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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! Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 49, times. Pugs may be little, but what they lack in size, they make up for in personality. They are fun loving, loyal, and affectionate dogs that love to make their owners smile. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Crate training will keep your pug protected from household hazards, help with house training, and give him a place to retreat when he's overly excited. An ideal crate size is 24 inches long x 18 inches wide x 21 inches high 61 cm x 46 cm x 53cm. Place a blanket on top of the crate so it feels like a cozy den to your pug. Leave the crate door open at all times during this part of crate training. This will allow your pug to explore the crate at his leisure, without fear of you closing the door behind him. For crate training to be effective, your pug must learn to be comfortable in the crate when its door is closed. Gradually, have your pug wait up to 10 minutes after a meal before you open the door. You may need to leave your pug crated for hours at a time during the day, and maybe overnight. Sit with him briefly, leave the room for few minutes, then return to the crate. Work up to leaving the room for 30 minutes. Reward him with a treat each time he responds to it correctly. Practice leaving the house when you crate him. Do not get your pug worked up when you leave home or return; this could build up a lot of anxiety and anticipation in your pug. A common concern with crate training is whether to respond to whining, especially with overnight crating. Just be prepared for the whining to get worse before it gets better. Pugs aim to please, but can get sidetracked by a short attention span. When your pug stays focused on your finger on your nose, immediately give him a treat. Lengthen the time he watches your finger before you reward him. When your pug learns the basic commands, he will have the proper foundation to behave well and learn even more commands. Basic commands include sit, stay, come, and heel. If his short attention span is making training difficult, consider enrolling him in a local dog obedience class. Use plenty of positive reinforcement verbal praise, treats, extra petting each time your pug correctly follows a command. The more excited and positive you are, the more your pug will try to please you and behave properly. Pugs love to chew. Teaching your pug to 'leave it' will help keep him from chewing something inappropriate e. If you cannot stay with your pug all day and take him outside frequently, gate off an area in your home for him to stay during the day. Place some pee pads in the corner of this space where he can eliminate. When your pug urinates, the urine would go through the grass into the underlying tray. Place his water bowl and bed in the gated area. Without knowing when he should eliminate, your pug may have accidents in your home more often. A consistent bathroom routine is very important for puppies, since they cannot hold their bladders for very long. If you have a pug puppy, take him out first thing in the morning, 15 to 20 minutes after eating, after naps, and before bedtime. As he gets a little older and has better bladder control, you can start leaving his water in the crate overnight. The indoor gated area lessens the need for frequent outings during the day. However, it may take longer to house train your pug if he gets used to eliminating on pee pads or in the litter box. Your pug should learn to eliminate in the same area each time you take him outside. If you have a backyard, take him out on a 6-foot 2-meter leash, stand in one area of your yard, and let him pick a specific spot within a 6-foot radius of the leash. Examples of this body language are sniffing around, looking for a private place, going to the door, and whining. Give him a treat and verbal praise when he eliminates so he makes a positive association with eliminating outside. When you reward him for eliminating, he will also be learning how to respond to your command. It can take time—up to 20 minutes—for your pug to relax enough to eliminate outside. If you become impatient, you may experience what many other dog owners have experienced: elimination as soon as the dog gets back inside. Twenty minutes can feel like an eternity, so bring something with you e. If you pug has an accident and he probably will clean it up promptly with an enzymatic cleaner that will erase the urine smell. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source If your pug smells the urine, he will likely go back to that spot to eliminate. Do not punish your pug, whether you catch him in the act or not. Doing so will make him fear you, rather than teach him not to have another accident. Your adult pug may have had some previous training, but it may not have been completed or consistently reinforced. Ask the rescue group or animal shelter from where you adopted your pug about what types of additional training he will need. Be patient with your adult pug during the training process. If your adult pug was mistreated by his previous owner, he may be extra sensitive to yelling or harsh punishment. If you have other household members, have them all train your adult pug. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Negative Reinforcement Positive Reinforcement First, as a general rule, remember that Pugs are dogs, not just lap pets, and need attention and daily exercise to feel content; a tired dog is far less likely to misbehave! Although Pugs are often very treat motivated see some of the best dog foods for pugs here , toys, play and affection can also be great incentives for your little snort monster, too. House training and Potty Training for Your Pug Pugs are not known for their speedy ability to learn proper toilet habits. They can often reach the age of 5 or 6 months before they truly get the hang of housetraining, and need toilet breaks overnight for a longer time than other breeds. Although this is perfectly normal, it can be very frustrating for some owners! Patience, consistency, a regular daily routine, and the use of an appropriately sized crate just big enough for your pup to stand, lay down and turn