english bulldog puppies for sale in lafayette indiana

Breeders of American Cockapoos and Labradoodles We are the first breeders in South Africa of American Cockapoos What makes our puppies so special and how we justify our prices of puppies? We at GodsOfTheSun put a lot of time and effort into selecting the dogs to breed with. Both the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle have to have clear heath checks. They are tested for the genetic diseases that each breed are prone to. We also only choose the best temperaments to make them the perfect family dogs, taking into special consideration as to their behavior with small children. The dogs coat types are also very important to ensure that they will be hypo-allergenic and have low shedding. Because of this careful selection and the time it takes to find the perfect match, there is a limited amount of litters of American Cockapoos and Labradoodles. We also ensure the best care and nutrition for mommy and babies during and after the pregnancies as well as around the clock care to ensure they have the best upbringing. Do your research and make sure that both dogs are health checked and come from good bloodlines and are not just backyard, puppy mill breeders. If you would like to stay updated on upcoming litters and when waiting lists become open, please join our Facebook group:. Puppies ' Please contact me for cost of puppies. We screen adopters and they need to agree to our puppy policy. About us ' Our dogs are a part of our family they live with us in our home and share our lives in full, our puppies are raised with love and care in our home. Golden doodles are an extraordinary friendly loyal breed created by crossing Golden Retrievers to poodles. Golden doodles are highly valued for its low shedding coat and fun loving personalities that makes it an ideal house mate and family pet. We occasionally have Golden doodle puppies for sale and if your choice for your next best friend is a Golden doodle the best place in South Africa to adopt a puppy is from GoldendoodlesZA where our dogs are fully health tested, ensuring you a healthy companion for life, have super friendly temperaments and are bred out of quality imported bloodlines. GoldendoodlesZA are expecting puppies available for adoption — please contact us for more information. F1 standard puppies Puppies expected August ready to go mid to end October Puppies have arrived!!!

Weight: Less than 28 pounds. Size: inches. Temperament: Sociable, laid-back and attentive. Blue French Bulldog Appearance Despite their small size they stand with a confidence that outshines their height. The breed itself is well-known for their characteristic smushed-in face and bat-like ear, which are always pricked and attentive to their surroundings. While their tails are often short and stumpy, they are not docked. Blue Frenchies are a small and stocky breed with a smooth coat. Size The Blue French Bulldog is inches tall and should not exceed 28 pounds. Thanks to their genetics their coat has that marvelous blue color, often either solid or with some white markings on the chest and belly. Special attention should be given to these areas while grooming as wrinkles can easily trap bacteria. They will shed twice a year. Frenchies are also popular on social media — Manny the Frenchie has over 1 million Instagram followers. They are unable to give birth naturally and often need a C-Section. This breed almost ended up with the rose ear of the English Bulldog, rather than the bat ears this dog is well-known for. They are playful and alert pups who often enjoy basic dog games like fetch. Due to their flat faces they will settle for a walk around the block. Still no matter the game all they want to do is be with you. Blue Frenchies rarely barks and will often quietly get your attention. They are social and adaptable dogs that are able to get used to any situation. These pups especially enjoy the company of people, children and other dogs. Just remember that young children should be taught manners and respect when it comes to handling a dog of any breed. Because of their small size, it can be easy for them to get hurt, so it is important to remind your children to not treat your pup like a teddy bear. If they are not stimulated they can be a tad destructive, so make sure you give them an outlet for their energy — toys and exercise work best. This breed loves is tug-of-war. Due to their clinginess they may be prone to developing separation anxiety. Yes, they can provide lots of fun for the family as well as lots of cuddles on the couch. However as previously mentioned just make sure your younger children are educated on how to properly handle small dogs. Because of their brachycephalic face you should make sure to avoid overexertion while exercising. Grooming them is easy as well — just pay attention to their wrinkles as bacteria and food can get trapped between the folds. The biggest thing to look out for is their health more on this later. All in all this dog is suitable for any household, from family homes to apartments. Just make sure their needs are being met and they will be happy. Exercise Requirements This breed does not need a lot of exercise. A simple walk around the block with some off-leash play in the park is enough. Whilst they are happy with nearly any activity make sure to avoid swimming. Their top-heavy bodies can act as an anchor, making pools and lakes dangerous for this dog. These dogs would rather surf TV channels than waves! Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding When it comes to grooming they are fairly low maintenance. For their bluish gray coat, a quick brush with a rubber glove every other day with a monthly bath are all it needs. Their wrinkles need extra attention. Be sure to clean their faces weekly with dog-safe wipes as food and bacteria can get caught in between their folds. Cleaning those bat ears is a must to prevent infection, as well as maintaining proper dental hygiene. Because they are not the most active breed pay attention to their nails and trim them if they do not wear down on their own. Feeding and Diet As they are an inactive breed keep track of their diet. Overfeeding can lead to them gaining weight due to their low activity levels. This dog should not exceed 28 pounds as extra weight can put stress on their joints. Checking with your vet is a great way to gauge how much food your dog needs as well as what type of food would be best for them. Avoid kibble brands with excess fillers or by-products. An experimental study observed that obese dogs who were on a weight loss program better conserved lean body mass while on a high-protein diet. Due to their flat faces they can have respiratory issues. You can hear this through their snorting and labored breathing in hot weather or after exercise. In addition Blue French Bulldogs are susceptible to spine malformations and can be born with hemivertebrae or abnormally shaped spine bones. As well as some skin issues, there is the risk of color dilution alopecia. This can result in self-destruction of the follicle and permanent hair loss. No breed is entirely free of health problems but Blue French Bulldogs need extra research when it comes to finding a reputable breeder. Be sure to invest in good health insurance in case any of these issues arise later in life. If you plan ahead, you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on. We have a litter due second week of April that will likely have blues! Levi is blue and momma is fawn but carries blue and chocolate. See Blue Puppies! For those of you Frenchie lovers who are interested in the genetics behind the blue color, here it is. This of you who are just here for the cute Frenchie pics, scroll down. The blue gene is actually a gene that dilutes the color of genes on the K and A-locus. The K locus determines if there is bridling or not. The A locus determines if the Frenchie is solid black, tri-color, fawn, or sable. If the puppy is solid black determined by A-locus and inherits two copies of the dilute gene of the D-locus, the black coloring is diluted to the blue color. French Bulldog Blue Male: Adam If the frenchie is fawn determined by A-locus and inherits two dilute genes on the D-Locus then, he will be blue fawn which is more of a champagne color. If they inherit one or two copies of the brindle gene they will express brindling in their coat making the beautiful blue brindle French Bulldog. They can express a light amount of brindle like or be like Remy here who is a reverse brindle and expresses lots of brindling in his coat. Piebald is a recessive gene. This means in order to be pied they have to carry two copies of the gene on the S-locus. This creates beautiful patterns of splashes of color varying from large quantities of patches or maybe just a tiny dot on their tail or elsewhere. Those who only have a tiny dot appear to be white and are considered to be extreme pieball. Romeo is a blue brindle pieball. Yes, I let him right in to warm his ears by the fireplace. In order for this color to be expressed. We are looking at the K-locus, A-locus, and the D-locus. K will determine if there is brindling expressed in the tan points or not. Just one copy of the brindle gene will allow for brindling to occur. But remember to be blue they must also inherit two copies of the dilute gene one D-locus. Me What is a Blue French Bulldog? A blue French bulldog is a variation of the French bulldog breed, known for its distinctive blue-gray coat color. French bulldogs are a popular breed of domestic dogs, known for their small size, muscular build, and wrinkled faces. The blue coat color is a result of a genetic mutation that results in a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, giving it a blue-gray appearance. What makes them blue? The blue coat color in blue French bulldogs is the result of a genetic mutation that dilutes the black pigment in their fur. This mutation affects the melanin pigment in the hair follicles, resulting in a blue-gray appearance. The mutation is caused by a recessive gene, which means that a blue French bulldog must inherit two copies of the gene one from each parent in order to express the blue coat color. Are Blue Frenchies really blue? Blue French bulldogs are not actually blue in color. The blue coat color is a misnomer, and these dogs are actually gray-blue or silver in appearance. The blue color is the result of a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, which gives it a bluish hue. Silver Blue: This is a lighter shade of blue that is similar to silver color. Dark Blue: This is a deeper, almost black, shade of blue. Blue Brindle: This is a blue coat with a brindle pattern, which is characterized by streaks of dark fur interspersed with lighter fur. Blue Fawn: This is a blue coat with a fawn-colored undercoat, giving the dog a blue-gray appearance with a lighter underbelly. French bulldogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are typically good with children and other pets and make great companions for families and individuals alike. They are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise needs, making them a good choice for apartment living or for people with limited time for dog walking. Grooming Grooming your blue French bulldog is important for maintaining its health and appearance. Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Use a slicker brush or a rubber brush to remove tangles and mats. Bathe your blue Frenchie as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be careful to avoid getting soap in their eyes or ears, and rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean the inside of their ears. Brush his teeth regularly to maintain their oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Blue Frenchies get on well with children Blue French bulldogs generally get along well with children. French bulldogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful, and they tend to be good with children. They have a gentle and patient temperament, making them a great choice for families with kids. Size Blue French bulldogs are a small breed of dog and typically weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, with males being larger than females. They stand 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. However, French bulldogs are generally a compact and muscular breed with a short, stocky build, and are well-proportioned for their size Lifespan The lifespan of a blue French bulldog is typically 10 to 12 years. Like all dogs, the lifespan of a blue French bulldog can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health. A French bulldog can appear blue due to a genetic dilution of the black pigment in their coat, causing a blue-grey hue to appear. Are Blue Frenchies rare? Yes, Blue Frenchies are considered a rare coat color and therefore may be more expensive and difficult to find. What is the temperament of a blue French Bulldog? The temperament of a blue French Bulldog can vary, but generally, they are friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs. They are known to be loyal companions and are good with children. Why should I choose Tomkings Kennel? We at TomKings Kennel are committed to the health, well-being, and responsible breeding of French Bulldogs. We put the needs of our animals first, and strive to produce healthy and well-adjusted pets that are well-suited to their new homes. We test our breeding dogs for genetic health issues and work to prevent the spread of inherited diseases. We also provide proper veterinary care for our dogs, including regular check-ups and vaccinations. We carefully plan our breeding programs to produce healthy, well-adjusted offspring. We also limit the number of litters our females produce to ensure that each animal receives the proper care and attention. We provide our dogs with clean, safe, and comfortable living conditions. We also provide our pups with regular exercise and socialization opportunities. We are transparent and open in our communication with potential Frenchie owners. We are happy to answer all your questions and provide information about our breeding practices and the care we provide to our puppies. We have a deep love and commitment to the French Bulldog breed and we work to promote and protect the health and well-being of the breed as a whole.

