female white german shepherd puppy

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. A few things are as cute as a litter of German Shepherd puppies, but the idea of caring for all those bundles of fluff can be overwhelming. So, what do you do after your German Shepherd gives birth? After the whelping process is over, clean the mother GSD as much as possible, without disturbing her or the puppies. Instead of using soaps and disinfectants, clean your dog using warm water and a washcloth. Remove soiled bedding from the whelping box and replace it with clean towels or blankets. If your female German Shepherd is about to give birth, you need to be prepared to step in and care for her newborn puppies if necessary! Read on to find out how to take care of newborn German Shepherd puppies to raise a healthy and happy litter. It may come as a big surprise, but German Shepherds are very self-sufficient during birth. Though your GSD is more than capable of giving birth to puppies on her own, you should still be there to offer her support and help out in case of an emergency. Wrap the puppy in a towel and continue rubbing their back to stimulate them to breathe. Keep in mind, delivering the puppies is a messy business and there will be some drainage and waste in the area for the next couple of weeks. Your best bet to keeping the mom and the puppies clean and safe is to set up a designated nesting box before the delivery. Proper hygiene is the key to ensuring the health and well-being of both mom and her pups. Besides using towels and blankets you can also use a heating pad or a heat lamp inside the nesting box. If you decide to use a heating pad, choose a quality product and make sure that it is set at an appropriate temperature. Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes, puppies are born with excess fluid and mucus inside their noses and rely on you to clear their airways and help them breathe properly. As mentioned earlier, delivery is messy so make sure that the bedding inside the nesting box can be easily removed and disposed of. Remove the soiled bedding and replace it with clean sheets once a day to maintain hygiene inside the whelping box. By the end of the second and the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Feeding German Shepherd puppies spend their first week of life nursing and sleeping! However, you should start weaning your puppies when they are around three or four weeks old. Three weeks old German Shepherd puppies can eat wet puppy food or puppy kibble mixed with water as it is easier to chew. If this happens, have your vet prescribe you an artificial puppy formula to feed to your pups. During the first week, keep the temperature inside the room between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In the second week, you can lower the room temperature to 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the puppies turn three weeks the ideal temperature for them is around 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure not to exceed 65 percent humidity, since too much moisture can cause diseases. Use a humidifier or place the nesting box in your laundry room to maintain ideal humidity levels. Weigh the Puppies Use a baby scale to weigh your puppies regularly to ensure they are gaining weight. Puppies are generally checked over and weighted two weeks after birth and then again at four weeks of age. However, you can use baby scales to weigh your GSD puppies at birth and then every other day to see if they are gaining weight and developing as expected. Once their baby teeth start to grow your puppies can start eating wet puppy food, or kibble soaked in water. By the time your puppies reach seven or eight weeks of age, they should be transitioned to solid food. Nevertheless, there is no harm in wanting to be prepared to welcome the new puppies the best way you can. Caring for a litter of newborn German Shepherd puppies can be a daunting idea, especially if you never raised puppies before. Related Articles:. The following is a brief how-to guide on taking care of newborn German Shepherd puppies before, during, and after birth. Getting Ready for Delivery 1. It is generally best practice to puppy-proof the area make sure that there are no hard, sharp objects protruding from the walls or floors , and make sure that it is in an isolated part of your house to avoid nuisance. In addition, it will be very difficult for you to move the mother during the pregnancy, so make sure that this area is ideal before she goes into labor. Prepare a Checklist of Supplies Preparing a preliminary checklist of supplies that you will need for the mother and her pups can be very helpful. Remember that this list should contain everything that you think that you may need before the puppies arrive. Here are some items to include in your preliminary checklist: 2. It is best practice to line the bottom of your nest with sheets and towels so that it can be easily removed and washed after birth. The mother will defecate most frequently when she first goes into labor we recommend having a diaper-changing razor nearby , so you want to make sure that whatever you choose to line your nest is easily removed and disposed of. You should consider using a heating pad or heat lamp in your nest area. Also, make sure that you have an extra blanket nearby because even if the heating pad is set on the proper temperature setting, it can still drop after hours of use. The extra blanket can also be used in combination with the pad if you need to increase the temperature of your nest area. The purpose of these two items is to provide a den-like environment for your mother and puppies after they have been delivered. Generally, puppies are checked over at 2 weeks after birth and are weighed then in addition to 2 weeks after that. However, you can get a baby scale to weigh the puppies as often from there on out. In addition, you will want to check the temperature outside of the nest to make sure that it is not too cold or too hot. If you are having trouble regulating the temperature inside and out, it may be a good idea to put your female GSD in an enclosed whelping box. You will want to be sure that you have a pair of gloves, sterilized scissors, and a sterile area in which to perform the procedure, as well as some thread and some antiseptic solution. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting During and after the birth, you will want to ensure that the area in which your mother and babies are being kept is clean and comfortable. Here are a few tips that you can use to make the area clean and comfortable for your dogs. Make sure to clean the birth area as best you can. The easiest way to do this is by using a solution of warm water and vinegar 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar. Keep a squeaky toy around for fun and entertainment purposes only. In addition, you should keep it hidden until the puppies are old enough to enjoy playing with it at about 2 weeks. Remove unnecessary items from the area to ensure there is enough space for the mother and her pups. Disinfect this area well so that it remains sterile. Try your best to limit external stimuli for your mother while she is in labor, such as the presence of children, loud noises in the area, and anything else you can think of that might interfere with her birthing process. Watch Out for Some Warning Signs During Pregnancy If you have done everything you can to prepare for the birth of your puppies, you should be all set when it finally happens. However, just like everything in life, not everything goes according to plan! Sometimes, there are warning signs that something is amiss with your female GSD. What you need to be aware of are the following things: She appears to be in pain or otherwise uncomfortable before giving birth. She stays in the same position for several hours while giving birth to her puppies without showing any signs of labor e. She begins to bleed excessively from the vagina. She seems extremely tired and unable to get up or do much at all. This could signify that it was born prematurely and needs some extra care before being left with its mother. She has a long break that lasts more than several hours. This is when they need to rely on their mother GSD to provide everything they need to survive. Although the mother should be able to provide for the puppies most of what they need, sometimes she might need a little bit of help. Check The Newborn Puppy Right after the birth, make sure that the puppies are breathing properly. If a puppy does not appear to be breathing or if it seems like they are having trouble breathing, take them out and rub firmly across their back while covering them with a towel. If this is the case, you should keep her warm at all times by dabbing some alcohol onto her rear-end and massaging it gently until she warms up again. The puppies will be able to regulate their own temperatures at this point. At this time, they are too early in their development to drink regular mother milk, let alone puppy food and solid food. So instead of milk, a puppy must be fed a yellowish substance called colostrum during the first 12 to 24 hours of life. This substance is so critical for newborn German Shepherd puppies as it contains all the antibodies they need to help them fight off disease at an early age. In fact, most newborn puppies who have been deprived of colostrum will die within the first week. You can either find another feeding mother, or you can feed them yourself with artificial formula. Whichever you choose, make sure to consult with your vet first before doing so. Related Questions 1. A German shepherd dog can carry her puppies anywhere between 63 to 68 days. Larger breed dogs like the German shepherd tend to carry their puppies longer than smaller breeds. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Puppies How to Care For a Newborn German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherd puppies are the cutest pets, but can be very fragile at an earlier stage of life, making it impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about newborn German shepherd puppy care. However, these little babies are often born blind, deaf, and toothless. Since these pups are so fragile at an earlier stage of life, it is nearly impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Unfortunately, due to lack of care, many German Shepherd puppies easily succumb to unfortunate circumstances. It is essential to know that newborn puppies generally require a lot more care and attention than adult dogs. Here, we will dive deep into the world of newborn German shepherd puppies so you know how to take care of them. Important Things to Know About German Shepherd Puppies Newborn German Shepherds are blind until they are between 8 and 14 days old and deaf until they are 5 to 8 days old. These unique-looking puppies are typically born with dark blue or grey eyes, but their physical features keep changing and evolving as they grow. If the first litter of a German Shepherd has more than four puppies, it can render the mother incapable of providing them ample care. This means that there is a potential risk of the newborns getting sick, dying, or becoming very weak until you intervene. Care for the Pups During their Birth Once your German Shepherd has given birth, you will need to check all the puppies to ensure they are breathing properly. Generally, the mother cuts the umbilical cord and cleans up her puppies by licking them gently. She typically starts with their genitals, moves on to their legs, and then finishes with the rest of their bodies. You can start by using a disinfectant to clean the cords and then rub their bodies with a clean towel until they dry. Adjust the Temperature and Humidity Before delivering, a German Shepherd mother searches for a safe and private space enough for her puppies to be born it. So, as a dog parent, it will be your responsibility to provide your pup with a big enough box to suit her and her puppies. Therefore, adjusting the temperature of the nest is a rather significant part of keeping these pups healthy. Generally, German Shepherd mothers are the primary heat source for babies. However, if, for any reason, the mother cannot be in the box, you must provide the puppies with other heat sources, such as a warm lamp or a heating pad. The best way to maintain ideal humidity levels for the puppies is to install a humidifier or keep the nest in your laundry room. Feed the Puppies A significant part of caring for your newborn German Shepherd puppies is providing them with the right amount of nourishment. The best way to do this is to allow nature to take the wheel. The puppies will be nursed by their mother immediately after the birth, even without the pups unable to see her nipples. A German Shepherd mother typically lactates for two months. However, if the mother is unable to provide her pups with this nourishment, you will have to search for other sources. Take Note of Hygiene Maintaining the hygiene of the puppies and their nest is an integral part of keeping them in good health. However, it is best to maintain a clean environment by disinfecting the nest and replacing the blanks or towels once a day. Additionally, you must only start bathing the puppies after 45 days of their birth. Wrapping Up This article only provides you with the basics of newborn German Shepherd puppy care. Discover how to create a joyful, healthy home for your pet. Subscribe to your weekly rundown of practice, real life ideas and training tips straight to your inbox. We offer practical, real life ideas and training tips for a joyful experince, with your pet. All rights reserved. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours.

