french bulldog corgi mix puppy for sale

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. What are some fun facts about French Bulldog puppies for sale near Birmingham? French Bulldogs are delightful and dapper dogs that have many quirky and interesting facts. As their name implies, French Bulldogs are a breed that originate from France in the s. They have smushed faces and bat-like ears, making them one of the most recognizable dog breeds. French Bulldogs have a sensitive digestive system, so a special diet has to be followed to avoid digestive issues. Will French Bulldog puppies for sale in Birmingham cause me to have allergies? It is possible that you may have an allergic reaction to a French Bulldog, however, it is not a guarantee. Allergens from dogs vary based on breed and all dogs produce dander, saliva and urine which contain allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. The good news is that French Bulldogs are often bred to be hypoallergenic and have a low amount of dander. Any potential allergic reaction is typically mild and can usually be managed with regular grooming and air filtering systems in your home. Taking these precautions may reduce your risk of having allergies caused by a French Bulldog. Do Birmingham French Bulldog puppies for sale have special dietary needs? French Bulldogs have specific dietary needs that are different from other breeds, so it is important to understand what your Frenchie needs in order to maintain optimal health. Generally speaking, Frenchies should eat a high-quality kibble that has been specially formulated to meet their individual needs. Keep in mind that Frenchies tend to eat more calories than other breeds, so be sure to monitor portion sizes to avoid your pup from becoming overweight. You may also want to incorporate some wet food into your dog's diet, as this will provide additional moisture and can help prevent certain health problems. How can I become the best puppy parent for French Bulldog puppies in Birmingham? To become the best possible puppy parent for your French Bulldog, it is important to keep their needs and behavior in mind. First, it's important to make sure you're providing them with ample mental stimulation such as puzzle toys and playtime. French Bulldogs are highly intelligent and thrive on stimulation. Additionally, it's important to provide them with adequate exercise to keep them fit and healthy. How big do French Bulldogs for sale in Birmingham get? French Bulldogs are considered to be a small breed of dog, and typically grow to a height of inches and a weight of up to 28 pounds. Without proper exercise and diet they can be prone to obesity, so it is important to pay attention to your pup's nutrition and activity levels if you own one. Despite their small size, Frenchies are known for their strength and powerful stature, as well as their mischievous personalities and goofy attitudes. They are affectionate dogs, and thrive on one-on-one interaction and time spent with their owners. Can I take my French Bulldog puppies near Birmingham running? Taking your French Bulldog running can be an enjoyable experience for you both. However, as with any high-energy exercise, there are a few considerations you need to keep in mind before hitting the pavement. French Bulldogs have generally been developed as companion dogs, not sporting animals, so you'll need to consider your pup's age, size, energy level, and whether or not it has any existing health conditions before running together. Additionally, you may want to ease into the exercise gradually to give your pup time to build up stamina. Are French Bulldogs in Birmingham good family dogs? French Bulldogs are popular family dogs due to their kind and loyal personalities. Their natural love for people makes them great additions to families with children who can enjoy playing with the pup. Their small size makes it easier to house train them, and the French Bulldog usually gets along well with other pets. French Bulldogs are also low-maintenance, low-energy, and adapt to nearly any home. They do require routine vet visits, coat brushing, and other basic grooming needs, but overall, these fun-loving dogs make excellent family pets. How do I train my Birmingham French Bulldogs for sale? Training your French Bulldog requires patience, consistency and reward. Start with basic commands such as "sit" or "stay" and be sure to reward them with treats or attention whenever they do something correctly. Ensure that you are reinforcing behavior you like and not reinforcing unwanted behavior. Give verbal cues such as gentle praise or clicker training combined with positive reinforcement. Take your pup out for a walk each day, not only to train them how to walk on a leash, but also to give them the opportunity to discover their environment and socialize with other dogs.

Are you interested in bringing home one of our adorable French Bulldog puppies? We currently have several Frenchie puppies awaiting their forever home. Add a bundle of joy and happiness to your family today by visiting us to take a look at our available puppies! You're in the right place. Click here to find out more about our studs and the special care we go through to make sure you are happy! Look no further! Our dedicated team puts in extra effort and care to ensure you're getting the best when it comes to reliable and quality Frenchie stud service for your furry friend. Check out our website for more information! Determine Your Desired Outcomes. Think about the physical and personality traits you'd like to bring into your litter. Some common examples are a broad head, short muzzle, and deep chest; or loyal, intelligent, and calm temperaments. Talk to our team at our stud services to learn more about which studs will produce the best results based on your desired outcomes. It's vital to consider each eligible French Bulldog stud's health certifications and genetic qualities. All our studs are AKC Registered and committed to maintaining high health care and socialization standards. You can also ask us about any specific known or potential inherited conditions that the sire or dam may be prone to so you feel confident in their quality of genetics. Ask us about these topics upfront so that you can decide which stud will best suit your needs. We accept electronic payments using major credit cards and other popular payment services like Zelle and Venmo. After we agree upon a fee, a deposit will be made, which is non-refundable in the unlikely event that you decide not to use our service or if mating is unsuccessful. This document will provide all the details of your particular arrangement, including fees due upon completion of services, health testing requirements, and payment options. Our Instagram. How To Purchase Our Puppies? Policies and Procedures provide clarity to you that are of critical importance to us. After you've looked over our website and become familiar with our Purchase Procedures, give us a call and let us help you with your quest to find the perfect French Bulldog Puppy or Dog companion. Pet Insurance Resources French Bulldogs require special considerations for their care. Getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is the first step to ensuring a health dog. We highly recommend pet insurance to all our pet parents. Take a moment to look at this link from This Old House. Each Puppy has 10 pictures of them posted, each time we do a set of photos. It takes a day or so to process them crop and watermark and then they are posted to the litter's picture and video page. Please be sure that you save the pictures that are on there now as they will be replaced when I post new ones. You will then go to a separate page with all the additional pictures and video. Please remember that you are always invited to come and visit in between or anytime and take pictures of your own. YouTube Videos are done and posted as well on the litter's picture and video page, at the age of weeks old.