Dre by VonIsengard on 21 June - Ok, take a deep breath. Cow hocks are not related to HD, first of all. Second, it is not uncommon for young puppies, particularly those with significant rear angulation, to have cowhocks at a young age. Of course, it is by no means desirable, but your puppy is at a VERY awkward stage in his development! You are already doing the right thing walking him in sand and swimming him, and as long as you have him on a very high quality diet there is no need to worry over supplements. He may grow out of it in whole or partially, only time will tell. Can you post a picture? OFA prelims are very reliable if it comes back good than I wouldn't worry anymore, hip dysplasia is strictly genetic so no supplemnt os going to prevent it. My daughter has a showline with cowhocks, actually to look at her in the front and the back, you would think she is a mess, she has the the best hips and elbows of any Gsd I have ever seen even the vet said the best she had ever seen. She has a front leg that looks like she twists it when she runs, yet her prelims looked like text book prefection. There is no relationship whatsoever so just ignore those comments, if you want go ahead and do a prelim, but not because he is cow-hocked. What others have posted is correct, this is very common in puppies and almost certainly will improve with age and excersise I have not seen your videos, my dial-up connection is too slow, better post a picture here? I believe climbing hills and running on uneven ground is supposed to help, don't overdo it obviously. Good luck! This means that hip dysplasia is strictly an inherited disease but environmental factors can modify the expression of the disease. There has not been scientifically documented a single environmental factor that causes or prevents hip dysplasia. Thank you for your inquiry. Keller, D. I would appreciate it if somebody can shed some light on this subject. We have been getting conflicting information and are having problems sorting this all out. We got Hans in the beginning of December when he was two months old. When we picked him up we did not notice that he had cow hock. As he got bigger we started noticing that his rear legs had cow hock. We mentioned this problem to our vet and he recommended that we should take x-rays of his hips to determine the extent of his problem. He said that he had grown too fast going from 21 lbs to 46 lbs in six weeks. He told us that it would be best to cut back on his food so that he did not grow too fast. When we got home, we called the breeder who imported Hans. She said that it is normal for german shepherd puppies to have cow hock when they are young. She said that they out grow that by the time they are a year old. She said that we should wait a while to have Hans xray'd because it was not a good idea to knock him at such a young age. She said for us to bring him back to her to have her take a look at him. Based on all this info we decided to wait and see what would happen with time. Today was Hans first obedience training class. When the trainer saw Hans, he commented that this was one of the worst cow hock he has seen. He also said that his back appeared to look very weak. He said to make sure to have this problem looked at and do what is best for Hans. Has anybody had experience with a dog with cow hock? What is the best course to take for this problem? We have all become attached to him and want to do what is best for him. Thanks in advanced for any information about this problem.

Source Once upon a time, a wee little pup diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome was viewed as a lost cause. There are now many innovative techniques and home therapies that can help an affected puppy overcome this unusual syndrome. The first step to treatment is beginning as soon as possible. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the more promising the outcome for your pup to live a healthy adult life. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to rehabilitating your swimmer pup. Home-care treatment is recommended, which involves three methods: 1. The idea is never to lay her on a flat surface. Keep your puppy on a non-slippery surface, so she can practice standing without falling about. Laying down carpet is one solution. As well, you can confine your swimmer pup to an area where towels have been bunched up to prevent sliding. Use cotton pads for the puppy to relieve herself on and change them frequently to keep the area clean. Swimmer puppies tend to develop painful lesions on their bodies from laying in their urine and feces. Wipe her down regularly and apply baby powder to dry up any existing rashes. Too much weight gain will put unnecessary pressure on the joints. Do not allow her to nurse excessively. Ask your vet about introducing helpful supplements, such as Vitamin E or Selenium. I stress talking to your vet about this first because Selenium can be toxic if overdosed. Physiotherapy Physical movement has been shown to be a huge factor in healing Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. If not done, there is a slim chance that a swimmer pup will survive past eight weeks old. There are many successful methods to try out- devise a plan with your vet for what works best for your pup- and then stick to it every day. Massage therapy: Beginning each treatment with a full body massage will help relieve tension in the muscles and coaxes proper body alignment. Supervision: Discourage positioning that promotes flatness. When the pup is sleeping, move her onto her side, so she is not splayed out. This also makes breathing easier for her. Strap a swimmer puppy syndrome harness on your pup to keep her chest well-suspended from the flat ground. Swim sessions: Hit the pool three times a day. Swimming will help strengthen muscles without added pressure on the joints. Stimulate: Those paw pads need stimulation! As mentioned, sling suspension helps the pup to get her paws on the ground, but you can also use a toothbrush to tickle those nerves and increase tactile sensation. Sock method: This is similar to putting a life vest or harness on the pup. The idea is to keep the chest from being on a flat surface. Take a sock and cut holes where the legs can come through, then let your pup wear it like a sweater. Stuff the chest area with foam to keep it elevated. Tape the legs in the correct position to encourage proper growth and put a cone on her neck if she tends to chew at the tape. This should be done from 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Remember, the earlier you notice symptoms, take her in for a diagnosis. Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can improve with therapy, a proper diet, a safe environment, and an owner that has a lot of love to give. Aside from that, make sure she gets the exercise and hands-on massage she needs to help her breathe, swallow, and grow properly. It may take hours, days, and weeks, but the payoff will be worth it when you see your pup stand and take her first steps after all of that dedication and hard work. Share your stories about Swimmer Puppy Syndrome and help fellow dog owners! Just type it all on the comment box below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. They are maturing normally but their body functions are not. Going to the vet but I just was kind of wanting to get all the information I could first. Thank you. Swimmers syndrome is an uncommon development in dogs or cats, also known as flat-pup syndrome or swimming-puppy syndrome. This syndrome leads to a deformation in their limbs, beginning with the hind limbs. This type of deformational development makes the legs twisted and results in the inability to stand or walk. Although smaller and dwarf breeds are more prone to the syndrome, larger breeds may also suffer from it. Breeds that are more likely to produce puppies with swimmer puppy syndrome include English and French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds. In newborn pups with swimmer puppy syndrome , milk is often regurgitated. Swimmer puppies often experience difficulty with the entire digestion process; many have difficulty eliminating and develop constipation as a result. Without treatment, a swimmer puppy is also at risk of developing painful joint deformities caused by holding their legs at abnormal angles for long periods of time. It will only lie on its stomach, not on its side. Its legs, both front and back, will be splayed out. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be able to stand or walk, and may struggle to move. When it does move, it may look like it is trying to paddle or swim. The puppy will be putting a lot of pressure on its sternum, which will contribute to the flattening of the chest and ribs. This causes swimmer syndrome puppies to have difficulty breathing and low energy levels. They will also be weak and may have problems with circulation. The puppy may also have difficulty eating. Because of the pressure on its chest, it may also struggle with keeping food down. Additionally, swimmer puppies may have sores or lesions on their bodies from lying in urine or feces. Swimmer puppies are often lethargic. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be developing the ability to stand and walk like its littermates. Small and dwarf dog breeds are more prone to swimmer puppy syndrome that large breeds. Some veterinary experts believe that the issue is hereditary, while others point toward environments that prevent puppies from moving enough to develop their muscles properly. Others believe that swimmer puppies are born with congenital defects that occur prior to birth. Many veterinarians are willing to intervene and give the puppy a chance at having a happy, healthy life as there are quite a few treatments for swimmer puppy syndrome. Use a harness or sling to suspend the puppy for up to 20 minutes at a time, up to four times per day. This treatment is intended to strengthen muscles while taking pressure off the chest and abdomen. Every case is different; however, this is normally done gradually, for just 15 to 20 minutes per day, and only 3 to 4 times per day at first. Avoid slippery surfaces that prevent the pup from gaining traction. You can also create a soft vest for the pup to wear by cutting leg holes in an old sock and stuffing the sock with fluffy material to keep the chest elevated. Encourage the puppy to sleep on its side rather than resting on its abdomen. When you are with the puppy, help it change positions while nursing and sleeping. This gentle stimulation can help with nerve development and encourage the puppy to move its legs more, as well as to exert more force with each movement. Massage the puppy frequently, particularly after feeding. All-over massage can help stimulate muscles and nerves while aiding the digestion process. You can also encourage these movements while the puppy is suspended in a sling. Ensure that the puppy is being fed adequately, but not over-fed. Excess weight makes recovery more difficult. Keep the puppy clean. This can lead to painful lesions and cause complications with treatment. Apply a moisture barrier cream or unscented baby powder to help prevent irritation, if your vet approves. To begin with, taping should only be worn for 15 minutes at a time, times a day. While taped, you should use a sling or harness to support your puppy. Encouraging your puppy to sleep on their side as much as possible will relieve pressure on the chest. Even if they are not sleeping, repositioning is a good way to reduce complications from constant pressure on the chest. Maintaining a Healthy Weight It may sound simple, but helping your Swimmers dog to maintain