It contains four different recipes that provide an easily digestible source of animal-sourced protein to support lean muscles, making it a great choice for picky eaters. Lastly, the Weruva No Ruff Days Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is made with real shredded meat and veggies that you can actually see, ensuring that your furry friend enjoys a delectable culinary experience in every bowl. They have reported that their dogs love the taste and texture of the food and have shown improvement in their overall health and energy levels. Overall, the product has received great reviews, making it a top contender for the best wet dog food for English Bulldog seniors. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to provide them with the best dog food to help manage their health conditions. Here are the best dog foods for English Bulldogs with health issues. This dog food is specifically designed to support joint health and mobility. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for maintaining healthy joints. This dog food is grain-free and contains limited ingredients to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, it has reduced calories to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of ear infections. In conclusion, these dog foods are some of the best options for English Bulldogs with specific health issues. As responsible pet owners, we must take into account their specific dietary needs when choosing the right food for them. Feeding them with the wrong type of food may lead to health issues such as obesity, skin problems, and digestive problems, among others. Thus, it is essential to choose the best dog food for English Bulldogs to ensure their overall health and well-being. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best dog food for English Bulldogs. First, you need to look for a food that meets their specific nutritional needs, based on their age, weight, and activity level. Next, you should consider any health issues your dog may have and choose a food that addresses those issues. Other factors to consider include the quality of ingredients, the type of food dry, wet, or raw , and your budget. In this section, we will discuss how to choose the best dog food for English Bulldogs, so you can ensure your pup is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. English Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between pounds. They have a stocky build with short legs and a broad chest. This unique body type requires a diet that supports their muscular structure while preventing excess weight gain. Essential Nutrients required by English Bulldogs Essential nutrients required by English Bulldogs include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for their overall health and well-being. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle, and it should be sourced from high-quality animal protein such as chicken, beef, or fish. Fat is a source of energy and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Carbohydrates provide energy and fiber, and they can come from sources like grains, vegetables, and fruits. Vitamins and minerals are important for various bodily functions, and they should be included in appropriate amounts in their diet. Puppies require more protein and fat for growth and development, while adults need a balanced diet to maintain their weight and energy levels. A well-balanced diet can help prevent health issues such as obesity, joint problems, and skin allergies. Look for high-quality animal protein sources, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind: A. Age and Life Stage Just like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives. English Bulldog puppies have different requirements than adult dogs, and seniors have different requirements than both puppies and adults. Talk to your veterinarian about any specific dietary needs your dog may have and look for a dog food that is tailored to address those needs. If your Bulldog is particularly active, they may need a higher-calorie dog food to meet their energy needs. Nutritional Needs As we discussed earlier, English Bulldogs have specific nutritional needs that are unique to their breed. When choosing a dog food, make sure to look for one that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals that support their overall health and well-being. Here are some insights on what types of dog food are available and how they differ from one another. Dry Dog Food Dry dog food is a popular choice among dog owners. It is a type of kibble that is easy to store, convenient to use, and can be left out for your dog to eat at their leisure. It is typically made from meat, grains, and vegetables and has a longer shelf life than other types of dog food. However, it is important to note that not all dry dog food is created equal. Some brands contain fillers and artificial preservatives that may not be the healthiest option for your English Bulldog. It is typically sold in cans or pouches and is made up of a combination of meat, grains, and vegetables. Wet dog food contains more moisture than dry dog food, which can help keep your dog hydrated. However, it has a shorter shelf life than dry dog food and may be more expensive. Semi-Moist Dog Food Semi-moist dog food is a type of dog food that is not as popular as dry or wet dog food. It is a soft, chewy type of food that comes in small packets or pouches. It is typically made from meat, grains, and vegetables and is easy to serve. However, it is important to note that semi-moist dog food is often high in sugar and salt, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental issues. Freeze-Dried Dog Food Freeze-dried dog food is a type of dog food that is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. It is made by freeze-drying raw food, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits, and then packaging it into small, easy-to-serve pieces. Freeze-dried dog food is a healthy option for your English Bulldog, as it is free from fillers and artificial preservatives. However, it can be more expensive than other types of dog food. Raw Dog Food Raw dog food is a controversial type of dog food that is gaining popularity among some dog owners. It is made up of raw meat, bones, and organs, and is supposed to mimic the diet of wild dogs. However, there are risks associated with feeding your English Bulldog raw food, such as bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalances. Homemade Dog Food Homemade dog food is another option available to dog owners. It is made by cooking a combination of meat, grains, and vegetables at home and serving it to your English Bulldog. Homemade dog food can be a healthy option, as you have full control over the ingredients used. However, it can be time-consuming to prepare and may not provide your dog with all the nutrients they need. In conclusion, when choosing the best dog food for your English Bulldog, it is important to consider the type of food that will meet their nutritional needs, age, health condition, activity level, and budget. Here are some key ingredients to look for: A. Look for dog food that has high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and lamb. These protein sources provide essential amino acids that help to build and maintain strong muscles, tissues, and organs. Carbohydrate Sources Carbohydrates provide energy for your English Bulldog and are an important part of their diet. Look for dog food that contains easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal. Look for dog food that contains healthy fats like chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil. Look for dog food that contains a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help to support joint health, while probiotics can help to support digestive health. Remember, the best dog food for your English Bulldog is one that is balanced, complete, and meets its nutritional needs. Fillers and Additives Fillers and additives are usually added to dog food to increase its volume and weight. These ingredients are often used to make the food look more substantial than it actually is. They can cause digestive problems, allergies, and other health issues. Some examples of fillers and additives to avoid are corn, soy, and wheat. Artificial Preservatives Artificial preservatives are often added to dog food to extend its shelf life. By-Products By-products are often used in dog food as a cheap source of protein. These by-products can be anything from animal intestines to chicken feet. While they might be a good source of protein, they are not always healthy for your English Bulldog. By-products can be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful substances that can cause illness and other health problems. Grains and Gluten Grains and gluten are often used in dog food as a cheap source of carbohydrates. However, many dogs, including English Bulldogs, are sensitive to these ingredients. They can cause digestive problems, skin issues, and other health problems. By avoiding fillers and additives, artificial preservatives, by-products, grains, and gluten; you can help ensure your pup stays healthy and happy. Reading Dog Food Labels for English Bulldogs When it comes to choosing the best dog food for English Bulldogs, one of the most important things to do is to read the labels carefully. It usually includes information about the percentage of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food. Understanding the Ingredients List The ingredients list on the label is another important factor to consider. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredient listed first. Look for dog foods that list high-quality sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid dog foods that list fillers or by-products as the first ingredient, as these are often low-quality sources of protein. Keep in mind that these guidelines are just that — guidelines. They can help you figure out the appropriate amount of food for your dog based on their individual needs. How to Switch Your English Bulldog to a New Dog Food Once we have selected the perfect dog food, there is still one more important thing to do — transitioning them to the new diet. In this section, we will discuss the proper way to switch your English Bulldog to a new dog food. Therefore, it is essential to make a gradual transition to the new food. Start by mixing a small amount of the new dog food with the old one, gradually increasing the amount of the new food, and decreasing the old food over a period of days. Observe their stool quality, energy level, and overall behavior. Any changes in these factors can be a sign that the new food is not suitable for them. If you notice any adverse effects, you may need to slow down the transition or consult your veterinarian for guidance. It is also important to note that different dogs may have different responses to new food, even if they are of the same breed. In conclusion, switching your English Bulldog to a new dog food is a gradual process that requires patience and observation. To sum up, choosing the right dog food for your English Bulldog is essential for their health and happiness. By understanding the nutritional needs of your dog, reading labels carefully, and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can ensure that your Bulldog gets the best nutrition possible. We have discussed the best dog food options for English Bulldogs, categorized by age: puppies, adults, and seniors. For each category, I gave you both dry and wet dog food options from the biggest dog food brands like Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Eukanuba, and Weruva. We have discussed some of the best dog foods for English Bulldogs with various health issues, including hip dysplasia, sensitive skin, stomach sensitivities, eye issues, and ear infections. These dog food options are selected based on extensive research and consultation with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to ensure that they meet the specific nutritional needs of English Bulldogs at different stages of life. Remember that the best dog food is one that provides balanced nutrition, supports their overall health, and keeps them happy and energetic. With the information we have discussed, I hope you can make an informed decision on the best dog food for your English Bulldog. Remember to keep an eye on any signs of allergies, sensitivities, or other health issues and make adjustments to your diet accordingly. David Cassiel As a biologist and dog enthusiast, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge through my internship at a veterinary hospital and my personal ownership of multiple breeds. My passion for dogs and expertise in areas such as nutrition, care, and training drives my goal of providing a helpful resource for dog owners through my pet website. Find More Search for: Affiliate Disclaimer We may earn commission from Amazon and other retailers when you make a purchase through our links. You can learn more about our affiliate disclaimer here. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Although certain health issues that Bulldogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bulldog include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bulldogs. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Bulldogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BAS. This condition occurs in Bulldogs and other animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs with BAS may experience difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bulldogs are prone to joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Skin conditions. Bulldogs are susceptible to several skin conditions due to the folds in their skin that can trap dirt and moisture. Common skin conditions include eczema or atopic dermatitis, skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis. Bulldogs may also develop demodectic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. Eye conditions. Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions, including cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. Bulldogs may also develop cataracts at a young age. This condition occurs when Bulldogs develop excessively thick skin on their legs or nose, which can be uncomfortable and lead to infections. Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Heat sensitivity. Bulldogs are prone to heat sensitivity due to their shortened airways and difficulty regulating body temperature. Bulldogs should be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Gastrointestinal issues. Bulldogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and chronic diarrhea, which can cause discomfort and dehydration. Bulldogs may develop deafness, which can be caused by genetics or chronic ear infections. Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain energy levels and stay active. Feeding a Bulldog an inadequate or low-quality diet can lead to a lack of energy, sluggishness, and even obesity. Bulldogs that are less active or prone to weight gain may require a lower-calorie diet, while more active Bulldogs may need a higher-calorie diet to fuel their activities. Feeding Bulldogs the right food and portions is essential to maintaining their activity level and overall health. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for English Bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult English Bulldogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior English Bulldogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Bulldog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Bulldogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint support ingredients. Since Bulldogs are prone to common conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited ingredients. Bulldogs with skin allergies or sensitivities may benefit from dog food with limited ingredients, which can help identify potential allergens. Look for dog food that contains a single protein source and a limited number of carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bulldogs with skin conditions may benefit from dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat. Look for dog food that contains fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of these fatty acids. Easy-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs with gastrointestinal issues may benefit from dog food that contains easy-to-digest ingredients, such as chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives or fillers, which can be difficult for Bulldogs to digest. Limited sodium content. Chapter 2: The Reviews. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. English Bulldogs are an amazing breed. They were traditionally bred to herd cattle. Today, these stocky, gentle companions have become one of the top breeds for families. English Bulldogs are extremely affectionate and low-maintenance. They tend to love to cuddle up on the couch with you as you binge watch your favorite show. You may also be aware that your pup needs routine exercise, as this breed is prone to weight gain. Keep reading to learn about 25 of the best dog foods available for English bulldogs. Each of these foods are crafted using high quality ingredients that are not only nutritious, but also taste great. They also provide just the right amount of calories for weight management, a crucial factor for most medium breed dogs. Give your dog a wholesome meal every day of the week with Pupper Fuel Chicken Recipe. This all-natural grain-free food is loaded with nutrients to keep your dog energized, happy, and at a lowered risk of common health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and obesity. Pupper Fuel is made with 13 active ingredients, all of which provide functional support for your dog's health. Chicken is a great source of lean protein that builds muscle and strength. Apples are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. The addition of ginger provides gingerol, a compound that offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Calories: The calorie content will vary depending on the recipe. For more information, please visit wefeedraw. Price: Get this nutritious, minimally processed dog food at wefeedraw. The company ensures customer satisfaction and offers assistance through their dedicated customer service team. An English Bulldog's diet should consist of a well-balanced, high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs, considering their size, energy levels, and potential breed-specific health concerns. We Feed Raw provides superior raw dog food made from human-grade ingredients, including a variety of proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. Their selection consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, formulated to deliver a balanced and comprehensive diet suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. Pure and Simple, this dog food is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, We Feed Raw dog food delivers clean and wholesome nutrition that your pet will adore. Breed-Specific Blend: We Feed Raw dog food is formulated to cater to the distinct nutritional requirements of English Bulldogs, ensuring a well-rounded diet tailored to their needs. Their dog food for English Bulldogs is uniquely formulated to provide balanced and complete nutrition for your furry friend. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult recipe is made with highly digestible proteins, high quality carbohydrates, and the optimal amount of fiber to support healthy digestion. This means less gas and less stool odor. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult is also fortified with nutrients that support skin, coat, bone, and joint health. Each bite delivers omega fatty acids, vitamin E, taurine, and calcium along with other nutrients like B vitamins, niacin, and trace minerals. This natural, grain-free dog food gives your dog the fuel and nutrients he needs to make every day his best day. Each serving is loaded with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and naturally nutritious ingredients. Merrick Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to protect and support joint health, along with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and heart health. It's also fortified with a blend of B vitamins, folic acid, and health-boosting minerals. This recipe doesn't contain any poultry ingredients, wheat, soy, corn, or gluten. It's also crafted without any artificial ingredients, including preservatives. This adult kibble is made with roasted bison and roasted venison, providing your dog highly digestible energy so that he's ready for walks, fetch, and every fun activity in between. Each serving also provides nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods are high in antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients that nourish your pup. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free is also made with a blend of omega fatty acids, which work together to support a shiny coat and healthy skin. Because gut health is so important, this food is enriched with species-specific probiotics. The proprietary strain of K9 probiotics is specially developed for dogs to support digestive and immune health. It's made without high fat, high calorie ingredients, which help to keep your bulldog at a healthy weight. The recipe starts with deboned chicken along with whole grains and fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Each serving offers health-boosting carrots, cranberries, brown rice, blueberries, peas, and alfalfa. It also contains the brand's exclusive LifeSource Bits, which offer a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy oxidative balance and immune health. This veterinarian formulated food is proof that simple ingredients are the best way to nourish and support your dog's needs. The recipe is formulated with a single meat protein chicken , along with two types of potatoes and antioxidant rich blueberries. It's fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium for strong bones, vitamin E for skin and coat health, and glucosamine to keep your pup's joints free from aches and pains. This food is made with nine simple food ingredients that keep your pup satisfied and nourished. The recipe doesn't contain any grain, wheat, corn, or soy, which means no upset stomach! Instead, it's made with chicken, sweet potatoes, alfalfa meal, and fiber-rich garbanzo beans. Added probiotics support your pooch's gut health while also supporting a strong immune system. The recipe is crafted with lamb, menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, tomatoes, peas, and other wholesome ingredients. This adult dog food is supported by essential nutrients, including glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. These nutrients encourage healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and healthy bones and joints. This all natural food is made with drool-worthy bison and beef, along with a mix of fruits and vegetables that will have your dog counting down the time until his next meal. Each serving is packed with lean protein, peas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. These ingredients are natural sources of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free is enriched with taurine for heart health along with vitamin C for a strong immune system and vitamin E for skin and coat health. This grain-free food is also fortified with B vitamins, zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and probiotics. It's made with a blend of lean protein, functional superfoods, probiotics, and other nutrients that support immune, gut, and joint health. Each serving provides wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. To ensure your pup is getting all the nutritional support he needs, this Solid Gold formula is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals, including choline, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and copper. This all natural food is made with wild Pacific salmon that's caught using sustainable fishing practices. Salmon is naturally rich in omega fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and potassium. While some dogs thrive eating grain-free food, it's not the best option for all canines. These grains are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients. It doesn't contain any wheat, soy, corn, peas, legumes, potatoes, or meat by-products. It's also free from artificial flavors or preservatives. This holistically balanced food provides the nutrition that your dog needs to reach and maintain optimal health. It's made with high-quality protein from chicken meal, along with healthy fats and whole grains. The addition of blueberries and guaranteed amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E ensure that your canine has a strong immune system. This natural food also contains healthy fats, including omega 3 fatty acids, along with whole grains that are rich in B vitamins, fiber, protein, zinc, iron, and other minerals. These ingredients also provide sustained energy to keep your pup going all day long. This food is specially formulated to meet the nutrient needs of medium and large breed dogs at all life stages. It's made with a holistic formula that features an optimal balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. It contains a healthy dose of omega fatty acids, which promote skin, coat, and joint health. This natural dog food also contains DHA for brain support, along with carrots, apples, peas, and blueberries that are naturally high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It's made without wheat, corn, soy, or other low quality ingredients that don't nourish your pup's health. This high quality kibble offers complete and balanced nutrition with a blend of wholesome ingredients. Each bite will leave your pup fulfilled, offering a mixture of venison, peas, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. The addition of fish oil provides health-boosting omega fatty acids, which protect and nourish your dog's skin and coat. Give your dog the nutrition he needs with Orijen Original Grain-Free. Each bite is loaded with whole prey nutrition, including nutrient-rich meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. Orijen Original Grain-Free is also made with other whole ingredients, including peas, navy beans, pears, apples, butternut squash, and kelp. Orijen Original Grain-Free kibble is freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor that your dog is sure to go crazy over. It's also fortified with zinc, vitamin E, probiotics, and even botanical ingredients like juniper berries and rosehips. This light adult dog food is made with fewer calories but doesn't cut corners on flavor or nutrition. Your pup won't even know that he's eating light food! It's formulated with pasture-raised lamb for quality protein, along with superfoods like pumpkin, chia seed, kale, blueberries, dried kelp, spinach, and others. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is also made with wholesome grains, including grain sorghum, brown rice, and millet. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is enriched with species-specific probiotics. This healthy bacteria supports healthy digestion as well as a strong immune system. Each serving also contains prebiotics and antioxidants to give your pup a daily boost of wellness. This grain-free kibble is made with easy to digest ingredients that won't cause tummy problems or other issues. Instead, it's formulated with omega-rich salmon, along with nutrient-dense carbs like pumpkin and sweet potato. The active nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber included in this food support your dog's immune, digestive, and overall well-being. This food doesn't contain any low-grade ingredients, including artificial flavors, poultry by-product meal, or preservatives. It's made without grain, wheat, corn, or soy, so you can feel extra good knowing that this food protects and nourishes your best friend. This food is made with animal-based proteins and offers an optimal amount of amino acids and other nutrients to keep your pup strong, healthy, and thriving. Not only is this kibble made with chicken and other meat-based ingredients, it also contains low-glycemic whole grains like flaxseed and millet, along with whole produce like apples and blueberries. Each of these ingredients are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your dog's well-being. Each serving is fortified with nutrients like taurine, copper, zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. With this high quality, grain-powered dog food, you can nourish your canine's mind and body so that you both can enjoy many more years together. This kibble is manufactured in the USA and is formulated with an optimal blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that keep your canine energized and nourished. This nutrient-rich dog food is made with dual animal proteins from chicken and pork meal, which are flavorful and packed with plenty of muscle-supporting protein. It also contains whole grain and fiber from oatmeal and brown rice, along with peas and flaxseed. Each serving contains ideal levels of glucosamine for joint health, vitamin E for skin and coat health, calcium for strong bones, and taurine for cardiovascular health. This grain-free food is made with high-quality protein and field grown vegetables that are natural sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Each piece of heart-shaped kibble is made with chicken, turkey, potatoes, apples, and carrots. This dry food is also made with flaxseed, which is not only high in fiber, but is a great source of protein, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. The natural recipe is loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, biotin, amino acids, vitamin A, and probiotics for optimal digestive and gut health. This holistic dog food is made with clean, easy to digest ingredients that nourish your pooch with every bite. This kibble is formulated with responsibly raised chicken, along with other high quality ingredients including chicken liver, oat groats, flaxseed, along with fruits and vegetables like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas. Your dog's skin and coat will be healthier than ever with optimal levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. This wholesome kibble is also made with thiamine, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin E, taurine, and other health-boosting compounds. It doesn't contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which means that you can feed with total confidence. While it's specially formulated for overweight dogs, this dry kibble doesn't skimp on flavor or nutrition. In fact, this food is made with a blend of 15 different superfoods, including whole chia seed, dried kale, dried spinach, dried pumpkin, dried apples, dried blueberries, and others. All ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers across the globe and are thoroughly tested for safety and quality purposes. This weight management kibble is made without any GMOs and also doesn't contain any wheat, corn, soy, chicken by-product meal, or peas. This dog food is formulated with quality ingredients that you know and can trust. This formula is designed to support all life stages for dogs of all sizes and breeds, including English Bulldogs. Inception Fish Recipe is formulated with animal and fish protein that supports your dog's lean muscle. The combination of whitefish and catfish offers health-boosting nutrients like protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, copper, phosphorus, and others. Each serving also contains fiber-rich oats, along with millet, milo, and ground flaxseeds. Inception Fish Recipe is made without wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or grain. It also doesn't contain low quality fillers, including legumes, potato, and harmful ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This balanced recipe is made with minimally processed ingredients that help your canine to thrive and be his very best. This complete and wholesome nutrition will keep your pup fit, happy, and healthy. Each bite is packed with tasty meat, fish, and more than 20 superfoods like carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries. This adult dog food is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and immune function. It's also formulated with L-carnitine for heart health and fat burning to keep your English Bulldog in tip-top shape. It also doesn't contain artificial flavors or preservatives. This adult dog food is ideal for pups with and without food sensitivities. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. Final thoughts Choosing the right dog food for your English bulldog is easier than you may think. No matter which food you choose for your bulldog, you can have total confidence that your pup is getting all of the nourishment he needs with every meal he eats. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. It is very important to keep in mind that English bulldogs are somewhat different to most breeds. And correct feeding technics are of utmost importance during and after their full development. Your English bulldog puppy does not know anything about nutrition. He only knows what tastes good. It is up to you to know what and how to feed your buddy, so he will get everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Best Diet for English Bulldogs Best Nutrients for English Bulldog Puppies Your English bulldog puppy needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for uptime growth and health Your puppy uses proteins for growth and repair of muscles, bones and other bodily tissues. They are also used for production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Vitamins and minerals participate in muscle and nerve function, bone growth, healing, metabolism and fluid balance. English bulldogs also need plenty of fresh, clean water. Adequate water intake also helps prevent formation of urinary stones, which is a potential problem for this breed. Food Brands for English Bulldogs We recommend to new English bulldog families to avoid drastic changes in the food of the puppies. We recommend the puppy keeps using the same food the breeder used before delivery. In our case, we like to use Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy. We have used several other brands over the years. And, so far, Royal Canin has worked great for our puppies and adults. When feeding our English bulldog puppy, we take into consideration several factors. Such as the amount of protein and fat they should receive in the first few weeks of age. There are other brands in the market that may provide the same or similar amount of protein and fat. However, you should consider important things such as ingredients of the food, allergies it might cause. As professional breeders of English bulldogs, we always let our clients know about the food we give to our puppies. In addition to other supplements that we use. That way, the new owners of the English bulldog puppies can continue with the same process. But, we do understand that a lot of times people may decide to go a different route. Both for the type of food and feeding technics. Sometimes, based on what they may consider, it is correct or better for their English bulldogs. Or perhaps after receiving veterinarian advice. Our recommendation is to continue to use the one we use. Feeding Frequency for English bulldogs The number of times you feed an English bulldog puppy is also very important. The younger the puppy is, the more often one has to feed the puppy. For breeders, it is a lot of work due. Mainly due to the fact that we have to care for the puppies since day one. We have to rigorously continue feeding them at least every two 2 hours. Usually, when we release our puppies; they will be at least eight 8 weeks old. And they will be eating solid food. At this stage, it is recommended to feed the puppies three 3 times a day. Once in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Sometimes due to a matter of schedule or advice from friends, breeders or veterinarians; families will feed the puppy two 2 times a day. This will make things a little easy for the family training the English bulldog. If this is the case, the correct amount of food should be provided to the puppy. Always based on their body weight as well as the age of the puppy. A feeding guide or table should be available to you on the bag of food you use. In most cases it is recommended for an English bulldog to be on the puppy formula for the first year of life and then a gradual change to an adult formula containing the same nutrients should be given. It is important to keep in mind that if you as an English bulldog puppy owner encounter any issues with your dog such as allergies or other common illnesses among bulldogs, then veterinarian advice should be taken. Should I give supplements to English Bulldog Puppies? This food will provide the puppy with the nutrients needed to have a long, healthy life. But as breeders, we use other things to supplement the diet of our English bulldogs so that we can keep them away as much as possible from common illnesses among them. The use of the right type of supplements from an early stage in the development of the dog is key when raising English bulldogs than with a lot of other breeds. This is due to the fact that English bulldogs have a weaker skeletal system and a lower immune system than other breeds. Having the presence of supplements will help the puppy to develop into a healthier adult. Eggs, cod liver oil, chicken breast, some vegetables are also great for them. Along with the food we use, we also recommend the multi vitamin NuVet. It helps with a lot of the common issues the English bulldog breed encounters during their life. For detail information on NuVet and how to order instructions, please visit our website and click on the link on top that says NuVet. If you think you still have questions about the right food to feed your English bulldog puppy or the correct supplement or multi vitamins you can use; please feel free to contact us. Remember that English bulldogs are the best breed in the world; therefor quality food, treats and supplements are ideal when having them as pets. Share this post.

Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. It is their outgoing, affectionate, and eager-to-please demeanor that makes them so qualified to take on all of these jobs and still be the perfect family pet. When it comes to breed standards, the AKC recognizes three official colors for the Labrador: black, chocolate, and yellow. At Hidden Pond Labradors, we understand that everybody has a different preference in mind when they set out to bring one of these incredible dogs into their home. Yellow Labrador Retriever Breeder The yellow Lab is one of the most popular colors, in part due to its photogenic nature. This also makes them excellent show dogs, although any of the three recognized colors can easily achieve Grand Champion status. Coat shades that are classified as yellow range from white to fox red. Like chocolate, the yellow coat is a recessive color that requires both parents to carry and pass on the gene. Yellow Labrador Retrievers, just like every other color, have a stable, amiable temperament. Their trainability and discipline should not be mistaken for lethargy though. Labs are very active dogs that will bring a lot of fun energy to your household. Are you interested in the unconditional love, support, and joy a Lab can bring to your family? Get in touch with Hidden Pond Labradors! Your purchase of one of our yellow Labrador Retriever puppies includes a veterinarian health certificate , first set of vaccinations, one-year written health warranty, and a lifetime placement warranty should you need it. Contact us today to reserve a puppy from our next litter! Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler.

