excitement for life. Due to their intelligence, they process information rapidly, and are often quick-witted canines. They enjoy playing with a passion, but are often not pushy and their keenness and intuition allows them to judge when it is play time and when it is not. Early-socialization , heredity, and the amount of training administered affect the extent of extroverted Labradoodle behavior. It is important that with these dogs they are introduced to the world, other people, and canines early on. Rather, it is to create boundaries within their own tenacious affection and prevent Labradoodle temperament problems. They are by in large a great choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, and a guide dog. Their excellent temperament, personality and intelligence make them a good candidate as a therapy dog. Training a Labradoodle Training a Labradoodle puppy is an easier task than most dogs and they pick up basic commands easily. Their eager-to-please personalities and intelligence make them both attentive and dexterous in learning. Their overt friendliness, intuition, and slight sensitivity mean they respond best to positive reinforcement. Praise for good Labradoodle behavior in the form of treats, words, and playfulness work best when training a Labradoodle. Despite being home dogs, the Labradoodle will need excessive exercise—particularly in the puppy ages—to meet their high threshold of energy. One of the most important parts of training a Labradoodle is exposing them to other dogs early on. This inability to discern between appropriate and inappropriate canine interaction will become a problem if not treated early on. Their intelligence needs to be stimulated and manifested. This means teaching tricks, games, and a slew of commands to keep them engaged. A lack of mental and physical situation will result in a tireless Labradoodle. A tireless Labradoodle tears the home apart and develops high levels of nervousness and anxiety. A Labradoodle should be potty trained and housed indoors. These are people dogs. They long for the comfort of their owners and a home. Also, crate training is exceptionally successful with this breed. Exercise Requirements for Labradoodles A Labradoodle requires minutes of exercise per day. These dogs have a surplus of energy. Their need for activity and large size make them a perfect fit for a house with a yard, but not an apartment. As with most breeds, their need for exercise will dwindle over time. A puppy Labradoodle, dependent on its heredity, will either be a bit more stagnant, or a bit more jumpy. Put them in water and watch them shine with glee. Labradoodle Lifespan A Labradoodle lifespan typically ranges anywhere from years. Popularity of the Labradoodle While Labradoodles have had a rapid rise in popularity in the last decade, they remain unregistered in the AKC. Breeders are currently trying to streamline the Labradoodle and create a common multigenerational breed. The issue is that—due to their rapid rise of international popularity—lots of incompetent breeders try to produce them by crossbreeding poodles and Labradors or Labrador Retrievers. This unfortunate rush to meet demand has started a chain of puppy mills, where the Labradoodles in question are often poorly bred dogs, with bad temperaments, personalities, and prone to health issues. Once the success of multigenerational breeding becomes apparent, and the breed begins to show credible consistency, they will become more popular in America. Feeding Recommendations for Labradoodles The amount in which you feed your Labradoodle depends on its size, metabolism, and activeness. Similar to the human anatomy, no two Labradoodles will be the same. Generally, a standard Labradoodle should eat two cups of dry food per day, broken into two different meals. However, the Labrador Retriever commonly experiences gastric torsion—in simpler words: bloating —a condition which can be passed along to Labradoodles. To avoid this problem, be sure to break the meals precisely in half and space them out with ample time between each course. For Labradoodles, never leave food out perpetually. Make sure each meal is administered and eaten before proceeding to the next. A good way to ensure your Labradoodle is receiving the proper amount of food is by pressing against their ribcage. With minimal force, you should be able to feel their ribs. If you have to press hard, lower the food intake and up the exercise. Labradoodle Grooming The hybrid Labradoodle and its peculiar ancestry cause an inconsistency in their coat type. Point being, they tend to range. Typically, the coat is around inches with either curly or straight hair. The proper coat is neither coarse, thick, or prone to fluffiness. Their coats are wool, hair, or fleece, with the latter being most coveted for the breed. These coats can be gold, caramel, apricot, cream, black, red, chocolate, and blue colored. A few have parti-colored coats. These dogs need grooming. Depending on the coat, others will need more, but generally speaking, they should be brushed twice a week with a bristle brush to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. There should not be a routine bath , and rather bathe the Labradoodle as needed; they tend to be less prone to odor than other dog breeds. For optimal Labradoodle health, brush their teeth three times per week for hygiene upkeep. This will avoid bacteria and tartar buildups. Trim their nails twice a month, as this breed is fond of scratching. Be careful not to cause bleeding. Conduct checkups; check the ears, mouth, nose, and coat for inflammation, redness, and infection. Are Labradoodles Good with Children? Kids love them and Labradoodles are exceptional with children. A mutual respect and understanding needs to be developed. Labradoodle Health Issues A Labradoodle can be more prone to disease and illness due to their unstable breeding methods. Make sure these clearances come from credible establishments. It can cause lameness in the leg s and can worsen to the point of immobility. At the very least, the Labradoodle is affected but does not show symptoms. A screening can be done to ensure the parents do not have Hip Dysplasia , as dogs with this condition should not be bred. Check with your breeder to see if the parents have been screened. It can cause lameness in the leg s and at the very worst immobility. The list of treatments ranges from simple weight monitoring to surgery. Epilepsy: this neurological condition is most commonly inherited. In short, it causes seizures. A Labradoodle with this condition will be glutinous about their food in hopes to compensate for their lack of energy. Meaning they will not receive the proper energy from their food intake, and will decide that more food is the solution. Even then, they will lose weight, remain lethargic, continue with their unappeasable appetite, and urinate constantly. This condition can be mitigated by managing diet and administering insulin if needed. For more pet resources about your favorite dog breeds, visit our blog to learn about Bloodhounds , Yorkie Poo , Miniature Poodle , and Rat Terrier! Other Resources:. Nutrition and Feeding Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Labradoodles like most large breed dogs can be prone to bloating and stomach problems, but smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. The Labradoodle diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food. Grooming Labradoodles It is difficult to predict what kind of coat the Labradoodle is going to have, as they may inherit a coat like a Labrador or they may inherit the Poodle coat or any mixtures of the two. This means they may not shed or shed minimally the Poodle coat but in that case will require regular trimming. Or else they may shed the Labrador coat and may or may not have an unruly coat that is prone to matting. They can be anything from low maintenance to high maintenance so be prepared for either! Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears, which can cause infections or sore ears. Training Labradoodles Dog training is important for this very active, smart and busy dog. They are a joy to train as both breeds are intelligent and love working with their owner — but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones, so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing. This is a great breed for dog sports such as agility or even pet gundog work, and they will love having an active job to do. It is important to train a Labradoodle to enjoy handling and grooming as they will need a lot of it and to happily give up any prizes they may rather hold onto — always using positive, reward-based methods. Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs? The Labradoodle is close to being the perfect family dog. If the Labradoodle is sourced from a reliable breeder, and well-trained from puppyhood, they will make fabulous family dogs , be a total joy to own and will get on with everyone. An untrained or bored Labradoodle can however easily become unruly and overly boisterous. Their warm personality is often a match for people with autism or physical disabilities. The Labradoodle lifespan can reach 14 years as both their parent breeds have long lifespans. FAQs Do Labradoodles shed a lot? Depending on the type of coat Labradoodles inherit, shedding can be either minimal or non-existing. Do Labradoodles bark a lot? Do Labradoodles like to cuddle? Labradoodles are very loving and adore to cuddle when they feel tired and need attention. Is a male or female Labradoodle better? However, female Labradoodles can be more responsive to training while males are said to be more affectionate than females. Similar Breeds.

WF branded products! We are not your typical breeder.You see, Doodles ARE our passion! Over 10 years ago I was officially diagnosed with asthma. At that same, time we were thinking of getting the kids a puppy so we were all very disappointed when the doctor pointed out that pets are a trigger of Asthma. We had owned a Lab before and were planning on getting another one due to how great they are with kids and families. I was well aware of how much they shed and knew that my asthma ruled this option out for us. A few months afterwards, I was traveling on business in Rhode Island and happened to spot a man walking a gorgeous dog one morning. The dog looked like a teddy bear that you'd want to cuddle up to. I approached the man and asked what breed the dog was…. I spent the next year researching the breed, its origination, temperment, bloodlines, health, etc. I emailed and visited different breeders to find out if this breed was as good as its accolades. With every visit I made, I was even more convinced that this was the dog for our family. As crazy as it sounds, I purchased two in-tact female pups at the same time that I was due with a baby myself. This would be the fifth child in our family and I wanted our kids to have the experience of bringing puppies into the world and caring for them. So here is the part where fate comes into play - even before the mothers were bred, we received interest and took a few reservations. The first of the pups ended up being born on one of our daughters' birthday in January and the second pup was born the same day I gave birth to our fourth daughter. I will tell you that the first couple of months were rough between getting up to let the dogs out and feeding the baby but we did seem to get them on the same schedule at some point. And, our two females could not have had more different of personalities. We really had the best of both worlds in the two dogs. Bagheera was our soft, emotional and cuddly one while Akela was independent and extremely intelligent. We had taken our time with our two new family members to ensure that they were healthy and of the right temperament to be mothers and care for their pups. I have such a love for animals that my husband is scared to death that when the puppies arrive, that I will not be able to part with any of them! Today, Wickersham Farm continues to seek out, selectively breed and carefully place only the finest doodles. Whether an active family or retiree, our variety gives us the unique ability to ensure the correct doodle is selected to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more! Wickersham Farm, Inc. Happy Families A dedicated and very caring professional breeder. Thank you, Vicki, for our beautiful 9-week-old puppy, Brandy, whom we love so much! She, along with her five brothers and sisters were cared for by Vicki. Vicki is amazing! She is a dedicated and very caring professional breeder who sincerely loves and cares about both her puppies and their future parents! Her puppies are extremely well-cared for they follow all the latest veterinary recommendations for breeders. Her breeding experience is of the highest level as can be demonstrated by the many positive reviews and feedback we researched before meeting Vicki over the phone. Vicki and her husband go out of their way to involve her new puppy parents from the very first days of the litter being born by interacting with videos, informational emails and photos of the new puppies right up to the day they meet their new parents. Absolutely honest and above board, she is always there for you to answer any question you might have on how best to care for your new puppy before and after your puppy is home with you! Paula and I both were blown away by just how involved she was with us every step of the way and how she kept us updated on the growth of the pups right until pick up day! Needless to say we offer our highest recommendation. John and Paula DeBlase The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. I got my precious puppy, Luna, from Windsor Creek Labradoodles recently. The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Dealing with Vicki was an absolute pleasure. I received a beautiful, friendly, healthy puppy. I filled out my application, described our needs, talked to Vicki on the phone and in the end, Vicki made a perfect match for us! I highly recommend this awesome breeder! Kay Pappas They answered all our questions. We are first time dog owners and were so fortunate to have found Vicki and Walt at Windsor Creek. They were so welcoming to our whole family. They answered all our questions, shared resources and improved our confidence that we were making a great decision for our family. Vicki has selected the perfect puppy for us. Ruby is playful, sweet and so smart! She is calm enough to sit and listen to our oldest son read, yet loves to run and chase our youngest son to play. Vicki has been an amazing source of knowledge and recommendations that has continued even after we have brought our puppy home. Their support throughout this whole process has been invaluable and we feel so lucky to be forever connected to Windsor Creek by our sweet puppy! Shana Brophy There is no other place I would go. My family suffered a tragic loss last year. We lost our beloved Chewie. He was with us for 15 years and came from Windsor Creek Labradoodles. When we were ready, we knew where to go, right back to Windsor Creek and Vicki Tyson. Our new puppy, Wyatt, in two short weeks is again proving to be a blessing. Vicki does not just breed puppies, she knows how to nurture these incredibly wonderful bundles of joy so that they fit perfectly into your family. There is no other place I or my family would go to trust this type of decision other than Windsor Creek and Vicki. In fact, we are returning again for yet another puppy, hopefully by the New Year! My family and I have wanted a dog for a long, long time but could not adopt one due to severe allergies for one of my three sons. He wanted a dog so badly. We are so grateful for Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles. She made the process so easy for us. Vicki is extremely informative and thorough, and is very responsive to any questions. We now have a healthy, happy and beautiful puppy! I highly recommend Windsor Creek Labradoodles. Vicki is the best! Joe Campi We picked up our puppy in perfect health. Our experience with Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles was simply exceptional from the very beginning to the day we brought our puppy home. Her absolute love for these dogs comes through in every phone call, email and interaction we had over the course of many months. She is so thoughtful and meticulous in her communication and planning which is so helpful to our family as first-time dog owners. We picked up our puppy in perfect health and so full of energy and his transition into our home has been seamless. We could not have been happier with our experience. Mike M.