a healthy weight is more beneficial than you might realize. The more extra weight your pup has to hold up, the slower their progress with therapy will be. Massaging your puppy after a feed can also help the digestive process along and help to resolve problems like constipation and gas. Failing to clean up after your Swimmers pup immediately after their accident can cause infection as well as urine burns and painful sores. Environment Scientists that studied this condition strongly suggest that appropriate flooring is extremely important, particularly non-slippery floors that prevent slippage and further injuries in puppies. Applying baby powder and wiping the dog can also help to prevent fecal scalding. Water Therapy Water therapy is recommended for Swimmer dogs that have developed a swimming reflex this happens around 6 weeks old. Keeping the pup secured, submerge them in water up to their chin. Be sure to keep hold of the puppy but let them paddle. This helps to build up muscle in the legs and can be done for short periods, two to three times a day. What is the management? Slippery floors may worsen, or in some cases, may even cause swimmer puppies. Egg crate bed liners work well. Bunch up towels and blankets and keep pup confined to a small area. Puppies should not become overweight, as this may further the weakness in the rear limbs. Most swimmers have a flattened chest from laying flat. Taping the legs in the correct position should be done asap. You will see almost immediate progress. If the pup is a chewer you will have to put a cone on while legs are taped. Swim sessions three times a day will help with building muscle. Note — the swim reflex may not develop until pups are 6 weeks or older. Submerge pup to his chin this kicks in the survival instinct to kick. Since there may be a hereditary component to this condition, dogs who were swimmer puppies would not be optimal breeding animals. Please follow and like us: Tags.

Since , the volunteers of SGRR have rescued Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and Golden-hearted dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or relinquished by their owners. We are dedicated to finding the best possible homes for these dogs in need. September is National Preparedness Month! The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is here which is why it's important to take some time to reflect on disaster preparedness. As unlikely as it may seem, a disaster can strike at any moment. Whether it's a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard, it's critical to be prepared and have a plan in place. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unintentionally left out of their owners' disaster preparedness plans which makes it difficult to know what to do with them during an emergency. Luckily, you can plan ahead for your pets using these tips: Listen to your veterinarian Make sure your pet wears a collar with up to date information on it, get them microchipped, and have them vaccinated. These recommendations will come in handy during a disaster and help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as being unable to get into a shelter with an unvaccinated pet or losing them during an evacuation. If possible, take your pet's medical records with you and attach their rabies tag to their collar. Find out which shelters allow pets Do some research into where you can safely evacuate with your pet during a state of emergency before a disaster occurs. Your local police department can typically give you this information. If not, they'll likely be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Though unfortunate, it is not true that hotels must accept pets during evacuations, so please keep that in mind while planning ahead. Prepare a pet disaster kit In a suitcase or other easily movable storage container, pack food and water bowls, a manual can opener, two weeks' worth of canned food and bottled water per pet, plastic poop bags for dogs , litter and a small litter box for cats , and two weeks' worth of any medications your pet may need. You should also pack cleaning items, sturdy leashes and harnesses, toys, and a copy of your pet's medical records. For small animals and cats, have a carrier ready. Use this checklist to prepare. Create handouts Create an identification handout and a boarding instruction handout. Have both ready to go at a moment's notice. They should contain important information, such as your pet's name, age, sex, markings, microchip number, allergies, and vaccination status. If you get separated from your pet, make sure you're safe before you begin your search. If you're in a shelter that houses pets, inform a caretaker and provide them with the identification handout. Once you've been given the OK to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control and call the microchip company to make sure all information about you and your pet is current. Stay safe out there! Some dogs become comfort or therapy dogs, while others are champion security systems. Dudley's adopters, however, found he is quit the poet!! Kind of melts your heart, doesn't it? We hope you will be too! Looking for a good gift for yourself or someone else and make an impact at the same time? Go over and see our friends at Golden Retriever Coffee Company! Not only do they have amazing products, but they're big supporters of SGRR! Also, shipping is always free in the U. This all-natural craft bakery offers delicious treats for your furbabies such as pumpkin hearts, peanut and blueberry chews, turkey and sweet potato duckies and more pup-alicious flavors. Everything in the dog bakery is made with natural, healthful, nutritious ingredients, blueberries, duck, cheese, turkey, rolled oats, whole dried eggs, and more. Sunshine also will share a percentage of the bakery profits with other golden rescue organizations. Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets. We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. New to SGRR? Want to Learn More About Us? We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously. The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups. Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful. We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us! You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! To make a very long story short, she went on to become the saving grace of my life and a certified therapy dog who was with me for 13 years. After she crossed over that rainbow bridge, I did a lot of research with adoption agencies and came across SGRR. After filling out the application and being interviewed I was offered a dog by the name of Daisy, a beautiful red Golden Retriever. I thought I would never feel about another dog the way I felt about my Julie but it was not long before I fell in love with that sweet, sweet girl who was also with me for 13 years. Everyone loved Daisy, she would go up to people and do that lean into thing, a Golden thing, and they would just laugh and pet her. That is when I realized what an amazing organization, so full of caring and wonderful people who often go above and beyond for these wonderful animals. When my Daisy girl crossed over after a few months went by I thought it time to bring another friend home. Golden Retrievers had become hard to find so I decided to take a mixed breed home which was a big deal for me being the Golden Retriever lover that I am. I never had a male or a mixed breed before so I did not know what to expect. Finnie settled right in and is a wonderful companion and friend to furry sibling Gracie. Finnie took some training but I knew in time he would be a great dog and he is a great dog. He is very different than the other dogs in my life but he is so much fun to have with us. He loves people and gets very excited with everyone and will jump up in the air like an acrobat we are working on that , but a great dog. I would encourage everyone to think about a mixed breed. With time, love and patience you get a great dog and companion. We are excited and proud to share it with all of you. Click the button below and enjoy! The soft light and subtle fragrance will be a sweet reminder of the love you have shared. Please check out their website to learn more about J. Lilienne Custom Candles Pet Collection. SGRR is designated as a c 3 organization which means your donations are tax-deductible. You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute. Single Payment Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee. Recurring Donation Sponsor a Dog If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog. We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. We thank you in advance for your generous support! Our Breeding Practices Behaviour and socialisation We are proud to raise our puppies in our loving home using the puppy culture method. As a breeder, we have the power to change the outcome of a puppy's life by what we choose to teach them during this critical period in their life. The training ensures we… Read more Health We feed mother and pups a quality diet of Royal Canin and add probiotic to ensure our puppies have a healthy gut. Dogs with… Read more View all breed additional tests Moanakuri Golden Retrievers conducts 4 additional tests available for the Golden Retriever. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Ichthyosis Genetic Test This is a serious genetic skin disease that causes flaky dry skin and footpad problems. It can occur in many breeds but is fairly common in Golden Retrievers. There is a DNA test to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease and could pass it on to their puppies. As it is a genetic disease, breeding parents can be tested to ensure it is not passed onto their puppies. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. I live and breath dogs! I am passionate about training each puppy to give them the skills to thrive in their new environment. Why we got involved in breeding My passion started at an early age as my mother has been breeding Labs and Goldens for over 20 years. She has taught me everything there is to know about raising puppies and well rounded adult dogs. We purchased our first Golden Retriever Sasha in and have not looked back. She is the light of our life. She has… Read more Our special touch As a breeder I take my job very seriously and understand that what I do during the first 8 weeks can impact them for the rest of their lives. We use the puppy culture method which It is a comprehensive, organised program for breeders to follow during the first weeks of a puppy's life. Using techniques to build… Read more.