TOP "We love Luna and she's been great!!! She has definitely gotten comfortable and driving our other dogs crazy, LOL! We adore her! She has the greatest temperament!!! She's perfect! We cannot thank you enough! Just wanted to send a few pictures of Macky! He's growing like a weed! We joke that all he knows how to do is eat and snuggle. Obsessed with him! He is an exceptional puppy with a sweetness and sensibility that everyone comments on who meets him. We couldn't be happier with this sweet boy. He was the missing piece to our home. We are considering getting another puppy from you. Whatever you are doing, as breeders, is 'kosher' as far as we are concerned, and I trust you and your opinions. Again, I cannot say thank you enough for our wonderful Royal, and all the work you did in his first weeks, to encourage him to be the best he could be. I want to thank your children for their input also. He practically gets hypnotized when we roll him onto his back and rub him all over his belly, paws, and tail, and he absolutely loves when little kids come over to play. You can tell he had a very good experience with your kids, and passes that love on to other kids. Thanks again, Katie! A huge lover and snuggler. We can't get enough of how sweet she is! She is doing so well! She just graduated from the beginner's obedience training this past week! The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. It is important to remember that German Shepherd mix dogs are not purebred. While many consider that a purebred dog should only come from the German Shepherd Kennel Club of Germany, this mix is actually recognized in the United States as a valid breed. While you should definitely research German Shepherd Golden Retriever cross puppies for sale to make sure that they come from the proper breeding stock, know that some people may go through an unscrupulous breeder to acquire their German Shepherd cross with Golden Retriever puppies. This is, of course, if they actually have any available for sale in particular. However, knowing the characteristics of both breeds and then making the necessary changes in a German Shepherd can have positive effects. Some of the most common differences in the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix are their personalities, energy level, and love of children. The German Shepherd has the ability to get really excited about other dogs. Although this breed of dog is not prone to depression or anxiety, it should be known that it does not make for a very long-term companion for kids. On the other hand, the German Shepherd is known for being a very loving dog with lots of love for children and people. While this breed of dog does not do well around other pets, it will easily interact with other dogs and other children. It can also be a good companion for older children. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dog may need some obedience training to become a responsible pet. The German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix will make an excellent family pet and have been known to make great companions for those with disabilities and other health problems. The breed was originally developed in Germany, so the breed of dog will likely have some of its traits from the German Shepherd as well as the Golden Retriever. Although they are not as powerful as the former and have less energy than the latter, this breed of dog does make great family pets and they should be considered by anyone with special needs. One problem that most owners of this breed of dog face are separation anxiety. This is a very common issue and many owners of the German Shepherd mix Golden Retriever will end up getting divorced because of separation anxiety. The breed is quite loyal to its master but can be very demanding when it comes time to settle down after a long day at work or when your dog is old enough to start going out and about. These are very responsible dogs that should be cared for as such. Another problem is that although this breed of dog is relatively intelligent, it may not be able to keep up with younger children. If you own a German Shepherd and you have younger children, you will want to make sure to introduce them to the dog slowly. If you have smaller children, you should consider buying a dog that does not have a lot of activity and does not need much grooming because the older German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix dogs for sale are often more interested in sleeping. This breed is both intelligent and loyal and adores all children. They are very beautiful to look at, but they are also very protective dogs. To help you decide if this breed would be suitable for your family, here are some tips from the American Kennel Club on how to choose the right puppy for your family. German shepherd puppies are more than the cost of a new car to buy. The average German shepherd pup will cost approximately dollars, which is way above the average cost of a new vehicle. The best news is that there are ways to find great puppy deals on the Internet. Because German shepherd golden retrievers are a mix of many different breeds, you have to carefully select the dog that is most compatible with you and your home. The breed standard does not distinguish between the purebreds or the mixed breed. All the traits of each breed are present, just like any other purebreds or mixed breed. This is why it is important that you carefully select the puppy that would make your family happy and healthy. Since the breed is such a popular choice, many websites and blogs will compare the different characteristics of the different golden retrievers and recommend the best choices. These sites will also compare the different parent breeds, and list the traits of each breed. If you are lucky, you may even find a site that will allow you to download a picture of the dog to see the difference in the appearance between the various parent breeds. Most golden retrievers are very active and eager to please. The high energy levels of the German shepherd make this breed ideal for family pets. If you want a family dog that will run around the house and be active, then the German shepherd is the right dog for you. However, if you are looking for a dog that is a couch potato, then the high energy level may not be ideal for you. The good news is that a golden retriever mix pup can be trained to do both. You should begin by choosing a breeder that you trust and the one that has had previous successful dogs in your home. Make sure that the person who helps you with the training is well trained and knows how to handle your dog properly. A well-trained and well-mannered owner will be the best for the training of your pup. Your pup will benefit from both obedience training and also agility training, which will make it more enjoyable for you and your family. Because this breed was created when combining the collie and the bulldog, many people consider the breed to be a cross between the two. Others believe that it was a distinct breed created when the German Shepherd was crossed with an English bulldog and a Rottweiler. No matter what the history, the American Kennel Club placed this breed into its group of registered purebreds, making it a very popular choice among dog lovers. Another issue that you need to know about these dogs is that they are prone to certain illnesses. They can suffer from eye conditions, kidney problems, and skin disorders. Keep in mind that a German shepherd mix is just like any other dog, so you have to ensure that you do all the necessary check-ups for your new puppy. It is very important to get your dog checked by a vet to make sure that your pet will grow up healthy. They are a very popular breed of dog in Germany and many people in the US want a similar dog. A German Shepherd is a very strong and sturdy dog that can get a lot of attention and exercise. The good things about a German Shepherd are its size and personality. There are some problems that a German Shepherd may have if you get one as a puppy. You must watch out for behavioral problems that a Golden Retriever has. If you are going to get a German Shepherd, it is important to talk to breeders and check with the American Kennel Club to make sure your dog will grow up to be a good match. German Shepherd mix dogs for sale should not be trusted blindly. You must be careful before deciding on a German Shepherd. There are many German Shepherd puppies for sale that are from Germany and others are from other countries. Most of the dogs that come from Germany are full-bred dogs and some are only a few months old. They are usually bred to show traits from both parents. Many owners who do buy these mixed German Shepherd dogs are doing it to create a show dog for their dog shows. Show dogs are very expensive and the breeder usually wants to get their best dog to show instead of creating a show dog. German Shepherd mix dogs for sale come from puppy mills or pet shops. These dogs often have been abused and have poor health when they arrive at the shelter. If you are going to get a German Shepherd you need to be very careful before buying one. German Shepherds mix with English Bulldogs, Dobermans, and Potbelly pigs, and they have the potential to produce horrible breeding pairs. You also have the problems of inbreeding, which is common in Germany. The quality of the German Shepherd breed is very high but the price is extremely high because of the high demand. This demand has driven the prices down and you can often get a great German Shepherd pup for a fraction of the cost of regular German Shepherd puppies. German Shepherd mix dogs are very intelligent dogs that can be trained easily if you use the right training methods. They are loyal to a fault and can become destructive when bored or lonely. They make very good watchdogs and are very good with children. You must get your dog from a reputable breeder so you can make sure the dog you get is purebred. You should also check the temperament of the German Shepherd puppy you are getting to ensure that it will fit into your home and your family. There are many German Shepherd mixes out there that are bred to be aggressive and have horrible temperaments that make them a poor choice for families with children. You can get great German Shepherds that have a lot of personalities and make great companions. You will get a better German Shepherd if you breed it from a reputable breeder who knows how to get the best German Shepherds to start with. These dogs are very playful and eager to please. They love to please and you will notice that this breed will quickly learn new things to do. When you get a German Shepherd, you will want to make sure that you housebreak it as soon as possible because they can be very stubborn. They will not let go of their bed until they know you have control. Because of their carefree attitude, they make great pets. If you are looking for a family companion, these dogs make an excellent choice. They may come from two different German Shepherd mother dogs but they are still a mix. The more times you get a Golden Retriever mix, the more times you will have to get him or she checked out to make sure the mix is okay. German Shepherd mix dogs are a great option if you are looking for a larger dog that will get along with other dogs. They are energetic and happy dogs and you can take them everywhere with you without worry. Share this:.

Thinking a senior dog is not a fit? Please, follow the link , you may be surprised. Senior dogs kick off our foster dog list. Fostering is an extremely rewarding experience. Please consider opening your home and prepare to be awed by the joy these dogs bring. She is potty trained and crate trained. Currently lives with puppy Artemis and the 85 lbs. Click for more information.He is a great dog that listens well but he will become over protective if given the chance. I have taken Coc.He is a 50 pound speedster. Dax is good with dogs but would not be good with cats or small children. He has been good in the house once he has a chanc.She is good with other dogs and did well at the events she attended including the local radio station. She has been good in the house and does well in a crate. She has not.He is full of affection. She was picked up as a stray in Fairfax.Lailah was surrendered to a shelter by her owner, spayed a few days lat.She is a good little girl who is good with my other dogs and she is happiest when she is chasing them around the yard. She is good in the house and is my one couch pota.Madison is a feisty little girl who was an owner surrender in Southern VA. She is very friendly and playful. Madison loves to give kisses to everyone. She takes her treats very gently.She is around 4 years old now. She may be a bohemian shepherd. She is funny, goofy, intuitive and smart. She acts.Max is a good boy who is a very energetic young dog and needs lots of exercise to get his energy out. It seems as though Max had very little structure in his previous home a.Aren't my ears the best? My foster mom says they remind her so.She is quiet and observant of her surroundings. Misha loves going for walks and exploring everything around her. He is a busy boy and has done well since coming here. He is okay with my dogs but would do best with an older confident male. He would not be good with cats or children. Moose will.My name is Pawlina and I am here to tell you that I behave like a youngster! I was picked up as a stray and the shelter guessed my age at 10 years, but my.She loves attention. She is good with other do.Very friendly and playful. He loves to play and is great with my other dogs. He is one of four puppies from the same litter who were given up to a friend of the.She loves to play and is great with my other dogs. She is one of four puppies from the same litter who were given up to a friend of t.Radar is a love-bug that wants adult humans of his own. He had a rough puppyhood stray, shelter, bad adoption experience and needs an.This senior boy is great with all humans, dogs, cats, rabbits.He is a gentle soul, we call him the big easy! He is leash trained, crate trained and house trai.She is smart and responsive. She is housebroken, loves her toys, comes when she is called, learned the eFence, She is house broken and crate trained although she doesn't really require a crate and often times free roams her foster home. She knows basic commands such.Yep, all my fur is black, well, except for a small white patch on my very handsome chest and on the tips of b.Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Virginia A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. There are several breed-specific rescues in this state with lots of German Shepherds to choose from. Here are some of the best German Shepherd rescues in Virginia, among which you are very likely to find the perfect dog for you. Virginia German Shepherd Rescue takes in dogs from shelters, accepts owner surrenders , and rehabilitates dogs that have been abused or neglected. Since the rescue began in , they have saved over 3, dogs. Virginia German Shepherd Rescue is a foster-based organization. While dogs are with them, they stay in foster homes where they are carefully evaluated. If you are on the fence about adopting a powerful dog like a German Shepherd, you will be glad to know that you can gain a lot of information about these dogs from their time in foster homes. All of the dogs Virginia German Shepherd Rescue takes in are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and get vaccinations. Any medical or behavioral needs are attended to while the dog is with the foster family before the dog is placed in a forever home. If you are not sure whether you are ready to adopt a German Shepherd, fostering for Virginia German Shepherd Rescue is a great way to try out German Shepherd ownership in a non-committal way. You can even keep fostering German Shepherds until you find the individual who is right for your family. Virginia German Shepherd Rescue carefully screens potential adopters to make sure they are a good fit for German Shepherd ownership. The rescue gets to know exactly what a potential adopter needs in a dog and what they are willing to offer so that they can choose the right dog for each home. They strive to match the family to a dog in regard to energy level, tolerance for children and other dogs that may be in the family. If you are interested in adopting a dog from Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, fill out an application and include the non-refundable application fee. You can view their available German Shepherds for adoption here. When your application is received, it will be carefully reviewed by the volunteers at the rescue. The references you provide will be contacted. If you rent, your landlord will also be contacted. Next, a volunteer will conduct a home visit to make sure that your home is a good fit for a German Shepherd. Finally, the application will be approved and Virginia German Shepherd Rescue will begin the process of matching you to the perfect German Shepherd for your family.