YT french bulldog puppies for adoption YT french bulldog puppies for adoption, we have lovely personalities and are being raised around our family to get maximum exposure to life. We love playing and getting attention, and love our mum and human parents that are raising us but we would love to meet a new family with a new mum and dad.French bulldog puppies for sale We have a new litter of french bulldog from our puppies we are selling them off for they come with Limited registration at this price and health certificate, All pupps are healthy call us to schedule a visit or how to get a puppy from us. Our puppy will have no issues with breathing or joints pr.Both parents are health tested an.Aqwdsh french bulldog puppies for sale Aqwdsh french bulldog puppies for sale, all pups are nice short chunky, big heads and flat faces, they are serious quality pups. All pups are akc registered, microchipped, 1st vaccines, wormed and fleed to date , puppy pack and lifetime support. For more details and pictures text. .French bulldog puppies for sale French Bulldog puppies for sale. Tina is a wonderful lilac tan Akc registered fluffy carrier frenchie girl. Carries cream no pied no brindle. Nice compact short and chunky! Current on all vaccinations, dewormings,and come with a health guarantee. If interested. E-mail us directly on na.They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

You can use the information on dog f.Show more How much grooming does a French Bulldog need? Although French Bulldogs have short fur, they do shed so you'll need to brush them occasionally. To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a ti.Show more What size crate do you need for a French Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more abo.Are French Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every French Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develo.Show more Are French Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. See our Privacy Notice A Welsh rescue centre is feeling the brunt of the increase in French Bulldog breeding over the last few years. On occasions we have been the most popular breed at the hotel. Some of us that find ourselves at the hotel have been purely bred to make money. Tiggy, Seren, Elle and Coba at Cardiff Dogs Home "In recent times with the popularity of Frenchies growing and prices becoming ridiculous, more pet breeders are showing up in the area. French Bulldogs particularly are likely to be unregistered due to illegal importing and puppy farms. The fashionable breed has grown in popularity after being the companion of choice for celebrities like the Beckhams, Lady Gaga and Hugh Jackman. Love dogs? Then pawmark TeamDogs today. TeamDogs is a community for dog lovers who want to get the most out of their relationship with their best pal. Make sharing the cutest photos of your dog your first job on the website and after you've done that, leave a tip to help fellow dog owners live their best lives as a proud pooch parent. Search through hundreds of recommended walks, treats, toys and places to stay when you're on an adventure together. From dog-friendly pubs to product reviews and the latest news, you can sniff it all out at TeamDogs. All of this leads to the growing demand for French Bulldogs, with breeders quick to cash in. She said there was an increase in owners giving up dogs for adoption because they cannot afford vet bills necessary for looking after flat-faced breeds. If they are determined to get a flat-faced breed then we would ask that people adopt rather than buy. WhatsApp Hope Rescue is urging the puppy-buying public to avoid buying dogs with extreme features, after a total of 38 French Bulldogs have been signed over to them from Cardiff City Council after they were awarded ownership of the dogs as part of a seizure under the Animal Welfare Act .The dogs had been bred for exaggerated features such as thick nose ropes, fluffy coats, and their desirable colouring, without any care for the impact this had on their health. One dog had such a large nose rope that it was causing irritation to his eyes and restricting his breathing. He needed urgent surgery to remove the nose rope and open up his severely narrowed nostrils. The details of the seizure are part of an ongoing prosecution case which included a litter of young puppies, and a heavily pregnant female, called Nana, who later gave birth in the comfort of a foster home. If you are aware of anyone breeding illegally, or in low welfare conditions, please do ensure you report it to your local authority licensing team or Animal Licensing Wales. If you would like to support our work, please visit www.

We are a small family breeder located on four acres in Olympia, Washington which is in Thurston County, just an hour south of Seattle. We will only ever have three breedings dogs one male and two females so we can always ensure each dog and its puppies have the love, time, attention, and socialization they need. Lots of love and attention make for well-socialized and happy dogs! We are proud to be raising happy, healthy, and beautiful retriever puppies from prestigious European lineage. Our puppies are always remarked on for their good looks and for being well-socialized. We work hard to ensure our dogs have the best life - and your pup has the best start possible! Nutrition, veterinary care, exercise, and health are our top priorities. Ethical breeding is key to PGP. Our dogs are members of our family and we truly take delight in helping to match an individual or family with a new puppy. When you choose a PGP pup then you become part of our community - we love to hear from you and stay up to date with your puppy, we are a resource if you have any questions. To get on our reservation list for a beautiful Golden Retriever puppy to add to your family, please reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you! All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Get on the waitlist for Silver Labs and Golden Retriever Puppies due beginning of October Past litter of male puppies Looking for a puppy to add to your family? Golden Retrievers Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labs Silver Labs Meet The Puppies These are gorgeous, and energetic dogs who: require daily exercise and are perfect for you, if you love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle are easily trained and very intelligent, making them great family companions. We are located just 60 miles outside of Seattle on a 50 acre farm that's been in our family since my grandfather purchased it when he returned from Europe after World War II. Our dogs love it here. The mamas will even hop in the back of the truck to go help us feed the cows or play in the grass while we're tending to the horses. Our puppies are well socialized as they spend time with our family and with regular visits to the vet you have our assurance that not only are they cute but healthy. Golden Retrievers Silver Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Healthy Your puppy is ready to go home with you at 8 weeks old, with AKC registration, a healthy puppy vet check, their first shots, and age appropriate wormings. Adorable You will literally have your pick of the litter depending on who the mama is. Whether it's an English Style Silver or Chocolate Lab or a beautiful Golden Retriever you are sure to find the puppy that steals your heart. Raised With Love Our dogs are our family pets and are a part of our everyday lives. They spend their days with us and you may find them roaming the farm or on a trail ride. They are raised with chicken, cows and horses. Our puppies also spend lots of time playing outside so they are well socialized, great around children and other pets. Have questions? We are a phone call, text or email away! Testimonials Meet Boone What a wonderful, friendly, dog loving, farm home to buy our beautiful Silver Lab, Boone, from! We were able to make trips to visit Boone while he grew, Wendy was always accommodating and super nice. During these visits we also became more acquainted with Boone's mom and grandmom, they are both loving and gentle souls. These are qualities we were looking for in our next dog as we have young grandchildren that will be a big part of Boone's life. We have had Boone for two weeks now. And he surprises us daily with how smart he is. We could not be happier with the start in life he had at Wendy's, his breeding, and HIM!! And I haven't even mentioned how absolutely beautiful Boone is! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Say Hi to Boomer.They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! Amber McKinney.

There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:.