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. May 9, Aug 12, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You want to show off your new labrador retriever puppy. Is it safe to walk your puppy outside? How far can you walk a puppy? Or is it time for a puppy stroller? Puppies usually receive a series of vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old. Some say wait another two weeks until the vaccinations are fully effective before taking him to places where other unknown dogs may have been. As far as getting our puppies out and about we follow the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The Primary and Most Important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. They grow more quickly than their smaller counterparts but mature more slowly. Exercising a larger breed puppy too much can lead to orthopedic problems and arthritis. Also, brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles like pugs and shih tzus have a lower tolerance for exercise because they can overheat more easily and have more difficulty breathing. And some breeds, like working, herding, and sporting dogs have a higher exercise need even as a puppy. So your border collie, golden retriever , labrador retriever etc. A rule of thumb is a puppy can walk five minutes for every month of age starting at eight weeks. So a two-month-old puppy can walk about 10 minutes. And a three-month-old can walk for 15 minutes; and a four-month-old for 20 minutes. And so forth. Of course these are general guidelines. Important Considerations When Walking Your Puppy In addition to how far your puppy should walk, there are many things to take into account regarding his excursions. Over weeks, build his endurance. He may have to potty or be thirsty. Avoid the hottest or coldest parts of the day Young puppies can be susceptible to temperature extremes. They may overheat and suffer from heat exhaustion, which can be deadly. In cold weather, puppies may require a coat or sweater to help keep them warm. Breeds with short muzzles such as shihs tzus or Lhasa apsos are especially susceptible to extremes of weather. And salt to melt snow can be dangerous to our dogs too. Places that are slippery can be dangerous for you and your dog to explore. Also, areas with sharp surfaces are hazardous. This can especially occur with blacktop. Also try not to walk him on surfaces that have any chemicals, such as salt to melt snow or weed control, as some are toxic to dogs. Get him used to grass, pavement, and dirt trails. Note From Colby: This is uber important for service dog puppies in training. If a service dog cannot walk across sand, grass, pavement, metal grates, etc without any kind of reaction, then the dog is not suitable as a working service dog. A walk or two a day as well as other play should be enough. Remember not to go so far on other walks, as you have to take into account the portion of the walk returning home. If at any point your puppy seems to be lame, limping or otherwise showing discomfort, end the walk. If your puppy shows any lameness, a vet visit is in order. Give your puppy a few exercise sessions a day You can break up his walk and give him two or three short walks a day. A little fetching his favorite toys can help meet his needs. Some free running in the house or safely enclosed yard can be fun for him. Stuffed Kongs and puzzle toys can help exercise his mind. Remember: He needs physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Remember to bring the essentials Poop bags and water are important on your walks. You can bring a collapsible bowl or a water bottle with a built-in bowl so your puppy can drink. Be visible! There are reflective and lighted vests , leashes , collars , and harnesses you can purchase. Why Walk Your Puppy on a Leash? He can get exercise other ways such as playing fetch or playing with another friendly pup. But to be able to properly socialize your puppy, he needs to be taken to places on a leash. And socialization involves not only having him meet friendly people and dogs but also exposing him in a positive manner to new sights, sounds, experiences, and footings. There are many benefits to walking your dog, in addition to socialization, including: Physical and mental exercise Your new puppy wants to explore the world with you. In order to grow up to be a healthy adult, your pup requires both. New sights and sounds will stimulate him and help him grow into a well-rounded adult. Weight control Regular short walks will help keep your puppy fit and at the correct weight for his age and breed or mix. Bonding time Regular walks also provide a time for you and your puppy to bond. You puppy will learn that fun, enjoyable things happen when you both interact. And the walks will help provide a basis for a life-long bond with your pup. Reduces unwanted behaviors Exercise helps lessen destructive behaviors. A well-exercised puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, jumping, digging, and other undesirable behaviors. Have him perform a sit. Work with attention. Practicing training exercises he already knows while on his walk will help him learn to do them in everyday life, with distractions. Lessens anxiety and stress The socialization and real-life experiences help a dog cope better with everyday life. There can be too much of a good thing. Even though we want our pups to get a sufficient amount of exercise, we can overdo it. Following the above guidelines should lead to a safe amount of exercise. Too much walking and exercise can also lead to arthritis developing early in life. Too much exercise can lead to severe exhaustion and limping A puppy can get over-tired and even over-heat. Just like when we overdo it, he may have sore muscles and may limp. A vet visit is in order if you see him limp. Over-exercising even can lead your puppy to being more vulnerable to injuries. Too much exercise can cause injuries to heal incorrectly If you exercise a puppy with injuries, he may not heal correctly. Final Thoughts Walking your puppy has many health and socialization benefits. But a walk with your new puppy can be a bonding experience. As a plus, you can show him off to your friends. What about you guys? How much do your walk your puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Related Articles:.

We use our own Snowy River Training Program to help our puppies develop into confident and well-behaved companions. We offer a wide range of Labradoodle colors and sizes to choose from, including mini and medium. We are committed to providing the best possible homes for our Labradoodles and will work with you to ensure a smooth adoption process. Bashful Life is better with a Labradoodle by your side! Come and meet Bashful! He is a sweet loving, cuddly boy. Already crate trained and loves to go for walks. Also, loves the water! Come and meet Doc. He loves adventure and would love a home with an active family. Already Crate Trained! Frequently Asked Questions Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. With decades of experience, we have been breeding the finest Labradoodles and providing families with loving, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. What is the breeding process at Snowy River Doodles? Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies with excellent temperaments, sound health, and beautiful coats. We carefully select our breeding dogs from top-quality lines, ensuring the highest standards in health and temperament. Our puppy has begun potty training and crate training. What does that mean? We use a litter box placed in their pen starting at three weeks of age and gradually make the pen larger as they begin to recognize the potty area. This trains the puppies to potty in one area. When you go home, that area will be outside. At six weeks, they begin spending time outside. At this time, they also start eating at least one meal a day in a crate by themselves and they spend some time in a crate for a few hours during the day. We put an old towel and chew toy in the crate with them. Do you ship? No, we no longer ship puppies. We feel that there are enough labradoodle breeders across the country to find one locally and there is no need to put a puppy through this stressful process. I am willing to meet owners at the Philadelphia or Harrisburg Airport if you wish to fly in and take your puppy back home with you under your seat. Please inquire if you are interested in this. There are additional fees and requirements. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive early socialization and basic training. We introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted and prepared for life with their new families. Can I visit Snowy River Doodles to meet the puppies and their parents? At Snowy River, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Only families with deposits will be able to visit once puppies are 6 weeks old. And meet the parents at that time. His parents are Tally and Huey. Tina was very responsive throughout the adoption process and you can tell she really cares about her dogs and where the puppies go. Eli has a huge personality and is such a sweetheart. Training was pretty easy as he is super smart. He adapted well when we added our daughter in and is very patient with her. We love our Eli so much and he has added so much to our little family. Thank you Tina for the best companion and snuggle buddy. He is smart, funny and still, at 6 years old, very mischievous! He is the second doodle I got from Snowy River Labradoodles. Sadly his brother, Baxter has crossed the rainbow bridge. They have the most wonderful temperament and are just so much fun. Tina does a wonderful job working with the puppies and is such a pleasure to deal with. There has never been and never will be another dog like her! She smiles at us, she stands up and hugs us when we get home, she brings pure happiness to everyone she meets! She is a little more timid when going out in public so pet therapy is not in her future career. She is still the sweetest! She comes around and gives everyone in our family love, not missing anyone. When you arrive home, she always goes and grabs her babies to show you. She knows so many tricks and was so easy to teach! Our year-old daughter taught her sit, roll over, shake, jump through a hula hoop, tell a secret, weave between your legs, high five and even how to push a button to ask for a treat. She likes to put on dog shows for our company! We really did our research before purchasing our first doodle and man did we choose right when we came to you! We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts! His breeding program focuses on improving the health and well-being of the breed by selecting breedable parents with the best traits to produce healthy, multi-generational Labradoodle puppies. He also begins crate training each puppy at five weeks. In addition to getting microchipped, socialized, vaccinated, and dewormed, each puppy goes home with ALAA registration and a two-year health guarantee. Limited Litter Availability Ethical breeders usually limit the number of litters their breedable Labradoodle mothers produce each year to ensure that each puppy gets equal attention as their littermates. This protocol lets the mothers get months of rest before producing their next litter or retiring. Limited litter production also applies to breeders who specialize in breeding other designers Doodles. Health Prioritization Reputable breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in PA should get their dogs tested for several hereditary health issues to avoid producing litters with potentially unhealthy puppies. Although Labradoodles are a generally hardy dog breed, they can become susceptible to eye, hip, elbow, knee, and cardiac diseases. Experience with the Breed The best Labradoodle breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience working with the breed they can relay to first-time owners with countless questions. The time it takes to bring your puppy home after filling out an application can vary depending on where you look. I was very lucky in that my breeder had a litter of puppies available at the time I was looking for one. In fact, I spotted an advert for puppies on Facebook, and I was able to go and view them right away. At the time, the pups were only four weeks old, so I did have to wait for four weeks until they were old enough to leave their mother and had received their first vaccinations. That time gave me a chance to buy everything I needed for the new arrival and to puppy-proof as best I could my home and garden. Your life will suddenly get a whole lot busier once your furbaby lands! We made a list of ethical breeders from nearby states, which you can try:.