While this may discourage pulling, it may put pressure on joints or change the way they move, which are unsafe. A good harness should allow for free movement of the shoulders and elbows. All the harnesses recommended in this article are designed so that shoulders and elbows are not restricted. The design allows for the neck and girth straps to be adjusted for a nice fit. If your dog does pull while wearing the Urban Trail harness, the pressure will be on their chest and not on the neck. It includes four points of connection for the leash, which is unique. It has the traditional back clip, and a front clip, which can help with minimizing pulling. It also has a clip on the left and right, which can be used if you bike or jog with your dog as it keeps the harness from getting twisted to one side. It comes in six colors and has a reflective strip along the neck for safety and visibility at night. Front Range Harness by Ruffwear This is a really versatile harness — great for everyday walks, but durable for more active outings. It offers four points of adjustment so you can get a proper fit for your Golden Retriever. It also has two points of connection for the leash: one at the back of the shoulders, and one in front of the chest for dogs that pull. This harness has a couple of cool safety features as well. Reflective trim helps keep your dog visible and there is a small loop where you can attach a light. It also comes in a whopping 16 different colors! Weekend Warrior Harness by Hurtta This harness is made for dogs who enjoy going on adventures with their humans. The neck and girth straps are both adjustable so you can ensure it fits your Golden well. The interior is lined with a breathable mesh, to help your pup stay cool. The straps are padded and comfortable but still offer a non-restrictive fit so your Golden can move freely. This is one of the best harnesses for a Golden Retriever who lives for outdoor activities. The design incorporates a handle, which can be a convenient way to help your dog up a steep bank or to pull them back into the canoe if they decide to go for a swim out on the lake. The handle can also be helpful if you need to get control of your Golden quickly. Additionally, it can be a really nice feature for older Golden Retrievers who may need some extra assistance while out and about or even just around the house. It has one connection point for the leash at the back of the shoulders. The 3 in 1 Harness offers 5 points of adjustment for a highly customizable fit. Additionally, it has 2 points of connection for the leash: one at the back of the shoulders, and one at the front of the chest, which can help discourage pulling. A cool feature on the 3 in 1 Harness is a handle on top of the shoulders. It helps you get quick control of your Golden Retriever in the event of sudden onset case of squirrel brain or extreme wiggle butt. You can get the 3 in 1 Harness from Chewy here. This is particularly great for Goldens that are sensitive to things being slipped over their head. With this design, you can attach the harness from under their head. Easy on and off! Additionally, the Balance Harness offers two points of connection for the leash: a front clip at the chest, and a back clip at the shoulders. This can make it useful in training your dog to not pull on the leash. This harness is very lightweight and will not be bulky or hot on your dog. There are several options available for ensuring your dog is safe and under control when walking, including a regular flat buckle collar or a harness. A harness offers some benefits that may be helpful to you and your pup that may be better than just a collar. Squirrel brain is real! When they pull on a collar, that puts a lot of pressure on their neck, which can even cause damage to the internal structure of it. A harness eliminates that risk, as the pressure is lower on the chest. A front-clip harness can discourage pulling. For many dogs, this can really help them learn to walk with a loose leash. Some dogs will still need additional training for leash walking, but the harness can aid in the learning process. A harness can make outdoor adventures easier. Some harnesses come with handles, which can come in handy if you and your pup are adventurous types. If your Golden needs some assistance navigating a rocky stretch on your hike, a harness can make helping your pup out easier and safer than just a collar. If your Golden Retriever enjoys jumping off a dock to swim, the harness gives you a way to help him back ashore. So how do you that? Most golden retriever harness manufacturers have a chart with recommended sizes based on weight, neck size, and chest size also called girth. If you use a string, just measure your dog with it, then use a ruler or tape measure to see how long the string is. And when measuring their chest, measure the widest part of their rib cage, which is just behind their elbows. Rather than simply slapping the harness on them and heading out for a walk, spend a little time getting them used to it using positive reinforcement training. This excellent video by trainer Chirag Patel shows how you can build a positive association with the harness and get your dog to cooperate with putting it on. With some patience and good treats , your dog will be happy to put the harness on while holding still. The harness will also become associated with going outside on walks, so that will build positive feelings about the harness, too. Ultimately, a harness is a tool to help you and your dog enjoy life together with more ease and comfort. So whether your pup likes leisurely neighborhood strolls, or they love long, adventurous hikes, a non-restrictive harness can be a great option for your Golden Retriever. Have any questions about which harness to get for your Golden? Let me know down in the comments! Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Related articles:. January 25, The Best Dog Harnesses for Golden Retrievers in If we had to make a list of dogs that come to mind when we think of iconic family dogs, golden retrievers would definitely be among the top. This classic gentle breed with its blonde fur and triangular flopped ears is one of the most popular in America. They are known to be loyal, trustworthy, easy to train, and eager to please. Combine this with the fact that they are known to retain their puppy-like qualities well into adulthood, they make amazing companions for all types. Purposefully Designed Because golden retrievers make such wonderful family pets, it might be surprising to find out that the breed was originally carefully crafted to ideal hunting gundogs. He wanted a dog who could withstand the rugged and rainy Scottish Highlands and accompany him on hunting trips around his estate. The lines of goldens grew consistent and refined, and in they first made their grand appearance at a British dog show. Through Canada, the Golden made its way into America and people fell in love. Hunters loved how useful the dogs were, and families loved that they were sweet and sensible. In the s, the breed made the big time. President Ford had a beautiful golden retriever named Liberty, and more and more people wanted one. The rest is history! While we love happy, excited dogs, a fur baby with a lot of energy and nowhere to put it can turn destructive jumping, chewing, and so on. One great way to help your pup focus and burn some of that energy is through regular walks! It lets your fur baby smell all of the fun things outside, creates great bonding time, and gets in some steps for you, too! And coming in between 55 to 75 pounds, they could put a good amount of force into a sudden pull or run. Joyride Harness is the choice for pet parents of excitable dogs because of the superior control it offers. The durable vest is fitted with a super-secure leash attachment point on the top for times when your fur baby is just a little too overzealous. Additionally there is a side ring for times when pulling is an issue. Attaching your leash at this ring point causes your pup to spin to face you should they try to suddenly forge ahead. With breathable fabric that allows for full range of motion without painful rubbing, Joyride Harness is secure, safe, and comfortable. Here are just a few of what the Golden lovers had to say! Andrew A. It is so simple to put on our dog Snowflake and adjusting the harness is so easy. She is quite the puller, and although we have not put in serious training time with the side rings, from the few instances that I did use them she pulled herself right in a circle. This is exactly as advertised. Snowflake is a very willful Golden Retriever and we have tried countless harnesses that never lived up to expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend this harness to any dog owner regardless of breed or attitude. The item shipped out within a day and was at our front door within three days from the order date. If you are looking for a dazzlingly simple harness that is well built and looks fancy on your pet then look no further. We have two golden retrievers that weigh between pounds and they let us put this one on them easily - no struggle at all. Harness is sturdy and I really like the three rings option. Also, seems very comfy for our fellas. Customer service was great - email notifications of order, shipment and delivery. Our daughters jog with him using it, which makes running much easier. Walking in town and on side walks has never been easier! He tugs and pulls me down at times. This Joyride harness is the best, least stressful harness we have gotten. Not expensive which is helpful since we have bought so many other brands. Great, great product! Both of them are slight pullers when taking walks, but with these harnesses they are so much more pleasant to walk! No more pulling! I also love how easy they are to get off and on them! I love these harnesses! And with a great dog harness you can have the best experience possible with this iconic member of the family! While you can search by breed, it is always recommended to weigh and measure your dog to find their exact size. To take a look at our sizing chart, go here! If you have any questions about our dog harnesses, how to put them on, or anything else, you can reach our team through the contact form on our website. To take a look at more reviews and everything our customers have to say check out this page! For more doggie photos and pup-related fun, follow us on Instagram at joyrideharness. And for a more detailed blog post about finding the best size dog harness for your pup, check out this blog post! Image credits. Shop now at Amazon What to Consider When Choosing a Harness With so many different types of harnesses, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your particular golden retriever. Here are some questions to ask yourself. What will I use this harness for? A simple, lightweight, durable harness is probably enough. A lifting harness can make your life much easier, particularly with a large dog like a golden retriever. Is my golden retriever a leash puller? Are they escape artists? If your dog is a leash puller, you need a harness with an attachment point on the chest. Soft, padded harnesses may be comfortable, but they can twist around when your dog pulls, making them less effective. If your dog is an escape artist, you may need a harness with an additional strap or one that can be adjusted for a closer fit. Is overheating a concern? If you live in a cold-weather climate or have a dog with short fur, the thought of overheating may not come into the picture. What is my budget? Of course, you can pick a cheap one if you need to, but it may not last very long. Be sure to balance price against durability, particularly if your dog is a leash puller or you need the harness for lifting. However, you may need a human assistant if you have a particularly wiggly dog. This will be a bit lower than wear a collar would sit. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not tight when taking your measurements. Most companies will include a sizing chart telling you how to match measurements to sizes. The actual harness will typically be an inch or two larger than the measurement to allow some slack. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a harness just for going on walks? Golden retrievers in particular are so friendly that they may lunge after another dog to say hello, and this puts strain on their throat. What is a no-pull harness? Simply putting the leash attachment point on the back of the harness can actually allow the dog to pull harder, although it does take the pressure off their throats. In order to actually discourage pulling, the harness needs to have some mechanism that keeps the dog from lunging forward. Can a walking harness double as a seatbelt harness for the car? Some walking harnesses can. If a particular harness is safe to be used with a seatbelt, the packaging or marketing materials will usually state this. Conclusion You have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a harness for your golden retriever. Make sure you choose one appropriate to your lifestyle, the local climate, and your budget. A poorly fitted harness can cause chafing and discomfort, so make sure you adjust it properly. Your dog should get many years of use out of a good, well-made harness. It is an adjustable harness that comes with two metal attachments for leashes, with one being on the front and the other at the back. The front attachment clip is meant for dogs who pull. If the dog starts pulling when the leash is attached to the front clip, they will be turned around instead of going forward. After a while, this will get frustrating, and they will learn that it is best not to pull. This makes it a great tool for teaching your feisty one how to be obedient. Once they have learned not to pull, you can switch to the back attachment clip. This harness will not give you any problems when it comes to putting it on or taking it off. The straps are also adjustable to allow you to find the size that fits snugly on the animal. This ensures that you do not have to worry about the Golden escaping the harness. This harness also comes with reflective strips to ensure that your dog is visible and therefore, safe when walking at night. The only downside to this harness is that the straps loosen after extended periods of intense activity. Nonetheless, the Rabbitgoo dog harness more than makes up for that drawback in quality and functionality, which is why we have it as our top pick. Key Features Fully padded straps Ergonomic design No sensitive area, from the underarm to the throat, will be at risk when your dog has this harness on. Even during intense exercises, they will stay comfortable. Since golden retrievers have sensitive skin, look for a harness that can be adjusted across the chest, belly, and back to prevent chafing and skin irritation. Reflective Straps: Reflective material will keep your goldie visible even in low light conditions, thus increasing safety during walks. Hence, strong metal buckles are essential for keeping your dog safe and secure during walks. No-Pull Design: Is a necessity if your golden retriever likes to pull during walks. A no-pull harness comes with a front ring that offers better control and can help you in training your dog how to heal. Ultimately, whichever you choose, it will teach your dog to stop pulling and ensure that you have some fun walking instead of running after your goldie. To sum up, golden retrievers are highly energetic and playful dogs who need a lot of exercise to stay out of trouble and in great shape. Taking your pooch on long walks is always a great idea, but you will need the best harness for a golden retriever if you want to have fun and be safe. You May Also Like.