This adorable great dog comes from two of the most popular and beloved breeds in the dog world. The result is a physically versatile mix, perfect for active families or highly athletic owners. Cocker Spaniels The Cocker Spaniel is a charming and affectionate breed. It has a rich history dates back to its origins in the United Kingdom. It was initially bred there for hunting Eurasian woodcock. Cocker spaniel coats are wavy, silky coats. They also have immensely expressive eyes. American Cocker Spaniels are smaller than their English counterparts. It makes them an attractive choice for breeding purposes — especially when creating designer breeds. They have gained widespread popularity in America due to their lovable personalities. They form strong bonds with family members. Indeed, they were primarily bred as hunting dogs centuries ago due to their impressive agility skills and keen sense of smell. These adaptable dogs excel at obedience training or more lighthearted pursuits like therapy work. They are truly versatile canines eager to please those around them. Originating from Newfoundland, the Labrador retriever was originally bred to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve fish. Labrador retriever history can be traced back to Canada in the s. Labrador retrievers come in three standard colors — black , chocolate brown , and yellow. It leads to interesting variations when crossbred with other dogs. Labrador Retrievers weigh pounds kilograms. Males are slightly larger than females. This blend results in a friendly good dog with a moderate size and an endearing personality. The offspring of such pleasant parent breeds have loveable temperaments and loyalty towards family members. They can inherit an active nature from both parent breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers, who were originally bred as working dogs. The Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix requires regular exercise like long walks or structured playtime events at home like most dogs Are Designer Dogs Healthier? There is a common belief that designer dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. While hybrid breeds may have unique traits and temperaments, they can still inherit health issues. A recent study compared the expectations and realities of owning purebred pups, mixed-breed dogs, and designer dog breeds. The study found that owner experiences differed by type of dog breed. Owners of mixed-breed or designer-breed dogs report more behavioral problems than those with purebred puppies. Whether a purebred or mixed-breed dog is right for you depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Socialization Of The spanador puppies Early socialization is crucial for any dog breed, and the Labrador retriever Cocker spaniel mix is no exception. These dogs are known to be friendly and loving towards people. However, exposing them to different environments and situations from an early age is important. Daily exposure to other dogs, people, places, sounds, and smells will ensure your Lab cocker spaniel mix adjusts well to new situations. Proper socialization also prevents behavioral problems like aggression toward strangers or fear of loud noises. Positive interactions with other animals or humans during the formative years from 8 weeks old upward are vital. It increases the chances of a happy dog enjoying being around family members and unfamiliar faces! It is to protect your Spanador puppies from potential harm and negative experiences affecting their future behavior. Instead of taking your puppy to an overcrowded dog park, enroll them in a puppy class. You can also organize controlled play dates with other puppies around their age and size. You can also take them on walks in quiet areas where they can explore new sights, sounds, and smells. They are attentive dogs that thrive on human companionship, making them great family pets. It makes them easy to train. Hence, plenty of daily exercise to release excess energy is of the order. The Spanador is an intelligent, gentle-natured breed that loves family. The cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever are smart animals, which is reflected in the crossbreed. This hybrid dog is highly intelligent, playful, and eager to please. This breed has an even temperament and loves spending time with people. The Spanador is very sociable and enjoys interacting with both adults and children. They do not like being left alone for long periods. Spanadors are known for their intelligence and willingness to please, traits inherited from the Labrador, making them relatively easy to train. However, cocker spaniel mixes display a stubborn streak, likely influenced by their Cocker Spaniel lineage. Despite this, with consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods, they respond well and enjoy the mental stimulation. Spanadors are usually great with children and can get along well with other pets, especially when socialized from a young age. They are quite energetic. Size, Weight, And Height Of The Cockerdor This labrador retriever mix can weigh between 20 and 47 pounds and have a years lifespan. It is a small, medium-sized dog with an athletic frame. Males are slightly larger than female Spanador. Male Cocker Spaniels can grow to about .No matter their gender or which parent they take after, these pups tend to adapt to living situations. From city apartments to a sprawling country farm that provides enough room, the breed reflects versatile physical accommodation. Even if the space is tight, the dog will do well till their exercise needs are met via long walks. Female lab cocker spaniel mix Both male and female Spanadors have loving and friendly natures. However, a male Spanador exhibits more dominant behavior and require extra training. Especially when interacting with other pets or children in the household. It must consist of high-quality dog food that meets their recommended daily calorie intake. Ensure it is based on their size, weight, and activity level. Avoid feeding them human food or table scraps. It can lead to obesity and other health issues. Control their portions and feed them small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. Spanadors love eating and may overindulge if given a chance. Monitor their food intake and treat them with healthy snacks in moderation. They need plenty of fresh water available at all times to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion. Not sure what to feed your Spanador or how much they should eat? It is best to consult a veterinarian for professional advice. Exercise for cocker spaniel labrador mix The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is a high-energy dog needing plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in the yard are necessary for this active breed. For Spanadors, you can add a twist to this game by using items that float in water. Given their potential love for water inherited from the Labrador side, they will enjoy fetching a floating toy from a safe body of water. Scent Tracking Games: Labradors were originally bred for retrieving game, which makes them excellent at scent tracking. Hide treats or their favorite toy around the house or yard and let your Spanador find them using their nose. Bird Simulation Toys: Cocker Spaniels were historically bird dogs, so your Spanador may enjoy toys that mimic birds. There are specific dog toys on the market that simulate the fluttering of a bird. This is a higher price as far as puppies are concerned, but the Spanador is becoming increasingly popular, and these prices will probably continue to rise. They Love Water Spanadors love everything and anything about water. It is not uncommon to see your Spanador attempt to swim in their water bowl. If you happen to have a pool or a beach that your Spanador can swim in, they will be thrilled. In addition to enjoying swimming, they will also burn off some of that endless energy. These dogs want to be with you at all times. Many Spanador owners have learned to look down before taking a step. Chances are your Spanador will be sitting at your feet. Although this dog is a bit smaller than a purebred Labrador, it can still reach up to 50 pounds. The Spanador will fully believe they are a lap dog regardless of their size. They Serve as Watchdogs Although the Spanador is not a very large dog, you will find that they are protective. If you want a dog that will keep a close eye on your children and your property, the Spanador is an excellent choice. When it comes to both character and intelligence, these dogs will sit at the top of any chart. The Spanador is a dog that has a lot of energy. If you are a person that wants a docile animal to sit at your feet all day, the Spanador may not be the best choice. Although they will eventually settle and love a great cuddle, they need their play first. The great thing about the Spanador is that even with the amount of energy they have, they can be taught how to control that energy and behave in a way that makes them excellent indoor pets. They are people pleasers and want you to be happy. This is a loyal dog that thinks of itself as another member of the family. The Spanador is a brilliant dog. Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are smart animals. None of that intelligence was lost when this breed was developed. Keep reading to find out more about how their intelligence affects training and family life. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A family is a perfect setup for a Spanador. These dogs are going to be continually seeking love and attention, and a family will fill that need for them. In addition to the need for love, the Spanador will want people to play. If you have kids that can learn to throw a ball or teach the dog some extra tricks, the Spanador will be in its glory. Of course, all dogs have their personalities, and you will always need to use caution with children around animals. However, the Spanador is a happy dog. You will see as they walk, run, and play that their head is up, and they are looking for smiles, friendly hellos, and a belly rub from anyone who may offer. Since the Spanador is so loyal to the family, they will likely try and keep an eye on their companions as well. If a stranger comes to the door, they are very likely to bark and alert the family members to a potential problem. Remember when your dog barks it is not to be loud and annoying, they want to help you. This is not an aggressive breed, they will not try and start a problem. You should, however, always keep your Spanador on a leash. Depending on the personality of the other dog, it could be a problem for your Spanador. Spanadors love to play, and although they are medium-size dogs, you may want to watch them around tiny dogs. They may not understand that the smaller size dog cannot play and rough house in the same way. Luckily the Spanador is not a high-maintenance dog. However, this dog will shed, and it will need your attention. We will give you all the information you should consider before purchasing your Spanador puppy. They love food so much that you will have to keep an eye on your Spanador and the amount of food they consume. If you put food out in a bowl, they will consume it at a very fast speed. This fast eating can lead to gastrointestinal issues. If your dog tends to eat quickly like this, you can give your Spanador a little bit at a time or get a bowl that helps release the food more slowly. You will have to watch that there are not too many people in the family giving your Spanador treats. With how much these dogs love the food, they may beg or look for ways to get food from you. Since the Spanador is so sweet and loving, it is hard not to give in to those puppy dog eyes. We reviewed the best low-calorie dog treats — see our top picks here! Your dog is going to need a lot of exercise. If you live in an apartment with no outside space for a dog to run, the Spanador may not thrive. Having a yard for the Spanador to run and play is very important. You will also need to take your dog on walks so that they get the correct amount of exercise every day. If you like to walk or run with your dog, the Spanador is quite capable of keeping up with you. Since they are so easy to train see next heading , you will easily be able to leash-train them. If both your kids and your dog need exercise, that would be even better. Letting your Spanador run in the yard and play with the kids is a great way to help them manage their high levels of energy. If you can help them burn off some of this steam early in the day, by the time evening comes around, they will be ready to snuggle and enjoy your company. Lastly, it is important to get your Spanador some swim time if you can. Spanadors love to swim. They enjoy spending time in the water with the ones they love, so if you can find a way to get your Spanador to the beach, the pool, or the lake—go for it! Although dog training will take time and patience, regardless of the breed, you will have very little trouble with the Spanador. These dogs want to make you happy. If sitting seems to make you happy, or when they come that makes you happy, your Spanador will want to repeat that behavior. Since they are dogs that want to please, you should use positive reinforcement for them. This is a dog that picks up on human behaviors and feelings. Even by changing the pitch of your voice, your dog will know that you are pleased with their response. With a high level of intelligence and the desire to ensure that you are their best friend, the Spanador is an enjoyable dog to train. You can start training a Spanador from the time they are a young puppy. Starting at this age and exposing them to other animals for socialization will make your life easier as they age. Keep in mind that the Spanador will have lots of energy for many years. You will not be able to control the energy your dog has. You will have to help them exercise and then help them learn to behave even with high energy levels. The Spanador is going to shed, and you will be vacuuming a lot. The amount your dog sheds will change depending on the season, but there will always be a good amount. One way to avoid having the house destroyed by hair is to brush your dog at least weekly. The brushing will remove much of the loose hair and help save your carpets just a little bit. Since this is a mixed breed between two dogs that have varying hair lengths, the amount of hair your Spanador has can vary. Sometimes a Spanador will have longer hair around the ears just like a Cocker Spaniel. If that is the case, you can trim that hair lightly just to keep things neat. If your dog does have long hair spots, make sure that they are brushed often to avoid knots. Spanadors do not need frequent baths. Once a month or every other month is more than fine. Indeed, if they get into a mess, they should be bathed more often. Make sure that you use a dog shampoo. Using any shampoo for the dog could result in their skin drying out. You will mostly need to watch out for the weight gain. As we mentioned earlier, this breed of dog loves its food. Minor Conditions. The first generation Cocker Spaniel Lab mixed breed is also affectionately referred to as the Spanador, Cockador, or Cockerdor In this article, we first discuss some general concerns about first generation cross breeds before diving into some of the specifics about Cocker Spaniel Labs. There is a lot of controversy surrounding designer dogs, with strong supporters both for and against them. Looking for a unique dog? One thing to note about designer dogs is that it is more difficult to predict the traits of offspring compared to purebreds. A common belief is that designer dogs are healthier than purebreds. Is this really the case? Are Designer Dogs Healthier? The health and welfare of your puppy are going to be your foremost concern, whether your dog is a pure breed, designer dog, or mutt. However, research has successfully demonstrated that inbreeding how you get purebreds results in a smaller genetic pool. When you shrink the gene pool, you increase the likelihood of passing on genetic traits that may cause health problems. And since some purebreds are not as common or popular as others, they will have a smaller gene pool and may be more likely to have health problems. However, when comparing an individual purebred puppy to a mixed breed puppy, either dog could end up being the healthier one. So what are some common traits of the first generation Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix and what should you know? Both dogs are extremely popular in the US. The Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are energetic, highly active dogs that tend to be friendly and relatively easy to train. As sporting dogs, they are also known for excellent instincts in the woods and in water. However their roles were historically a little different. Working Labradors The Labrador Retriever has been bred to pick up game and bring it back to their owner. This involves working co-operatively, following hand, whistle and verbal cues. They are traditionally worked in a variety of terrains and are reliable working partners, with a real love of, well, just about everyone! Although he has some retrieving uses out in the field, his main job is to flush game. He does this by diving fearlessly into the bracken, thorns and gorse to find rabbits, birds and a variety of other wildlife. He has also needed to work co-operatively, changing direction on cue and fetching when required. But to do this hunting, an increased enthusiasm of finding prey has been bred into these little dogs. This can make it tricky for some novice owners, who find they are ignored entirely on walks in favor of the wildlife. Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Personality Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being more outgoing and social, and definitely, love to play. However, both breeds are capable of speed and endurance and have a calm, stable temperament. Also, given the broad similarities between the Lab and the Spaniel, the qualities to be expected in a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix puppy are more easily predicted than other mixes. Size, Weight, and Height of the Cockerdor Both the Cocker Spaniel and Labrador are considered medium sized dogs, however, at different ends of the spectrum. There is definitely a noticeable size difference between the two breeds. Male Labradors can weigh anywhere between 65 to 80 pounds, with a height of .Females are typically smaller, weighing 55 to 70 pounds and are .The Cocker Spaniel is technically still within the medium range, but is, in fact, the smallest sporting dog in this AKC group. Male Cocker Spaniels have heights ranging from .The Labrador Cocker Spaniel mix could end up anywhere within this range. This is an important point to be aware of there is a considerable difference between a dog that is 20 pounds and one that is 70 pounds! Cockerdor Dog Coats and Grooming Requirements The American Cocker Spaniel has two coats: a shorter undercoat, and a longer, silkier outer coat, which can be either straight or wavy. Spaniels have longer hair—termed feathering—around the ears, belly, chest, and legs. The amount and length of fur on a Cocker Spaniel requires regular grooming, to avoid tangling and matting. Labradors also have two coats, although their top coat is much coarser, sometimes called a Guard coat, to help repel water and protect the skin. While grooming is always important, Labradors do not need bathing as often as some other breeds due to their shorter, sturdier coat. As a mixed breed, a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix could end up with either coat or something in between. Thus, grooming regimens may vary. What we do know for sure is that Labs are a high shedding breed, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of dealing with a whole lot of hair. Even with a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix! Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Temperament and Behavior Both Labradors and Cocker Spaniels are known for their stable and balanced temperament as well as a friendly, loving nature. Both breeds are outgoing dogs that love to play and are relatively easy to train. And to potentially avoid walks with lots of rabbits or squirrels to distract them! Since both of the parent breeds have very similar temperaments, this increases the likelihood that a Cockador dog will exhibit the same behavioral traits. Therefore, the Spanador temperament is generally stable, easy-going, and friendly. Spanador dogs are known for being loving towards people and eager to socialize with humans. However, it is still important to check the temperament of both parents, as well as the background and upbringing of the dog. And to ensure your pet is provided with proper socialization and training. Dysplasia occurs when a ball and socket joint does not form properly, which results in rubbing and grinding of the joint. Dysplasia causes pain and wear of the bone and can lead to a loss of mobility. Symptoms of this disease tend to show up in puppies between 4 and 6 months old. Treatments carried before your dog reaches two years old tend to be more successful. This will reduce the risk of your puppy having dysplasia. Weight Issues in Labradors Labradors are known to struggle with obesity. According to one study , this was linked to Labrador Retrievers being more food obsessed than other breeds. Another study suggested obesity may actually be linked to a genetic trait. Either way, Labradors increased the likelihood of obesity combined with being prone to hip dysplasia, can result in serious medical complications if your Cockerdor inherits both of these traits. In addition, obesity is commonly associated with shorter lifespans, mobility issues, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Other ailments specific to Labrador Retrievers are aortic stenosis, lumbosacral stenosis, and exercise-induced collapse. Cocker Spaniels have additional health concerns including epilepsy, seborrheic dermatitis, otitis externa, and cardiomyopathy. The best way to avoid them is to only pick a puppy from health tested parents. Good breeders health test, and are happy to provide you with evidence of these tests too. This means your Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will likely have these traits. Both the parent breeds require regular, invigorating exercise , and by extension, a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will require regular physical activity. Since both of the parent breeds are in the Sports Group of dogs, they tend to excel at running, hunting, fetching, and swimming. Extended outdoor exercise will be preferred by your Cocker Lab mix. Labrador and Cocker Spaniel mixes are often eager to please, which should make training fairly easy, compared to more stubborn breeds. Start using positive reinforcement training techniques from an early age, and put a real focus on getting a great recall. Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix pups will enjoy prolonged periods of exercise outside. This means a home with a large open area or a family that will take their pup out to suitable natural environments is preferable. Both Labs and Cocker Spaniels are particularly well-known for craving human interaction and being friendly dogs. Labs are especially prone to becoming anxious and destructive if left unaccompanied for long periods of time. They and their crosses are therefore not suited to a home where the family is out for much of the day. So if you are at home often and love company, you may be able to provide the ideal home for a Cocker Spaniel Lab! Designer dog breeders of Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel puppies can be found online. Alternatively, you could contact animal sale and adoption websites. Pay attention to the living conditions your puppy is in, ask about both parents, and get as much information as you can to understand the background of your puppy. Even still, you could end up with a puppy that has the traits of either of the parent dog breed, or your dog could end up having a medical condition that was not seen in either parent. This is why health testing is so important, particularly for issues known to impact both parent breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This will help you to predict any potential issues or areas for concern. If you are home a lot, love long walks and visits to the park, and want a friendly outgoing dog that will give you plenty of attention, then a Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix may just be the dog for you. Do you have a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix? Please share your experiences in the comment section below. References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology. Burgess K et al. Treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs with cyclophosphamide. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Mukherjee M et al. Lumbosacral stenosis in Labrador retriever military working dogs — an exomic exploratory study. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Oberbauer, A et al. Ten inherited disorders in purebred dogs by functional breed groupings. Patterson EE et al. A canine DNM1 mutation is highly associated with the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Nature Genetics. Raffan E et al. Development, factor structure and application of the dog obesity risk and appetite DORA questionnaire. Cell Metabolism. Smith et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