around are all excellent ways to help potty learning along. First, set an approximate routine for your Pug — they should be eating, playing, and having the opportunity to pee and poop in a designated area at roughly the same times each day. Puppies cannot be left along for long periods of time, either — most need a toilet break every two hours at least — and even adult pugs need to have the opportunity to go potty several times a day. My last adult pug was generally okay with going once in the morning and once at night. My new pug puppy at 10 weeks currently goes every hours. When you are out of the house, or otherwise not able to directly supervise your Pug, then a short rest time in their crate is a good idea to prevent house accidents — most dogs instinctively hate to soil their sleeping places. Do make sure to go out with your Pug to their toilet area during housetraining— this is so you can make a big fuss over them when they actually do toilet outside! Pugs are highly food motivated, Benji learned a host of tricks with food as a motivation! For owners of older puppies or adult Pugs who already mainly potty outside, training them to ring a bell beside the door is a great method to get them to communicate that they need to go out. For the first week or two, reward him clicker training works well here too each time he sniffs or touches the bell with his nose. I was lazy with cleaning it though, and in retrospect I would have used potty pads underneath the grass to ease the cleaning. Prong collars or choke chain leads are also a big no-no with Pugs for the same reasons. A front attaching harness most have a clip at chest level will let your pup move freely, as well as allowing you to redirect their front end and their attention back to you to prevent continued pulling. Puppia harnesses are super popular in the pug community. The best solution, though, is to teach your four-legged little friend to walk at your side. Use food or toys to reward your dog for staying at your side while walking. When they pull, stop walking and keep the leash still, then reward them for taking steps toward you or returning to your side. Soon, the two of you will make a great walking team! After doing some research, I found out that he uses this e-collar , as well as clicker training. In spite of their ability to leave chaos in their wake, however, Pugs are perfectly capable of learning appropriate doggie manners when consistent boundaries are set, and good behaviour is rewarded! There are two kinds of reinforcement that you can give to your Pug during training — either negative or positive reinforcement. Negative Reinforcement — This includes verbal or physical punishment or scolding, and the use of corrective collars like choke, prong or muzzle collars. If you punish your Pug for misbehaviour, he could inadvertently end up being afraid of you, the place where he was punished, or other people or dogs that were present while he was being corrected. Negative reinforcement training might lead to growling, biting, or other unwanted behaviours from your Pug. Positive Reinforcement — Remember how happy you were the last time someone gave you a compliment, or that time you got a work bonus for a job well done? Well, your Pug feels the same way — praise and food especially food! With this method of training, teaching your Pug obedience commands and good manners can be fun for both of you. When your dog is offering that behaviour regularly, you can add a spoken command word. Remember that all dogs, and especially Pugs, need a lot of patience during training — work in short sessions, and keep the tone fun and upbeat for success. To prevent naughty Pug antics like household destruction and counter surfing, initial dog-proofing tends to be the best prevention. You can also take the Alpha Dog approach , which Cesar Milan The Dog Whisperer uses, though controversial, it is effective because dogs, like wolves, are pack dogs. And respond to the leader of the pack the alpha. You asked super valuable questions and really listened to our concerns. You helped us to make a conscious choice about what is right for us and take the steps to determine that we were doing the right thing. Ultimately we decided we weren't ready to be a 2 dog family, and we're so glad to gain this insight before taking on a commitment to a second dog. Thank you so much for your advice and support. She has a really flexible approach to training and finds what works for you and your dog. They sent weekly reminders about the classes and would even send us a text before the class started. Tara was amazing and soooo great with buckwheat. Would happily go to another class that she was teaching. They are both incredibly knowledgable and professional in their approach, and both went out of their way to provide additional help and support. Our great dane has benefited immensely from this training and we couldn't recommend this service more highly! No more pulling! She gave me some great strategies to help with reactive behaviours and some really simple tricks which just make life so much easier. The one in one session was a great investment. Such a refreshing change from the outdated, harsh methods and so much more effective, and fun! I have been struggling with barking with my 6yr old anxious staffy for years. We felt like we had tried everything and Cassie came and it felt like she gave us those last few missing puzzle pieces. As soon as we started enacting her advice we have had a massive improvement and have not looked back since. Not only this but she arrived right on time and was super friendly and compassionate with zero judgement. I've been to a lot of people with my little one and I can happily say Cassie is by far the best trainer we have been to. We would recommend the company to anyone experiencing the need for some professional support and advice. The ongoing support has also been most helpful! Google rating score: 4.