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! The breeders are dedicated to raising healthy and happy puppies by using exceptional breeding practices. They also use designer dog nutrition so that the litters are healthy and well-nourished. They have been in business for more than 13 years. Their parent breeds are picked for important qualities, including a fantastic personality, adorable appearance, decent temperament, and inborn confidence. Before crossing to produce a healthy litter, they are also examined for clean genetic health panels. The best health care, home environment, and training for all of their puppies is their main value. They also breed primarily for health, temperament, and trainability, as they believe that all doodles are lovely and will look excellent when they are healthy. Their puppies undergo Early Neurological Stimulation after the third day of life to develop their inherent abilities as they grow into adulthood. The stimulation process also helps puppies cope with stress and stay focused throughout their lives. Their puppies have been thoroughly socialized so that they may readily adjust to their new environment and get along with children and other pets. When you buy a dog from them, you can be sure that it has good health, excellent temperament, and socialization skills to ensure that it will readily adjust to your environment easily. Their litters are created by AKC-recognized parents that have been healthily and genetically tested, and they are reared among family members using puppy culture methods. All puppies are given ENS early neurological stimulation to improve their coping abilities as they become older. In addition, at 6 weeks old, their Labradoodle puppies are subjected to a Volhard exam to help identify their abilities and temperaments. The Volhard test results are used to match a puppy with a good household based on its temperament. This ensures that they receive all of the essential vaccinations and deworming before being adopted. They go to great lengths to ensure that puppies are placed in families that are a good match for their temperaments. All Labradoodle puppies are vaccinated and dewormed before they go to their new homes. Their parent breeds are AKC registered and are health checked to ensure that healthy puppies are produced. Ruff-Ruff, Yo pups are spoiled with loads of love and special attention, so they work hard to find nice homes for themselves. It is critical to get a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable Labradoodle breeder to guarantee that your dog is healthy. A good breeder will also provide you with a health guarantee, health exams, and help as you adjust to a new puppy. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lexington Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

They will want to be with you. Have a crate or bed next to your bed for at least the first few weeks while you get them into a Puppy night-time routine. Here is how to get a puppy to sleep through the night. Alone Training Teaching your Pug puppy that they can be totally fine being left alone can be done with stuffed chew toys, time and patience. Remember to do it slowly to avoid any stress! Toilet Training Training Practically every website you read may tell you that Toilet training your Pug puppy can be a challenge. As with alone training, start sooner rather than later. Of course, if they run into any birds, butterflies and hear planes flying over, it will be great for them to get acquainted already. Have fun gathering surfaces with different textures for them to explore, like synthetic grass, tiles, and soil. Use treats! Remember to use lots of treats and praise when training. They love making your tail wag! Repeat their name to them a lot in the first week, so it really starts to click. Recall — How to teach your Pug puppy to come back when called — This is important for safety. Pugs generally stay close, but they can be very friendly and want to run up to people and other dogs for a bit of a cuddle, so a good recall will always help. But they can enjoy fetch games on a smaller scale, get on the floor and interact and play with your Pug puppy to learn what they enjoy. This will help to avoid resource guarding. Husbandry Tasks Pugs love affection but should be handled with care. Be mindful to not treat them like toys. Not going to blame children to think they are toys though — the resemblance is uncanny. To do this we want to teach them that hands will do nice things to them so use plenty of treats when handling your puppy. Week 2 — Training your Pug puppy Week 2 already! Either way, this section will cover 10 fun things to do with your Pug that will be a blast for both of you. Some of these are perfect if you want to stay at home and others are ideal if you want to get out and about with your Pug. Did you know that the average adult dog can understand approximately words or short phrases? But, even more amazing is that canines are capable of knowing many more. A Border Collie named Chaser knew more than words! Just by speaking the name of objects, your Pug will catch onto some words. But, to speed up learning, have several teaching sessions per day. The only things you will need for this are the objects that you want your Pug to know by name and some training treats. Since Pugs are prone to weight gain, this is a great low-calorie option. For these fun teaching sessions, set out 3 objects onto the floor. Pick up each one, clearly enunciating the word for it. Then, ask your Pug to get one that you call out. This is a great way to increase the bond you have with your Pug while offering your canine family member the gift of self-confidence. And, if your Pug has those down pat, you can both have tons of fun by moving onto tricks. Pugs can learn all sorts of things including roll over, play dead, dancing, praying, hoops, and much more. A great book for this is Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities , which has easy-to-follow instructions with helpful color photos of each step for both commands and tricks. Cuteness break! This is a great way to have fun with your Pug inside the home, and particularly on a rainy day when you want to prevent boredom for the both of you. Have a helper hold them. Or set up a gate or similar object across a doorway, leaving a small opening, then distract your Pug by tossing an item of interest toward the back end of the room. Your Pug may catch on to this method of distraction rather quickly and that's okay, many dogs will voluntarily be 'distracted' so that their human can hide. Here are some tips to keep this fun: 1 Always plan your hiding spot so that your dog doesn't catch you standing in a room while you wonder where to stash yourself. Behind a sofa or behind a door is a good choice. By the 5th or 6th time, you should be a couple of rooms away, completely out of view. Some good places? The bathtub with the curtain drawn, a closet with the door slightly open, or underneath blankets. This leads to wanting to play the next day. Puzzle games are a fantastic way to have fun with your Pug. There are many types of puzzle games for dogs. For example, the Trixie Flip Board is a flat floor-based puzzle where you hide treats behind compartments and teach your Pug how to nose or paw the various covers, flippers, sliders, and knobs. And, the Trixie Gambling Tower is a see-through tower on a sturdy base that holds treats that are released when your Pug learns to tug on the connector ropes. With these types of fun games, just remember that your Pug is not meant to play alone. It will be your job to show your Pug what to do and offer happy words to encourage them to keep trying or praise when they eventually catch on. Penny, at 5 months old, photo courtesy of Jamie 5: Have fun with bubbles. Many dogs find it thrilling to chase after bubbles and it can be a great way to get your Pug moving and meeting exercise requirements. If you manually blow bubbles for your Pug, this can be done either indoors or outdoors. Depending on the season, it can be a great time to go strawberry picking, apple picking or even explore a pumpkin patch. Often, apple orchards also have peach trees and other fruit trees to fill in between apple season. It can be a great way to do something new with your Pug and afterward or during , you can sample the fruit. Strawberries are safe for dogs to eat. Peach and apple can be given to dogs if you cut out pieces only the core, seeds and pits are toxic. Some dogs will chase after anything that is thrown; but, others need a bit more incentive. If you want to get your Pug to really enjoy a game of fetch, it helps to do this with something novel and exciting. This is a set of 3; All have flashing lights and make silly noises. Each has a different texture, soft rubber, hard rubber, and soft nubs which makes it easy to mouth. And, another terrific option is a Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Toy. These are perfect for Pugs, since they are designed for short-range flight and they spin in the air which helps trigger a chase response. With fetch, keep in mind that your level of enthusiasm plays a big role. Be involved and alert, and speak in an animated, happy tone. Just remember that fetch toys are designed specifically for throwing and retrieving and typically are not sturdy enough to be chew toys; so, reserve this just for when you are playing fetch with your Pug. There are lots of restaurants that allow dogs , either inside the eating establishment or outdoors on a patio. Some places even have menu items specifically for dogs. Pugs will be sedentary if allowed to be and it is true that overexertion is not a good thing for brachycephalic breeds. But, Pugs need daily exercise just like any other dog to manage weight, maintain muscle mass, and keep the heart strong. Going on hikes can be a fun way to get your Pug moving, all you need to do is choose the right route and prep your Pug for safety. These will be short usually 1 to 3 miles in total , have well-established trails mostly free of rocks, roots and other hazards, and have very little elevation gain. During those times, offer cool water. The container itself is stainless steel construction which makes it very durable. This has a neat design where a connected BPA-free section flips up and into a bowl. As you may know, brachycephalic breeds like the Pug should never be on leash and collar. A collar around the neck, especially when connected to a leash, can severely impede breathing. Harness are a much safer option. The neck is free and pressure from the leash is displaced over the shoulders, chest, and back. As added bonus, it is much easier to control and lead a dog when using a harness. This is lined for comfort and also made of a breathable air-mesh which helps keep a dog cool. These start at size extra-small for young pups and go up from there. And, this is available in 13 different colors so that your Pug will always look stylish. You'll want to pair the harness with a retractable leash so that you can let your Pug out and reel him in as needed without having to fumble with the cord. Most hiking spots close at sunset, so you will want to leave plenty of time to ensure that you and your guy or gal are done with time to spare. Miss Moo, at 12 years old, photo courtesy of Jerry, Shelly and Taylor Koltz Choose an activity to celebrate the season. Have fun with your Pug by making the most out of whichever season it happens to be. In the summer, take your Pug to a dog-friendly beach to walk along the shoreline. In the spring, head out for a picnic. In autumn, rake up a pile of colorful leaves and jump into it together. In the winter, bundle up your Pug and play in the snow for up to 20 minutes. You may also like: Pugs with Itchy Skin - The top leading causes of the frustrating problem, along with exact steps to resolve things. Top 10 Pug Eating Issues - It's not uncommon for this breed to have some sort of eating problem; see the top 10 along with exact steps to resolve them. Best Shampoos for Pugs - What you use during the bath will have lasting effects on skin and coat health, how long your Pug smells good, and more. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. You asked super valuable questions and really listened to our concerns. You helped us to make a conscious choice about what is right for us and take the steps to determine that we were doing the right thing. Ultimately we decided we weren't ready to be a 2 dog family, and we're so glad to gain this insight before taking on a commitment to a second dog. Thank you so much for your advice and support. She has a really flexible approach to training and finds what works for you and your dog. They sent weekly reminders about the classes and would even send us a text before the class started. Tara was amazing and soooo great with buckwheat. Would happily go to another class that she was teaching. They are both incredibly knowledgable and professional in their approach, and both went out of their way to provide additional help and support. Our great dane has benefited immensely from this training and we couldn't recommend this service more highly! No more pulling! She gave me some great strategies to help with reactive behaviours and some really simple tricks which just make life so much easier. The one in one session was a great investment. Such a refreshing change from the outdated, harsh methods and so much more effective, and fun! I have been struggling with barking with my 6yr old anxious staffy for years. We felt like we had tried everything and Cassie came and it felt like she gave us those last few missing puzzle pieces. As soon as we started enacting her advice we have had a massive improvement and have not looked back since. Not only this but she arrived right on time and was super friendly and compassionate with zero judgement. I've been to a lot of people with my little one and I can happily say Cassie is by far the best trainer we have been to. We would recommend the company to anyone experiencing the need for some professional support and advice. The ongoing support has also been most helpful! Google rating score: 4. They also create a foundation for future training. Are you tired of calling her to be completely ignored? How about when your friend comes over? Your Pug jumps all over her. You spend the next 30 minutes holding your Pug away from her until your Pug settles down. These dog tricks, once learned, will keep your Pug safe and create a relaxed environment for you. If you decide you and your Pug enjoy the training time together, you may want to move into more complex training. These five dog tricks are watch me, sit, stay, come, touch, and leave it. Pug — one, two, or an entire grumble, whatever you have available. At least one Pug is necessary for dog tricks. Clicker — you can buy one on Amazon or your local pet store. A more expensive clicker is not going to make your Pug anymore magnificent as a Pug student. Having a clicker will make training dog tricks much easier. Some are loud and may startle your Pug dog. Some have a wrist band or some clip to your belt loop. See what is most comfortable for you. Treats — most people will suggest high value treats when training dog tricks. If your Pug is not food motivated, you want to consider some chicken or expensive dog treats. My Pugs are food motivated, and I get concerned about them chunking up. I use kibbles from their regular meals. When I get up in the morning, I measure out their food separately in bowls. I take out what I will need for training that day and put it in their treat training pouch. Then I feed them what is left in their bowls for the daily meals. Training Pouch — I like a training pouch that clips around my waist. I found that treats in my pocket leave a smell, even after I have removed the treats. Then I spend the evening trying to get two pugs not to dig into my pocket. I like