His owner, Lindsay Condefer, fed Lentil through a tube every three hours around the clock until he was large enough for surgery in May to repair his palate. Now Lentil is raising awareness for other pets with this condition as well as kids with similar facial differences. Through his work Lentil has inspired many potential pet owners to consider taking in a dog with a cleft palate. According to Dr. When food and water go into the nose, they can be inhaled into the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia [inflammation and infection of the lungs], which is very serious and could lead to death. The serious nature of a cleft palate should not put you off from adopting a dog with the condition, but you should be prepared for the care that will be required. Everyday care can be elaborate for dogs with severe defects, so you may want to consider adoption only if you have experience with rescues or caring for animals with special needs. You should also consult your veterinarian before adopting a dog with the condition. Everyday Care Your first step as the owner of a dog with a cleft palate is to take your new pet to a veterinarian. The vet can check the severity of the palate defect and see whether it is causing any adverse side effects. This can take up to three months of nursing at home, according to Dr. Surgery Once the puppy has grown enough, he can undergo surgery to repair the palate. Reiter says. Owners will want to make sure the puppy avoids anything that might prove difficult for him to chew, including treats. Usually puppies are able to return to normal life after this healing period. In some cases, however, additional surgery may be necessary, such as when the vet is unable to repair the defect completely the first time, the puppy plays with his sutures and causes them to come out too early, or the vet discovers additional issues with the hard or soft palate. Reiter recommends having your vet check for other possible defects in your puppy just in case, once the cleft palate is repaired, he says your puppy will most likely be able to live out his days as a normal dog. Difficulty eating Labored breathing after light activity A pet parent of a French bulldog may take one look at these symptoms and shrug — many of these are typical Frenchie behaviors, after all. Diagnosing a soft palate defect may require anesthesia, as the examination is uncomfortable for dogs. Other medical conditions that affect breathing, like pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection, will be ruled out as well. Lentil was born with a cleft lip and palate, but successfully underwent surgery and is now a global ambassador. A minor cleft lip is primarily a cosmetic issue, but cases of secondary cleft palate in Frenchies often cause recurring respiratory infections. Corrective surgery can be risky in younger pets, who are already malnourished and have issues breathing as a result of the defect. Pets with smaller clefts have a good prognosis; antibiotics, soft foods, and are typically prescribed an E-collar as part of post-operative care. French Bulldogs and Heatstroke Small size and an adorably flat face make Frenchies extra susceptible to developing heatstroke , even in moderate temperatures. This condition is known as brachycephalic airway syndrome BAS , the result of centuries of breeding that created short yet compact nasal bones, coupled with an extended soft palate that blocks airflow to the trachea. Some airlines even ban bulldogs in cargo holds because a few have died in transit. Patty Khuly , VMD. Frenchies are extra prone to developing heat stroke, so keep walks short in summer! Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting and drooling, reddened gums, confusion, bloody vomit or diarrhea , and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, fainting, seizures, coma and death can result. Your dog will require treatment or even hospitalization if suffering from heatstroke. Prevent heatstroke in Frenchies by avoiding outdoor activity during peak temperatures, never leaving your dog in a car, or on the sidewalk. Pets who have experienced one episode of heatstroke are more likely to have another, so take extra precautions and always have water and some shade handy. Intervertebral Disc Disease Diagnosis Sudden lethargy or inability to lift the head can be a sign of intervertebral disc disease in French Bulldogs. IVDD can also occur as a result of traumatic or repetitive injury, like a fall, jumping off furniture or climbing up or down stairs. Pets can have intervertebral disc disease without suffering from symptoms, but many eventually develop pain in the neck or back. Pain manifests differently in dogs than humans; it may take some detective work to figure out what exactly hurts. Reluctance or inability to lift or turn the head and loss of interest in food are common signs of neck pain in dogs. Back pain may be signified by a reluctance to jump and vocalization or aggression when picked up. In severe cases of IVDD where the spinal cord is affected, neurological symptoms may arise — hunched body posture, odd walking gait, weakness, and even paralysis. Any physical movement can worsen an untreated case of intervertebral disc disease in French bulldogs. Diagnosis of IVDD is most common between ages four and eight but dogs as young as two have shown symptoms. The vet may take an x-ray to visualize the spine, looking for the location of a calcified disc. Most of the time, however, an MRI or CT is recommended in lieu of x-ray for better visualization of the spinal cord and discs. Surgery is the only way to solve the problem of a slipped disc, but in some mild cases where surgery is not elected by the pet parent, strict bed rest and anti-inflammatory medications will be required for the body to attempt to heal itself. Ear infections Ear infections in French Bulldogs are common. There are three main types of canine ear infections: otitis externa infection of the external ear , otitis media infection of the middle ear , and otitis interna infection of the inner ear. Bacteria, yeast or allergies can cause ear infections. Ear infections can be uncomfortable and even painful for your dog. Sometimes, the condition may just turn up periodically and then return to its normal position under the eyelid. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the front part of the eyeball and lines the eyelids. Symptoms include squinting or blinking, redness in the eye, discharge and swelling. If it is a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will probably prescribe an antibiotic ointment. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove an obstruction in a duct. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options. She is actively working to increase access to veterinary care, to develop more effective communication strategies to bridge the gap between veterinarian knowledge and pet parent understanding and build happy and sustainable veterinary teams. After graduation, Dr. Wallace started working with Just Food for Dogs, an innovative pet food startup out of southern California advocating fresh, whole-food diets for dogs. She also completed a small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists - receiving one-on-one training with San Francisco's top veterinarians in internal medicine, neurology, dermatology, oncology and surgery. After working in clinical practice, Dr. Wallace joined the field of telehealth. Wallace writes and reviews blog content for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Causes of Cleft Palate Cleft Lip — Cleft puppies Studies have shown that cleft palate is most often caused by a genetic malformation. It is also believed that the palate may be formed in an abnormal way due to nutritional deficiencies, drugs, viruses or poisons to which the mother may have been exposed when pregnant. These are also frequently paired with other defects such as hydrocephalus. What Is Cleft Palate in Dogs? A cleft palate is an opening along the middle of the palate. This opening can range from small a few millimeters to severe the entire length of the hard and soft palate. This results in a lack of tissue connection between the mouth and nasal passages, creating problems for the dog that include eating, difficulty nursing, and poor growth. Oftentimes, part of the lip will be missing or misshapen. Sometimes, one or both nostrils appear to connect directly to the mouth. Symptoms Signs are not always obvious, especially if the defect is minor. An abnormal appearance to the lip may be visible, or you may not even see any problems because they are so far back in the mouth. Animals with severe defects where the mouth connects to the nose may have nasal discharge. If food material gets lodged in the nasal passage way, nasal discharge may be green or mucus-like. These symptoms can include: Difficulty nursing: Puppies with a cleft palate are unable to create enough suction when nursing because the oral cavity is open to the nasal cavity. The milk or food the dog does manage to get travels from the mouth to the nose, causing sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal irritation, regurgitation, and aspiration. Poor growth: Without the ability to nurse and eat normally, many puppies and dogs with cleft palate do not get proper nutrition and can be lethargic, with a poor rate of growth. They will always need to be tube fed until no longer nursing on mom. They will need to be monitored while eating. Aspiration pneumonia: Breathing in food and water can cause an infection of the lungs. Facial deformity: Occasionally, dogs with cleft palate will also have a facial deformity, such as cleft lip. Like the cleft palate, the lip will be split. It can be small or it can be large, running up into the nasal cavity, causing even more problems. Other issues: Though they are not always apparent at first, and depend on the cause of the cleft palate, problems with the inner ear, middle ear, swallowing apparatus, nasal septum, sinuses, and teeth may develop. There are two types of cleft palate in dogs: Congenital cleft palate is present at birth if the palate fails to fuse properly during days of gestation. This can occur for a variety of reasons: Genes: Most congenital cleft palates are genetic. Therefore, dogs with any level of cleft palate should be spayed or neutered and not used for breeding purposes. Oxy Mate Meat Treats are an amazing supplement to give to your breeding bitches once the breeding is complete. Make sure mom and puppies receive everything they need to thrive and grow into perfect puppies! Medications: Most notably, steroids, aspirin, griseofulvin, and some anti-seizure medications during pregnancy can cause cleft palate in puppies. Viruses: If the mother is exposed to certain viruses at a specific time during pregnancy, her puppies may be born with cleft palate. Acquired Cleft Palate: is caused by things like cancer and trauma. French Bulldog Dog Breeds That Are Prone to Cleft Palate Purebred dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds dogs that have short muzzles and flat faces , are more likely to have a cleft palate. Some common brachycephalic breeds predisposed to cleft palates include Boston terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, and Bulldogs. While there may be a genetic link in some of these breeds, there are other causes, and cleft palate can happen to both purebred and non-purebred dogs. There is no genetic test to screen your breeding stock. How Veterinarians Diagnose Cleft Palate in Dogs Most commonly, veterinarians diagnose a cleft palate based on a physical exam, especially in newborn puppies. In older puppies and adult dogs: Other abnormalities will be evaluated at this point, paying special attention to the lungs for signs of pneumonia or infection. Your vet may use radiographs to check for abnormalities of the skull, nasal sinuses, membranes, and oral and nasal cavities, as well problems with the inner and middle ear and the teeth. Treatment of Cleft Palate in Dogs Some cases of congenital and acquired cleft palate require surgical correction by board-certified veterinary dentists and surgeons. Some dogs with cleft palate will require numerous surgeries, but the first is the most important because scar tissue can affect future surgeries. There are a variety of techniques surgeons use depending on the size, location hard vs. The goal of surgery is to re-establish separate oral and nasal cavities and to reconstruct the nasal cavity floor. This is most commonly done using a flap technique, which involves relocating existing, healthy tissue in the mouth to cover the deformity. Tube for Tube Feeding Puppies Management of Cleft Palate in Dogs Newborn puppies with cleft palate commonly require tube-feeding before they are old enough for surgery, usually past weeks. Cleft Nipples fit for Dr. Browns Bottles Special Nipples have also been made for cleft palate puppies. Message us to order. This will decrease the chance of aspiration pneumonia and ensure that the puppy receives adequate nutrition. Older dogs should eat small, meatball-sized dog food to decrease the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Surgery Complications Dehiscence, the surgical site breaking down, is a common post-surgical complication. Many surgical sites break open due to tension at the surgery site, lack of space in the mouth, trauma during surgery, and trauma after surgery from eating or chewing. Hard food and chew toys must be avoided for a few weeks after surgery to allow proper wound healing. Dogs should be fed a diet with a thick liquid consistency during this time. Postoperative rechecks should be scheduled with the surgeon, typically at 2 — 4 week intervals. Dogs that suffer from chronic rhinitis may still have flare-ups and require medications to manage the condition, even after surgery. However, with a successful surgery and a healed palate, the prognosis for these dogs is positive. She was also in the minority five percent of puppies born with a cleft palate, or a hole in the roof of the mouth. Cleft palate is even more common among brachycephalic breeds, which includes Charlie, who is a French bulldog. Charlie at just 10 days old. Jessica Cox Cleft palate is a condition that results when the two halves of the roof of the mouth do not grow together completely, leaving a hole that leads directly to the nasal passages. Eating and swallowing are difficult, because risk of aspiration — when food or fluid is breathed into the airways — is high. Naomi Hoyer, a board-certified veterinary dentist and the Dentistry and Oral Surgery service coordinator at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Katie Doyon happened to be working in the critical care unit the day Charlie was born via emergency C-section. When Charlie was in recovery among the rest of the litter, Doyon learned she was going to be euthanized because of her cleft palate. Hoyer was optimistic. Kellen Bakovich Bringing two halves together Reconstructive surgery involves lifting the oral tissue up off the bone on the roof of the mouth and suturing it together in the middle to cover up the hole. Soft tissue inside the mouth is limited, but as puppies grow, their soft tissue does, too. Waiting several weeks for Charlie to grow provided more material for Hoyer to work with, ensuring a higher chance of surgical success. Getting Charlie to that point, though, was no easy task. Puppies with cleft palate can struggle with failure to grow normally and are particularly susceptible to aspiration pneumonia. Charlie needed around-the-clock nursing care and hourly feedings via a feeding tube. During her first few weeks of life she experienced close calls with a skin infection and aspiration pneumonia. Kellen Bakovich At 12 weeks old, Charlie had surgery to repair her cleft palate. While much of the defect can be seen with the naked eye, a CT scan on the day of surgery showed how extensive the lesion was in the bone. Proper anesthesia is crucial to surgical success, especially for patients as small as Charlie. Anesthesiologist Dr. Gregg Griffenhagen developed a comprehensive anesthesiology plan and Holly Ellis, an anesthetist, was with Charlie every step of the way, monitoring her vitals to ensure her safety throughout surgery and postoperative recovery. Naomi Hoyer performs Charlie's cleft palate repair surgery. But after spending five months taking care of and falling in love with her, Doyon was faced with making a tough decision. Cleft palate is only one of several medical complications that more commonly occur in brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs. Oftentimes these animals are bred without concern for the risk of these complications and the subsequent medical costs incurred, leading to euthanasia when owners or breeders cannot afford the price of emergency care. Not every Frenchie is so fortunate. Charlie is one of the lucky ones. Tags assigned to this story. Lentil was born on February 2 with a severe, double sided cleft in his hard and soft palate, lip and nose. As a result, his breeder gave him away. French bulldog Lentil helps kids with facial deformities 18 photos Just like in humans, cleft palates are found in dogs as well. Alexander Reiter, the chief of the dentistry and oral surgery service at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, explained that dogs typically present with a unilateral cleft on the left side of the snout. What made Lentil's case different is he had a cleft on both sides of his face and it extended through the hard and soft palate. While it is true we see broad faced and short faced dogs they can occur in any breed. The hard palate cleft was the most concerning for veterinarians. It opened Lentil up to increased infections and aspiration risk, meaning the food or liquid he was consuming could go down his windpipe instead of his esophagus, every time he went to swallow. Condefer had to tube feed him every three hours in order to make sure the pup got the right nutrients. When Lentil reached four months of age, doctors agreed it was best he have surgery to close the hard palate cleft to prevent any life-threatening infections or choking. However, since the soft palace and face clefts were purely cosmetic, they decided to leave them be. Dogs and cats do not know what they look like. They don't have a perception of themselves. John Lewis, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine who assisted with Lentil's surgery, had just come back from giving a talk at the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania, and realized that Lentil could become a valuable teaching tool in helping patients, especially children, deal with facial defects. The team decided to create a program that would connect canines and people with cranial and facial deformities. Lentil, a 5-month-old puppy with a cleft palate and lip, smiles for the camera. One of the boys, year-old Danny Pfeiffer, said that seeing how Lentil doesn't look like a regular dog but is still special in his own way helped him. Danny suffers from Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, where skull bones prematurely fuse and prevent the normal development of the face and head. Lewis and his team are planning a "Best Friends Bash" in July where clinicians and veterinarians can meet up to discuss cases and learn from each others' techniques in treating people and animals with these deformities. Patients will also be invited to check out the animals. Besides Lentil, two other dogs who have had their jaws partially removed due to cancer and a therapy dog will be in attendance. He has become an 'ambassadog' for less fortunate people in the world that suffer from cranial defects, especially children," Reiter said.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Michigan Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Michigan? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Michigan? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. You may choose to visit the breeder in person or talk to him online. Golden retrievers are awesome and they make great family pets. The only thing that makes them not so perfect for families is the price. There are several reasons why buying an American Bulldog from a good breeder is a good idea. An adorable golden retriever will cost you a lot less than getting one from a pet store. Owning a pet from a good source will ensure that you have a good living with your pet and it will be with you for many years to come. To get a good puppy from an American Kennel Club licensed breeder, you will need to spend about three thousand dollars. This cost includes the cost of vaccinations, the cost of the litter, and the cost of all the grooming and veterinary services that your new pet will require. The cost of adopting a purebred American Bulldog from an approved dealer will include the cost of the litter, the registration fees, the first spay or neuter, the first set of deworming shampoo, and microchip implants. This amount will vary depending on the particular puppy that you select. When it comes to finding a good puppy for sale in Upper Michigan, the internet can be your best friend. There are many great sites out there that allow you to browse through and read about the different purebred American Bulldogs. You can even view some photographs of the puppies that are for sale. Most of these sites allow you to contact the breeder if you have any questions about the puppies or the breeding process. If you live in the area, you may want to check with the American Kennel Club or your local veterinarian. They will be able to give you information about the availability of golden retriever puppies for sale in your area. If the puppies do not meet the AKC breed standards, the breeder will have to inform you before you get the dog. However, this is very rare because the breed is so popular. Another way that you can get information about the golden retrievers for sale in your area is to ask around other pet lovers, who may have had pets in the past or know someone who has. You can also ask the local vet or the American Kennel Club for more information about the breed. The next time you are looking for new pets, you should take the time to look at the golden retriever puppies for sale in upper Michigan. These are great dogs to have as a family pet. They are very active, love attention, and will fit right in with any family. You will definitely have a great companion. Golden retrievers make great pets because they are intelligent and loyal. They have a sweet nature and make wonderful additions to a family. There are many reasons why golden retriever puppies for sale are desirable. By choosing to buy a puppy from a licensed breeder, you will be sure that your dog will be a great companion. In choosing a licensed breeder, you are also getting an expert in the field of dog breeding. You will also be getting advice on health care for your pet. If you want to get a puppy from a breeder, then you should check out the papers that he or she is required to submit to the American Kennel Club as proof of registration. It is also a great idea to ask other pet lovers who have had experience with the breeder for advice. When talking online, there is a great chance for you to ask questions. You may also ask about the sire or dam and their offspring, especially if you are planning to breed the puppies. A reputable breeder never refuses to answer questions, so you will have no problem asking your question. After visiting the breeder, you should evaluate the overall condition of the litter. Of course, you will be looking for good color and temperament in the golden retriever puppies for sale in Upper Michigan. Make sure that they are all healthy. Share this:. We are a small hobby breeder and our dogs are our pets. We have been caring for the health of animals for decades and are excited to be raising show quality dogs that will have amazing health and conformation. You cannot ask for a better temperament, outstanding athletic ability, and beauty, than in the golden retriever. Owner and operator, Sandi Klempner, got her veterinary degree in from Michigan State University. Golden retrievers have been part of our lives for well over 30 years and we have been taking care of people's pets for decades. We are committed to breeding outstanding dogs with classic golden retriever temperaments and top notch health. Our dogs are very calm and loving in nature and have the beautiful english white coat. We have the ability to screen for and select only the dogs with superior genetics and health clearances. Our males and females will be OFA elbow, hip, heart, and eye certified. Outstanding genetics! If you are looking to add a healthy , amazing English Cream to your family, you need to check out our Goldens. All By Grace Goldens is committed to the welfare and standards of this breed. They have been a special part of our life and we want to continue to give back to the breed. We are very particular about which animals we use in our breeding program. Let us choose the best breeding pair so you can be guaranteed the most amazing puppy for your family. We have years of experience with animal behavior and begin the critical imprinting process with the pups at 3 weeks of age. Whether you are looking for a field dog, a family pet, or an emotional support dog, the temperament and health of these English Creams will far surpass you expectations. We just love her to pieces!!!!! So, thank you so much.She can sit, stay, and knows her name.Calmest and smartest pup any of us have ever seen" - Tara Crake. A little about us Updated Dec We adopted our first Golden Retriever in , our beloved Brittany, at the time we had very little knowledge of the breed, but soon fell in love. At the age of three, Brittany was plagued with many serious medical problems. We lost her in .Because we were active duty Air Force, and moved around frequently, we decided we would wait until we were retired and settled before we would get another dog. In we picked Helena, MT to start our civilian life. In , our Abby became part of our family, but only after many hours of research looking for a good quality well-bred dog. Abby is our companion and will do anything that is asked of her. She is super agile, very smart and beautiful. Abby had her last litter in the spring of , we decided it was time for Abby to be Abby again. She produced many wonderful pups. They were a great influence on us and our breeding program. After spending nearly 14 wonderful years in MT. She has already proven to be a top performer. She is developing into an eager hunter with lots of drive and focus. She has proven herself on Upland Game birds as well as Pheasants. Tana continues to exceed our expectations. She has also earned her WCX title. After settling into our new home in Northern Michigan we began training Grace. She is a quick learner and has tons of drive. We are proud members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Since we have begun breeding, our focus will always be on the quality, not quantity. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. Golden Retrievers. Teams may be required to search interiors, exteriors, or even a buried hide. Add to that, multiple distractions, which include people, food, and toys. Just about anything goes in the Detective class. Each end of the leash must categorize and count the hides while working through large, distracting search areas. To further challenge teams, mistakes are not allowed, so the team must be perfectly on point. To be responsible for all puppies produced and be dedicated to the education and support of all parties interested in Wynwood Golden Retrievers. Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility and Tradition Wynwood has always been a small hobby kennel, established in .There are very few dogs in the United States to have achieved this honor! You can read about Toby, the winner, on the Honors page. Wynwood is also proud of the many field, agility, tracking, scent work and obedience titles achieved by Wynwood Golden owners. Litters of puppies are planned with great thought and preparation. Part of this preparation includes health checks hip, elbow, heart, eye and genetic testing , included in the genetic testing is the NCL5 disease most recently found in Golden Retrieves. Click here for more information on NCL5. All Wynwood dogs are tested clear or found clear through parentage on all health clearances required for the Golden Retriever breed. Wynwood Goldens are intelligent, mentally stable and of correct Golden temperament. Home raised, well socialized, both mentally and physically, puppies are placed with interviewed, appropriate families at approximately weeks of age. All puppies are guaranteed healthy and have the most current protocol for vaccinations. Puppies are reserved on a first come basis in regards to the desired goal the purchaser has in mind. They tend to be active, have strong work ethic, athletic, muscular, good looking, with sound structure, of medium size with medium length, easy care coats. They are also very intelligent, people pleasing, family type dogs for active families. Multi weekly running and conditioning is paramount for a Wynwood Golden Retriever. A conformation type Golden Retriever is much bigger in size and weight, has a great deal more coat, bone size and head type. Wynwood is dedicated to the betterment of the Golden Retriever Breed.

Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions When to Start Puppy Training It is best to start potty training your new Goldendoodle puppy at 12 weeks old, though some dogs need a few more weeks to develop adequate bladder control. Keep in mind that the older the dog is past 12 weeks, the more difficult it can be. It can take several weeks to successfully potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, depending on various factors. Goldendoodles have a reputation for being very obedient dogs, but some of them are more wilful than others. Be prepared to spend at least four months of potty training your puppy. This requires a decent amount of patience, but it is well worth the effort. These tips can make doing this a lot easier and help speed up the process. Photo Deposit Photos Stick to a Feeding Schedule You must adhere to a strict schedule for feeding your puppy and giving it water. Make sure that you let them go outside to do their business minutes after they finish eating and drinking. You should always make sure that water is available to them throughout each day. Having to let your puppy out to pee repeatedly can be annoying, but they must stay hydrated. Keep them close by You also want to keep your puppy nearby while potting training them. They are more likely to go outside to do this when you always have an eye on them. When you need to be in another part of the house away from your dog, you should keep them in a crate. This will provide them with a sense of security while you somewhere else. You can use baby gates to keep your dog where you want them in the house. An image of a light or Golden Cavapoo. Puppies that are two to six months need to be taken out to do their business about every two hours. Once they reach eight months old, they can go up to six hours without having an accident. This means that there should be someone home throughout each day to let them out when necessary. Otherwise, you are going to come back home to a pretty big mess. Ensure that everyone in the household is on the same page so that there are no schedule conflicts that would leave your puppy unsupervised. It would help if you were consistent with this. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement plays a significant role in potty training any puppy. It would help if you also gave them lots of verbal praise. This is especially crucial when you are just starting with them in the first few weeks. It would help if you never punish your dog for going to the bathroom inside of the house. The most you should do is to make a loud noise if you catch them in the act. Properly Clean their Messes When your puppy has an accident in the house and they will , make sure that you quickly clean it up. Make sure that you use an enzymatic pet cleaner solution. This will discourage your dog from doing its business in the same spot again. It would help if you also tried to keep them away from the area of the house where they had their accident for at least a few months. Choose a Certain Area in Your Yard One of the best tips for potty training your puppy is to mark off a specific space in your yard for your dog to do its business. Each time you let them out, you should lead them to this spot until they go. This will keep things nice and simple for your dog, which increases the chances of them learning quickly. Goldendoodles have zest for life and are super family friendly. Ways to Make Potty Training Fun There are specific ways that you can make potty training fun for your puppy. This can make the entire process a lot easier and less stressful for both of you. Once your dog has finished doing its business in the right spot, you might want to start playing with them. This way, they will begin to associate going to the bathroom outside with having fun. It could be a fetch game, a tug of war , or something else that your Goldendoodle puppy enjoys. This is a form of positive reinforcement that can be extremely effective when training them. You can even try playing some fun music on your phone when taking your dog outside. Many dogs become fond of certain types of music. This is yet another right way to create a positive association with doing their business where they are supposed to. They might have a particular spot they want you to take your dog when it needs to pee or poop. If your adorable canine companion has an accident, it will be reasonably easy to clean up. This will help you get them properly trained faster. Avoid taking them into public buildings until they have gone at least two or three weeks with no accidents in the house. Can Goldendoodles swim? Do they like pools and beaches? How to tell if Your Puppy Has to go Outside It is vital that you can recognize the signs that your puppy needs to do its business. Once they can control their bladder, they will essentially tell you when they need to go. Some dogs will bark or even walk in circles when they need to pee or poop. Whining and circling is fairly common when a dog with a full bladder is trapped in a crate. They might also scratch at the door on the crate as a way of getting your attention. Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions Potty training, even the most obedient Goldendoodle puppy, can be quite an arduous process. You will, therefore, need to be prepared for what is ahead. This will require a lot of patience on your part. Keep in mind that timing is a critical aspect of this type of training. You need to maintain a consistent routine when it comes to feeding your puppy and letting them outside. If you are not consistent in your efforts, you will have a tough time. Make sure to take them out to do their business in the morning, after they eat, nap, or play. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They usually have a gentle character, are affectionate and cheerful. This is a popular breed that can make an ideal family pet. Before getting any dog, however, most people take a lot into consideration. If you plan to get a Goldendoodle puppy for the first time you might ask yourself how to house train it efficiently. When it comes to potty training, this process can be time-consuming and frustrating. All new owners of a Goldendoodle have to realize that understanding your puppy is the first step of training. How effective your potty training will be will depend on factors such as living conditions, age, and size. In general, training young puppies requires positive reinforcement for good behavior, consistency, and patience which is all true when training Goldendoodle family members. Despite the difficulties, this is still something that you will be able to accomplish with your pet in time. Below, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy. This guide will help you become confident and ready for the task ahead. While potty training a puppy is never truly easy, there are many, many steps that can each take away a little bit of the difficulty. Even with all the tips and tricks in the world, you will still have a considerable amount of work and time to get your Goldendoodle fully housebroken. In the end, how well both you and the new puppy do will boil down to patience and consistency on your end. If you are ready to undergo this task, below is a complete list of steps to potty training your new Doodle. Go outside immediately after for a potty break. Step 2: Restrict your puppy to one or two rooms, preferably where you or the family are. You must not let the puppy learn that sneaking off to another room is the alternative to controlling elimination. Step 4: You must take the puppy out a LOT in the beginning. Step 6: Reward your puppy after the deed, either with treats or joyful praise. In the early stages, be sure to overdo it. Ignore the neighbors…what do they know? Step 7: Until the puppy learns to hold it, do not expect signals to go outside. That will come later. Most puppies will not be able to hold their bowels or bladder until they are around four months old. They have long memories regarding scary incidents. Those are the simple basics. Every puppy or dog is different in learning to understand what is expected of them. Below are some details on these steps. Monitoring his or her food and drink consumption will help you get a better idea of when to take them out. The frequency puppies need to relieve themselves depends largely on their feeding routine. Potty training and feeding schedule should work well together. Of course, you likely do not want to restrict your puppy from drinking when they need to. Beyond the feeding schedule, you will also need to monitor this throughout the day so that you know if they will need to pee again shortly. Make sure to take your Goldendoodle puppy outside shortly after drinking water. Post-meals, it is best to take your Goldendoodle outside within minutes. You may be able to make it 30 minutes, or even an hour once he or she is older. In the early days, it is better safe than sorry as they may need to go almost immediately after eating. Constant Monitoring Keep your puppy where you can see him or her at all times while potty training. Doing this, you can catch early signs that your puppy needs to go potty in order to prevent accidents. Signs that they need to relieve themselves include sniffing, scratching, and circling. Once they begin to get older, they may also learn that the door is where they need to go. This can happen before they are truly trained, so do not be fooled into allowing them alone. Pro Tip: If you need to move about, keep them with you on a leash. Keeping your Goldendoodle on a leash, even in the house, can help you to learn their signs and prevent them from having more accidents or learning to hide their need to go from you. Crate Train for Unsupervised Times When you can not watch your puppy or you need to leave your home it is necessary to use a crate. The crate should not be too large so the puppy will not use one area for sleeping and another as a bathroom. Crate training is one of the most efficient techniques to potty train your puppy. This can also help your puppy get used to eliminating his or her waste every time he or she gets out of the crate. Take Them Outside Frequently As annoying as it is to interrupt your cleaning, relaxing, tv show, or dinner — taking your puppy outside as often as every 30 mins and no more than 1 hour apart at the beginning will help minimize accidents in the house. This is not a forever thing, but something to do at the beginning to establish in their minds that they will have the opportunity as often as they need to go. Even if no signs are shown of needing to relieve themselves, take them out and allow them a few minutes to do their business. This is a potty training technique that works well with Goldendoodle puppies. This breed of dog is smaller in size, so they have a smaller bladder and higher metabolism. It is likely they will need to eliminate waste more frequently. Taking them outside often and offering rewards when they respect the potty routine is a great way to train Goldendoodle puppies. Use a Single Command Choosing a specific word command can be helpful, especially down the road. Much like teaching your pet his or her name, the puppy will start to recognize the command and learn what to do. To avoid any confusion, use that word command only when you train them to go potty. Repeat your unique command word in an upbeat voice tone each time your puppy is in the act to go potty. You will notice after a few weeks of training that when you say the command your pet will start pre-elimination behavior such as circling and sniffing and then relieve shortly afterward. Praise and reward your puppy for its accomplishments. Teaching him or her to eliminate on command will help you avoid spending too much time waiting for your pet to get the job done. Positive Reinforcement The best way to train a puppy to do anything is with positive reinforcement. Lucky for you, almost every puppy is food-motivated. Even if they are not motivated by food rewards or you are avoiding treats too often , positive emotional reinforcement can be just as strong. Any time your puppy defecates or urinates where they are supposed to, praise them. Act like they just showed up after being missing for weeks. If you are using treats for positive reinforcement, give these to them after they finish doing their business. This will help them associate going to the bathroom outside with treats, petting, love, and happiness. Expect Some Accidents Any untrained puppy left on their own is likely to make a mistake. For that reason, a very important part of potty training is close supervision. Unless your Goldendoodle puppy has been successful in his or her potty routine for at least four consecutive weeks ideally more , you cannot consider the training to be completed. This period is even longer for older dogs. Be ready for accidents to happen, and know that you will have to respond with patience and understanding if you want to continue to make headway on this task. Take note of what happens, and readjust your training to meet the needs of your furry friend. Introductions While being prepared for the problems is the first step, introducing your pet to their new environment is the first physical step in potty training him or her. Your Goldendoodle puppy is just learning his or her new family, new home, and role. At this stage, it is important to clearly establish your expectations and keep consistent with them. Puppies have short attention spans and are easily distracted, so make sure you keep them focused. Do not let your new puppy explore and roam on their own. Only show them those areas in your home where they are allowed to be, and keep it to a small number of rooms until they are trained. Research the special needs and traits of your dog breed. Be aware of any particular behavior that you need to look out for. Try to understand how your Goldendoodle puppy communicates and pay attention to the clues he or she gives. Most Goldendoodle puppies trained to hold waste will also learn to signal you when they feel the need to relieve themselves. They could do something as obvious as going to the door and sitting or whining, or they may just try to find a place that you cannot see them. Either way, learning what your puppy does will be vital in teaching them where it is okay to go potty and where it is not. Interrupt Accidents That Are In-Progress One of the best ways to teach them they cannot go potty inside is to interrupt them during an accident. You do not want to scare your pet, just startle him or her to make them know you disapprove of their behavior. Then lead the puppy quickly outdoors. If necessary, quickly carry your puppy outside if they do not want to follow. Even if they have finished the accident as you catch them, this will still instill in them that you disapprove of their actions and want them to go outside. It may be time to stop interrupting and start ignoring them. The dog likely learned that by urinating inside, they get your attention. They are likely doing this if they feel ignored by you. For a while, ignore when they go in front of you and clean it up after they leave, this will keep from reinforcing bad habits. Create a Consistent Potty Spot A great way to breed consistency is to choose a particular spot outdoors for potty training. Every time your puppy needs to go take him or her at the designated area. You should pick a spot that is easy to clean up and is not visited by other dogs. Keep your puppy on a leash when you take him or her outdoors, so you can easily lead to a specific location. You have to direct your puppy to a specific spot every time he or she feels the need to go potty. Sticking to just one potty spot is an effective way to succeed with the training process. Dogs are territorial animals and you can make this work in your favor and improve their potty training. As puppies, if they are to smell other dogs or animals around, they will be nervous to go in that area. Establish Routines Establish a potty routine and be consistent with it. Consistency is important in potty training. Many of these instances of routine have been mentioned, but there are also others. It is important that each facet of this training can be incorporated into a routine. Use the same door when taking your pet outside. Always take the puppy to the same potty spot and use the same word command. Take the puppy out after every meal and first thing in the morning. Also, take the puppy outside anytime you take him or her out of the crate or anytime you come home. Let your puppy out after napping, drinking water, playing, and before bedtime. A new pet in your home will be unsure about their bathroom limits. Directing him or her at the proper time to the proper place is essential in forming good habits. Other Tips to Note When Potty Training a Goldendoodle Puppy Never Punish them After-the-Fact While it can be helpful to stop them when you catch them in the act, you should never punish your puppy after he or she has passed. As frustrated as you may get by stepping in a wet spot or seeing a present they left you, do not take this anger out on them. Dogs are not able to tell what they are being punished for. Doing this will only cause them to fear you most of the time, and will not break the bad habit. Direct Your Puppy Away from Problem Areas Fecal and urine odor should be removed in order to keep your Goldendoodle puppy from returning to home areas where he or she made a mess. Use a good commercial product specifically designed for cleaning up doggy odors. If possible, do not allow your puppy to enter for several months into a room where he or she has had frequent potty accidents, or try to block off the area with other furniture. If you notice your dog peeing on a certain rug, perhaps roll the rug up after cleaning and keep hidden for a few days. Avoiding Nervous Wetting If your Goldendoodle puppy urinates and squats when he or she greets you, they may have an issue called submissive urination. Puppies that tend to urinate during greetings are super sensitive. You should never scold such a puppy when they act this way since scolding or punishment inevitably aggravates the problem. They will associate the scolding with the greeting rather than the nervous wetting behavior. If you are quiet and calm, most puppies will eventually grow out of this unwanted behavior. Another approach that can help to alleviate this issue is to ask your pet calmly to sit for a treat when someone greets him or her. Paper or Pee Pad Training This potty training technique works well if the weather conditions are too bad for your puppy to venture outside or if you are busy with your work and need to always be away from your house. This training method consists of positioning a puppy pad at an ideal place indoors. By using the paper pad your Goldendoodle puppy will learn to relieve itself in the proper spot when he or she cannot be taken outside. This will help you to maintain a clean home by providing easy removal and clean up as well. Many new owners of a Goldendoodle do not know how long a puppy should be expected to hold his or her bladder. This depends on factors including how long the puppy has been in your house, his or her age, and your training consistency. Puppies have small bladders and, of course, you cannot expect them to be able to hold it for long. For example, if your puppy is two months old, it should be able to hold it for two hours. When he or she is six months old, your puppy should be able to hold it for six hours. At night, most puppies can hold it for 1. By four weeks of age, they are just starting to try to do their business by themselves. By five weeks of age, you can start training them by providing a tray or a papered area, but you cannot expect much consistency yet. When they are around 10 to 12 weeks long, puppies start to be able to hold it longer, and you can have a bit more consistency with their potty training. However, your Goldendoodle puppy will need potty training until he or she is six months old. So, you can expect to take around five months to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy if beginning around five weeks of age. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? When considering purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy, you might wonder if they are easy to potty train. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Being intelligent dogs, Goldendoodles are usually easy to train. Their intelligence combined with their desire to please makes it simple for them to understand your basic commands and quickly grasp what you expect from them. However, even within a breed, every dog is different. Each puppy will have a different learning curve. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to the family can bring you great joy. Here is a list of essential preparations: Water and food bowls You need to prepare adequate water and food bowls before bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home. The dishes you use should be easy to clean, resistant to breaking, and not too big for your puppy. It is recommended to only put the food bowl out during feeding times. This will help with house training and avoiding overeating. However, a fresh bowl of water should always be available for your puppy and should not be restricted for house training purposes. Quality food specially designed for puppies It is important to provide good quality puppy food in order to help your puppy to grow strong and healthy. You can find many high-quality varieties of puppy food on the market. It is recommended to choose a brand that does not have corn as its first ingredient and is high in protein. Puppies need high nutritional values in their food, especially during the early puppy months and years. In case you plan to make a change, it is a good idea to feed your puppy the same food from the beginning so that he or she is used to it and only switch over gradually to another brand. Leash, collar, and ID tag You will need a leash for walking and a properly fitting collar or harness for your Goldendoodle pet. Place an ID tag on the collar and make sure you provide your contact information. Keep the tag updated with your latest address and phone number. Crate A crate will help with behavioral training and housebreaking your puppy. Make sure you choose a crate comfortable for the puppy size. However, do not provide too much space at first. The crate will be less effective as a helping tool for your puppy training if it is too large. Toys Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a variety of toys to snuggle with, chase around, and chew on. Make sure to replace the toys regularly so that your puppy does not get bored. The toys to chew on are particularly important so your puppy will stay away from your sofa cushions, table legs, and shoes. Potty training items You will need paper pellets and a litter pan to use for potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. You may also choose to purchase a pee pad for their crate area so that they can relieve themselves in case you are unable to bring them outdoors. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The effectiveness of the training depends on the age of the puppy, its size, and living conditions. You have to use certain tips like positive reinforcement to train them. With patience and proper training, your Goldendoodle puppy will become potty trained in no time. In this guide, we are going to outline a step-by-step guide to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. Along with that, we are going to share some tips and answer some common questions to make the process easy for you as well as for your beloved puppy. However, our guide will help make this complicated process lot easier and more fun. About Goldendoodle Puppies A Goldendoodle puppy is a crossbreed of two popular dogs, i. They are also known as designer dogs or hybrid dogs. These puppies are usually more friendly and social than their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles are intelligent and playful. They make great family pets and get along with other pets. They are great with children. However, they do not make good watchdogs or guard dogs, though. Their high level of socialization means they need to be around their owners most times. The physical and mental energy of a Goldendoodle is great, and they need a high level of activity. These pups need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A Goldendoodle is a fun, loyal companion who will need a lot of exercise. They are active and love to explore, so they need ample time to play. These dogs have been bred to be energetic and friendly and will love to be with you and your family. The best thing about these puppies is that they are easy to train. You can easily teach tricks and commands to them. This quality of Goldendoodles will come in handy when you are potty training them. Because of their intelligence and easy-to-train quality, they will learn fairly quickly than other dogs. It is also necessary to clean up the mess after a puppy has relieved itself. A Goldendoodle puppy can be stubborn, so you must be patient and persistent. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that you can take to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy. You need to remember that this training process takes time. It will also help you learn more about this wonderful breed. When teaching your puppy to use the toilet, the first thing is to praise him or her. Your pup will show pre-elimination behavior when asked to go outside. As long as it happens quickly, praise and reward your puppy. To ensure success with potty training, you should establish a consistent schedule. The routine should include meals, bathroom breaks, playtime, and bedtime. The training process requires constant and consistent supervision. Depending on the age of your Goldendoodle, it might take up to four weeks of consistent training to get it right. Start by taking your Goldendoodle out immediately after it wakes up in the morning. When your puppy eats , it stimulates the digestive process and will most likely eliminate within an hour. Steps to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Regardless of the age, a Goldendoodle puppy is a great addition to any home and will be a wonderful companion for a long time to come. However, proper potty training is crucial for a rewarding relationship between you and your puppy. This is because their metabolism is higher, and they need to eliminate waste more frequently. However, the sooner you start potty training your Goldendoodle, the better. To make the training process easier for you, we have curated a perfect and easy-to-follow step-by-step potty training guide. It will help you to train them easily in a short span of time. Here are the steps you need to follow when training them. However, remember that patience is the key! Step 1: Stick to A Feeding Schedule When it comes to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy, the first thing you need to do is stick to a feeding schedule. Give food and water to your puppy on a schedule. So by monitoring their consumption, you will get a better idea about when they take them out. The feeding routine affects the frequency of excretion. The best thing you can do is prepare a meal schedule to match their potty training timetable. The meal and potty schedule should go hand in hand. Make sure you feed them at the proper time. You should also monitor their water drinking schedule. Once your puppy drinks water or eats food, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. For example, take your pup out for a walk immediately after a meal and within 10 to 20 minutes. This way, they can learn from an early age to go outside for potty. It will also condition them to prevent creating a mess inside the house. Step 2: Monitor and Keep Them Close Another thing you need to do is constantly monitor where the puppy goes. You need to keep them within your eyesight and prevent them from wandering to other places. Make sure you restrict them to fewer places in the house. Someone from your family should always be present near the pup to keep an eye on their behavior. It is one of the best ways to prevent them from eliminating inside the house. When you monitor them and keep them close, you will be able to notice the telltale signs that they are about to potty. Some signs include scratching, sniffing, and circling. When you notice these signs, stop them and take them out for potty. It will prevent them from going inside the house. If you are constantly moving in the house, use a leash to keep them in one place. These puppies are very clever and can easily learn where the door is. So it is better to monitor them. Step 3: Crate Train Them When you are not home to monitor or supervise your pup, it is best to leave them in the crate. Crate training is best for unsupervised times. A crate is a safe place for puppies, and they will be reluctant to create a mess inside. Make sure the crate is perfect for their size. Crate training will help them to go outside for potty once you open the gate. It should be their safe place. Unlike many other breeds, Goldendoodles can be trained to go inside the crate without any assistance. You should also crate train for unsupervised times when you leave your pup home alone. It can be annoying, but it will be very helpful in the long run as they will learn fairly quickly to go out for elimination. To minimize accidents, you need to take them out after 1 hour. This potty training trick works well with puppies. This breed of dogs is small, and they have a small bladder. They need to eliminate frequently, so you need to take them out a lot. As they will grow older, they will learn how to hold their bladder and go on their own to relieve themselves. Step 5: Give Your Puppy Commands Apart from taking them out, you need to teach them to control words. Associate these words with their elimination routine so that they can follow your order and go out. When your puppy is going, use these commands or control words to make them go out for potty. Make sure you use only one or two unique commands which they can associate with going potty to avoid any confusion. Being intelligent, your little pup will soon learn to follow your verbal command. Step 6: Positive Reinforcement After you train your Goldendoodle pup to follow verbal commands, reward them for following instructions. You can either use praise words or treats as positive reinforcement. This is the best way to potty train your puppy. Puppies feel motivated when you praise them or give them food. Praise and treats make puppies happy, and Goldendoodles respond well to this. If you give your pup treats or praise after eliminating, they will be more likely to go outside for the business. Make sure you use positive reinforcements immediately after they go outside for potty. In the beginning, you have to do this constantly for them to get used to it. They will probably go inside the house during the first few days. Until they are four months old, you can expect some accidents even when they are in training. Potty training is a time-consuming process, so you need to be patient. Make sure you keep up with the training and develop a routine. As the days will pass, the puppy will stop going inside the house. You can expect fewer accidents as they grow old. Instead of scolding them, you need to make them understand that it is not right to go inside the house. These puppies are intelligent and sensitive. If you make a fuss and scold them, they will get confused. They have a sharp memory and will not forget when you punish them. Just remember that your Goldendoodle puppy is still in the puppy stage, so expect accidents and frequent cleaning until they learn how to relieve themselves. Punishing them will ruin all your hard work to build a strong relationship with them. How to Potty Train a Goldendoodle Puppy? When you adopt or buy a new Goldendoodle puppy, they will not be potty trained. It is your responsibility to train them. While there is a detailed step-by-step guide for training them, here are some core steps to help you with potty training. Along with the step-by-step guide, you need to follow these additional steps. These five steps will help you to introduce your puppy to potty training and develop a routine for them. Here are the steps. Step 1: Introduction The first step in potty training is the introduction. When you bring a Goldendoodle pup to your home, introduce them to the new surroundings. It is the first physical step you need to follow. As the puppy is small, they are just learning to adjust to the new environment. You need to clearly establish what you want from them. Only introduce them to the area where they are allowed and where you can monitor them. This will help you to avoid accidents in different parts of the house. Step 2: Understand Their Behavior After introducing them to the new surroundings, you need to start paying attention to their behavior. You need to learn how the puppy is trying to communicate with you. You need to notice their behavior to know when they need to go for potty. Pay attention to the signals they are giving. They will give you a signal by whining or scratching the door to go outside. Once you notice this behavior, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. It is the best way to potty train a pup. Step 3: Interrupt Accidents When you notice that the pup is about to go inside the house, interrupt the accidents. You need to give them commands to stop. Once you stop them in the middle of going potty, immediately take them outside and then give the command to go again. Step 4: Create a Common Potty Spot One of the best ways to instill the habit of going potty outside is by creating a common potty spot. Create a designated area for potty training. Make sure the spot is easy to clean. Now, whenever you take the dog for potty training, go to that spot. This way, they can smell the area and associate it with going to the potty. It will help them to easily go for potty. Dogs are territorial, so it will help you to easily train them to avoid any mess in the house. Make sure you stick to one spot so your puppy can recognize it. Step 5: Establish Routines This is the last and final step you need to follow. Establish a daily potty routine with your puppy. Take them out at the same time and follow the same steps. This will condition the puppy and help them develop a potty routine. Take them out in the morning when you wake up. You also need to take them after meals and when you bring them out of the crate. When you come home from work, take them out again. You need to take them out after naps and during evening time as well. Make sure you stick with the same routine to develop the habit in your Goldendoodle puppy. Tips to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Apart from following the steps, you can use some additional tips to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. It will help you to train them with ease without any problems. Morning Walks: The best tip to train a Goldendoodle puppy is to take them about in the morning immediately after they wake up. Puppies pee right after they wake up, so you need to take them out at that time. It will help you to avoid any mess. Multiple Potty Breaks: Another thing you can do is give them multiple potty breaks in the beginning. When a Goldendoodle puppy is not fully trained, it can pee or poop anywhere. So, you need to take them out on as many potty breaks as you can. Make sure you reward them after they go outside. Go Out After Meals: You also need to take them out after they eat or drink something. Goldendoodle puppies tend to go after 15 to 20 minutes of eating something. By taking them out after meals, you can train them to go potty outside. Use Commands: You need to use commands to potty train them. Use verbal commands so that they can understand when to go outside. You can teach them to ring the bell when they have to go to the potty. This way, whenever they have to go, they will ring the bell to give you a signal. Rewards: Another thing you can do is use positive reinforcement and reward them when they go outside for potty. It will help them to associate it with good behavior. Paper or Pee Pad: You can use this technique when you cannot take them out due to bad weather. Use a pee pad of paper on which your puppy can pee. This will help you to avoid any mess. Keep Away from Problem Areas: Puppies like to go potty in the same area. So make sure you use good cleaning products to remove the smell from the area. Also, keep them away from soft surfaces. These are problem areas where they are more likely to go potty in the house. Avoid Nervous Wetting: Sensitive Goldendoodle puppies can become nervous when they greet you and will pee in the house. To prevent this, you need to avoid scolding them and behave calmly. Overfeeding: The first thing you need to avoid is overfeeding them. Leaving Them Alone: You should never leave them alone in the house as well as when you take them out. It is best to go with a crate that has enough sleeping space. Punishment and Scolding: You should avowing punishing or scolding your Goldendoodle puppy as it will make them nervous and cause too much stress. Forgetting Schedule: You should avoid forgetting the potty schedule. If you are a forgetful person, make sure you set alarms to take the pup out on the potty break. Waiting for Signals: Avoid waiting for signals from the pup as they are too small to convey that they want to go potty. Instead, you should frequently take them out in the beginning. Irregular Feeding: Another thing you need to avoid is irregular feeding. Make sure you feed them as the schedule as per their daily potty routine. When to start potty training varies for every dog. Regardless of the breed, Goldendoodles are food-motivated, so the earlier you begin the process, the more successful you will be. You should start taking the puppy outside once they are 12 weeks old. It is the ideal age to start potty training. However, some dogs need a bit more time to develop bladder control. Take your puppy outside frequently in the early morning and after playing or napping. This will help your pup develop a habit of going outside when the urge strikes. This will save you both time and frustration in the long run. If you wait for them to mature, the task will become very difficult. So make sure you start training them once they reach 12 weeks of age. Puppies have smaller bladders than fully grown dogs, and this can make them prone to frequent urination. When it comes to bladder capacity, Goldendoodle puppies can hold their bladder as long as their age, in months. A 6-month-old Goldendoodle can hold its bladder for up to six hours, while a 12 week-old puppy will be able to hold it for up to 2 hours. At night, they can hold it 1. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? Most breeders agree that Goldendoodles are easier to train than other breeds. They are highly intelligent and good with people. Their natural instinct to please the owner makes them pretty easy to train. They will be able to easily pick up your commands and follow a schedule for potty training. Compared to other dogs, Goldendoodles are pretty easy to train. However, you might still face some challenges as each and every dog is different from the other. Make sure you are patient and follow the tips to train them. It will take some time to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, but with patience and consistent care, you will be able to do it. Once they reach the age of 5 weeks, they start to pee on their own. At this time, you can use pee pads to avoid any mess. However, once they reach 12 weeks of age, they will have better bladder control. You can start training at this age until they are six months old. It can take around 4 to 5 months to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. If you start at five weeks, it will take five months for them to learn how to go potty outside. One important step in toilet training a puppy is to understand when they have to go out. Most puppies give signals when they feel the urge to pee or poop. When a pup sniffs or goes near the door, it is a sign that they want to go outside for potty. Some other signs that a puppy needs to potty include sniffing the floor, circling around, or scratching the door. If you see one or more of these signs, take your puppy outside. How to Make Potty Training Fun? Potty training is a complicated and time-consuming process. However, you can do some things to make it fun and easier. The first thing you can do is play with your puppy when you take them outside for potty. Once they are done with eliminating outside, play with them. It works as positive reinforcement and helps them to associate going potty with playing outside. You can play various games like tug-of-war or fetch. It will make the potty training process fun. Apart from that, you can also play music when you take them out. Puppies become fond of a certain type of music. This way, they will happily go out for doing their business. You can use these two tips to make potty training fun for Goldendoodles. Even though these dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and listen to commands, pet owners might find it challenging to train them, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind that it is a time-consuming process and needs patience, consistency, and dedication. If you follow our guide and use the tips, this process will be much easier. If you follow the steps for 4 to 5 months, your Goldendoodle will learn how to control the bladder and go out for potty breaks. Make sure you use positive reinforcement to reward them. 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. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs and they have a great desire to please their humans. Figuring out the best routine for house training your puppy effectively helps ensure a happy life together with your new fur baby. Most dog parents would agree that potty training a puppy is one of the hardest things to teach. It takes weeks if not months of dedication and consistency and is highly dependent on you not letting your guard down. There will be unavoidable accidents in the house, but the more accidents you allow to occur, the longer the process will become. While an old dog can still learn new tricks, it is best to start potty training your Goldendoodle the moment he comes home to you. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes as you never want to be working to change bad habits, but instead, creating good habits from day one. Unfortunately, failing the potty training of a puppy is one of the main reasons why pets end up in shelters. Most puppies need the first six months to master this task. You cannot consider your dog a graduate of the potty training academy until he has been accident-free for at least a month. Even then, accidents can occur if you miss his queue or leave him indoors beyond his limit. The Process of Potty Training Your Goldendoodle Puppy To successfully house-train your puppy, you must arm yourself with patience, a crate with an adjustable partition, some baby gates, and cleaners that remove the smell of urine when accidents occur. Once an area is scented with urine, it attracts the puppy to the same area to do its business again and again. One of the most challenging and time-consuming things to teach your puppy is the art of going potty in the right place — outside. You will need to dedicate the first few weeks to watching him like a hawk and taking him outside at least once an hour when he is enjoying playtime. You will need to close doors to other rooms and baby gates off access to areas where your puppy may be able to get out of your sight. The puppy now thinks this is the appropriate place to potty and he will go there again and again. If you cannot effectively remove access to other rooms, then you can attach a six-foot lead to your puppy and your belt. When arriving home to a crated puppy, always pick him up as soon as you open the crate door and carry him outside to the designated potty area. Allowing him to follow you out after holding it for more than one hour is allowing him to have an accident on the way to the door. Puppies will not go potty while being carried, so use this trick to get him outside after being confined to his crate. Your puppy will eventually choose a way to signal to you that he needs to go outside. These signals will likely be walking or pacing by the door, barking at the door, sitting at the door, or scratching at the door. You can teach your puppy a better option which is called bell training which will always get your attention. Hang a bell on a rope on the doorknob of the door you always use to go outside for a potty break. Make sure it hangs low enough for him to reach it with his nose. This door should be in a room where you spend most of your time with your puppy. He will not easily learn to go find another door to the outside if it is not within sight of where he spends most of his time. Each time you take your puppy out the door, stop and use his nose to make the bell ring. Immediately open the door so he learns that the sound of the bell makes the door open. Usually, within days, the puppy is successfully ringing the bell when he needs to go potty. Keep in mind that he may abuse this newly learned trick by asking out just to play. Get to Know Your Puppy Most puppies will need to eliminate shortly after each meal. Make sure it becomes your normal routine to have a potty break outside after eating. Also, note his mannerisms when it has been more than one hour since his last outing. Until he learns to communicate his needs to you, you may find him walking towards the door, sitting near the door, whining, circling, sniffing, or squatting. Any of these actions require you to immediately pick him up and get him to his designated area. Keep Your Dog on a Consistent Feeding Schedule Food and water consumption are the reason why your puppy needs to eliminate. Adhering to a regular feeding routine ensures that you can monitor their food and water intake. You may wish to offer access to water only at mealtimes and specific times in between meals as this will give a better indication of necessary potty times. An ample drink of water may render a potty break within minutes in a young puppy as his bladder is very small and cannot hold much. Give Commands Choose a single command to indicate that you want your Goldendoodle to do his business. Just make sure to be consistent with the command you use to avoid confusion and to imprint the result you are seeking. Even if the accident still occurs, pick him up and take him outside to his potty place to instill in him that what he did was in the wrong place. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding your dog when he does things right, therefore introducing him to positive stimuli. I do not recommend providing a food reward when a successful potty event occurs outside. When an accident occurs and it will! Prevent your puppy from having access to rooms where he has had multiple previous accidents. Close the door to that room or use a baby gate to avoid access. You are, in effect, closing the bathroom door. The perfect crate has enough space for your puppy to stand, lay down, and move around comfortably. You should use the crate to crate train for unsupervised times. However, you must make sure to teach him not to associate the crate with punishments. It is his castle, his safe place, and he will be spending a lot of time there. It should always have safe chew toys inside so it is a fun place and not a jail cell. If an accident occurs inside the crate, downsize to the previous location of the partition and try again a few days later to allow a slightly larger space. Keep your puppy awake until you plan to go to bed. Take him out for a bedtime potty break, then place him in the crate with a few non-squeaky toys. A Snuggle Puppy is a great option to help him feel secure. Close the door, lay down in bed, and listen to him cry and whine. You can drop your hand down to the gate and allow him to see and smell that you are close by, but do not open the crate for a minimum of three hours. Your puppy will likely fall asleep in a matter of minutes but may wake crying shortly thereafter. Allow your puppy to cry himself asleep again and only take him out for a potty break if three hours have passed since the last outing AND he is waking you. Never wake a sleeping puppy! Each night, the crying should be shorter and the sleeping should be longer. Typically within a week, you will wake one morning realizing that you and your puppy slept all night without a potty break. Sample Schedule for a New Puppy For puppies mos. For those that have family members home during the day, the puppy should spend one three-hour stretch in the crate and have more supervised interaction outside the crate than this schedule shows. Allow min. Confine to a crate when you leave; place safe chew toys in the crate for entertainment. If you will remain home, allow your puppy to have supervised playtime and take them outside every minutes to eliminate. Noon Take pup out if arriving home on lunch break. Confine to crate overnight. This is just a sample schedule to give you an idea of the time involved in housetraining a puppy. When possible, your puppy should not be crated once you are home for the evening. This is when you spend quality time with him and work on basic obedience. Take time off from work to dedicate to potty training your puppy when he first comes home. You are going to lose some sleep while your puppy is settling into his new environment and he is learning to be an only puppy. It may be difficult to maintain a normal work schedule when you are getting up in the middle of the night or having to deal with periods of a crying puppy. However, after a 3 hour period of confinement, a puppy should have a minimum of one hour of play time before being confined again if at all possible. Take your puppy out for potty breaks to the designated area when appropriate and do not play with your puppy during the potty break outing. He may need to go potty a few times in one outing to completely empty his bladder. Have a special spot for your Goldendoodle puppy to potty. Until your puppy has demonstrated bladder control, always pick them up from their crate and carry them outside for potty breaks to avoid accidents. Always bring your puppy back inside immediately after a potty break is completed. Come inside and then go back out to a different area for playtime. Avoid submissive urination. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and may end up squatting when excited. Do not scold your puppy for this action as that will make matters worse. Keep calm when greeting them, avoid eye contact until you get them outside, and know that they will likely outgrow this behavior. In conclusion, potty training a dog requires patience and careful observation. The Goldendoodle temperament allows this breed to respond well to positive reinforcement so use that to your advantage. Confinement When you first begin potty training your puppy, restrict his access to just a couple of rooms in your home. Once the puppy understands that the only place he can relieve himself is outside, he can be free to roam around your home. Set A Feeding Schedule Eating and drinking determine when your puppy needs to be eliminated, and you can use that to devise a feeding routine to suit your routine. That said, fresh, clean water must always be available for your pet, as puppies can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly. Take Your Puppy Outside Regularly Puppies are creatures of habit, and you can use that when toilet training your pet. The first thing you should do in the morning is to take your puppy outside so that he can go to the toilet. Throughout the day, make time to take your puppy outside every 30 minutes to an hour or so. Also, immediately after your puppy has had a nap or eaten a meal, take him outside for a potty break. Having a routine for going outside can help to avoid common potty training issues and accidents in your home and is crucial until your pup has adequate bladder control to last for longer periods. Lights Out The last thing you need to do at the end of the day before you settle down for the night is to take your puppy outside. That means your puppy will be comfortable and should sleep soundly. So, try to take your puppy to the same place to relieve himself every time so that he understands where his toilet is. So, how many times a day does a Goldendoodle puppy poop? Generally, most dogs need to poop up to five times every day! Puppies and senior dogs that eat lots of small meals throughout the day might need to go more frequently than that. Also, sick dogs with health problems sometimes need to poop more times than that. Reward Your Puppy Once your puppy has done his business, praise him and reward him with a treat. All the time, praise your pet for doing the right thing in the right place. Basically, your puppy craves your love and attention, so he will try to do what he knows will get that for him, i. Yes, in the short term, you can use a training crate for potty training your puppy. The idea is that confining the puppy in the crate enables you to keep an eye on your pet and spot the signs of when he needs to go. Crate training also means that your puppy will learn to hold on until you open the crate and take him outside to his latrine area. Crate Train For Unsupervised Times Here are our top tips on how to use a crate for toilet training your puppy. Make sure that the training crate has enough space for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Puppies can become dehydrated very quickly. Never deny your dog a drink purely to prevent him from needing to pee so often. So, a bowl of water should always be available for your pet. The crate is too big. The puppy needs to be let outside more frequently. The puppy might be too young to have adequate bowel and bladder control. With patience you can eliminate this undesirable behavior and rule out these doggie accidents once your pet gets into a proper potty routine. To potty train your puppy successfully, you need to know how to spot the signs that your pet needs to go, including: Sniffing the ground in one area Turning small circles on one spot Sniffing or scratching by the door Whining or whimpering If your furry friend displays any of these signs, you know that he probably needs to relieve himself. There are a few factors at play here, including the age and size of your dog. For example, a two-month-old puppy can usually hold it for two hours before he needs to go. So, it follows that a puppy of six months of age should be able to wait for six hours. Also, the puppy will begin to associate your displeasure with the greeting, not the urination. Try to remain calm and chilled out when greeting your pet. Most dogs eventually grow out of the behavior. In the meantime, you might find that distracting your dog by offering him a treat helps to stop the problem. There are a few absolute no-nos when potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. Punishment Never punish your canine companion if he gets it wrong and has an accident in the house. Yelling at your puppy will frighten and upset him, potentially making him afraid of you and causing even more problems. If you hassle your puppy or dog, they might not do their business, resulting in an accident in the house later. Caught In The Act! Immediately, take your puppy outside to finish what he was doing, and then make a big fuss of him and give him a treat as a reward. The best thing to do is clean up the mess and move on. However, potty training an adult dog is often easier than teaching a puppy. One reason for that is that adult dogs have a larger bladder and can, therefore, wait for a few hours before needing to eliminate. Even so, you should never force your dog to wait for too long before he can get outside to go. That quality time helps the dog to bond with you and also enables you to get potty training off to a flying start. Establish A Routine Begin by establishing a routine for your Goldendoodle. First thing in the morning, before you feed your pet, let him outside so that he can go to the toilet if he wants to. Take the dog outside again at lunchtime and then again mid-afternoon. Praise Your Dog! That way, your pet will quickly learn to associate going to the bathroom in the correct location with a positive experience. Be Observant Be vigilant for the signs mentioned above that could indicate that your pup needs to go. As soon as you spot something suspicious, take your pet outside to avert an accident. What About Tummy Upsets? Sometimes, adult dogs suffer from digestive upsets, typically gastroenteritis. An upset tummy is quite common in dogs from rescues and shelters that have just arrived in their new home. That often results in diarrhea or loose stools. However, those symptoms can also be indicators of an infection, so always consult your vet immediately. Puppy Pad Training If you live in an apartment or if the weather prevents you from taking your dog outside to relieve himself, you can use puppy pads or special potty boxes that are designed for indoor use. Basically, you choose somewhere suitable for the puppy pad or potty box to live inside your home and teach your dog to relieve himself there, using the same methods described earlier in this guide. How To Clean Up! As previously mentioned, dogs will always use their chosen latrine area when they want to relieve themselves. If your Goldendoodle puppy or dog makes a mess in the house, the smell of urine must be removed thoroughly and quickly to prevent your pet from returning to the area when he needs to go. Cleaning Dog Urine From Carpets And Rugs There are two methods that you can use to clean up dog urine from your carpets and rugs, both of which are very effective.

Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio.