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 Huntington Station New York 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. We have answers. What are some fun facts about Labradoodle puppies for sale near Huntington Station? Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and they have become increasingly popular as pets. Labradoodles come in various coat types, from wiry to plush. They also come in a range of colors from black to buff to apricot. Fun facts about Labradoodles include that the breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability, and they require minimal grooming. Furthermore, they're incredibly friendly, loving animals and make great companions for children, as well as adults. Are Labradoodle puppies for sale in Huntington Station hypoallergenic? Labradoodles, a mix of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, are sometimes referred to as hypoallergenic dogs. Labradoodles have coats with more of an allergy-reducing effect because the coat is made up of finer hair instead of fur, and tends to do less shedding than other breeds. Do Huntington Station Labradoodle puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Labradoodles can be prone to digestive sensitivities which can require special dietary needs, depending on the individual dog. Generally, Labradoodles do best on a high-quality dog food tailored to their size, age, and activity level. For many Labradoodles, a minimal-ingredient diet or grain-free diet is best to avoid triggering food sensitivities. However, people should always consult with their veterinarian before making any major dietary changes. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Labradoodle puppies in Huntington Station? Before getting a Labradoodle, there are several essentials you should consider investing in. A quality crate and bedding is a must to help your dog get used to a secure, space of their own. Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner is also advisable to ensure your Labradoodle is kept clean and healthy. A good brush is essential to maintain the coat, while toys and chewable treats are integral in helping to keep your Labradoodle entertained. How fast do Labradoodles for sale in Huntington Station grow? Labradoodle size can vary greatly as they are a hybrid breed, but generally, they will reach heights between inches and weigh between pounds when they are fully grown. However, the size of a Labradoodle puppy will depend on its specific parent genetic makeup, which can vary greatly. Generally speaking, Labradoodle puppies tend to be a bit smaller than their fully grown size. However, it's best to contact a veterinarian or a breeder to get more specific details about an individual pup's size and expected adult weight. How many minutes per day should I walk Labradoodle puppies near Huntington Station? Walking your Labradoodle for at least 30 minutes each day is ideal, as it gives them the opportunity to take in their environment, go for a potty break, and receive your affection. While the amount of time you should walk them can vary depending upon their age, breed, and health, 30 minutes is a good general guideline. If you're not sure how long to walk your Labradoodle, consult your veterinarian to determine a specific plan tailored to your individual pet's needs. Are Labradoodles in Huntington Station good for first-time owners? Labradoodles can make fantastic companions for first-time pet owners. These designer dogs are gentle, loving, and easy to train, so they will fit right in with almost any household. They also tend to get along great with children, making them an ideal pet for a family. Their low-shedding coats also make them easier to groom than most breeds, giving them a major bonus for first-time owners who may be unfamiliar with how to groom a pet. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and playful nature, Labradoodles will quickly become part of the family. How many minutes per day do I need to train Huntington Station Labradoodles for sale? The amount of minutes you should spend training Labradoodles per day depends on the age and energy level of the individual dog. Generally speaking, you should aim for at least 20 minutes of quality time each day. This time could include opening exercises, simple commands, or games that will help build the relationship between you two while also helping to keep the dog entertained and exercised. With proper training, your Labradoodle will be closer to building up a steady routine of minutes per day. This hour of quality training also includes outdoor walks or playtime in the yard.

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! You can also attach the leash to the front and train your Pug how to walk properly on a lead from a very young age. With the Health Harness which is already puppy proofed against chewing you don't have to worry about your puppy chewing or ingesting the plastic buckles found commonly in dog harnesses. You can be worry free knowing each of Frenchiestore Health Harness comes with premium materials such as metal buckles. Always look for durable chew toys for your Pug, they have very powerful jaws that will go through toys like water. We recommend getting the Vet Pet Box for a new puppy. Every product in the VetPet Box has been hand-selected by veterinarians for quality and safety. All you have to do is specify what breed of dog you have Pug is on small breed category then click "need more customization" there you can choose your pet is a puppy and chewing style we recommend choosing "Powerful Chewer" and thats it! You'll be able to choose what plan you want and you'll be covered for as long as you. Pug dogs can't rely on a thick coat of fur to keep them warm during the winter. Signs your Pug might be cold: shaking, shivering, seems uncomfortable or anxious. If your Pug is hunched over, or stiff with a tucked tail. If your Pug is exhibiting change in behavior and is more vocal. If on a walk your Pug is seeking a place to hide or reluctance to keep walking or tries to turn around to go back home. Pug puppies are usually very energetic though they also sleep a lot , so after an exhausting day of expending all that energy, a real dog bed, nice and comfy will be just what your Pug needs. To minimize back issues an orthopedic bed would be optimal for your dog's back. Car seat - the first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. Puppy gates - You will need to section off an areas of your home that could pose a danger for your new Pug puppy such as the kitchen. Pugs are very curious by nature and they get into everything. In order to avoid your Pug pup from getting into the kitchen cabinets or the trash it would be helpful to put some boundaries and use baby gates. Not only is it helpful in minimizing dangers it is also beneficial for potty training your Pug puppy by not allowing full range of your home. Bathrooms - can be a very dangerous place for a Pug puppy. In order to avoid your puppy from going into the bathroom unsupervised you would have to make sure to close your bathroom door every single time. A trick that would be helpful is hanging a sign on your door, wall or above the sink reminding you to close the door when you leave the bathroom. Fireplaces - does your home have a fireplace? Make sure you block it off from your Pug pup. Grooming supplies - dog shampoo should be carefully picked for a Pug pup as they often have sensitive skin. Nail clipper and facial anti bacterial wipes for your Pugs' folds and tear stains. Puppy pee pads - if you are planning on house training with dog wee pads you should consider having them ahead of time prior to the puppy coming home. You should find a vet - preferably one that is knowledgeable in the Pug breed and you are comfortable with that lives close by. In case of an emergency you don't want to start looking for a vet and calling everyone, or traveling very far. You need to have your vet already picked and ready to be dedicated to your Pug. Pet insurance - Prior to bringing your Pug dog home is is a good idea to have pet insurance. In this video we'll cover all the puppy proofing tips, best ways to puppy proof your house or apartment, and tons of puppy safety tips. There are some great puppy hacks in this video too. Raising a puppy shouldn't be stressful, so get the best puppy training tips and grab the puppy checklist so you can be fully prepared for your new puppy's arrival. Pug puppies are known for chewing everything around the house, whatever they find they will chew or try to eat it. If puppy proofing your entire house seems like an insurmountable task, create a dog space. You dedicate an area of your house solely for your Pug, preferably one that you and or your family