a large training pouch, so I can easily put my entire hand in it. That way, I am not fumbling around after I click to get a treat. Sometimes I leave the treat in my hand and sometimes in the training pouch. Training Basics for Dog Tricks Keep the sessions short. Train 5 to 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. Train regularly. But, your Pugs are still dreaming of you coming out of the kitchen with a tray of afternoon snacks. Find a quiet place to train. In the beginning, you do not want too many distractions. Avoid a space where people are coming through the room and family members going out the front door. Never Punish your Pug Dog Punishment causes fear, insecurity, and aggression. Training dog tricks is supposed to be fun for both you and your Pug dog. Your Pug dog will be reading your body language also with your verbal and physical cues. Are you asking your Pug dog to sit with a signal each time in the exact same manner? Teaching dog tricks is fun, but you also need some skill. Then remind yourself, Pugs are of a royal lineage. They are accustomed to you waiting on them. Reward your Pugs for being good. Do this all day long and not just with treats. Good girl. Teach a new trick after he learns the last one. Keep reinforcing the newly learned trick throughout the day, but introduce a new one. Part of the training process is to help our Pugs ease any boredom they may be feeling. Make sure you are enthusiastic. When they figure something out for the first time, pour on the praise and the treats. Clicker Training For all these five dog tricks for your Pug dog, we will be using clicker training. Clicker training is a tool to use with positive reinforcement training. Remember, positive training means to add something. Reinforcement means to increase a behavior. The click is simply a mark. It tells your Pug dog that when he hears that click, that is precisely the behavior you are training. But how does he know this click is a good thing? Pairing the click with a reward is easy. Click and then give your dog a reward, usually a yummy treat to begin. Do this 15 to 20 times, and they pick up the idea quickly. Now when he hears the click, he knows a treat will be coming his way. Although he has figured this out, it may take a while to figure out the click is coming from his behavior. If your clicks are random, it will take a lot longer for your Pug to figure out. It has to be precise when it touches the floor. The Five Dog Tricks 1. Requesting eye contact can be used rather than scolding. This morning Lulu was in the kitchen sitting on her back paws digging away at a kitchen cabinet. So rather than scold for the scratching, I requested she looks at me. She was distracted long enough not to go back to that same behavior. How to Train Watch Me Get your clicker and some tasty treats. When she looks your way, click, and treat. Continue until you see that light bulb go on. Then, continue this training daily. Show her the treat. Put the treat up to your face. When your Pug dog looks up at your face, click and treat. At this stage, your Pug will still be looking at the treat and not your eyes. You will be using shaping with many of the dog tricks. We eventually want our Pugs to look directly into our eyes without holding a treat there. To begin, take them looking at the treat held in front of our face. When you believe your Pug dog is catching on, hold the treat away from your face a few inches. Likely, your Pug will be staring at the treat. However, you will get a split second when her eyes dart and look at you. Click when your eyes are locked, not after she has gone back to look at the treat. Catching her quick glance toward you takes concentration on your part. Continue this exercise 15 to 20 times. When she catches on, she will realize the eye contact is getting the click. And of course, a treat follows the click each time. Once she consistently makes eye contact, have her hold her gaze with your eyes just a second longer. Then click and reward with a treat. You want to be sure your Pug is solid with the dog tricks. Over time, increase the amount of time she looks at you. Then generalize this skill to other areas and situations. To generalize, request eye contact while she has her leash on and off. Take her into your yard and different rooms. Slowly, increase the number of distractions that she has to deal with. Extra distractions are family members in the kitchen and people walking in or out of the front door. Another distraction is the dog park. Stand on the other side of the dog park fence and have her make eye contact with you there. Gradually, move closer to the fence where the other dogs and people are. Continue to ask for eye contact. He needs to be able to preform dog tricks in all situations. Sit Sit is an easy command for Pugs to learn. For one reason, it is a natural behavior, and they do it a lot. The first method of teaching your Pug dog to sit is capturing. Capturing is something you will use teaching some of the dog tricks. Get your clicker and treat ready. Stand in front of your Pug. You will probably have his attention as he knows that you have a treat. If you wait a few minutes, he will likely sit. As his bottom makes contact with the floor, click and treat. Do this a few times. Once he understands, start to say the word sit right when he lowers his bottom to go into a sit. Again, when his bottom touches the floor or ground, click, treat, and praise. Lift your hand upward. Generally, most Pugs will lower their bottoms when they reach their head up to try to get the treat. If your Pug dog lifts her head to bite the food, be patient. Eventually, your Pug will sit down. When her bottom touches the ground, click, give her a treat, and make a super big deal about it. Do these enough times until your Pug starts giving you sits quickly. Then you know she understands. Then, as usual, practice around 15 times. As you continue training her throughout the day, have her hold her sit a little longer before you give her a treat. Remember, Pugs can be stubborn. If you try to push their rumps down, and they push against your hand. Never try to force your Pug in any manner when teaching dog tricks. Continue to Practice Have your Pug sit throughout the day. Hold short training sessions in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. Sometimes when you start in a new place, it feels like you are beginning the training process all over again. One of the first dog tricks I taught Mimi and Lulu was sit. When I first taught Mimi and Lulu to sit, I trained them to sit on their training cots. Now every time I get those cots out, they both run over and give a proud sit. Lulu stretches her neck as high as she can; like a giraffe. I have to keep an eye on Mimi. She likes to cheat. She will sit down, but her bottom will sometimes be hovering over the cot or floor. If I wait, she will eventually relax and go into a real sit. It is easy to phase out the treat rewards for this trick. Soon you will find your Pugs sit every time you go into the pantry, go into the kitchen, come home, or just look at them. If they sit, but you have not asked them to, give them lots of praise. They are doing a good thing. Your Pug dog may pick up on your tension. Consider using more valuable treats; fresh meat, hot dog pieces, or cheese. Do not say the word sit repeatedly if your Pug dog does not understand what you want. You want to wait to pair the word sit with when she is sitting. This applies to all the dog tricks. Go back to trying to capture the behavior. The timing can be tricky. If your dog is standing and then you look over, and she is sitting, but you missed when she sat down, do not click. Keep watching, and you will see her sit. When you do, click when her bottom touches the ground and give her a treat. Our Pugs sit and lie down a lot. Sit is one of the easiest dog tricks to teach. The Usefulness of Sit Have your Pug dog sit to redirect your Pug from getting into trouble with other dogs. Redirect your Pug when he starts to jump on people. Your Pug dog can sit when someone knocks at the door. Have your Pug sit when friends and family come to visit. This is polite, and they will be impressed! Stay is a great one. If you plan to enroll your Pug in dog training, it is a necessary skill. Do not give her a treat. You want to provide the message that something more is expected from her before she gets her treat. Hold your open palm facing her. Each time she tries to stand up, request another sit. Take a step back. If she is still sitting, click, and treat. Continue to practice this daily, adding more time. Training a release word is one of the many dog tricks you can teach your Pug. Do these several times. When some Pugs learn that the treats keep coming from staying in one spot, they are hesitant to move. Add More Time and Distractions Continue this exercise for days adding time and distance each time. Eventually, you want to be able to walk away with your back turned to your Pug. Once you feel confident, your Pug dog knows what you want and can stay for 5 minutes, move to a different room. Increasing the challenge is something you want to do with all the dog tricks. Again, generalize to different settings with different distractions. If you really want to try the ultimate challenge, ask your dog to sit and stay near your front door. You are using two of the dog tricks with this exercise. After she has stayed in position for a couple of minutes, have them stay and go over to the front door and knock. My Pug dogs see me knocking on the door and start running and barking as if someone is trying to break into the house. This distraction is a big challenge! As always, keep your training sessions short when your Pug is learning dog tricks. Make sure your Pug training sessions are always fun for you and your Pug dog. Teach dog tricks throughout the day. Keep things spontaneous. I was completely wrong on this one. If your Pug dog does not come to you when called, it can be a safety issue. So, if your Pug comes when called, you will be able to provide them with greater independence. Begin to train your Pug dog in a quiet area and indoors. All you have to do is say the phrase and give a treat. All your Pug has to do is eat the treat! Have your Pug dog stay and walk a few feet away from him. If you see her chasing her, click and treat. Still, no luck? Move even closer to her when you start. Eventually, when she does start to chase you, click and treat. Over time, you want to reduce your movement. The goal is to stand still and call her from across the room. Then, add distractions. Get someone to open the refrigerator door, come into the room, or knock on the door. Your Pug needs to learn to come and all the dog tricks in many different areas. Or take her outside on a nylon cord attached to her leash. Once she reaches that goal, train her to sit when she arrives. It will reinforce that the word means nothing. It is better to use a squeaky toy or use a sweet voice when calling her. I started my Pug dogs out on their training cots and began a few feet from them. When I moved in closer and tried again, Mimi got it right. We continued to work until she learned the come command. Lulu did not want to budge. I realized my mistake was I started her on her training cot. Why would she want to leave the training cot? She did much better, but it took her a while to figure out she needed to leave her spot. Eventually, I had to do some treat luring in front of her nose to get her to move. As I stated before, luring may be needed when teaching some of the dog tricks. Both Mimi and Lulu finally learned to come. It took a few weeks before I felt reasonably confident that they would come to me. And still, I do not take them on off-leash walks. Not only is it one of the five necessary dog tricks, it prevents your Pug dog from picking up things. For example, once while at the park, I was walking Mimi and Lulu, Mimi had her nose on the ground smelling something. I looked down to see a piece of food that was covered with red ants. That could have been a complete disaster! Your Pug needs self-control. Or who wants to get sweet Pug kisses if that Pug has just eaten a piece of cat pooh? How to Teach Leave It 1. Take a handful of treats and show your Pug dog. Open your hand again and repeat until she stops trying to get the treat out of your hand. As soon as your Pug dog stops trying to get the treats, click, praise, and give her a treat. Give her a treat with your opposite hand. Take the treat from your treat bag or pocket. Close your hand. Because we humans are such verbal creatures, it is natural for us to say the cue word over and over again. Saying the word over and over again makes the term meaningless for our Pug dogs. We want to associate it with him using self-control, not approaching the food. If your Pug dog gets a treat out of your hand by accident, she will try even harder the next time. She has learned that she can sneak one in if she tries hard enough. Get ready. Our laid back Pugs can be quick when they want to be. Increase the wait time each interval before you click and give the reward. Eventually, you want to increase the wait time to a few minutes. Remember, each time you change the rules; you need to lower the criteria so your Pug dog can succeed. Once your Pug dog has success with this, step back a couple of steps from the treat. Be close enough that you can move in quickly with your foot if she lunges toward the treat. Go further away from the treat over several training sessions. Start placing the yummy treat closer to your Pug dog and further from you. This can be challenging but go slowly, and soon the treat will be under his nose. This is more realistic as your Pugs are really good at grabbing food off the floor that you may drop when cooking. Start out so you are close enough to the treat so you can put your foot over it. Then toss the treat a little further away from both of you. When she does not take the treat, click, and give her a different treat. Dog tricks are really great tricks when your Pug can perform it without you being right on top of him. This is a much more realistic scenario. Practice Using Other Items If you are using kibble or a low-value treat, spice things up. This is a little more tempting for your Pug dog but worthy of learning. You can also practice with her toys, your favorite pair of leather shoes, or slippers. Mix It Up Now, leave your Pug dog in the house and go into your yard. Place treats and favorite toys on the ground. You might add some real-world situations like a half of a sandwich. If he pulls on his leash toward the treat, you will have to slow down the exercise. Manage your Pug dog on the leash, so he does not get there before you do. This is a good way to keep it exciting and realistic for your Pug dog. The more areas you can find to practice in, the better. As always, when teaching dog tricks, keep the training sessions short, and end on a positive note. Work toward your goals slowly with all of your training of dog tricks. These are the things that will keep training fun! Conclusion Once you have taught your Pug dog to watch you, sit, come to you, stay, and leave it, you will find life so much easier. Teaching these dog tricks to your Pug is fun and keeps them mentally alert. These five dog tricks are the training foundation. They may all come in handy one day at the dog park, on a walk or when another dog comes over to visit. If your Pug can follow your requests of watch me, sit, stay, come, and leave it, it will help keep them safe. These are more than just dog tricks. This greeting is welcomed as the frenzy that used was not. Training pugs is fun. My Pugs have taken more time and persistence to train, but everyone is so proud when they learn dog tricks! Which of the dog tricks are you going to start training now?