Consider the coat type of your lab. If your dog has a double coat, you must get a brush to reach and brush the undercoat. Look at the size of the grooming brush and the bristle length. Your dog might feel comfortable with a smaller brush, while a larger brush will help control shedding. Discuss your budget and the need before finalizing the brush. You must consider the above factors before making a buying decision. No matter which brush you choose, make sure your lab is comfortable. It is flat, with all the bristles in close proximity. The slicker brush works well for labs as it penetrates their double coats. In addition, it removes any residue without any tangles. Bristle Brush Bristlebrush looks like the brushes that humans use. It is one of the best dog hair brush for labrador with moderate space. While these brushes do not work correctly for high-shedding breeds, they are suitable for quick brushing. Undercoat Rake Rakebrushes are ideal for removing dead hairs but should not be used daily. It has a T shape and pin brush that can help a lab with heavy shedding. It is the best deshedding tool for labs that can be highly beneficial. Not only can you use it for enhancing their blood circulation, but also to make their coat soft and shiny. It captures excess hair with minimal effort. First-time pet parents often think the lovely short hair on their labs will be easy to clean. But they realize the truth after a few months. Labs have a high shedding, and thus it is essential to groom them regularly to avoid mess. A labrador grooming kit is the best step forward. It ensures that their coats are healthy and soft. Moreover, it will also help avoid building up dog hair all over your house. Grooming your lab with a labrador grooming brush every three days is good practice. Labs have thick coats and thus specific brushes will work better for them. You must also ensure you get the right tools along with regular brushing. For example, with the best dog brush for shedding Labrador, the proper grooming gloves improve the process. Labs originate in Canada and are subject to harsh weather conditions. They were initially bred for work and had a strong work ethic and temperament. Labs often worked in cold weather and had to get into the water often. Thus, labs have a water-resistant coat with insulating properties that protect them. Also, their coat has natural oils and dries quickly, so grooming them regularly is essential. What is a Double Coat? Labs have two coat layers: the outer coat and the undercoat. The outer coat has strong hairs that are coarse. It protects the skin from any injury or getting dirt. Moreover, it makes the coat water-resistant. The undercoat is soft and dense and provides insulation by trapping air, keeping them cool during hot weather. However, the density of both coats can vary. Regular brushing makes your lab stay neat and clean. It helps circulate essential natural oils they produce. Labradors are active dogs who love getting into mud or water. Hence they accumulate dirt and insects in their fur. A tiny insect can start a skin infection in your lab, so you must be careful. Introducing the best pet brush for Labrador puppies early can help you later. While brushing your dog, pay close attention to understand what is normal for them. Groom to check for any changes, like lumps, bumps, etc. Brushing your dog has benefits, but the best way of brushing a lab is a mystery to many. Not brushing can lead to vacuuming a lot of hair from the floor daily. A lab has soft, loose hair; brushing them will be simple if you understand the trick. First, get the best brush for labrador retriever that will suit them. It can cause scratches and make labs uncomfortable. Next, complete the grooming sessions with a soft brush to help distribute natural oils. Use a damp towel to wipe the skin and pick up loose hair to end the session. Also, how often your pet gets muddy or wet and if their coat gets a blowout. Brushing twice a week is necessary to maintain the coat and skin of your lab. However, when your Labrador is having a blowout, opt for daily brushing to ensure all loose hair is at bay. It guarantees healthier skin while facilitating hair regrowth. Only make sure that you choose the best dog brush for Labrador. Also, as they are big, only some products will work better. Because of this, getting the best brush for labrador to brush both coats is vital. Furthermore, ensure the grooming tools are not painful for Lab. Labradors have sensitive skin, and thus, using a gentle brush is ideal. Yes, you should brush your labs regularly. You should be brushing them every three days. Getting a rubber brush will be beneficial for short-haired dogs. In contrast, brushes with long bristles are ideal for long-haired or double-coat dogs. Is Furminator The best brush for labs? Yes, Furminator is a safe choice for your pet. It is one of the best Labrador shedding solutions. It removes dead hair that you will otherwise see everywhere in your as well as the dog house. American and English labs are different as they have thicker coats. Moreover, they also have higher de-shedding and thus require frequent brushing. A slicker brush, typically a wire brush with firm bristles, can help in many ways. It is perfect for English and American labs because it removes mats, knots, and tangles from their coat. You can use a slicker brush alone or combine it with a bristle or pin brush. The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Bristle brush and Furminator de-shedding brush are some of the best self-cleaning slicker brush for dogs. As highlighted above, the FURminator deShedding Tool for Dogs is one of the best brushing tools to reduce the shedding of your Labrador retriever. Labs will never stop shedding. You can control only a bit and reduce the shedding through regular grooming and brushing. For a 1-year-old lab, it is better to use a comfortable, smooth brush that will not be uncomfortable. Labs shed naturally, and you can do only so much. While you can try to feed them fish oil every week, it will only be a bet. The best way to control this is by brushing your pet outdoors regularly with the right brush. You can make it a routine along with potty training. The color of your lab has nothing to do with their shedding abilities. The amount of shedding depends on their health and the coat. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. The reasons for regularly brushing your Lab are to help keep them looking nice and neat, to help circulate the natural oils they produce and to shake loose and remove dirt and debris, and to keep their coat and skin healthy. Active dogs like Labradors seem to love getting wet and muddy, so you need to make sure no small insects have made a home in their fur during their time outside. While this is more of an issue for longer haired dogs, it only takes a few tiny insects to create skin irritations for your pet, so do keep a close eye. The time spent grooming gives you the perfect opportunity to look for any lumps, bumps or changes in color so you can be confident in calling the vet if you think anything is changing. Routine is another incentive for brushing. Plus…most Labradors will love having your full attention for a few minutes every day! What Types of Dog Brushes are Available? Slicker Brush Made up of rows of wire pins to help remove any tangles. The pins are bent at the ends to help gather and collect loose hair for removal. Suitable for removing the dead undercoat on Labradors. Pins can be soft or hard to suit the needs of your dog. A wide range of sizes are available. Pin Brush The primary aim of these brushes is to remove tangles from long-haired dogs. Although this is a common and popular choice for owners of different breeds, this is not a brush type recommended for Labradors. Bristle Brush Used for shaking loose and removing debris and dirt from the coat. There are no metal pins on this type of brush. The bristles on the brush can be man-made or natural, depending on the brand you buy. These can be a good buy for everyday use, for quick brush downs after countryside adventures and for promoting a shiny coat as the final step when grooming your dog. Undercoat Rake Designed to help remove undercoat during the shedding season and for removing any tangles from the fur. There is a broad range of choices in this style of brush, including various sizes, widths and varied length of the teeth. Shedding Blades These can be used by experienced groomers to remove dead or shedding hair, but be warned; in the wrong hands, these can cause real problems for dogs. Which Brush is Right for Me? Unlike some other brands, this particular brush is self-cleaning! It includes a button to make the bristles retract, meaning you can quickly remove the dead hair from the brush without having to scrape between all the tiny pins with your fingers! Cons: One downside to this product is its size — at 10 x 5. Safari Bristle and Pin Combo Brush Pros: Value for money is a plus for this brush, as it is one of the cheaper types available, and it is a pin brush and a bristle brush in one! Not only is this useful for removing dirt, but the bristles are also perfect for distributing the natural oils over the fur and leaving your dogs coat healthy looking and shiny. Cons: The main complaint about the bristle style of brush is the time it takes to clean the brush itself. Measuring 6. Cleaning this brush is nice and easy due to the shape of it. An essential tool for Labrador owners! The Furminator is a compact product at 1. Cons: Price!! The blades on this type of brush are likely to wear down over time, but replacement blades can be hard to come by, and almost as expensive as buying a new brush itself. If you have a decent budget, having a couple of different products for different occasions will only make things easier for you and your dog in the long run. When brushes are used correctly and often, they will save you hours and hours of cleaning time around your home! This has absolutely no effect on the eventual price that you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I really like the way you explained how we should search the theme-based site. I learned about the brush. I liked all the brush Great tips to choose for the dog. I love that. Really thanks for sharing. Keep it up. The Furminator dog brush is the best dog brush for removing loose dead fur beneath the topcoat. For dogs that shed a lot before growing in their fur, it may be too harsh and remove too much fur, leaving behind bald patches. Remember to be cautious when first using the Furminator because it is such an effective tool for removing fur. Try brushing your doggy a little bit at a time and see how his fur responds. The Furminator comes in a long and short fur version, so you can choose the best one for your particular breed of dog. Dog Shedding Brush Is your dog shedding like crazy and you need a good dog brush to remove the fur? The handle is made of rubber to provide good grip. This tool is great for long and short-haired dogs. Slicker Brush for Dogs Slicker brushes are great for removing tangled, matted fur. It does a great job at removing loose hair, knots, tangles, and dander. It also comes in a bright, fun color and has a nicely gripped easy to hold handle. Its stainless steel pins gently remove mats, tangles, and dead hair. The brush comes in a range of sizes, so you can pick the best one for your particular pup. But best of all, the pins retract making it very easy to clean after a grooming session. Dog Brush Glove A dog brush glove is a glove with hundreds of pointy tips to help remove dog fur when you pet your dog with the glove on. It is good at removing loose fur gently and effectively. The shedding fur sticks to the glove, making it easy to remove hair. You can also use this glove while bathing your dog to give a gentle massage without hurting his skin. And it could be the best dog brush for you if what you like is the tactile use of a glove. It comes with two gloves, the left hand and right hand. Ideal for reluctant groomees! This one also comes with two gloves. It has a mm stainless steel blade and an easy to grip handle so you can effortlessly brush your Lab every day to remove loose hair. Rubber dog brush Getting a rubber dog brush is useful for short or smooth haired dogs like Labs. You hold these brushes in the same way as you do with a horse brush. Both of these brushes are good de-shedding tools. Something to note: rubber dog brushes are not very effective at removing matted or tangled fur. So we advise you use another brush, like the slicker brush, for that purpose. Pin Brush for Dogs Pin brush for dogs are the most common type of dog brushes people get. They look similar to brushes used by people. They are typically oval in shape and have wiry pins. Unfortunately they are not very useful in