frequent. You can secure this area by using the puppy fence. This not only keeps your puppy in a safe and protected area, it also helps to not overwhelm them. You should go through your home and look for anything that could be hazardous to your new Pug puppy. Electrical cords, choking risks, shoes or anything of the sort should be cleared out. You also have to be conscious of any dangling cords that your Pug could chew, trip over or worse. As soon as you put all of these in place, you are all set and ready to bring the newest family member home. Bringing home your Pug puppy The most efficient way to raise a well-adjusted, well-mannered Pug is to expose them to everyday scenarios and experiences as soon as possible. The first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. You should make sure the breeder will not feed your puppy right before the car ride home to avoid stomach upset or vomiting. As mentioned above having your Pug puppy secured in a car seat will be the safest option. This is because consistency goes a long way in training a well-behaved all rounded Pug dog. Now that you have gotten home, resist the urge to spoil and over indulge your Pug. You should start training your puppy early and refrain from excessive scolding, use positive reinforcements, and lots of praises. Potty training your Pug puppy takes patience the easiest way is to take your puppy outside every half hour or so and encourage them to go. Bringing them to the same area will help them quickly understand that this is their pee area. Always give them a treat as soon as they pee outside. Continue to do this, and then gradually drop the treats and use only praise. If you are training your Pug to go indoors on pee pads, just do the same as mentioned above. How long do Pug puppies sleep at night? Pug puppies can sleep anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day, only waking up occasionally for an hour or so every few hours of rest. It is best to develop a nighttime routine. If you wake up your puppy to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you will develop this habit with your puppy. In adulthood your Pug might wake you up in the middle of the night and you want to avoid developing this habit if possible. It is best to establish a night time house training routine. Take your Pug puppy to the bathroom right before bedtime and immediately upon waking up. Puppy proof the outside of your home and garage Antifreeze taste sweet to your dog however can be lethal. Remove any rat poison or traps around your home. Fence off areas where there could be toxic plants such as wild mushrooms or any water sources like pools. Pugs are not good swimmers and most will sink. Make sure your backyard is safe and secure without any way for your Pug to get out of the fenced area. If needed fix loose fencing or holes prior to your Pug's arrival. Always watch your Pug puppy when going outside since puppies get bored easily. Once they are bored they will get destructive and exhibit bad behaviors such as digging holes throughout your backyard or chew patio furniture etc. Always keep your trash secure, and away from your Pug. Pugs are prone to obesity, watch their weight, give them lots of exercise. Regular check ups with the vet will help them stay healthy. Keep them under supervision at all times, and spend time with them especially in those first few weeks. Congratulations on getting a new family member, you now know how to house proof for a new Pug puppy. You have all of the information you need here to ensure your canine journey goes as smoothly as possible. We care about you and your Pug. Is it OK if it sleeps in my room? What is something to look out for if we need to train it in a certain way? Also, Boxers are rambunctious little puppies so how can we get their mind on a different track. Leave a comment. Leashes There are two types of leashes to have: 1 - Short, soft-handled leash. This is perfect for when you are housebreaking your Pug, as a method to tether your pup to you. The short 4 or 6 foot length keeps your Pug very close, and the soft handle allows you to slip this over your wrist or slip in through your belt loop. For every day use. With this, you are able to adjust the length depending on what the situation. For walks, keep it short. When taking your Pug out to the bathroom, allow more length. Recommended leashes are below. Please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. And if you are on a mobile phone, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items in the grouping. A collar puts pressure on the neck; a harness displaces pressure across the stronger chest, shoulders, and back. You may wish to have a collar for ID purposes; if so, be sure it is a break-away collar. Read more about why a harness is best for a Pug or look below for recommended harnesses and a break-away collar. Beds One of the biggest reasons to get your Pug his own bed is to help create the right set up for when your puppy or dog is home alone. Separation anxiety is a very common issue with this breed since there is such a tight bond between Pug and human. A big part of helping a Pug deal with isolation is to offer what will be perceived as a safe den. Dogs that are left to roam full rooms or the entire house often struggle more with loneliness. When a Pug is in a canine playpen see also: Playpens and within that has his own bed, this offers a secure feeling of having a den, which is an innate, basic canine instinct that automatically makes a dog feel safer. In addition, there are other important benefits including proper support ;this is vital for this breed since the Pug is prone to hip and back issues. You'll want beds to be made with quality memory foam. The right bed can also help with breathing problems, as it allows a Pug to position his body and head to keep breathing passages open. Body Care Items General Upkeep There are certain grooming tasks that need to be done regularly on your Pug; if not, all sorts of issues can occur: Wipe the wrinkles - Pugs easily develop yeast infections in their wrinkles if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. We recommend wiping the wrinkles every day with a hypo-allergenic grooming wipe. Paw wax - Apply a paw wax once a week. This will help protect against hot walking surfaces in the summer, slippery frozen surfaces in the winter as well as prevent 'snowballing' which is when snow freezes between a dog's toes, and to keep the paws in good shape. Nose balm - A Pug's nose can get chapped in the winter, or suffer from sun exposure in the summer. A nose balm or butter can protect the nose, and also heal drying, peeling, chapping, or cracking. Body wipes - Grooming wipes for the body allows you a quick way to keep your Pug clean in between baths. If your Pug has allergies to pollen or airborne allergens, wipe your Pug each time he comes back inside. If your Pug tends to have urine splatter up, or tiny bits of feces that stick to the rear end, a canine tushie wipe can help quickly clean that area. Below are our recommended body care items. Medicated Body Care Products There may be times when your Pug has an issue that an over-the-counter medicated product can help with. It is always a good idea to check with the veterinarian if you are not sure of the diagnosis. Wrinkle infections - A wipe with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole can help cure both bacterial and yeast infections. Added aloe helps soothe sensitive skin. Ear infections - For Pugs that are prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned monthly, though a vet may recommend weekly. And to help cure ear infections, a liquid or powder ear cleanser can often remedy the issue. If the ears are super-itchy, a solution with hydrocortisone can bring relief. Below are our recommended wrinkle infection wipes, and ear cleansing solutions. Bowls Out of all of the supplies that you obtain for your Pug puppy or dog, you might think that choosing the bowl is one of the easiest tasks. However, not putting thought into this can bring about a host of issues. The wrong bowl can cause a Pug to have trouble eating, show the effects of contact reaction most often manifesting as discoloration to the nose , and even lead to dangerous bloat caused by eating or drinking too fast. The best bowls for a Pug are floor level, stainless steel, slow-feeder dishes, or alternatively, a floor level, stainless steel bowl with an added portion pacer ball. Read more about bowls for Pugs or look below for our top recommendations. Brushes Because Pugs have such thick coats, it's very important to use the right brushes that will reach down through all that fur. There are 3 times you'll be using a different sort of brush: 1 - For baths. The goal during