By Catherine Armstrong Updated September 26, From 14 ounces to 75 pounds, your golden retriever puppy will grow and develop a lot during his first 2 years. Your golden retriever will be a faithful, loving companion during his life span of 12 to 14 years. Newborn Goldens Need Their Mom Like all puppies, golden retrievers are born blind, deaf and completely reliant on their mother for survival. She feeds them, licks them clean and keeps them warm. Golden retriever puppies weigh between 14 and 16 ounces at birth and will double their weight by the end of their second week of life. Golden retriever moms tend to be calm and friendly, so hold and socialize with newborn puppies often. Goldens Love Carrying Toys Around All puppies learn about their environment by exploring with their mouths, but goldens were bred to carry ducks without damaging them, so they're especially mouthy. Provide young puppies soft toys to carry around and you'll quickly see evidence of their retrieving instinct. Make sure the floor is clear of small items that are dangerous to puppies such as paperclips, coins and pills. Golden retrievers have thick, shaggy double coats that require daily brushing; otherwise their coats becomes hopelessly matted and tangled. Start grooming your puppy while he's young so he will be accustomed to holding still long enough to get pretty. Monitor Your Golden's Growth Carefully monitor your golden's growth between 4 and 7 months of age. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a painful joint condition exacerbated by rapid growth. Goldens who grow too quickly also suffer a higher likelihood of soft tissue injuries and some cancers. Feed your puppy kibble specially designed for large breeds, which is less calorie-laden than other puppy foods. Ask your veterinarian for a slow-growth plan to minimize health risks. Such a plan includes careful weight monitoring, a low-calorie puppy food, exercise and elimination of excess food. Exercise your golden puppy daily to train his metabolism to burn excess calories. Play with him on grass and soft surfaces to minimize the impact to his hip joints. Always a Puppy Your golden reaches his full height of up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder by the end of his first year and reaches his full weight at 2 years old. A male weighs 65 to 75 pounds; a female typically weighs 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens keep their youthful temperament well into adulthood. Make sure your golden pup gets plenty of exercise. The dog's size and active nature require that he gets more vigorous exercise than some dogs. As a retriever, he can have no greater joy than fetching tennis balls or splashing in a pond to retrieve sticks or floating toys. Caroline Colie, Ph. This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and it generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes and longer for them to see clearly. By Doug Jimerson Doug has been owned by a long line of cats and dogs in a variety of shapes and sizes. It generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes. Some breeds may even take longer. Most puppies will open one eye at a time over the course of a few days. Be patient. Let nature take its course. So you should keep puppies at this early age in a dimly lit location to protect their eyes. In fact, puppies can see before they can hear their ears open at around 18—20 days , Todd says. The last thing your pup needs is to develop conjunctivitis during this critical period. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can cause permanent blindness. Overall, the best thing to do for your puppy when it comes to early eye care is to let nature take its course. Certainly, you should watch for any crusty build-up on the eyes or any other sign that something might be amiss, but in general, just enjoy your puppy transforming itself from a blind, deaf, fur ball into a bouncing, happy animal. Was this page helpful? Puppyhood is a time when positive experiences can pave the way to a life as a well-adjusted and happy adult, while negative experiences can lead to long-term problems. Having an understanding of the rapid transitions between stages of development during this period can help owners support and nurture their pet through puppyhood and adolescence. Neonatal Period 0—2 weeks Newborn Golden Retriever The newborn puppy is blind and deaf, with eyes and ears that are neither fully formed nor fully open. This stage is all about growth and survival, and the pup spends all his time either sleeping or feeding. These antibodies will endow him with some immunity from serious illness for the next 6 weeks, at which point he can mount his own response to vaccination. The mother must stimulate the bowel and bladder to empty by licking the perineal region under the tail, as the pup cannot control this himself. Transition Period 2—4 weeks 4-Week Golden Retriever As anyone who has every bred a litter of puppies will tell you, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing the young pups open their eyes for the first time. Although their vision is blurry, and consists mostly of shadows and light, they clearly begin to respond to visual stimuli around two weeks of age. This also coincides with the ears beginning to function, meaning the pup is suddenly exposed to a wealth of sensory stimuli. He begins to urinate and defecate independently, although the mother is likely to continue helping. His appetite grows exponentially, and the mother needs extra nutrition during the next few weeks to keep up with his demands until he can eat solid food for himself. However, his focus is still very much on feeding, and interactions between pups are limited to gnawing and competing for the best suckling spot between two and three weeks of age. Toward the end of this period, pups will show clear signs of recognising their mother and siblings from a distance, and owners who have spent time with the litter up to this point will probably also be rewarded with squeaks of excitement when they approach. Socialisation Period 4—7 weeks 6-Week Golden Retriever By four weeks, the incredible rate of development means that our little pup is now mobile, alert, and very curious! Exploratory behaviours are seen from this age, meaning the pup begins to push boundaries in every sense to develop his own perception of the world. He will begin to wander from his mother and siblings, although he is initially likely to be retrieved by the mother any time she feels he is being a little too brave. Littermates and familiar humans are clearly recognised, and the pup begins to devote much of his time to play. This serves a number of purposes, providing much-needed stimulation to the growing brain, as well as allowing the puppies to establish a pecking order. The more boisterous and exuberant pups will assert themselves as the dominant members of the family, usually getting to lie on top of their siblings when sleeping, as well as securing their places at the most productive teats when feeding. Their increasing strength and enthusiasm mean that the mother may begin to find it difficult and uncomfortable to feed the pups as much as they demand, and so now is also the period when weaning begins, with the pups being introduced to soft food and encouraged to lap from a dish. This is a messy business! For at least the first week, the pups will get more food in their hair than in their mouths, and for large litters, the owners may need to help out with cleaning and grooming, using a wet flannel to remove the worst of the caked-on milk or food. This is called the socialisation period for a very good reason, and it is vital that pups are exposed to humans during this time. Stray puppies rescued after this point will always have, to a greater or lesser extent, an in-built fear of people. Gentle, regular handling is essential at least twice a day, though in reality, pups will benefit from much more. Although children are great at playing with and socialising puppies, one must be careful that the pups are not handled roughly or dropped. Aside from the risks of injury, painful or stressful experiences can have a lasting impact. Fearful Period 7—12 weeks Week Golden Retriever By 7—8 weeks of age, the pup has learned basic etiquette and behaviour from his mother. Siblings begin to become more competitive, and the playful battles for supremacy become a little more vigorous and heated. He has hopefully received adequate exposure to humans, and by avoiding negative experiences to this point is now confident enough to explore the world. However, this confidence is superficial, and the pup is now aware enough of its environment to realise that its mother and siblings do not themselves have full control of their lives — much of this control lies with their owners. For this reason, it is around now that pups begin to gravitate toward humans, and those that do not receive a lot of one-to-one attention during this period will again have issues with fearfulness and nervousness throughout their lives. During this phase, pups also begin to develop the capacity to learn basic commands, and the very brightest may begin to appreciate the importance of housetraining. Harsh correction, physical punishment, and shouting are all to be avoided. Now, and always, the dog will respond best to positive feedback when he behaves as desired. Juvenile and Ranking Periods 3—6 months 6-Month Golden Retriever While these stages are considered separate by some authorities on the subject of development, they overlap considerably, both in terms of time and behaviours. The puppy has learned some basic commands, has an appreciation of good behaviour, and has more or less mastered use of his growing body. His energy levels seem to increase daily, and owners need to be prepared to indulge in periods of play, as well as introducing daily walks to help vent this energy. As a normal part of this phase, most pups will begin to attempt to move up the social hierarchy. This is perfectly natural in the setting of a pack of dogs, where the youngest and strongest members of the pack will make the most useful senior figures, to the benefit of the other dogs. By progressing from the earlier games of wrestling with his siblings to the point where he is ready to physically challenge other dogs, the pup ensures both the security of the pack and his own position within it. However, as we have taken dogs out of this natural setting and placed them within our human families, this is not a behaviour we want to encourage. Any signs of aggression, such as bites which pierce the skin, or snarling, must be quickly dealt with by placing the pup away from the family, using a lead if necessary. By diligently and firmly set the ground rules of acceptable behaviour, the pup will quickly realise where the boundaries are, and will learn to happily accept his position in the family structure. Being too permissive or forgiving of this kind of behaviour can lead to devastating behavioural problems later in life. Of course, some chewing or biting is legitimately explained as teething behaviour. Obedience training is important throughout this period; juvenile puppies, like children, are veritable sponges, looking to soak up as much information as possible. Puppy training classes are an ideal environment for the stimulation they provide, but also for the guidance and input of a behavioural expert. Adolescence 6—18 months Month Golden Retriever Our puppy is now almost an adult — how time flies by! Although close to physical maturity, he is still learning, and will continue to sometimes behave inappropriately and have higher energy levels than an adult dog. It is important throughout this period to continue reinforcing all the good habits taught to this point, to practise regular obedience training, and to provide plenty of exercise. Adolescence passes quickly in some dogs, who may appear mature in every respect by one year of age, but can drag on in others; for example, the Lhasa Apso is known to retain puppy-like characteristics well into adulthood. One must remember to be patient during this period, providing corrective guidance when needed, but not expecting perfect behaviour at all times. Remember, we were all teenagers once! Puppy Timeline in Review Neonate - The pup is blind, deaf and helpless. He relies on his mother for warmth, food, and to help with bodily functions. He spends all his time feeding and sleeping. Transition - The senses awaken, with the eyes and ears beginning to function. The pup becomes aware of his surroundings and makes early attempts to explore his surroundings. He may show an interest in tasting food. Socialisation - Within the safety of his litter, the pup begins to venture further from the mother, and spends much of his time wrestling and playing with his littermates. Humans are recognised, and the pup begins to enjoy being handled and spoken to. Weaning is almost complete. Fearful - The pup gains an awareness of the world beyond his litter, and is ready for a new home. He will bond strongly to his owners at this point, but is sensitive to stress. He is capable of understanding commands, but needs gentle encouragement in training. Juvenile - The growing pup is energetic and boisterous. He needs regular exercise and obedience training to help control his increasingly mischievous behaviour. Ranking - He attempts to establish a higher position for himself in the family structure. Behaviours, such as chewing and growling, can no longer be tolerated, even in play. Strong leadership from the owner helps assure the pup he should remain submissive. A consistent approach to training and discipline, combined with patience, will help the pup through this phase and toward a happy adult life. Popular Dog Breeds. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Lets face it, our dogs are like our children to us. Those baby blues in children are an exciting moment in their life. Puppies have their baby blues too. Typically for most puppies eyes begin to open from 7 days to 14 days old. Many golden retriever breeders state that most of their puppies open their eyes around 12 days. Give a take a few days. When they do, their eyes appear a uniform shade of blue. That is because the eyes lack melanin. As they grow, around weeks, their irises gain more melanin and turn to their lifelong color. In the case of goldens, their eye color will become medium to dark brown. In the case of English Cream Golden Retrievers, generally they will become dark brown. Along with their sight, hearing also begins. Around two weeks of age, they start hearing different sounds. As they begin to hear new things they may become startled. When talking to them you might see that they jump at the sound of your voice. Even walking into the room may startle them. Another growth milestone occurs shortly after birth. Around the second day you can see that golden retrievers noses start gaining pigment. Each day their noses, and even toes will begin to darken. They will darken until they become black.