A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Allergy sufferers, beware. Your Labradoodle may be more than you bargained for come shedding season. Labradoodles are often miscategorized as hypoallergenic dogs because they are a cross between Labrador retrievers and poodles. Labradoodle coat texture depends on the traits they inherit from their parents. There are three types , only two of which are considered hypoallergenic. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Straight A straight coat is hair-like and shaggy, more like a labrador than a poodle. That means they also tend to shed nearly as much as a lab, making this a non-hypoallergenic variation. Wavy Wavy coats are more towards the middle of the Labradoodle shed spectrum, with curls that range from soft waves to loose coils. Curly The tight ringlets of a curly Labradoodle are most similar to a poodle coat, so they are the lowest shedding variety. Before bringing out your favorite black sweaters and throw pillows, be aware that a curly Labradoodle coat texture requires weekly grooming. Why is my Labradoodle Shedding? The most apparent reason why your Labradoodle sheds is because of its coat type. How Much Does a Labradoodle Shed? The amount of shedding you can expect also depends on the type of coat and your grooming habits. Straight-coated dogs will shed much more hair than their wavy- or curly-coated cousins, so you can expect to deal with daily dander cleanup. Labradoodles with a curly coat will shed less but require frequent grooming to care for hair trapped in the coils. The allergy-prone should let a pro handle the brushing to avoid activating your itchy eyes and runny nose. Can Labradoodles smile? Which Generations of Labradoodles Shed the Most? Breeders have worked hard to remove the straight coat trait from the Labradoodle gene pool. One of the critical indicators of whether or not a puppy will grow up with scruff similar to labs is their generation. The F1 generation is most likely to end up with a straight coat. From there, Labradoodles cross with other Labradoodles or purebred poodles and labs. Labradoodles crossed with other Labradoodles continue with the F2, F3, and so on generations. That means that breeders who backbreed a Labradoodle with a poodle can increase the chances of a puppy having a curly, hypoallergenic coat. How often does a Labradoodle shed? Owners can expect to see the same amount of fur lying around throughout the year, so if you notice more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Why is my Labradoodle Shedding so Much? Owners who notice their pal shedding more than usual should investigate the root of the issue. Stress is one common culprit behind your Labradoodles excessive shedding. Like humans, anxiety and discomfort can cause hair loss. Fleas can also cause your Labradoodle to lose their coat. Keeping up with regular treatments will prevent your beloved companion from battling bugs. Start by talking with your veterinarian, who can conduct simple tests to detect allergens in their food or environment. If you wait until their adult coat comes in, it can be a very stressful experience for your dog. Start simply with a few minutes of daily brushing and biweekly nail trims. Make it an enjoyable experience by praising them while you work. When your Labradoodle is around a year old, their adult coats will be well-developed and ready for weekly brushing. You should also take your four-legged friend for trims every few months, especially if they have a curly coat. The tight texture can become unmanageable if you let the hair get too long. Bathing It comes as no surprise that your pal with paws needs a bath after a day spent joyfully and enthusiastically splashing through puddles. Start with a thorough rinse, saturating the hair and removing all apparent signs of grime. Then, grab a high-quality cleanser and start scrubbing. While your fingers are deep in their coat, take the opportunity to feel around for any suspicious lumps. Rinse, then rinse again. Keep rinsing until the water coming off of your pup is completely clear and free of suds. Otherwise, get out a few cotton towels and start fluffing! Last is detangling. Part their fresh, clean coats and get all of the extra hair that would end up on your furniture otherwise. Give yourself plenty of time to get the job done. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. The pins of a slicker brush are close together, allowing them to get in between the curls and detangle them from each other. Trimming Every months, take your Labradoodle for a haircut. Trimming can take care of both shedding and hair matting, particularly for dogs with tight curls. Are you Prepared to Handle Labradoodle Shedding? No dog is indeed completely shedless, but curly-haired Labradoodles come pretty close. As long as you maintain regular grooming appropriate to their hair type, you can enjoy your darling doggy without too much concern for your allergies or whether you need to change your shirt. 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. Apart from the unique colors, there are also different types of Labradoodle coats that you can opt for. Learning about these different coat types will not only help you reach a decision as to what type of coat you would like your Labradoodle to have but also help you learn how to care for it and what to expect as your pup grows. So, pet owners should expect a pleasant surprise as their dog ages. Types Of Labradoodle Coat Labradoodles sure know how to stand out from the rest, thanks to their eye-catching coats! In fact, this breed of dog is popular among dog lovers especially for their coats as they are one of the very few breeds whose fur does not give out any odor. There are three main types of coats that Labradoodles can have. While all three are uniquely special in their own way, the shedding for each type of coat also varies and each coat thus has its own grooming needs. Hair Coated Labradoodles Straight Coat Labradoodle Of the three types of coats, the straight or hair coated Labradoodle is the least popular owing to the fact that it sheds the most out of the three types and is thus not completely allergy-friendly. It also carries a slight odor. Some Labradoodles will look more like Labradors that Poodles. Straight and wavy hair often look more like Labradoodles. Its straight hair is inherited from the Labrador parent and is significantly different in appearance from the fleece and wool coated Labradoodles. Labradoodles are not born with their teddy bear-like appearance. In fact, their coat begins to grow only after the pup reaches 12 weeks of age. The straight hair coat is commonly visible in the first generation Labradoodle litter that is bred by the pairing of a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. The muzzle area is usually hair coated and will determine their coat type. The hair coated type of breed is scruffy, coarse, and wiry to touch. And the good news is this type of coat is very easy to maintain. The straight coat also means that it can vary in length and thickness, so you may have to take your dog to the grooming salon more often than you may imagine. It is also possible to control the shedding by ensuring that your dog is regularly clipped and groomed. However, if you or anyone in your family has dog allergies, hair coated Labradoodles are a complete no-no. Although for someone with a general allergy, they may be able to tolerate it. Wool Coated Labradoodles Curly Coat Labradoodle The second most favored type of coat of this breed, the wool coated Labradoodle has dense and thick fur. This coat of a Labradoodle is so soft, you might just find yourself touching their soft wool all the time. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. When it comes to shedding, you have nothing to worry about with this type of coat. This is a non-shedding coat so people with allergies can rest easy with these doodles. However, a visit to the grooming salon cannot be completely avoided. It is important that you take your pet Labradoodle once every six weeks for regular clipping and grooming in order to maintain their healthy coat. It is simply because this one is the easiest to maintain compared to the wool coated and the hair coated ones. My Labradoodle max has a apricot wavy coat. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. Of the three types of coats of Labradoodles, the fleece coat is hypoallergenic in nature, which means this breed is relatively unlikely to cause any allergic reaction. The fleece-coated Labradoodle comes in three varieties — straight, loose curls, and very curly. The fleece coat Labradoodles has a soft feel to it and is overall wavy. And if they do shed, it is minimal. The minimal shedding also means that you can brush their coats once every week. This kind of coat also requires maintenance, so make sure you take your Labradoodle for clipping and grooming several times a year depending on its growth. It will give you a better idea about the type of coat your pup might grow into. For example, if the muzzle fur on your pup shows signs of crimps or waves, it will most likely develop a shaggy or woolly coat. However, in the case of the fleece haired coat, you will be able to determine the coat by the time your doodle pup is around five weeks old. If it appears to be curling, then you can be almost certain that your pup will have a fleece haired coat. Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos have beautiful coat colors Genetics We can make our guesses and wish and hope, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to genetics. As the curly coat is a recessive trait, the eventual coat of your Labradoodle will depend on which one of the following genotypes your dog has: 1. It also essentially guarantees that your dog will pass down the CuC to its offspring. The Cu locus test is a DNA test that will tell you whether your pup will develop a straight, wool, or fleece coat. Labradoodle Coat Stages Generally, Labradoodle puppies start shedding their puppy coat by the time they reach six to twelve months of age. However, this varies depending on the type of coat your Labradoodle puppy has. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Well, almost every Labradoodle puppy undergoes a coat change. And as the puppy coat begins to shed or get replaced by an adult coat, the need for grooming also increases. A Labradoodle puppy coat is finer and softer to touch than the adult coat. The new adult coat is usually thicker and smoother than the puppy coat. As to when your puppy will start shedding, it usually begins at the six-month mark. But usually, your pup will start to shed anytime between six to nine months of age. Losing all their puppy coats and developing an adult one is a slow and gradual process. It typically takes up to a year, sometimes a year and a half. This is very important or else the fur will knot up with the new growth of the adult coat and will cause mats, which will only aggravate your pup. This is why most breeders mix and match one generation with another to bring about certain qualities. Grooming Your Labradoodle Grooming your Labradoodle can be time-consuming and often tiresome, but it is also very necessary. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Depending on the type of Labradoodle and their coat, you should ideally be brushing your dog at least once a week to avoid matting. The amount of brushing also depends on the activities the dog engages in on an everyday basis. Comb A simple stainless steel or a wooden comb should do the job. Make sure it has wider teeth on one end and finer on the other. Brush You need to choose a brush wisely by taking into consideration the coat of your Labradoodle puppy so that the bristles can go deep into its coat. Fleece coated pups are the easiest to brush. Detangler A detangler is used to de-knot the coat of your Labradoodle, and it is very gentle so it does its job without hurting your pet or causing them any distress. It works great along with a comb or a de-matting comb as it helps loosen the tangles and mats. If you do not have time to make a trip to the grooming salon, a detangler can sort you out for the moment. De-Matting Comb When you own a Labradoodle, tangles and mats are bound to happen more frequently if you do not brush your dog very often. If you keep putting off brushing them, a comb or brush will no longer do the trick. That is when a de-matting comb will come to the rescue. A running white Labradoodle Conclusion The Labradoodle breed is taking over the world in the popularity contest, making it one of the most sought-after breeds to own across the US. Its charming looks combined with its low-shedding fur make it even more desirable. 