If there are any differences between these two cuts, they are slight and hardly noticeable. There is no real minimum fur length for either cut style. The end length is up to the owner and how they want their pet to look. The one major difference between these two cuts is that the teddy bear cut has a little more fluff or puffy look around the head and face of the dog. The puppy cut does not have that fluff or puff, but you may not be able to tell due to the length of the puppy cut. Other than that, both cuts aim to have the same length of fur on the body, legs, and tail of the dog. For the puppy cut, that is about 1 to 2 inches in length, if they are going for the traditional length. Neither cut has a real minimum to it and you can go as long or as short as you want. The actual length is all up to the owner to decide. Then there is a third cut that gets close to these two options but it is a lot shorter. It is called the summer cut and you can tell a dog has that hairstyle by its very short length. How to Cut Yorkie Hair? Click here to learn more. Both the teddy bear and the puppy cut can be good for dogs. They get the fur short enough so the hairs do not bind together and cause a problem. These cuts also help you groom and brush your dog easier so those mattes do not get started when the fur grows out. The other difference between these two cuts is that your dog may look a little like a teddy bear when the teddy bear cut is finished. With the puppy cut, your dog will look like a dog with shorter hair. If your dog sheds, both of these styles of cuts can help stop the mess from forming in your home. When is the best time to get one of these cuts? For most dogs, you can cut their hair for the first time when they are about 2 to 4 months old. But the puppy and teddy bear cuts should come a little later when they have more fur to cut off. Then the best time of the year for these cuts will be when it gets warm outside. There should be enough fur left on their bodies to help the dogs regulate their body temperature. That is an important factor to keep in mind. Your dog needs its longer fur to stay warmer when the Fall and Winter seasons hit. These two cuts are best to be left for warmer weather to make sure your dog has enough fur during those colder seasons. Which is the better cut to get for your dog? This is a toss-up, and it will all depend on how you want your pet to look. Not every dog looks that great with the extra fluff and puff around their heads and face. The puppy cut keeps the fur nice and even and makes sure your dog looks like a dog all the time. Just be careful though. What Is a Yorkie Poo? You should check with the groomer first before asking for this type of cut for your dog. You are in no danger of different hairstyles with the puppy cut. It is an even cut and the only thing to worry about will be its end length. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The breed is widely known for its calm nature and very affectionate temperament, which allows them to be a great companion at home and an incredible dog for a family. They can spend their days entertaining themselves by chasing little creatures like squirrels around or barking loudly at strangers. They appreciate being pampered and taken for walks. They are quite the little independent character, but they mostly need help with one thing—grooming. They have a variety of grooming styles that fit their look, but whether they look good or not depends on the groomer. However, the owner needs to prioritize the maintenance of their hair. If you cannot tend to their grooming daily, you should shave all their hair off and give them the shaved look. An overall cut around the whole body is made, providing the hair with a uniform and smooth finish. They usually differ with regard to whom the hairstyles are made for. Puppy cuts are done to any other dog, but Teddy Bear cuts are more inclined for curly-haired pups such as a poodle, a Goldendoodle, or labradoodle, etc. This is so because dogs with curly and tangled-up hair are more prone to manges, so a neat look is a priority. This hairstyle does not need much effort to maintain, and so it is famous among the poodle or poodle-mix community. If you want your dog to look well-kept and only go to the groomers every six or eight weeks, then this hairstyle is the one for your buddy. This is similar to the Teddy Bear Cut because of its evenly smooth look due to the overall flat and uniform lengths. This trim may be simple but the coat of the dog looks much smoother and even with this haircut. This haircut is appropriate for any dog with somewhat longer hair characteristics. The hairstyle has a lot of supporters across the world. If you want to easily detect ticks and fleas on your dog , go with this haircut! In the Teddy Bear haircut, however, the leg hairs are longer than the body. The head, on the other hand, was rounded up and has a fuller look with a Teddy Bear cut. The legs on the Teddy Bear cut are left looking fluffier than in the Puppy cut. Therefore, if you choose a Puppy cut over a Teddy Bear haircut, you are most likely to pay a visit to the groomers every 2 weeks. This is more often as opposed to the 3 weeks guarantee of the Teddy Bear haircut. Cut with a downward motion in the back and sides of the body. The legs are left fluffy but shaped well with the help of the same scissors to make them appear as if they are teddy bear legs. How to cut a Shih Tzu Puppy Cut? You can use a comb attachment for a fluffy look on your dog. Just trim the body and make sure you clip right above the tail and, in a downward motion, clip the legs. If there are any patches of excess fur, trim it out and shape it, particularly the paws. Whatever is left on the hair that is long, just take some scissors and snip snip! Feel free to experiment with this. Conclusion The Teddy Bear and Puppy cuts will allow your dog to look fresh and clean after every grooming session. Even though Teddy Bear cuts are shorter than Puppy cuts, you can still choose either because both are a joy to look at! Further Reading:. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? Some individuals have curly hair, while others have wavy hair or a combination of both. Some dogs shed a lot, while others don't shed at all. In any case, if you own a Doodle, you are well aware of how irresistibly cute they are. Even if you want to maintain that face fluffy and teddy bear-like for the rest of its life, Doodle haircuts are a must. The hair of a doodle grows out longer than that of a typical dog. Some even claim that, like a Poodle, it never stops growing. Fresh haircuts, like human hair, will keep their coats healthy and well-maintained. Although most Doodles "don't shed" a lot , you should still bathe, brush, and give your Doodle trims to reduce allergies. If you or anybody in your household is allergic to pet dander, this is very crucial. In any event, if you're planning on getting your Doodle groomed soon, this blog is a fantastic visual resource for assisting you in deciding which of the many Doodle haircuts to give them. Popular doodle hair styles Despite the fact that many Doodle owners do not want their dog to become "Poodle," most Doodles are genetically 50 percent or more Poodle. Poodles usually get their faces and feet cleaned, and their topknots are shaped using scissors. Poodles, on the other hand, come in a variety of trim styles. The cuts mentioned here are ones that were created specifically for Poodles. Doodles, on the other hand, may have almost any Poodle cut style, and modifications on the head, paws, and tail can be done upon request. Teddy bear cut Teddy bear cut is a classic, trimmed style that looks wonderful on many fluffy dog breeds, including Doodles. To get a fluffy look, the coat is trimmed with a longer blade or clipper guard, or scissored. A teddy bear cut is when a dog's hair is cut to the same length all over his body, including the head, ears, and tail. If desired, the head, face, ears, and tail can be trimmed to a different length than the body. Along the dog's sides, legs, and feet, the teddy bear cut leaves soft layers of fur. Layers of rounded, fringed facial hair are trimmed. This cut style is great because it reduces matting, tangles, and allergens. Teddy bear cuts Lamb cut When the body is chopped at a greater length as requested by the dog owner, it is referred to as a lamb cut. The legs are also scissored to fit in with the body, leaving them long and fluffy. Here are several lamb cut examples. Though the lamb cut is more commonly associated with Poodles, Doodles have a natural affinity for it. Poodle Cut One of the most popular Doodle hairstyles is the Poodle cut. Although it is occasionally undesired! While this cut is most popular on Poodles, it is also suitable for Doodles because they are half Poodle. The traditional Poodle cut, while there are numerous variations, typically cuts the hair around the belly and face. The legs, ears, and tail have been left thick and fluffy. The lion cut. Although the lion cut is most commonly seen on Pomeranians, it may also be seen on Doodles and other dogs with long, thick hair. The objective of the lion cut, as you might expect, is to make the dog seem like a lion. This is accomplished by shaving the back of the torso and legs as short as possible. Poms are also placed around the tail's tip and the foot. To mimic a lion's mane, the hair on the front part of the body is also left long. The clip off. When your dog needs a clip-off cut, everything is shaved. It covers the entire body, including the head, ears, and tail. Due to poor matting , many Doodles will have this cut at least once in their lives. The summer cut. A Summer cut is when a dog's hair is cut to a consistent length over the entire body and comes with a clean face, clean feet. Many individuals, however, misinterpret this word to indicate an all-over shave Your dog needs some hair to protect it from the sun and also keep them cool. The hair is trimmed short all throughout with a summer cut. The summer cut does tend to take away the characteristic Doodle appearance until the hair grows out again, but there are a few advantages to it: Makes for a great summer cut to help keep your pup cool and comfortable. Your Doodle is less likely to collect dirt, bugs, etc. No hair for poop to get stuck in yuck! This is one of the most popular alternatives, whether you have a Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Aussiedoodle, or another breed because it's a basic and easy-to-cut style that makes your dog appear lovely. Despite its name, the "puppy cut" is suitable for all ages of Doodle and does not result in excessively short hair. For at least the first year of your doodle's life, several expert groomers recommend that you utilize just this cut. It helps to preserve the hair's quality and smoothness while yet leaving enough hair for your dog to appear adorable. Your Doodle will look so fashionable with the Puppy cut that no one will suspect you're employing this easy hairstyle. The puppy cut is a low-maintenance style that includes uniformly trimming your Cockapoo's hair 1. Once the Doodle puppy haircut is in place, you'll just need to trim your Doodle's face every now and again to keep it looking great. This is a short cut, and the trick is to keep the length consistent from top to bottom. Around any part of the dog's body, there is no fancy pattern or distinctive cut. This cut will make your Doodle seem young and fresh, regardless of their age. It's quite good, yet it's one of the most simple options available! Cocker spaniel cut. Because Cockapoos are half Cocker Spaniel, it's only natural that you'd utilize the cut of one of their parents as inspiration. We should warn you that this is a high-maintenance cut. Because it leaves the hair long and thick, it will need to be trimmed, brushed, and maintained more frequently than other haircut alternatives. You'll trim the hair around their eyes and face somewhat shorter for the Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel haircut, but leave the hair on their head, torso, and legs slightly longer. There is some attention to detail required here, and you may want to consult with your groomer to ensure that everything is done correctly. Keep in mind that this cut will require more frequent care and trimming and maintenance every few weeks to keep it looking great. In between cuts, you may need to brush their hair. Legs and feet. Bevelled Feet. This occurs when the hair on the feet is left long enough to match the length of the hair on the legs, giving the appearance of a single "straight" column across the leg and foot. There is no clear separation between the foot and the leg with bevelled feet, and the bottoms of the feet are rounded fluffy and clean without displaying the nails. Beveled feet are also often associated with a specific Doodle haircut: the lamb cut. Clean Feet. When the feet are totally shaved, the nails and the entire foot up to the ankle area are exposed. Poodles' feet are normally kept clean. Pom Pom. This is a fashion cut that resembles spherical balls. Pom poms are worn at the bottom of the legs, just above the clean feet. Pom poms are only appropriate for dogs with curly, thick, or fluffy coats, such as Poodles and Doodles. Round Feet. The hair on the foot is scissored precisely to make them look round and fluffy. The nails are not visible on round feet. Tight Feet. Tight feet are in the midst of the clean and round foot spectrum. Tight feet are shaved close to the skin and maintain the feet free of matting. The nails are shown when the feet are too tight. Different ear styles. On your Doodle, you may choose from a range of ear styles and modifications. Because some of the ear styles don't have a conventional name, bring a photo in to show your groomer what you want done. Clipped Ears. This is when the ears are cut with a blade or a clipper comb to make them shorter. Ears that have been clipped allow you to observe the form of the ear. Full Ears. Is when the ears are neither shaved or clipped and are left long. Full ears, on the other hand, can be trimmed, layered, and cut blunt straight along at the bottom or rounded. You can also ask to keep your full ears but have them cut around the ear's outline to reveal the form. Different tail styles. In the world of dogs, there are a few different sorts of tails. The way the tail is combed is undoubtedly part of the package for some dog breeds that are intended to appear a certain way. However, as stated at the outset of this post, Doodles may look wonderful with almost any tail grooming technique. On your Doodle, you may choose from a range of tail styles and modifications. Because some of the tail styles don't have a conventional name, bring a photo in to show your groomer what you want done. Flag Tail. At the base of the tail, a flag tail has around inches of very short or shaved hair. The tail hair closest to the body is the longest after this small gap, and then gradually taper down toward the tip of the tail. Doodles look fantastic with flag tails because they highlight their long, luxurious curls. Pom Tail. A pom tail is a tail with a shaved base and a ball on the end, similar to pom pom on the feet. Plume Tail. Plume tails may flaunt their thick, curly Doodle hair by allowing it to billow out cleanly but elegantly. If you have a very specific cut in mind for your dog, be sure to bring in images for the groomer to see. This is the most effective technique to avoid any misunderstandings. Post not marked as liked20 Recent Posts. As every Doodle owner knows though, this non-shedding does not equal no-maintenance! Poodles have been groomed in a variety of ways ever since they became a popular companion and show dog. Poodles originally were hard-working water retrievers and their curly coat was kept short and easy to maintain for hunters. Nobody had time to brush out their Poodle after a long day of duck hunting! Instead, they are beloved companions and show animals. We have time and resources to make them look as cute or fancy as we like! Traditional Poodle cuts have the face shaved closely to the skin. If shaved, the face looks more serious, regal and show-dog like. In the teddy bear cut however, the hair on the face is left at the same length as on the rest of the body. This softens the face of the dog and makes him look puppy-like — or like a teddy bear. Skilled groomers will be able to shape the coat in a way that it looks very even and smooth and the dog appears to have round features, just like a teddy bear. How do you give a teddy bear cut? Brush the Poodle or Doodle well, so that no tangles or mats are left. Use shampoo and conditioner to clean and soften the coat, then blow-dry it. Brush and wash always needs to come first! Using high-quality clippers , start with clipping the neck and back. In order to really perfect the teddy bear cut, use scissors to neaten up the coat. Be very careful to not cut your dog or make a dent into his coat! Ears can be difficult to get right in the beginning. Take extra time to carefully work around the ears. As a last step, give the head the characteristic round shape. This will take some practice and will probably not look perfect right away. The more often you do it, the better you will get! How often do you need to give your Poodle a teddy bear cut? If you want your pup to always look freshly groomed, plan to give him a cut every 4 weeks. If you do not mind a bit of a grown-out look, then every weeks will also be sufficient. Many owners initially cut off too much hair and are upset that their dog does not look like they envisioned. Of course, that does not mean that you do not need to brush your pup in between. A Poodle or Doodle with a teddy bear cut should be brushed at least times a week. If your dog spends a lot of time outside with you or plays wildly with other dogs, you should brush him every day. What is the difference between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut? Puppy cuts and teddy bear cuts refer to the same style of cut. It means that the hair is the same length at all parts of the body. Even adult dogs will look puppy-like with this style. The softness of their features appears to be that of a young dog. Owners often get asked how old their puppy is — even if it is an 8 year old dog in a teddy bear cut! Can other breeds have this hair cut? The teddy bear cut is very popular among a variety of small breeds with curly hair, such as the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel or Maltese or Maltipoo. The more tangled and dirty, the more it will cost. Dogs look adorable with their puppy-like features. In addition to being cute, this cut also is low-maintenance compared to e. Your local groomers will be happy to give your pup this cut. Many Poodle owners learn how to groom at home — over the lifetime of your dog this can save you a lot of money and trips to the groomer. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