baths is to remove debris, but also to remove accumulated body oils from the skin. Often, a bath brush is needed to reach through the fur to do this. If not, you'll just be skimming the surface of your puppy or dog. The goal with this high-shedding breed is to brush often, reach down to the skin to pull up dead hairs from way down deep, and with a brush hairs will cling to to pull them out of the coat. A grooming mitt is a great choice, since its super easy to use and most Pugs like how it feels. When your Pug is shedding like mad, it'll be time to get serious. For this, a de-shedding tool that is gentle yet completely wipes the coat of loose and dead hairs can save you and your home from becoming a shedding mess. Recommended bathing brushes, mitt, and de-shedding tools are below. Car Seat There are 2 extremely good reasons to have your Pug ride in a car seat, or use a canine safety belt: 1- To save your dog's life. And this is no exaggeration. There are over 16, car accidents every single day in the U. Most regular drivers will be involved in 3 accidents in their lifetime. If an accident occurs and a dog is not restrained, he will be thrown, it's just a matter of with how much force. In an accident at 35 MPH, a Pug that weighs 10 lbs. If the car is going 55 MPH, and a Pug weighs 20 lbs. Most likely. But, when a dog can see out of the windows and his body is secure and not swaying with every turn, acceleration, or deceleration, motion sickness is often prevented. The 1 recommended type of seat is a raised booster seat. A canine safety belt is another option, and while this will help keep a Pug in place to stop swaying, he won't be raised any higher. Note: For either type, the inner harness of the seat or the connector of the safety belt must be connected to a dog's harness , not a collar. This is vital to prevent serious neck injury. Read more about the importance of a car seat for a Pug or see below for recommendations. Cleaning Supplies There are a few things that fall under the category of cleaning supplies that you'll want to consider having: 1. Enzyme cleanser for pee or poo. Urine contains enzymes that will not be removed with regular soap and water. Though humans cannot pick up on these enzyme odors, dogs can. So, if a Pug pees in the house, and it is not cleaned in the right way, enzymes will be sending out a very strong signal that essentially says 'This is the bathroom area! And, not suprisingly, a dog will pee there again. So, an important step in cleaning any accidents, and to help stop territorial marking, is to use the right cleaner. In addition, this sort of product is fantastic with swiping away lingering odors of both urine and bowel movements. Even if you regularly brush your Pug, some hairs are bound to end up on your flooring, your furniture, and especially on your Pug's bed. Hairs get trapped in the weaves of fabric and can be hard to pull up. Poo bags. Most likely, you walk your Pug in an area that expects owners to clean up after their dogs. And if not, doing so is just plain good manners. One method of keeping poo bags with you is to use a nifty holder that clips to the leash. This way, there's nothing extra to carry. Our recommended enzyme cleaners, fur remover tools, and poo bag clip are below. Of course, a dog's fur helps keep him warm, but canines are not invincible; they get chilled just like we do. In fact, intolerance to the cold is one of the top reasons dogs are not exercised enough in the winter. Super-cold days can also interfere with a Pug being cooperative in going outside for bathroom needs. When a dog's core body back, flanks, belly is warm, this can help regulate all-over body temperature. For this reason, a vest or coat during harsh weather conditions can really help. For times that your Pug just needs a little something, a shirt or hoodie is the way to go. Read more about how clothing can help a Pug stay comfortable, or look below for recommendations for clothing that fits Pug puppies and dogs. Dental Care Items Why dental supplies? Far too many dogs suffer the terrible consequences of what happens if oral hygiene is ignored by owners. Yet, when you have just a few of the right items, it takes very little time to take care of this. What can happen: All around the clock, plaque is being produced. It is a very sticky substance that clings to teeth. Within just 3 days it starts to harden into tartar. At that point, it is much more difficult to remove. The plaque and tartar eats away at the enamel of the teeth, clawing its way below the gum line, and causing teeth to rot. This can lead to quite painful dental infections and will eventually cause a dog's teeth to loosen and then fall out. What to do: Chewing on toys helps to some degree; however, this by no means removes all of the plaque. You will want your Pug's vet to perform a yearly dental exam to check for any issues and to do a professional cleaning, if needed. At home, you can do your part by: Brushing your Pug's teeth once per day with a quality toothbrush and an effective paste. Since dogs swallow the paste, be sure to never use human products, and instead opt for a canine brand that has a flavor dogs love like chicken or vanilla. Please note that these do not have a foaming agent since it can cause dogs to choke. Use a spray. For dogs that strongly resist having their teeth brushed, another alternative is to use an effective dental spray. Use a water additive. This does NOT take the place of brushing or using a spray, but is a complementary method to help prevent issues. This is a flavorless supplement that is added to a dog's water and helps kill bacteria both in the bowl and in the mouth. Offer a daily dental treat. These are really fantastic tools to help your Pug's teeth stay clean and strong. Be sure to choose the variety that is right for your particular Pug. The 'Teenies' are for dogs 5 to 15 pounds. The 'Petites' are for dogs 15 to 25 pounds. Below are our recommended dental care items. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Repellent It is very common for owners to be unsure of what is needed in this regard, or to be unaware of the consequences of not offering protection. These vary quite a bit. For example, Heartguard Plus does not do either of these. However, Revolution works to repel both fleas and American Dog Ticks. So, you will want to check the packaging on the heartworm meds that you are using on your Pug to see what it works for. Fleas are a top concern and even dogs living in very clean homes can easily catch these. Fleas can jump several feet from one dog to another, and also can be found living outside in various places that a dog may be walking through. Just one bite can cause a severe reaction with intense itching. And a full-out flea infestation can really take a toll on a dog. Also, if a dog has fleas, they are in the house as well; they like to burrow deep into carpeting, beds, and furniture. Ticks are a concern in just about every state in the U. While many go dormant in the winter, all it takes is a day or so without any snow, and they can wake up. Mosquitoes are another often overlooked concern. In the summer, dogs can get quite swarmed, and a few bites can cause irritating itching. It's best to steer clear of chemicals when you can. Many dogs have adverse reactions to pesticides and some even have fatal reactions. If your area does not have a severe tick threat, you may find that an all-natural product works very well. Food and Snacks The food that you choose to give to your Pug for both meals and snacks will have a huge effect on your dog; both short term and long term. You'll want to choose all natural, wholesome foods that do NOT contain artificial flavoring, coloring dyes, or synthetic preservatives. While these sorts of things are bad for all dogs, the Pug breed in particular is sensitive to these chemicals. You'll also want to avoid high grain content, corn, and soy, since dogs can be allergic to these. Wheat - but very rarely rice, also is a top concern. Steer clear of by-products and generic meats or oils. When you feed your Pug the right food, he'll look healthy and feel healthy; this has a major effect on how he'll feel each day and his health well into the future. Read more about Pug feeding guidelines that includes timing, common issues, and more, or check out the details regarding which snacks are best for a Pug , or look below for our top 2 recommended kibbles and top 2 treats. Note that the Wellness has two recipes, for puppies and for adults. Once your Pug reaches 1 year old, make the switch to adult food. For treats, choose dry treats for snacks given in between meals, and moist treats for giving rewards. Also please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. Fur Loss