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. One of the biggest pros of having a Labradoodle is that they are non or low shedding and generally more hypoallergenic than other breeds. That being said, a determining factor of this is coat type. As a trusted breeder of Labradoodles and other poodle mixes for the past eight years and having raised multiple litters of Labradoodles myself, I can tell you about some ways you can try to predict the kind of coat that your Labradoodle puppy will have. To determine the coat type of a Labradoodle puppy, one must look at a few aspects of the puppy. First, the puppy's muzzle or face should be looked at to see if there are curls, crimps, or waves. Another indicator of coat type is the texture of both the puppy and its parents' coats. Before we get further into discussing how to tell what coat type your puppy will have, let's talk about the different coat types. We will also talk about how genetics influence coat type and how you can choose a generation of Labradoodle to get the coat type that you are looking for. Types of Labradoodle Coats There are three main types of Labradoodle coats, ranging from curly to flat. These coats all have different pros and cons as well as different grooming needs. Let's talk about each coat type and what it means for your puppy. Wool The wool or curly coat is the coat that most closely resembles a poodle. It is called the wool coat because it looks like the curly, dense coat of a sheep. Wool coats require the most extensive grooming regimen. Wool-coated puppies will need to get haircuts every six weeks in addition to their daily brushing. Fleece A fleece coat is an in-between type of coat, making it the middle ground between a curly and a flat coat. This kind of coat is probably the most common in Labradoodles, across all generations. If you have a puppy with a fleece coat, you will need to pay close attention to the hair around its ears and collar when brushing them because it can easily get matted. Hair The hair coat most resembles the coat of a Labrador retriever. Labradoodles that have this kind of coat will probably shed the most, but that doesn't mean that they are any less hypoallergenic than the others. Recent studies have shown that it is not actually the dog hair, but dandruff that is the cause of most dog allergies. Flat-coated puppies will have fewer grooming needs than their wool or fleece counterparts, but will still need to be brushed out regularly. Although flat-coated doodles have the same temperament and characteristics as their siblings, they are oftentimes less desirable as a result of the texture of their coats. This area is usually where the hair starts to show the most curl. Often, puppies that grow to have curly or wavy coats have crimps or waves in these areas. If your Labradoodle puppy is flat coated, they may have a slight mustache or beard, but the hair will be straight, not curled or crimped. Another way to tell the type of coat of your Labradoodle puppy is to look at and feel the texture of their coat. Puppies are born with a softer and fluffier puppy coat that helps protect them and help them regulate their body temperature while they grow and mature. Although they will eventually lose this puppy coat and be left with a coarser coat, puppies that are flat-coated generally start out with a coarser and shorter puppy coat. Flat-coated puppy coats will also appear different in the fact that their coat looks like it has an undercoat with a longer more wispy top coat that resembles a wire coat. If you cannot tell what kind of coat your puppy will have from these indicators, you may want to take a look at its parents. This tactic won't work well if your puppy is an F1 Labradoodle that is a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever because you won't have a good base of reference, so is probably best used if you have a different generation of Labradoodle. If your puppy's Labradoodle parent has a tighter, curlier coat, the chances are higher that your puppy will have a curly coat as well. All of these tactics are good ways to get an idea of what your puppy's coat may look like but can only be labeled as educated guesses as puppy coats may change after they lose their puppy coat. Why Does the Generation Matter? The generation of a Labradoodle puppy is a huge factor in the kind of coat they will have. If a puppy has a higher percentage of poodle DNA, it will have a curlier coat. If you can't get a look at your puppy or are looking for a certain type of coat before buying a Labradoodle puppy, the generation and genetics of the dog can help you get a good idea of what type of fur they will have. Labradoodle Generations Chart. Do Labradoodles Shed, the non shedding dog. Do labradoodles shed? Do not believe that all labradoodles or Australian Labradoodles are non shed dogs, some shed and some do not. This result all depends on the parents, basically the answer depends on genetics. In addition, I need to define shedding, all dogs lose hair. Some have a fur coat and lose fur individually all day, more prior to hot weather. Fur grows to a set length then drops out then grows again to a set length and falls out, this is shedding. Some breeds have long fur and some short, this refers to the length it grows before falling out. Other dogs have a hair like human hair coat, like poodles, and will occasionally scratch or pull out small clumps of hair leaving a dust bunny around the house about once or twice a week. These dogs will need grooming or their coat will grow and grow very long. These dogs are considered non-shedding, more information is on the Labradoodle Coat section of our website. For details on what allergy friendly indicates please read our Labradoodles and Shedding section of this website. If your family wants a non shed dog, specifically you want at least a third generation or later Labradoodle OR Australian Labradoodle. Either can have a Fleece or Wool Coat. The details: Australian Labradoodle? If both parents of an Australian Labradoodle puppy do not shed your puppy should not. Selective breeding for the coat trait should result in a non shedding coat. It takes at least three generations to consistently produce non shedding results and even then a breeder can occasionally produce a slightly shedding dog due to recessive genetics. Currently we only breed Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles first a first generation Australian is 2 generations past an F1 to 4th generation because we feel this produces the most consistent offspring to our standards. We only breed fleece coat, non shedding and allergy friendly. The parents, grandparents and even great grand parents to your puppy are as non shed and allergy friendly as a dog can be. If you are looking at a third or fourth generation Labradoodle, and both parents and grandparents of a Labradoodle puppy do not shed your puppy should not. It takes at least three generations to consistently produce non shedding results and even then breeder can occasionally find a slightly shedding dog due to recessive genetics. Make sure you are not purchasing a dog that is sometimes called a Second Generation a first generation bred to a first generation. Some are super curly like a poodle and some are as flat coated and shed as much as a Labrador. This is due to short coat being a dominant gene. Labradoodle First Generation Lab bred to Poodle? Within the Labradoodle First Generation population there are primarily two different coat textures, flat coated which has a wiry feel and fleece coated with a harsh feel. There does not seem to be a connection between Labradoodle First Generation coat wave and shedding, so identifying which puppy will and will not shed as an adult is an educated guess at best for breeders. Usually a dog will shed its coat once it reaches a length predetermined by genetics. This is the reason we have long coated but still shedding dogs and short coat shedding dogs. Genetics predetermine what length the coat will grow and then shed. Poodles are considered non shedding as their coat will grow to the floor and still not fall out seasonally. For another example, a Puli is considered a non shedding dog as its coat is dread locked, grows to the floor then clipped. We would never recommend a F1 Labradoodle for a family needing a non shedding dog or with allergies to dogs. However, if you have a shedding labradoodle your best bet is to keep the dogs coat shaved short and feeding them the best of foods to reduce shedding as much as possible. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. Will my Labradoodle shed too much? Do Labradoodles Shed? One of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs available, the Labradoodle breed is often marketed as being a great option for people with allergies. Unfortunately, hypoallergenic is simply a marketing term. However, curly haired dogs shed less than straight furred dogs. Which means less dander spread around the home and onto your skin. Labradoodles that inherit tighter curled fur will exhibit this trait. Why Do Dogs Shed? Dog shedding is a natural process for dogs, just as it is for you every time you brush your hair. Hair is constantly dying and regrowing, so even dogs with minimal amounts of hair — or dogs that are almost entirely hairless — will shed at least a little bit. This shedding often includes dead skin cells, too. Some breeds of dogs, like Labradors, not only have a top coat of hair but also a shorter undercoat. This undercoat is what keeps your dog warm in cold weather. This is the layer that is the most likely to undergo seasonal shedding. As your pet prepares for cooler or warmer weather, he or she is likely to shed some of the undercoat. You should brush and comb your dog at least once a week — twice is better. Also, it can lessen the amount that ends up on your furniture or floors. You should purchase a brush that is designed to de-mat your dog. These are known as dematting rakes. A wide tooth comb will also do the trick. You might be unsure of how to groom your Labradoodle to reduce shedding at first. It may also be helpful to vacuum frequently. Although you can probably get by with vacuuming once a week during most seasons, it may be helpful to vacuum three times a week during the heavy shedding periods. You might also need to replace air filters. If your allergies are particularly bad — or if you find that your dog sheds more than you expected — you can always close off certain rooms or pieces of furniture to your dog. This can isolate the impact of the shedding to a small area of your home. This can make the shedding more manageable to deal with. Labradoodle Haircuts You might not be interested in giving your Labradoodle the kind of glamorous haircut for which Poodles are notorious, but giving your dog a regular haircut can help reduce the amount of shed fur in your home. Frankly, short hair will be easier for you to maintain, too. This depends on whether it is more like a Poodle or more like a Labrador. This trait may carry through to your Labradoodle, too, depending on its genetics. Do Labradoodles Shed Too Much? The answer to that question is ultimately up to you. There is a great deal of variation in the shedding of Labradoodles within the breed. While some shed a lot — like Labradors — others produce minimal amounts of dropped fur — like Poodles. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like! Housebreaking, crate training, and basic commands. Nutritional needs. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Daily care and grooming. Common health issues. Recommended toys and supplies. Having two Labradoodles myself, I know what it takes to successfully raise them and how rewarding they really are. To help out new owners, I put together an informative Labradoodle guidebook that covers it all , addressing common concerns and sharing my personal experiences and tips. I definitely agree. Not even close. He was laying across my lap as I typed this up and not a single hair. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! What About Allergies? A ton of people have allergies to dogs. Scary stuff! According to the Australian Labradoodle Association of America, the Labradoodle was originally bred in Australia with the hopes of creating a hypoallergenic breed source. Why is that? And on top of that, they still drag in dust and pollen from being outdoors. Most people allergic to dogs are actually reacting to the proteins found in their saliva and urine. When a dog licks itself, the protein in the saliva attaches to their hair and skin. The skin dries and eventually falls off as dander. They also shed their hair — both of these things release the most common allergens into the air, causing affected people to react. The fact that a Labradoodle sheds far less than most other breeds should reduce the allergens but not eliminate them completely. They are a beautiful hybrid cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. This is especially the case if you brush and comb them often we cover everything you need to know about grooming a Labradoodle in this article. As Labradoodles get older, their coat will begin to change as their permanent coat starts to grow in. This is a gradual process and usually starts somewhere between months. Read this for more details concerning puppy shedding and transitioning to the adult coat. Also with the permanent coat can come changes to the appearance, texture, and color. The coat may become wavier…or get a little curl to it…or it might even lighten or darken. Make Way For The Adult Coat This is the point where many Labradoodle owners throw in the towel, take them to the groomers, and have them shaved. I use this one that has thin, closely spaced teeth on one side for detail work and thicker, more spread out teeth on the other side for general combing. What Are Mats? Not only are mats extremely ugly to look at, but they can also put your dog in a great deal of discomfort. If not addressed, moisture can get trapped between the skin and mat, causing bacteria to grow and infection to set it. Mats can occur anywhere on the coat, but here are some of the most problematic areas: Behind the ears. So, in that respect, they are considered low shedders, especially if they happen to have a wavy fleece or curly wool coat. This effect is compounded by the fact that fur is far more dense, so there is simply more of it to be shed. Many dogs, including the Labrador Retriever, actually have both hair and fur. They have a longer hair coat as the top layer and a shorter fur coat underneath. This latter layer helps with temperature regulation and provides protection from the elements, among other things. To understand how much any given Labradoodle will shed, you have to know a little bit about genetics. What are the chances? Take a look at the table below. It really just depends on how its genes are expressed. To understand this better, think of yourself and your siblings as an example. Your mom may have blonde hair, and your dad may have dark brown hair. Genetics are never black and white. This is because he has more genes from the Poodle side. So, do F1B Labradoodles shed… much? This is the most likely scenario. Most people reported Excellent. You should settle for nothing less than daily brushing. Some quick Labradoodle shedding prevention grooming tips include: Settling for nothing less than daily brushing. This is especially important if your Dood has either a curly wool coat that is prone to tangles or a straight, silky one that is more likely to shed. Use a slicker brush to eliminate loose hairs, dirt, and dander, as well as to prevent matting. Being sure not to over-bathe your pet. Each time you wash them, you are stripping away these oils, drying out their skin and exacerbating the problem. However, less frequent bathing is great for washing dead hair and dander right down the drain. Use a shed-control shampoo for extra hydration action. We recommend these ones for Labradoodles. Booking them in for a trim. Regular haircuts are also the key to shed control success. These are pretty essential for most Doods and especially for Labradoodles because often if you leave it, their coat will just grow and grow! While some owners hand this job over to the professionals for convenience, others like to take on the task themselves. Some quick Labradoodle shedding prevention grooming tips include: Use a slicker brush frequently to eliminate loose hairs, dirt, and dander, as well as to prevent matting. Use a shed control shampoo when you bathe him. Make sure your Labradoodle gets haircuts often. Typically, people associate the shedding of fur with triggering allergies. In actuality, animal allergies are triggered by dander, which is just a fancy term for dead skin particles. For anything to be considered hypoallergenic, it must be relatively unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. As such, the Labradoodle is almost totally hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies, but again — it depends on the generation of the dog. The low-shedding hype is one of the key reasons people seek out Doodles of all kinds. Labradoodles are numbered among the top picks, likely because of the popularity of the Labrador Retriever as a family pet. However, there can be variation in shedding levels in these dogs depending on their genetic inheritance and their resultant coat type. That being said, Labradoodles come nowhere near close to losing as much coat as their Lab parents, so even if you end up with a higher-than-average shedder, this is perfectly manageable with a solid grooming routine. If you already have a Labradoodle, how is yours when it comes to shedding? Let us know in the comments below. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle!

Training your French Bulldog 4 training tips to make your stubborn French Bulldog obedient French Bulldogs display strong unwillingness for training, making exercise stressful and frustrating for the them and the human at times. While they are playful and gentle, their stubbornness is on another level compared to other dog breeds and can be challenging to train at times. There are ways of getting your Frenchie to learn to obey your commands. Here are simple strategies to train your adorable Bulldog. Breeders usually re-home their Frenchie Bulldog as early as 8 weeks old. Immediately after bringing your French Bulldog home start with potty training your puppy. Designate a special potty area and stick to it. Take your puppy every 2 hours as Frenchie puppies cant hold their needs for longer than that when they are that young. You want the dog to start learning potty manners as early as possible to prevent future problems. If you allow your Frenchie to do their needs elsewhere it will complicate matters for you later. Frenchies are extremely intelligent and will resort to their own way of doing things if not trained otherwise. Your French Bulldog needs positive Reinforcements through Verbal and Physical Rewards French Bulldogs are highly emotional and can become sad when scolded. These dogs were bred to please, so any negative feedback hits them hard. Whenever the dog does the right thing without your guidance, reward your Frenchie bountifully. Stay positive always to build a trustworthy and positive relationship. Socialize your Frenchie with other dogs You want your pup to become fully integrated with your family as quickly as possible. Start integrating the dog into your household from the day of arrival. Frenchies love noise and activity, so let them play around and explore. On the same token it is crucial that your dog socialize with other dogs early on. You want your Frenchie to be able to play and be around dogs without aggression or issues that might come later in adulthood if not properly socialized. Use the proper Frenchie training tools Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs and this predisposes them to respiratory disorders. We would never recommend a training collar for this reason. Walking a brachy breed with a collar can disrupt airflow and even make the dogs eyes pop out of their socket or potentially cause other trachea injuries. According to the Humane Society of the US it is the safest to use a harness to restrain your Frenchie. A harness allows the dog to breath freely with little or no obstructions. Our Health Harness was designed for brachycephalic dogs. It makes for a great training tool without the dangers found in common pet accessories. The Health Harness is designed with dual D rings and double zink alloy buckles to provide a safe, no-choke, no-pull walk. The front D ring makes it ideal for training dogs that like to pull, along with those that have aggression and dominance issues. If you want your pooch to have a comfortable life, a quality Frenchie harness is an excellent investment. Train your dog how to walk besides you early on to avoid frustration in the future. Even if your dog is full grown our specialty designed Health Harness can make all the difference in the world. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet. Miniature yet with giant characters, these adorable pooches are playful, intelligent, yet extremely stubborn. We believe that if you follow these 4 simple tips of training your Frenchie you can lead a healthy and positive relationship with your pooch. How to deal with an aggressive and dominant Frenchie? Tips and advice We received the following email asking for our advice in regards to an aggressive and dominant French Bulldog We adopted our Frenchie ex-breeder Mom almost 5 years ago. For example: Before Dixie, our two females rarely fought. And my pug would at least occasionally let me hold her. Now she tries to jump down immediately or else my bully will attempt to jump up on whoever holds her and attack her. Dixie also often growls when being pet and loved on, whereas any other dog would eat up the attention. And she seems to hate feet. Just wondered if you had any tips or suggestions at all. When we picked Dixie up from rescue she was sweet and timid, compliant and cuddly. Hi Lorrie: From reading your question there are a few key points you already know and are pointing out in your question which I would like to re-affirm: Dixie wants to be the alpha and the boss, wants to control the environment and the situation. Whoever is not in line with how she wants them to behave she will show aggression. First and foremost I would like you to ensure there is nothing medically or physically wrong with Dixie that will make her hostile or change her in anyways. The following tips will be given on the assumption that there is nothing wrong medically and her behavior changed over time due to her taking a certain role in the household that she feels is lacking. It is important to go back to the beginning and ask in what way you introduced her to the pack. It seems like the introduction was immediate and without much adjustment time. You say that she was originally going to be your daughter's dog and that didn't work out. This fact alone gives me an insight into the situation. Since things didn't work out the way they were planned I'm sure you were a bit puzzled and that rubbed off on Dixie. It seems that when she was added to the rest of the dogs in your household that created imbalance. From Dixie point of view she has taken the role of the mom and leader in the household and whoever is out of line she "disciplines" them by putting them in their place. It also seems like you are scared of her reaction and avoid doing certain things that will upset Dixie which is not helping the problem. We have a few recommendations to help this situation and they will all start and end with the one concept of you becoming the alpha and leader of the pack. When leaving your home with a hostile Frenchie You need to be the first leaving out of the door not any of the other dogs. Open the door slightly just for you to be able to stand in the opening, exercise standing there in front of your dogs while your dogs are still in the house for 1 minute increase by 1 minute daily until your dogs understand and wait patiently for 3 minutes without trying to trip you or escape first. This exercise will be hard to do at first but your dogs will soon learn you are the boss. In time you will be able to open the door wider and wider without them trying to be out of the door first. Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalised training programme straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favourite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colours and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colours and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a lead. A training lead is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! December 6, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? Quickly rising in the popularity ranks to spot number two, the French bulldog or more commonly known for their nickname Frenchie is a bundle of cute, silliness, and affection! This compact, low-activity, lap companion is a perfect fit for puppy parents that like a relaxed lifestyle! How do you know if the French Bulldog is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on French Bulldogs! When it comes to French Bulldogs, not where they originally come from! These pups actually made their way over to France from England and were actually Toy Bulldogs. During the mid s, lacemakers from Nottingham, England traveled to Paris bringing along their toy bulldogs and cross-breeding them with bull-baiting bulldogs to gain those tall erect bat ears Frenchies have today! Soon, their popularity in France spread as more Parisian women introduced these pups a staple into city, cafe-culture. What are French Bulldog Breed Characteristics? French Bulldogs have short snouts, round adorable bodies and short legs, square-shaped faces but the most undeniably French Bulldog quality.Although these characteristics breed standard, French Bulldogs come in a variety of colorings including white, cream, tan, grey, black, brown, blue, multi-color, fawn, brindle, merle, lilac, and combinations of each of these! What are French Bulldog Personalities like? These pups have silly personalities, love to play, and can settle right up next to your lap. Unlike the common yappy small dog stereotype, Frenchies are quite affectionate and even-tempered. They love their human families, seek companionship, and enjoy playing with their people. If you were looking for a pup that was thrill-seeking and had a protective quality to their nature, French Bulldogs are far more content with a walk, quick game of tug-of-way or fetch, and would probably rather play with new people and dogs than be protective. While they are relatively easy-going, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so be prepared with obedience training and to coax your Frenchie with some treats! Much like their early days, French Bulldogs are a great choice for puppy parents living in urban, city environments like apartment buildings. Frenchies, while they love to play, are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. High activity can cause them to overheat and they will have difficulty panting to cool off. While the idea of letting your French Bulldog puppy cool off in water seems right, no swimming for these pups. If you live somewhere with a pool or close to a lake, be mindful of your Frenchie, and even keep a protective float or vest on them! All in all, a home that provides space in a room to play, or walks around the neighborhood or in a park are just what Frenchies need to burn off their energy and keep entertained! How to Care for Your French Bulldog! French Bulldogs, like many short-snouted dogs, can suffer from respiratory issues such as wheezing, snoring, and over-heating in warmer temperatures. While their short coats are generally low-maintenance, French Bulldogs can suffer from eye infections and infections in the folds of their skin. Keeping their eyes clean, regular brushing with a rubber glove, and making sure their skin is completely dry after bathing can significantly help prevent these issues! When you first bring home your new French Bulldog puppy, set up an initial visit with your veterinarian to discuss French Bulldog breed nutritional needs, preventive care, and schedule their vaccinations! Thanks to their adorable looks, French Bulldogs receive a lot of affection from their humans. Basic Obedience and Tricks French Bulldogs are fun and easy-to-train breed! However, some Frenchie parents may find bouts of stubbornness such as refusing to take another step on a walk or not coming when called! If you start to experience this with your Frenchie puppy, try to keep them on a leash while under supervision at home to have them follow you and start to establish leadership. Since these pups love a good playtime session, teaching them some fun tricks is a great way to keep them engaged while still working on listening and following your lead! Potty Train Right Away With the right consistency and patience, all puppies can be potty trained! Some French Bulldog puppies may take a bit longer to master pottying in a specific spot so start from the very first day your puppy comes home! Pick a designated spot, start bringing your puppy there every time they have to go potty, and supervise them at home, or crate them at night to prevent accidents! As companion dogs, French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety so establishing crate times during the day and at night will help your puppy start to feel comfortable being alone and boost their level of confidence. Set times for feeding, play, puppy training, and sleep will provide your puppy with routine and structure, encouraging good behaviors and fewer chances of your puppy developing bad habits. A daily schedule also makes certain things such as potty times far more predictable for you and helps to speed up the potty training process. Lastly, a set routine creates a well-adjusted puppy that will grow up confident, healthy, and happy! One of the best things about a daily puppy schedule is that you can establish one that aligns with your own! Teach them "Drop-It! One of the fastest and most fun! Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Thanks Emily! Frenchies are one of the cutest, most agreeable breeds around. That said, there are some unique challenges when raising a French Bulldog into a well-rounded canine. Overcome Stubbornness Early Frenchies are adorable. It seems like they know it too. They can be stubborn and even manipulative if you let them. Many people try to take advantage of training them with food, but often they end up with an overweight dog who only listens when they have a treat ready to go. Instead, you should begin training your Frenchie as soon as he or she comes home. Crate training from an early age is the best way to help them learn not to go potty inside the house. Far from being cruel, however, giving your dog a crate gives them a den that mimics how they live in the wild. More importantly, few dogs will want to use the bathroom in their home. Introduce them to the crate slowly. There are two big rules to using a crate properly that many people neglect. The first is using the crate as a punishment. If you have children then let them know that the crate is off-limits. This helps reinforce the crate as a positive thing for your dog. Some of the problems associated just come from the exceptionally short muzzle of French Bulldogs. Other problems also crop up frequently in the breed, such as allergies and food sensitivities , unfortunately. You should always watch your Frenchie for signs of becoming obese. Likewise, you need to pick and choose your battles when it comes to walks. Bad weather conditions can cause your Frenchie to have trouble breathing during your exercise session. Read more about the French Bulldog diet. Things like dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help dogs who are home all day. Water should always be available as well. Water is a non-negotiable requirement for any dog, just make sure they have ready access to it. Keeping Frenchies Healthy and Happy While French Bulldogs have some unique challenges to their husbandry, you can help to raise a healthy and happy dog without having to go to extreme lengths. Give the above tips a shot and always do your research when you think something may be amiss. If you do that, then you and your dog are sure to have a wonderful life together! She started this site as a hobby project to help dog owners find answers to the questions she had while owning her first dog. Pin5 5 Shares There are so many misconceptions about Frenchies, and I hope you find the real-life experiences I write about on the blog helpful in dispelling some of them. But there is an element of truth to one common opinion when people say Frenchies can be difficult to raise and train… so how hard can it be? How hard is it to raise a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs have a reputation for being stubborn dogs so you would think they would be hard to raise. As a Frenchie owner myself, I think generalizations like this are very misleading. We often look back and compare it to having a baby and toddler again. It was honestly that hectic at times with stuff getting chewed, pee and poop all over the kitchen floor, and him running away and not listening to us. It took a while to get him toilet trained, he was very bitey, and seemed to take longer than we expected to be trained. However, I think much of it comes down to how hard you work, plus some other factors. This can be due to genetics and their treatment before you picked them up. We took Claude to our local vets and it helped us raise him and train him to be very calm. You can find a list of my training guides lower down the page. They are not and need exercise and walks to be happy. Mental stimulation: Healthy and happy puppies need to have active brains, not just physical activity. Health and care: Keep them clean, feed them a good diet, and keep up to date with their vet appointments and treatments. In a moment, I will break those down a little further, with tips on how you can put these all into action with links into the guides for each one. Is raising two French Bulldogs more difficult? Whilst we only have one Frenchie, we will often look after another one. The reason is, you can find that they will learn from each other, and mimic good and bad behaviors. That can make training a little easier. Read this if you are thinking about getting a puppy. He knows what time to wake up, when his food should be out, and when walk times are. Dogs like things to be predictable! Have plenty of toys Keep your Frenchie mentally active, and you will help to raise a happy and healthy dog. You can take them for walks twice a day, but they will also need indoor playtime. You can buy toys that challenge them mentally and others which just rely on classic games such as tug of war… see the 18 best Frenchie toys I recommend. Your Frenchie puppy will love to play with plenty of different toys. Include them in everything Claude has become part of our family which means including him on everything that we do. When he gets left out of something, he looks really put out. Taking them out from a young age post-vaccinations exposes them to all the different elements early on that will help them to grow up as well adjusted dogs. The remainder is vet approved food that is packed full of all the nutrients he needs. When he does have snacks, we make sure they are things like healthy fruit and vegetables. Below you can access lists of safe and dangerous foods for Frenchies to print off and keep.