They were awfully cute during that first game of tug-o'-war. But your Labrador retriever pup's rapidly developing chompers may soon have you mourning over your latest pair of perforated pumps and wondering what you've gotten yourself into. Labrador Retriever Baby Teeth Labrador retriever puppy image by crazy. The rate at which pups grow their first teeth may vary slightly, but by the time you got your new Lab puppy, he was probably at least 6 weeks old and had his full set of milk teeth properly called deciduous teeth. These are the needle-like little teeth you've probably felt during play. The first to show up around 3 weeks of age are the aptly named canines. The final premolar comes in around 6 weeks. Puppies do not have molars. Most pups will have about 28 milk teeth. Teething means discomfort for your pup, and the irresistible need to chew on things. Unless you are on guard, that means chewed books, shoes and furniture legs. You can help your Lab puppy and preserve your belongings by giving him things to chew. Plenty of chew toys are marketed, and nothing beats a good rawhide chew as a project for a teething pup to work on. Be sure to supervise with anything your pup might be able to break into bits that could choke him. Your Puppy's Grown-up Teeth Labrador retriever image by crazy. At 6 to 7 months, the full set of 42 permanent teeth will be in. As your puppy grows, the roots of his baby teeth are reabsorbed by his body. The adult teeth push up, loosening the baby teeth and eventually causing them to fall out. Don't worry if you can't find any baby teeth lying around on your rug; most are swallowed by the young dog. Rest assured, this is normal. The last teeth to come in are the molars. Because there are no baby molars, growing these is more uncomfortable and causes more teething behavior. Do not use human toothpaste, which can be seriously harmful to dogs. Pet supply stores offer toothpastes specifically formulated for dogs. Make brushing a fun game, and your pup will value the extra attention from you. As his teeth come in, watch for baby teeth that stay in place after the adult tooth has erupted. A veterinarian may have to remove these. More Articles. Hi, I'm also in the joyous teething stage with nearly 5 month old Amber. She has been a ferocious biter since day 1. I thought she was getting slightly better at months old by better I mean there was an occasional day where I didn't get bitten. But in the last 2 weeks she has been horrendous again. All front adult teeth were through a few weeks ago. It's the backs falling out and coming through now. No sign of adult canines yet but she did have top two baby ones pulled out after snapping them which can slow adult ones down. She's very cheeky with the biting. I tried many different methods but if she can't get her bite fix she gets frustrated and gets more 'nasty' with it. So I now leave the room and closing the door for a couple of minutes, which is easier now I'm more confident in her house training. She doesn't really chew the house up but she is crate trained and is provided with a constant stream of chews. I haven't found any teeth to keep I think she swallows them. Another charming side effect I've noticed is awful awful breath in the last week, related to all the bleeding gums I think. Her obsession with eating bird poo is my next challenge!! She particularly enjoys huge seagull poops probably contributing to her foul breath. I have no recall when she's eating it so I can't even lure her away for treats because she turns deaf. So annoying because her recall has always been so good!! In all other respects, we're getting better every day. She has now sort of learnt that in order to play fetch properly you have to give the ball back!! General obedience good too. Most of the time, people assume that they are just being destructive. Actually, we need to understand that puppies are chewing, more often than not, to relieve some discomfort. There are some important lessons your puppy needs to learn in these stages that will make life much easier as they get older. You can expect your puppy to stop teething when they are 6 or 7 months old. Puppy Teething Timeline If you are new to the puppy experience, you definitely anticipated some of the fun playtime and cute cuddling. However, there are probably other things that you did not anticipate that may drive you crazy. Behavior problems like chewing and biting are one of the most common reasons that people get rid of their dogs. When it comes to teething biting and chewing , you should understand what the puppy is going through. Knowing when your puppy will transition from one stage to another will help you have patience when you get the most frustrated. Weeks 2 to 4 Your Lab puppy was born, like most mammals that I can think of, without any teeth. He will still be with his mom, so there is not much you need to know about this period. At this stage, his teeth will still be too gentle for dry food—so he will still be nursing throughout this stage. Weeks 5 to 6 By this point, your puppy will have all 28 baby teeth. With his teeth in place, your Lab puppy should be introduced to soft, wet dog food. Lots of breeders will just use the same dry dog food they plan on feeding as the dog gets older. Click here to see how I like to prepare dry dog food for puppies in this stage of tooth development. Just use the puppy food you will be transitioning them to before they go home. When you are ready to use the soaked dog food, place it in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is the consistency of baby food no lumps. When you are ready to feed the puppies, you can mix it will some warm water or put it in the microwave for just a few seconds to take the frigid edge off. This is also when your puppy will start dropping his baby teeth. It will not be uncommon to find little, rice-sized puppy teeth around your house. On the other hand, you may not see the teeth if your puppy swallows them while eating. No big deal. This is because his mouth hurts. The gums are irritated and chewing on stuff gives some momentary relief from that discomfort. Anyone that has cared for a baby understands how miserable the teething process can be. It is no uncommon for a baby that is teething to be very miserable. They develop a fever, become very cranky, lose sleep, start to drool uncontrollably, rubbing their cheeks, etc. Especially his mouth. Puppies chew on everything… even you! Anything to get some relief from the teething process. Your vet will appreciate your helping your dog get comfortable with having his mouth handled. The frustrating part of this stage is how often you will get bit. It is just a part of the puppy game. And, when you do get bit, it hurts because his puppy teeth are like little needles. They do not need to bite down hard to cause some serious pain. Although the purpose of this article is not to get your dog to stop biting, here is a video that will help you through this stage. If you notice any puppy teeth remaining with the adult teeth, you should contact a vet and have them pulled. Problems in Labrador Puppy Teeth There are lots of different problems your puppy can experience in conjunction with teething. Retained puppy teeth are the most common. The puppy tooth is considered retained if the adult tooth has emerged. The adult tooth does not have to be fully grown in order for the tooth to be considered retained. As I mentioned above, make sure that you get your dog to a vet to consider having it pulled. Missing teeth are not necessarily a problem. If the adult teeth are starting to come in, it is possible to find a spot where the puppy tooth has fallen out, but the adult tooth is still just below the gum surface. Also, the angle helps you get anything that might be caught between the tooth and the gum. Pet Republique Finger Toothbrush This is the instrument you need if you want to really focus on a specific tooth and give direct attention. That stuff can cause serious problems for K-9 teeth. You can check Chewy. I about died. I grabbed a bag of these and within one month, I could visibly see the difference in the plaque buildup on her teeth. I am not exaggerating. The next time I took Lady to the vet, he could not believe the change. Now, he suggests them to all of his clients that have dogs with plaque build-up. Click on this image or this link to see what these are selling for today at Chewy. Best Toys for Labrador Puppies that are Teething There are a number of toys that you can get to help your puppy deal with the discomfort of teething. The benefit of getting some of these is that you can start training your puppy what is okay to chew and what is not. If you do not have one or more of these toys close at hand, you will find it very difficult to get your dog to stop chewing on your stuff. I think they are some of the very best dog toys on the market. Make sure you check out this video on how I use KONG toys to help with crate training and training my dog to be quiet. You can grab them from Chewy. This might be the most useful dog toy on the market. The polymer is completely safe for your young dog. The nylon rope relieves the discomfort from teething. Puppy Proofing Your Home Puppy-proofing your home is more about avoiding the point where you start to resent your puppy. Remember He is only a puppy and his mouth hurts. Any relief at all is going to be welcome as far as he is concerned. The frightening thing is how fast your puppy can destroy your favorite stuff. Puppy-proofing your house is as much about keeping your stuff safe as it is about keeping your puppy safe. So, make sure that electrical cords are tucked out of sight. Baby gates or doors are a great way to control where your puppy can and cannot go in your house. These are a great way to limit where your puppy can go in your home and thereby reduce the number of places you have to puppy-proof. Check out this metal gate from MidWest. It is a great option and will bring you some peace of mind. Most puppies are born without teeth and go through a process known as puppy teething. From birth to six months, sharp puppy teeth erupt from the gums in the jaw in a predictable timeline. Puppies go through teething stages during the development of their teeth, including sore gums, and eventually—the eruption of 28 baby teeth. During teething, puppies may target all kinds of unexpected objects to gnaw and chew on, like baseboards and shoes, to relieve the discomfort. However, most dogs never outgrow the urge to chew. Pet owners are encouraged to learn about how their puppy's teeth grow in so they can best handle their dog as it ages. During the first two weeks, you'll notice your puppy nursing and first opening its eyes. Weeks 2 to 4 In the front of the mouth, narrow-edged teeth known as incisors will begin to emerge. The incisors are the first to appear at about two to three weeks of age. Puppies have six incisors on both the top and bottom jaw. Premolars and molars also begin to grow behind canines the pointed teeth between the incisors and premolars at three to six weeks of age, with three on the top and bottom of each side. Four needle-like canines appear at age four weeks and frame the incisors, one on each side, top, and bottom. Weeks 5 to 8 The last molars appear by six to eight weeks of age. When the deciduous teeth don't fall out on time, puppies may appear to have a double set of teeth. Retained baby teeth should be extracted by a veterinarian so that permanent teeth have room to grow. Sometimes, a crowded mouth pushes teeth out of alignment, resulting in difficulty eating or poor dental hygiene which can lead to periodontal disease. All of your puppy's 28 baby teeth are expected to come in by this time. This is when puppies start to learn how to eat moist and soft puppy food. Weeks 12 to 16 Breeders often let their puppies go to their new owners' homes around eight weeks. Baby teeth will begin to shed, and permanent adult teeth will start to come in. This process is painful for dogs, so providing puppy safe chew toys is recommended. This is a good time to socialize your dog more, look and touch the inside and outside of its mouth, and prepare for teeth brushing. If there are any baby teeth left, let your vet know so it can be removed. Permanent teeth replace the milk teeth tooth-for-tooth and add four premolars and 10 molars. Most pups will have 42 permanent teeth in place by about seven months of age. Signs to Keep an Eye on During Teething While it can vary somewhat between breeds , there is a progression you can expect as your puppy develops new teeth. It's important to begin handling your puppy's mouth while it's young so you can periodically check for any potential tooth problems. Any type of facial swelling, changes in eating habits, unexpected night awakenings, or rubbing of the face are signs of possible oral discomfort. You'll want to take your pup to the veterinarian if you see: Two teeth occupying one spot in your puppy's mouth. This can cause the adult tooth to come in crooked, possibly causing later problems. These are common symptoms of periodontal disease, a large oral issue for dogs. Broken or cracked teeth. This can cause the nerve of the tooth to expose itself, causing your dog pain or infection. Crooked teeth or malocclusion misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. While some breeds have a trademark bite, unusual ones could cause chewing issues. Loose adult teeth. Most often, this is caused by trauma to the mouth or from gum loss due to advanced periodontal disease. It could also be a sign of illness. How to Keep Teeth Healthy Schedule a visit with your veterinarian for an initial dental exam for your puppy. This examination will include a look at the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Ask your vet to demonstrate how to clean your pup's teeth. This way, you'll know what brushes, toothpaste, and techniques to use. Get your pup used to the idea of tooth brushing around six months when its adult teeth start to come in. Regular brushing will prevent plaque, stinky breath, disease, and other medical problems. It's ideal to brush your puppy's teeth daily, but once or twice a week will work. The Purpose of Each Dog Tooth Different kinds of teeth serve various functions, based on the position of the mouth and the shape of the tooth. With some breeds, the shape of the jaw impacts how each type of tooth functions. Most dogs have V-shaped upper and lower jaws which allow the mouth to be opened very wide for grasping and capturing prey—or grabbing and holding toys during play. There are several ways dogs use their teeth: Dogs use their incisors to rip and scrape meat from bones. They also use them as a grooming tool to nibble burrs or dirt from their fur. Dogs use their two canine teeth, found on each side of the jaw on the top and bottom , as pointed daggers to inflict stabbing and slashing wounds. Dogs have eight premolars in the upper jaw and another eight in the lower jaw. They also have four molars in the top and six in the bottom. The extra molars are designed to crush and are used to process vegetable foods and bones. Dogs have specialized carnassial teeth composed of premolars and molars. As they pass each other during the mouth's closure, these teeth act like scissors. The carnassial teeth are innovations of the carnivorous animal that requires shearing action to process flesh. A normal bite looks like this: The lower canine teeth are situated in front of the upper canines. The upper incisors overlap the lower incisors. The upper premolar points fit into the spaces between lower premolars. The upper carnassial teeth overlap the lower ones. Malocclusion refers to the abnormal "bite" or fitting of these teeth. Malocclusion can be normal for certain dog breeds due to differences in the shape of the jaw and mouth. For instance, the flat-faced brachycephalic dog breeds like Bulldogs have a normal malocclusion because their lower jaw is longer than the upper. However, this allows the teeth to fit incorrectly, which can cause mouth damage as the dog chews. Thus, a veterinarian or veterinary dentist with orthodontic correction should be aware of malocclusion. How to Bathe Your Puppy Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Just like with human babies, teething is a normal but sometimes painful process all puppies go through. Teething puppies are more mouthy than usual as their baby teeth fall out and their adult dog teeth replace them. But when does teething start and when does that mouthiness stop? The baby deciduous teeth start erupting when puppies are around 3 weeks old. This is also when puppies can start eating solid food in addition to nursing. The premolars—the teeth used for chewing—follow. When Do Puppies Stop Teething? Typically, large- or giant-breed dogs erupt their adult teeth sooner than small dogs. The baby incisors are the first to fall out, and adult teeth push through the gums to take their place. The incisors and canines erupt first, around months. The premolars follow when a puppy is months old. The adult molars grow in last, at months of age. While puppies only have 28 baby teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth. That said, teething pain may cause your puppy to become more mouthy or more destructive at home. This is a temporary period, and puppies need to be redirected to appropriate chewing opportunities, like toys. How to Care for a Teething Puppy Taking care of a teething puppy involves offering lots of options for chewing—particularly soft toys, rubber toys, and chilled or frozen toys. Your puppy may prefer harder or softer items, depending on his teething pain. Cold items can help soothe any pain and inflammation, so try giving your pup chilled or frozen treats, like blueberries, green beans , or carrots. The Best Teething Toys for Puppies To keep your puppy from chewing your furniture, give him a few toys that are great for teething, such as:. Does teething make puppies ill or aggressive? Puppy teething can make biting worse , but your puppy also bites in play and he needs to learn to be gentle with his mouth. Chewing is also a natural behavior for teething puppies. It also helps the puppy to shed those teeth that are loose and ready to come out. As well as suggested toys for teething puppies. How long does puppy teething last? With human babies, we tend to associate teething with sleepless nights and grumpy infants. With puppies, our concerns tend to focus more on biting and destructive chewing behavior. How many teeth do dogs have as adults? Labradors are lucky. Unlike some modern dogs breeds, they have a full sized jaw bone with plenty of room for their teeth. Most adult labs have a beautifully designed set of forty-two teeth. This is a perfect mouthful for crushing bones and for ripping and tearing up meat! Just like people, dogs can have problems with their teeth. Tooth decay is common and teeth can get broken. Usually this is one of the premolars that sit between the long canine tooth, and the big molars at the back of the mouth. How many teeth does a Labrador puppy have? Like human babies, Labrador puppies are born without teeth. And, like human babies the first set of deciduous baby teeth are lost during infancy. These are replaced by bigger, stronger grown up teeth. This means your puppy will only have twenty-eight teeth until he cuts his grown up ones. When do Labrador puppies start teething? That first stage in the teething process involves the cutting of the first teeth through the sealed gum. In addition, this phase is pretty much over once you collect your puppy at eight weeks old. When do puppy teeth fall out? At this stage your pup loses his baby teeth and replaces them with permanent grown up ones. Loss of baby teeth begins after the puppy is three months old. The chewing may help to relieve the discomfort in his gums, but you need to watch him carefully. Make sure he is not swallowing bits of blanket or toys that have come apart. Some people claim that their puppies are more irritable during teething but I have not personally found this to be the case. How do puppies lose their teeth? Once the root is fully reabsorbed, the tooth becomes loose and is easily knocked out when the puppy eats or chews his toys. However, his gums may be a bit irritated or sore. But a word of caution before you rush out to buy some. Puppy teething gels Understandably, some people want to use puppy teething gels. However, we recommend you have a chat with your vet before using puppy teething gels. As opinions vary as to whether or not gels are effective or even harmful. You might also come across a cracked tooth. This may need to be seen to by a vet to avoid the risk of infection. Infection can be quite painful. It simply means he has knocked one of his loose teeth out a bit roughly, before it was quite ready to fall out. Most of the time, your puppy probably swallows his baby teeth along with his dinner, or while playing. You may occasionally find a baby tooth, which you can keep as a memento, but they are tiny and quite hard to spot! What are the best chew toys for teething puppies? Without doubt, the most useful toys you can buy your teething puppy are Kongs. You need to fill the hollow center with mushy food and freeze them. Your puppy can then spend up to half an hour of bliss removing the frozen contents. This soothes his mouth and relieves boredom another common cause of chewing. You can buy lots of other chew toys but I find these to be the best. When will my puppy stop teething? Many puppies will be done with teething by about seven months and almost all puppies will have a full set of adult teeth at eight months old. This is because there are reasons other than teething for the enthusiastic chewing that so many Labradors seem to have. Does teething cause diarrhea or fevers? There are a great many claims for the effects of teething in children, from fevers to rashes and upset tummies. These claims, tend to be associated with that first stage in teething. In other words when the baby goes from no teeth at all, to a set of deciduous teeth. This stage is over in puppies before you bring your own puppy home. Over the next few months, your pup will lose his baby teeth and grow his adult replacements. This is the equivalent of what happens to older school-aged children, not what happens in human babies. If in doubt contact your vet In addition to this, there is little or no evidence to suggest that teething causes anything other than teeth in puppies. It is really important not to delay veterinary attention to small puppies that are not well. A small, sick puppy can become seriously ill very quickly. However, there are problems that puppies can have with their teeth. The first is to do with the structure of the jaw. The second is to do with the position of the teeth as they grow through the jaw. If you are looking for a puppy to raise as a working retriever, or for the show ring, this is something worth checking for. Sometimes teeth that look slightly misaligned will level out when the adult teeth come through, and vice versa. Periodontal Disease is a common and sometimes severe problem in dogs. Just like in human, dental hygiene is important in dogs! Have your puppy checked by your vet if you think he still has some deciduous teeth left in his mouth at six months old. Retained baby teeth can impede the growth of the adult teeth and cause problems for your puppy later on. The power of puppy teeth Despite a lack of molars puppies still have powerful jaws and very sharp teeth. From an early age, puppies are learning to harness that power and not to use it when playing or interacting with other dogs and people. This is a process called bite inhibition. Does teething cause biting in puppies Puppies tend to bite a lot when they are teething. But the teething itself is not the only cause. However, biting and growling is an important part of puppy play, that is often mistaken for aggression. Small puppies often bite too hard because the process of bite inhibition that we talked about earlier is not complete. They have learned how hard to bite their furry litter-mate and mother, but not how hard to bite on human skin. Teaching this is one of your roles. But once his adult teeth come through, it is a different story. His permanent teeth have to last him the rest of his life. For example, he may break a tooth. Therefore, he must be happy to have his mouth examined. This is something you can start when he is really small. Get him used to having his lips lifted up, and his teeth examined now, using food as a reward.