grooming your dog. It helps remove dead hair and stimulates healthy hair oil production. This great little dog brush is also effective to use it while bathing your dog. You brush your dog in circles, then go from head to tail to collect all the loose fur. If your Lab is still a puppy, use a smaller Kong brush to remove his excess fur. What if you could vacuum and brush at the same time? It is safe for grooming pets and great for removing unwanted hair. Bristle Brush for Dogs Bristle brush for dogs are great for use on short, smooth coats that shed frequently. The tightly packed natural bristles pick up loose hair and stimulate the skin. You can use it daily to maintain a shiny coat. Dog bath brush Looking to massage your doggy thoroughly with shampoo when bathing him? With soft rubber tips that scrub away dirt, dead skin, and loose fur making it a useful pet brush for bathing and grooming. It can be used wet or dry. It helps improve lather and helps remove dead hair. Dog Combs and Brushes Need to remove matted, tangled fur from your Lab? Using a dog comb can help remove loose hair and dirt. It should be used with minimal pressure. This rake brush will not scratch your dog because it is rounded on the outside, while sharp on the inside, so it is effective at clearing matted fur and tangles fast and easy. Best dog brush for Labs As we have seen, there are many varieties of dog brushes out there. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush will be able to gently remove loose hair from the undercoat of your Lab without tugging on their fur or scratching the skin. As you gently work through the fur, this slicker brush will remove tangles, dirt, and knots quickly and without causing discomfort. The bristles of this brush feature fine bent wires that have been specifically designed to be able to penetrate deep into the coat, which will allow you to brush through the top coat of your Labrador and reach the undercoat. This will ensure you are able to thoroughly groom your dog without any missed areas. This will leave all of the excess hair on the surface of the brush, which will allow you to quickly and easily dispose of it, ready for its next use. This brush has also been designed to massage the skin while grooming the fur, which will help to both maximize blood circulation and ensure that your dog is comfortable. Pros Massaging — This brush will massage while grooming, which will help to raise comfortability so that your dog is relaxed and calm. Fine bent wires — This brush will be able to brush through the topcoat to the undercoat, which is perfect for Labradors. Cons Bulky head — May be difficult to reach the inside of the legs. Best For Excessive Shedding: Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs If you own a Labrador that is prone to excessive shedding, or you simply want to be prepared for the times when they do, the Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool is a tried and true favorite. Specifically designed for larger dogs that have short hair, the Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs is a great choice for Labradors, especially as Furminator specifies that this tool is for dogs over 50lbs. Featuring a stainless steel dual design that can be switched depending on whether you want to brush long or short hair, this brushing tool will allow you to brush both the top and bottom coat of your Labrador safely and without causing any discomfort. Upon use, the innovative design of this tool will be able to reach through the topcoat in order to remove loose undercoat hair. This will help to keep your dog comfortable, prevent overheating and reduce the chances of any dirt buildup. The best part about this tool is that it is ideal for dogs who are shedding. This means that, when you use it, not only will it help to detangle the coat, but it will also be able to effectively lift away any loose hairs without cutting the skin or damaging the coat. Pros Ergonomic design — Ergonomic design of the handle ensures comfortable grooming and a reduced chance of any strain. Ideal for dual-coats — Features a function that will allow you to switch from short to long hair, as well as a fur ejector button. Cons May not be suitable for regular grooming — This tool is specifically designed to help remove loose hair. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The flexible design of the gloves will allow you to gently brush areas your dog might not let you with a traditional brush, such as the elbows and tummy area. Pros Pair bonding exercise — This glove will help to strengthen your bond with your dog. Hair Remover: Perfect for long, short and curly haired dogs, cats, horses, and other pets, grooming the hair quickly, gently and effectively; The shedding hair sticks to the glove, making it easy to.Bath Brush: Bathe the pets with this glove, which will clean the pet hair easily and give your pets a gentle massage without hurting their skin; Five finger design allows you to groom hard-to-reach.Skin-friendly: Free from any materials which could cause skin damage; Soft silicone ensure gentle massage and grooming without painful removing of fur or scratching the skin; One size fits all, it has.What You Get: 2 blue DELOMO pet gloves 1 left-hand and 1 right-hand; The left-hand glove is customized for left-hander We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Ensuring that your home grooming sessions are as simple and stress-free as possible, this vacuum brush kit will easily attach itself to the nozzle of your vacuum. The included curry comb brush features soft yet firm bristles that will be able to penetrate through all coat types including dual coats to effectively remove all dirt, debris, dead skin follicles, and loose hair. The soft bristles will also massage the skin as your brush, so your Lab will feel relaxed. In addition to that, the brush features an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold for long periods of time and contoured, which will reduce the chances of any strain in the hand muscles or wrist. It also comes with a strap, which will allow you to use it with only one hand. Pros Ergonomic handle — The handle of this brush is comfortable to hold and features a strap for easy grip. Low maintenance — This brush will attach