Help When there is a thinning coat or bald patches, it is vital to have this diagnosed by the veterinarian. Causes can range from severe allergies to mites to hormonal imbalance. Only once the underlying cause has been determined and treated, it may be time to move forward in helping a Pug's coat to grow back in. So, again, these remedies should not be used on a Pug that has not yet been diagnosed. Some of the reasons for hair loss with dogs are quite serious and must be addressed. This all said, there are a few things that can help a Pug grow his coat, if the dog is in good health. For best results, we recommend using all 4 remedies. Lotions - Certain lotions work on two fronts at the same time. The act of massaging lotion into balding areas stimulates blood flow and hair follicles; this alone can prompt some growth. Concurrently, the ingredients in the lotion can work to improve both skin and coat health. We recommend DerMagic rescue lotion see below ; this should be massaged onto the areas 2 times per day for 1 week, then 1 time per day for all following weeks. When used in conjunction with other products such as specialty shampoos see next , fur may fully grow back within 2 to 3 months. Specialty shampoo - A shampoo rich with emollients such as tea tree oil can help boost the benefits of the lotion. DerMagic offers such a shampoo. This can be used every 2 weeks or so; once your Pug is lathered up, leave this on for 10 minutes. Be sure to pat, not rub, when you dry your dog. Melatonin - You will want to consult with the veterinarian before giving this to your Pug, since it can cause some drowsiness, can interfere with some other medications, and should not be given to dogs with certain health conditions including canine diabetes. This OTC medication that is actually a naturally occurring hormone in both people and canines has shown some promising results in treating alopecia in dogs. It can take 2 to 3 months to see results, which is the same time frame as the lotion. Dosing is typically 1 mg per day for dogs under 10 lbs. Omega 3 fatty acid - This essential oil cannot be produced by the body, so dogs must recieve it via their diet. While high-quality dog food will contain omega 3, extra supplementation can help improve skin health and boost fur growth. We recommend a liquid omega 3 fish oil that is derived from wild fish, not farmed fish. Our recommended products to help a Pug's fur grow back in are below. Playpens If there was just one supply item that drastically changed pet ownership, it would be a playpen. It's amazing just how beneficial these are. A majority of problems that owners face can be solved with the right enclosure. And do keep in mind that we are talking about a larger large area in which a Pug has plenty of room to play, sleep, eat, and feel comfortable as opposed to a crate which can be terribly confining. An indoor portable dog pen can help with: Destructive chewing. Toothbrush and dental chews 1. Pug Eggs Although other dog owners may never have heard of this term, but most pug owners are familiar with pug eggs. A pug egg is a plush squeaky egg toy that pugs love to play with. For some reason, pugs love them! Get your pug some pug eggs here. The Fluff Trough The Fluff Trough is a an elevated dog feeder that was especially designed for flat faced breeds. This helps promote better digestion, as well as a more comfortable eating experience. Get your Fluff Trough here. A dog bed — with chin rest! Pugs are experts when it comes to relaxation and sleeping. For some reason, chin rests are very important to pugs. Your hand, an arm rest, a pillow, a coffee table, pretty much any elevated surface will do. Nose Butter Flat faced dogs, like pugs, have sensitive noses. They are far more susceptible to dry noses than dogs with longer snouts. Their coat is very tightly-packed — it holds roughly hairs per square inch! Compare that to a Yorkshire Terrier, who has only to hairs per square inch. Some pugs even have double coats, both an undercoat and topcoat of fur, meaning they shed even more. They make removing fur from clothing, couches and cars a breeze. Get yours here. Pulling a dog on a collar can cause neck injuries, or worse; it can raise the amount of pressure in the eyes, or damage the thyroid gland. Since pugs have sensitive eyes and breathing issues to begin with, this is especially important to avoid. Harnesses provide more control over your pug, discourage pulling and jumping, and are especially great for dogs with respiratory issues and neck injuries, like pugs. Get your pug a great harness that is comfortable, durable and safe. We made a list of the best harnesses for pugs here. Cooling Mat Never had I ever heard of a cooling mat before I got a pug. A cooling mat is a mat with a cool gel interior that is activated when touched. It gets — you guessed it — cool when you apply pressure, and relaxes and soothes your pet. My pug uses his cooling mat in the summer months, and I put it in his travel carrier when we fly or go on a road trip. Get your own cooling mat here. Cooling Vest A cooling vest, like a cooling mat, is great way to keep your pug comfortable during the summer months, and is especially great for a pug on the go. My pug wears his cooling vest on walks, hikes and especially hot days. Cooling vests use shading and evaporative cooling technology to keep your pug from overheating. All you have to do is soak the vest in water, wring it out, and zip it on to your pug. We recommend this Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest. That way you can scrub them clean, and not have to worry about rashes, itching or bumps later. A pet ramp Older pugs can develop issues with mobility or weakened back legs. This ramp is adjustable to many different heights, making it compatible with most of the furniture in your house. The material is thin, so Boogie can feel the ground and feels secure. Boogie is a size small the red ones. Salmon Oil Your pug should have a healthy diet that includes important nutrients like omega fatty acids. Zesty Paws and Grizzly both sell wild caught salmon oil that come in easy to use bottles with hand pumps. No hide rawhide Rawhides give your dog hours of chewing pleasure and entertainment, but they also pose a huge risk. This can cause your dog to choke, or create a blockage. Earth Animal no-hide rawhides are a healthy alternative. Plus, they help maintain healthy teeth and gums, while being nutritious. Your dog will stay busy for hours, but with no added risks. ID Tag While a naked pug is cute, a safe pug is even cuter. Better safe than sorry! We like these simple tags that look good and last forever. Wrinkle paste If you own a pug, then you know that all of those wrinkles and folds can get pretty funky. Boogie used to get frequent yeast infections in his folds before we changed his diet and started using wrinkle paste. The wrinkle paste cleans and protects wrinkles by forming a water repellent barrier that helps keep moisture, fungus and bacteria at bay. We like the Squishface brand , which also sells wrinkle wipes and tear stain paste. Ear cleaning solution Besides wrinkle and fold maintenance, pugs need their ears cleaned regularly too. Have I mentioned that pugs are sensitive? Boogie was plagued with frequent ear infections when we adopted him, and this solution seemed to do the trick. Regular cleanings when we noticed him itching or rubbing his ear helped stop the awful cycle, and saved him a trip to the vet. Avoid this stuffed animal massacre scene and get your pug no-stuffing dog toys. We buy these. Kong Enrichment toys are a great way to keep your pug busy, their mind sharp and their life enjoyable. Our favorites are Kong toys. You can fill them with tasty treats, use them to mentally and physically stimulate your pup, and even bust one out during a training session. Learn about how to stuff your Kong and get over Kong filler ideas. You can get your very own Kong here. The good news is, weekly brushings will help remove loose hair and keep the indoor shedding to a minimum. You can read more about how to deal with a shedding pug here. If you live in colder climates, or are traveling to one, make sure your pug stays snug with a sweater or jacket. I especially like to use them on winter walks. These sweaters are stylish and warm, and they fit round pugs! Check the sizing before ordering. Toothbrush and dental chews Ooph. The dreaded dental. Pugs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have breathing issues. Their flat faces make things like going under anesthesia risky, especially if your pug is overweight or older. Prevent the need for dentals with good oral care. What items are a must for the pug in your household? Share with us in the comments! Pin for later!

Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Size differentiates the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles, who are otherwise similar. These elegant dogs have Einstein-like smarts and they make excellent family dogs. No breed has a more highly developed sense of humor than the Poodle. Good thing, too, because no breed has been the butt of more jokes than this one. Humor aside, all the sniping is unfortunate because it makes many a family overlook the Poodle, an intelligent, hard-working breed. Perennially one of the most popular breeds throughout the world, the Poodle earns that devotion with his intelligence, ease of training, low-shedding curly coat, and his eager love of family. The coat of a Poodle is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it makes the breed shed less so the Poodle may be more easily tolerated by some people with allergies. Show Poodles are poofed, shaved and hair-extensioned into an appearance that, though once based on practical considerations, is now the epitome of show-dog silly. Kept in a sensible short clip and treated like a dog, not topiary, the Poodle is smart and hardworking with a sunny disposition. This easy-to-train dog can go anywhere and do anything. Poodles shed little, but require grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Some Poodle owners learn to use the clippers and do the job themselves, but most rely on professional groomers. Parti-colored Poodles are two-tone, including black and apricot, black and brown, black and cream, black and gray, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, black and white, blue and white, brown and apricot, brown and white, cream and white, gray and white, red and apricot, red and white, white and apricot, white and silver. Phantom poodles have tan areas that are somewhat similar to the points on a Doberman Pinscher. Poodles excel at performance activities such as agility and obedience. They are active dogs who thrive on attention and learning. As a family pet, the poodle can have a simple and easy-to-maintain look. Other Quick Facts Poodles are canine scholars. Their intelligence combined with their desire to please makes it easy to train them. The original purpose of the Standard Poodle was to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, and he is still capable of performing that task today. Poodles need regular mental stimulation and physical exercise. Poodles are not prissy and are just as likely as other dogs to enjoy wet or muddy fun. Clipping must be done regularly, typically about every 6 to 8 weeks, or that fine curly coat will mat into gnarly knots. Poodles can be one of the best family dogs possible. The Standard is the oldest of the three Poodle varieties. The Miniature and the Toy were created by selecting for smaller size. They, too, were working dogs. Miniatures are said to have sniffed out truffles, a type of edible mushroom that grows underground, and Toys and Miniatures were popular circus dogs because of their intelligence, love of performing and ability to learn tricks. The curly-coated dogs became popular in England and Spain, but in France they were adored. It was in France that the breed achieved status as companions, and Poodles still enjoy that status today. They are beloved around the world and are consistently ranked among the most popular breeds. Today the Miniature is the most popular of the three sizes, and the three varieties together are ranked ninth in popularity among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. Poodle Temperament and Personality People-pleasing Poodles are happy, friendly dogs who like mingling with people and other dogs. They have a terrific sense of humor and are natural-born clowns. Being the center of attention makes them happy. They have an astonishing capacity for behaviors and tricks involving both brains and agility. It is entirely possible for you to be outwitted by a Poodle. However, for all the similarities within the three sizes, there are some minor differences in behavior. Standard Poodles are active and energetic, but they tend to be a bit more reserved and calm than Miniature and Toy Poodles. They like having a job to do. Miniature Poodles follow their people around and are the most active of the three sizes. Because of their larger size, Miniatures are better suited to small children than Toys are. Both Miniatures and Toys have a more mischievous nature than Standards. Toy Poodles are the ultimate companion dogs. They really know how to strut their stuff, in and out of the ring. You may find it a bit unnerving to live with a dog who seems smarter than you are. That intelligence can translate into some stubbornness. Poodles love to learn, and want to please you. Poodles of all sizes can make wonderful therapy dogs. Their empathetic nature and joy in engaging with people make them a natural at this work. All Poodles are active dogs, but the smaller dogs need less room and less exercise. Toy and Miniature Poodles are often the companions of people who are less active and can be extremely happy as lap dogs and TV-watching buddies. Just be sure their busy minds have enough to keep them out of mischief. He wants to be active in every part of family life, from being dressed up for make-believe tea parties, going to soccer practice, and racing around the beach and charging into the water with you. If you treat a Poodle like a prince or princess, she will step up to that title. Even though the Toy likes to sleep in your lap, he needs to be a real dog: he needs consistent training, exercise, and walking on the ground instead of being carried around constantly. Any Poodle needs consistent, firm guidance or he will walk all over you. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Poodle, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need To Know About Poodle Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The Poodle Club of America has good descriptions of diseases that might affect Poodles. The dogs become lethargic, depressed and intolerant of stress, and they may have digestive problems. Some dogs can have an acute crisis, necessitating hospitalization. Lifelong treatment consists of giving medication. Symptoms include weight gain, panting, excessive thirst and hunger, bladder infections, and urinating in the house even though the dog was previously house-trained. Another hormonal problem seen in Poodles is hypothyroidism inadequate levels of thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, lack of resistance to disease, excessive hunger, and seeking out warmth. Thyroid hormone supplements are usually prescribed to manage the condition. Toy and Miniature Poodles share many of the same health problems common to the smallest breeds of dog, such as kneecaps that easily slip out of place luxating patellas , breathing difficulties caused by a collapsing trachea, and dental problems because of tooth crowding inside their small mouths. The first sign of this disease is limping, which usually appears when the puppy is 4 to 6 months old. Treatment is surgical, after which the puppy can have a relatively normal life aside from an increased likelihood of arthritis. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is an inherited eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness. Other potential eye problems in Toy Poodles include cataracts and glaucoma. Standard Poodles, like many large, deep-chested breeds, have an increased risk of bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus, a potentially fatal condition in which the stomach twists on itself, trapping air inside. Dogs that are bloating require immediate veterinary attention and usually surgery to correct the problem. A skin problem that can affect Toy and Standard Poodles is sebaceous adenitis, an inflammation of the sebaceous glands that leads to hair loss and skin problems. It can be diagnosed with a skin biopsy, but the effectiveness of treatment varies. Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. According to the PCA, every puppy buyer must be given copies of the genetic tests done on the parents. Standard Poodles should have recent OFA clearance of the thyroid as well. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live good lives. The fine, curly coat that works well in the water needs to be clipped regularly, typically about every six to eight weeks, depending on your preferences. It mats easily, and requires regular brushing at home, even with professional grooming care. Left untrimmed, the coat will naturally curl into cords. Some people want the coat to cord because they prefer the look. Dental care is an issue, particularly for the Toy and Miniature Poodle. Those small mouths full of teeth can cause problems. Keep on top of it by brushing the teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and having regular dental checks when you go to the veterinarian. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Finding a Toy Poodle Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Toy Poodle Breeder Finding a good breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. The Poodle Club of America is a good place to start your search for a responsible breeder. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Extremely tiny dogs in particular are often plagued with severe health problems and rarely live a normal lifespan. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The cost of a Poodle puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and show titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Poodle might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Poodle may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog From Poodle Rescue or a Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Poodles available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Talk to Breed Rescue Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Poodles love all Poodles. You can also search online for other Poodle rescues in your area. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Toy Poodle, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your Poodle to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Ask specifically about dental care in Toy and Miniature Poodles, and about the signs of bloat in Standards, as well as regular monitoring of skin, eye, and overall health. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, it is said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, it likes to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize these dogs well. They make very good watchdogs for their size. Without the proper type and amount of exercise they may be high-strung and timid. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless given rules to follow and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do, this breed will tend to bark a lot. Do not let this small dog develop Small Dog Syndrome , human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes varying degrees of behavior issues , including, but not limited, to snapping, growling, guarding , demanding, untrustworthiness with children and sometimes adults, sensitive, nervous, reserved with strangers and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to tell the humans what it is HE wants THEM to do. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children who know how to display leadership skills. The reason is that most humans treat the dog in such a way that makes it unsure just who the pack leader is in the human-dog relationship. The dog, in his mind, is convinced HE is the leader to humans. Height, Weight Height: up to 10 inches .The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle that is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause blindness. Skin conditions, possibly due to unskilled use of clippers. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active indoors. They will lie right next to you and are more sedate when indoors, although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard. Exercise These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy. Post by: Emily W. While many may associate Poodles with being prissy indoor dogs, that could not be further from the truth. Poodles will happily go on a hike or jump into a puddle of mud like any other dog. History of Toy Poodles For years people have associated the Poodle breed with France, but these curly-haired canines actually originated in Germany. In fact, the pom pom haircut that these dogs are known for was inspired by their first job as retrievers. The fur around their organs and joints would be left longer, in order to protect them from the cold water temperatures. The rest of their hair would then be trimmed to lower resistance and lower the risk of getting caught on something when they were in the water. Although they originated in Germany, Poodles quickly made their way to France, where people fell completely head over heels for the canines. Over time, many people began wishing for a smaller, more manageable size of the Standard Poodle. Breeders began pairing the smallest Poodles from different litters, and as a result, the Miniature Poodle came into existence. While the larger, Standard Poodle was used for hunting and retrieving purposes, the Miniature Poodle was used to sniff out truffles a type of mushroom in the woods. After the success of creating the Miniature Poodle, people once again wished to create an even smaller version of Poodle. Breeders followed the same pattern as before, and they bred together the smallest Miniature Poodles. This soon resulted in the creation of the Toy Poodle. Unlike their larger ancestors, the Toy Poodle was not used for any type of job or service. Instead, people simply wanted Toy Poodles as companions and lapdogs. Considered to be the same breed, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle were bred to be identical versions of one another, but just at three different sizes. Besides a few slight variances, chances are, if you have enjoyed living with a Standard Poodle, you will equally love living with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Attributes of Toy Poodles The Toy Poodle is an old dog breed that has remained popular among families everywhere, since nearly the day they were created. Learn more about what makes these dogs such a great choice. While living with an intelligent dog can be an extremely helpful trait when it comes to training, Poodle parents should still take heed. For instance, if you choose to feed your Toy Poodle scraps from the table, they will quickly begin to expect scraps every time you sit down at the table. Chances are, they will also turn their nose up to their own food because they will quickly learn to expect delicious human food. Besides creating poor manners, feeding your dog from the table can also be dangerous, since a large amount of human food is toxic to dogs. Toy Poodles are friendly and outgoing, so they are often happy to meet new friends. Toy Poodles are also known to get along well with other pets, but take note that if they live in a multi-pet household, they will generally want to be the center of attention. Toy Poodles cap out at 10 inches in height, and they typically weigh between pounds. They can also be found in nearly any solid color, including apricot, cream, white, brown, red, silver, grey, and black. Poodles can also be found in a phantom pattern or a two-toned pattern, consisting of a combination of colors. One of the many reasons why people are drawn to these dogs is because of the claim that Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic. In truth, though, no one type of dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, Toy Poodles shed very little when compared to the majority of other breeds—which means there will be less dander present. People with dog allergies will oftentimes experience less of an allergic reaction, or none at all, when they are around Poodles. How to Groom a Toy Poodle Even though they do not shed excessively, Toy Poodles still require regular brushing in order to minimize mats in their coat. These weekly or more often, if needed brushings should be done in addition to your Poodle being professionally groomed. Clipping is recommended to be done about every three months, and about every month for the face and feet. Some Poodle parents have even learned how to do these trims on their own. When it comes to Toy Poodles, brushing their teeth is essential. Due to them having a small mouth, their teeth may become cramped, which in-turn can cause dental issues. One of the best ways to help your dog have a healthy mouth is to brush their pearly whites at least once a week. On top of brushing, clipping, and teeth cleaning, your Toy Poodle should additionally be given regular baths and nail trimmings. Caring and Exercise Although a small dog, Toy Poodles still require daily exercise. Walks are always a great choice, but these little pups do equally as well with a game of fetch in the yard or some playtime inside. Besides physical exercise, it is just as important that your pup receives mental exercise. Keep in mind that a bored Poodle will become a destructive and sometimes disobedient Poodle. Training Your Toy Poodle When it comes to training, three of the most important items to keep in mind include: 1. Start as soon as possible Whether you adopt your Poodle when they are four months old or four years old, it is important to begin training as soon as possible. In fact, an ideal time to begin training is the very day you bring them home. By starting training early-on, this will help establish good manners, it will deter bad habits, and it will serve as a good time to build the bond between you and your dog. Be consistent Consistency is key, especially in how often you have training sessions and the words and motions you use for commands. By remaining consistent with your techniques and how often you train, this will allow your Poodle to quickly learn what is expected from them in their new household. Use positive reinforcement Toy Poodles thrive off of positive reinforcement. Great rewards for your dog can include a treat, a toy, or affection. By receiving rewards, your dog will better understand that they are doing the correct command, and chances are they will become more eager to practice the command again. Poodles are known for being among the most intelligent dog breeds, so chances are they will catch onto new commands and tricks rather quickly. Common symptoms include excessive drooling, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While gastrointestinal issues can stem from a variety of causes, regardless, most will clear up in just one week. Ear infections: With their floppy ears, Toy Poodles can be prone to getting ear infections. Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies to pollen, dust, dander, grass, perfume, and food, among many other items. Common allergy symptoms can include: excessive itching, red or watery eyes, frequent sneezing or wheezing, swollen pads, and paw chewing. With food allergies, you will want to keep an eye out for vomiting or diarrhea. Skin irritation: Many Poodles are prone to having sensitive skin. Various household products such as carpet cleaners, detergents, and various grooming products can cause dry, itchy, or irritated skin on your dog. A quick fix for some households is to simply switch these products over to the hypoallergenic option. However, since puppies are born with this condition, veterinarians are often able to catch the problem when your dog is still young. While these are the most common health conditions among Toy Poodles, that does not mean that your Poodle will be affected by any or all of these conditions. Read on to find out why this breed remains a such a popular choice. Nutrition and Feeding Small dog breeds , such as the Toy Poodle, have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide. Grooming Toy Poodles Toy Poodles do not shed and are often though not always tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care, though, generally requiring professional dog grooming , as well as regular combing and brushing at home. The poodle should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks to be clipped, or you can learn how to do it yourself. A groomer will also advise on ear care. Training Toy Poodles Poodles are a joy to train as they are clever, quick to learn and love working with their owner. They can also turn their paw to dog sports such as mini agility, heelwork to music and even obedience with no problems whatsoever - and in fact training and working with their owner will keep this often-busy little dog happy and relaxed. Best Family Dog Breeds The Toy Poodle can make a fabulous family dog but are better for older children and quiet households as, especially as puppies, they are very small and easily injured by rough or boisterous play. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. Poodles - especially the ones you see in the show ring - seem to have all kinds of crazy hairdos but these often flamboyant-looking styles all started off with a purpose. Poodles were originally water-retrieving dogs but their coats could easily get water-logged and pull them down. The answer was to clip off all their hair but leave some around their vital organs to keep them warm, and around any vulnerable joints to protect from injury. Similar breeds:.