to your hoover and suck up the hair while you brush your Lab! Cons Basic bristles — some users have stated that this brush struggles to sometimes reach the undercoat. Includes two interchangeable brush inserts. Massaging action nurtures.It consists of a dual design that features pin bristles on one side, and softer bristles on the other. Plus, for added convenience, the Sharper Image Dog Brush even comes with an ergonomic handle that will ensure a comfortable grip and confidence while brushing your pup. On top of that, it even comes with a helpful eyelet, which will make storage even easier. Pros Excellent value — This brush is ideal for those who are on a budget. Suitable for Labrador fur — The dual design of this brush will allow you to reach both the top and bottom coat without any issues. Cons No strap — This brush does not come with a wrist strap. Your pet will be cleaner and shinier than ever before! Bristle side to help remove tangles, dirt, and loose hair on your long or short hair dogs and cat Ergonomic handle features grooved grip for extra comfort and control when brushing your pet Great quality and innovating design are present at an affordable value with this Sharper Image dog and cat brush 2 sided brush has the pin brush side for detangling loosen the under coat. The bristle side will remove the loose hair and dirt from the top coat. Dual-Head As your Labrador has a dual-coat, it only makes sense that you should consider investing in a dual-head design brush that will be able to target both. Dual-head grooming brushes can come in a variety of different designs, although the most common type is the grooming brushes that come with soft bristles on one side for the topcoat and pin bristles located on the other side for the undercoat. Not only will this help to prevent the chances of any hand or wrist strain from occurring, but it will also help you to give your Labrador a more thorough groom. Then, once you are confident that your dog is relaxed, you can then begin working the brush at the base of the tail, brushing backward over the areas you have already brushed. If you wanted to, you could then take a soft brush through the coat to help distribute natural oils, and then finish off by running a damp cloth or wipe over the coat to remove any stray hairs or dirt. How often should Labs be brushed? Not just that, but as Labradors have a natural double-coat, it means that they will shed twice a year, usually in the spring and right before the winter. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Gentle and effective on tangles Easy to hold and comfortable grip Stainless steel pins on one side and soft nylon bristles on the other What We Don't Like Nylon bristle side is difficult to clean The Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush is effective, versatile, and suitable for a variety of dog coats. One side has stainless steel pins that can help untangle knots and collect loose hair, particularly for dogs with long, curly, or wiry fur. On the flip side, the brush head has soft nylon bristles for fluffing and for short coats. The heads of the pins have rounded tips, so the brush is gentle against the skin, and the nylon bristles are very soft so most dogs don't seem to notice when they are being groomed with that side. We tested the Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush on dogs with a variety of coats, including long, fine hair and long, matted hair—the brush performed exceptionally well with both. It worked best on our border collie test subject. One tester even noted that it worked well on her dog's thick butt hair. The Hartz brush was less effective for dogs with short hair and also isn't the right tool if you're looking to tame your dog's undercoat. The heads of the pins have rounded tips, so the brush is particularly gentle. For humans, the brush has a soft rubber handle that makes it comfortable to hold. The pin side is somewhat easier to clean than the bristle side, and we recommend clearing out all the hair you collect after each brushing session to prevent build-up. Rubber bristles break off easily Difficult to remove dog hair from rubber bristles Not good at removing shedding hair 7. This makes it easy to empty the collected dog hair into the trash. The bristles are finely bent wires that pick up loose hairs easily. It has an ergonomic, extended handle that makes grooming your dog more comfortable. The sharp bristles of this brush can be uncomfortable for your dog, especially if you press too hard. Pros One-click button retracts the bristles for self-cleaning Bristles are fine bent wires Ergonomic, extended handle Transparent protective cover for when the brush is not in use Cons Hard bristles are uncomfortable for the dog Tines sometimes do not withdraw completely, making cleaning difficult Not for short-haired dogs Check Latest Price The BV Dog Brush is a two-in-one design. It can be used on all breeds and coat types. It has an anti-slip handle to make grooming easier for you. The brush also has a convenient eyelet to hang it up when not in use. The brush is difficult to clean on both sides. The pins can also break and fall out easily, especially if they get caught in tangled fur. Pros For all breeds and coat types One side is a pin brush, the other side is a bristle brush Anti-slip handle Convenient eyelet for hanging brush Cons Does not have plastic tips Difficult to clean Pins break and fall out easily 9. It has a non-slip ergonomic handle made of silicone for your comfort. The brush gently removes undercoat, tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt. The bristles on this brush are sharp, so you have to be careful not to injure yourself or your dog. The plastic is of poor quality and breaks easily. Pros One-touch button retracts bristles for easy cleaning Non-slip ergonomic silicone handle Gently removes undercoat, tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt Cons.
One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. The Golden Retriever is a beloved family dog, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. This breed is one of the most popular in the world, and is often seen in homes, parks, and other public places. The Golden Retriever is a large breed, with males typically weighing between 65 and 75 pounds, and females between 55 and 65 pounds. They have a thick, water-resistant double coat that can be either wavy or straight. The coat is usually golden, but can also be cream, red, or black. The Golden Retriever is an active breed that loves to play, run, and swim. They are also very intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are loyal and affectionate, and make great family companions. The Golden Retriever is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can suffer from certain health issues. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Overall, the Golden Retriever is a wonderful breed that makes a great family pet. They are intelligent, loyal, and loving, and they love to play and exercise. With proper care and attention, a Golden Retriever can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Saber is a certified therapy dog as well - he loves people and loves to visit. .Saber at Three Below doing therapy and some casual shots Starting to fill out! He has had reds and tans too! Good thing she never looks at my websight or she'd kill me lol: Michelle and saber winning it all st the fair news paper article Saber doing agility walked right on the equipment first time Sabers brother at only 8 months old. .Like this male Saber consistantly produces bigger and better then himself Sabers 2 year old brother and letter from owners Good Morning Robin, I figured since Max just turned 2 I'd update you. He was born on 17 Dec , to Blaze and Ziva. Had him at the vet's on Monday and he weighed in at pounds, so his weight has been pretty steady for the past few months, but he has grown taller. Currently he likes to rest his chin on the dining room table when he watches me on the laptop. Always ready in case there is an opportunity to be pet. Loves riding in the car, and gets along great with other dogs, but still apprehensive with new people, or with someone he hasn't seen in a while. I always bring treats with me to help with the introductions. Loves going with me to different businesses where allowed and has never been a problem. Great on hikes, and he carries his own backpack and supplies. The picture was taken this morning while he was waiting for his breakfast. As you can see, the silver is starting to really show. We get stopped all the time when we're out and about because of his looks, and I'm always asked if it's ok for them to take his picture because they've never seen another German Shepherd like him. I've had too many offers to sell him to count. The vet's office is really surprised at his disposition because he takes the poking and proding without incident considering his size. As always there are people worried about him because of his size, but they soon learn their fears are unfounded. Overall I'd have to say he's been a great dog. Saber sons from his first litter out of a very small female! Both at 10 months old are over lbs and 30 " high at the shoulder. The rare tri color sable male is lbs the black and silver at 10 months old. When we take them for walks they strut like the world is looking at them. I wanted to get another puppy before he passed away, so that our older dog could help raise the puppy. After a while, I found your website, and looked through it, repeatedly. I was impressed by what you detailed. Large GSDs, with calm temperaments, good health, and long lives. I then researched your reputation. I am a trained investigator, being suspicious is a career hazard. I could only find one, single complaint.I wasn't really looking for a "breed standard" GSD.I was looking for more. Another white shepherd, with a straight back and good hips. I called you, and discussed what I was looking for.A large white GSD, with a good protective drive, lower prey drive, and a mellow disposition. Well, it is a year later.And we have gotten far more that what I had hoped for. Physically, he is an amazing example of a German Shepherd. He is a solid pounds, with incredible muscle tone, and a massive head. He has yet to start filling out. I expect him to be at least pounds. In all honesty, I have been a bit startled by how quickly he grew, and how large he has become. My veterinarian, who has been practicing for 35 years, has remarked that she has never seen another dog like him. She is very impressed with his bone structure, his stance, and how proportional he is. His strong, straight back; his massive head, his size, and his strength are all things that she has noted. She has suggested that I breed him, because she believes that it would be a shame not to pass his genetics on.He is, quite simply.When we take him out in public, he creates quite a stir. People routinely approach us to compliment him, and how beautiful he is. He has been described as "gorgeous", "regal", and "majestic". The fact that our eight year old can control him in public only adds to people's fascination with him. He is very obedient, and was easy to train.He is very intelligent. He is affectionate, very loving, and very playful. Despite his size, he is quite gentle with those he loves. His protective drive is very appropriate. He is wary of strangers until properly introduced. He physically places himself between my children and other people. After being taught by our older shepherd, he now regularly patrols the perimeter of our property. I have included a few pictures. Unfortunately, it is hard to get good angles of him, because he thinks my taking pictures is some sort of game. The pictures truly do not do him any justice. We will be picking up another puppy from you. Quite frankly, I think that you have managed to produce amazing examples of what GSDs should be.Large and powerful; extremely intelligent, loyal and gentle; superior health and longevity, with a very appropriate protective drive. You have surpassed all of my expectations, and our family thanks you.Andrew Sadowski. Are they healthy dogs? Strong, rich colors are generally preferred in this working bred dog. This may be why silver grey dogs are less common. Washed out colors, including blues and livers, are considered a serious fault. The white coat color is undesirable within the official description, and even leads to disqualification from the show ring. Where Do They Come From? The black and silver German Shepherd is essentially the same as any other color of German Shepherd Dog. The history of the German Shepherd Dog, of course, can be traced back to Germany. Cavalry Officer Max von Stephanitz decided he wanted to breed the ideal herding dog. Von Stephanitz spent 35 years dedicating his life to improving the breed. Expanding from its pastoral herding roots to showing its utility as a service dog and in police and military canine units worldwide. The Genetics of the Silver German Shepherd Coat color genetics are complex, with the exact genes responsible for silver coloration yet to be fully identified. Within the German Shepherd breed, the gene for sable is dominant over all other colors and patterns. The first registered German Shepherd Dog was sable in color. While you may see a working silver sable Shepherd, that would be a very unusual color combination. Different colors Bear in mind as well that the final color of a puppy will only be clear once the outer coat has fully developed. This means that a relatively dark coated puppy could develop into a mature black and silver German Shepherd Dog. They are large dogs, weighing between 50 — 90 pounds and standing between 22 — 26 inches tall. And have a muscular, strong body, with pointed ears and a dense double coat. You may have seen parent dogs advertised as black saddle silver German Shepherds, but what does that actually mean? Any German Shepherd Dog with silver coloration is less likely to have a silverback German Shepherd pattern. Grooming The double coat of the German Shepherd does require brushing every few days to remove loose hairs. They will also shed twice a year, leaving a significant amount of hair behind! Color vs Temperament There is no link between the gene for silver fur and the typical temperament traits of the dog. German Shepherds have a reputation for being fiercely intelligent, intensely loyal, and enthusiastic about work or exercise. This is a brave and courageous breed, as well as being more aloof than some others. They are good around children they know, and often take on a guardian role for those within their own family. Training and Activity All German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, regardless of their coat patterns. Their high level of intelligence means they are a joy to train, and enjoy positive, reward-based training methods. These are active dogs, and require regular daily exercise. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for German Shepherds. Be sure to challenge yours with activities such as agility, or learning tricks, as a way to keep both their mind and body stimulated. Unfortunately, all German Shepherds can be prone to a range of health conditions. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are both common in the breed. Parent dogs should have been given a score for their hips and elbows. By selecting parent dogs with high scores, you can reduce the chances of your puppy developing these conditions. This is the result of abnormal cartilage growth. Other health conditions that can affect this breed include: Degenerative myelopathy.
Choosing the right German shepherd for your family is essential for a happy and healthy life. The prices can be quite high, but this usually means the dog is of high quality. This is important to make sure the dog you are considering is healthy and will be a good addition to your family. To help you choose the best German shepherd, download our directory of the top New York German shepherd breeders to find the perfect dog. These dogs are well known for their great trainability, intelligence, size, and overall temperament. They are also wonderful companions and make great pets. New York Canine specializes in working line pedigree German Shepherds. Jeanette Rix, the main breeder of the facility, works with experienced handlers to find the perfect puppy for a new owner. Moreover, the breeder educates potential owners to make them happy and responsible pet owners. The McIntyre family has been breeding German Shepherds for 45 years. They have trained the dogs to serve in law enforcement, police units, and drug detection squads. These exemplary qualities have earned them the title of best German shepherd breeder in Syracuse, NY. They are dedicated to providing their pups with the very best care and attention. A small-scale breeder that focuses on finding the best possible families for their puppies, the company aims to provide the highest quality GSD puppies. The website of the breeder contains information about the dogs and their care, as well as testimonials from previous owners. You can also reserve a puppy from them by filling out an online reservation form. The owners at Manhattan Puppies and Kittens take great care of their dogs and will provide guidance to new owners. You can visit the Manhattan facility to find the perfect puppy or kitten for your family. A quality breeder is one that makes their puppy feel like a family member. These puppies are also a great investment and can make your home a better place to live. Not all breeders are alike, however. A reputation of quality will be difficult to shake. A trustworthy dog breeder will have a long history of producing healthy pups. They will provide you with a lifelong pet and be able to help you choose the right one for you. After this date, they will continue to provide pups with a minimal working line. Share this:. Wanted to show u how beautiful Syracuse is! We love her!! Judy Viger We named her Ziva, purchased Aug 19, .From what I could tell, she looks like her mother. She is so focused its incredible and if I was better at training she would be without a doubt the best at everything. Thanks for all the education on the working line it helped me in my choice of her. We love her very much, Linda Hello Carlo just wanted to show you how beautiful Zeus is. He is the best dog i ever had,very smart and good with children. You are the best breeder. Again thank you very much for this wonderful dog. See you soon because i will be getting one more dog from you. Regards to all, Jo When deciding that it was finally time for us to add a dog back into our family, we knew exactly what breed would best suit us. It was very important to us that our dog is obedient and well behaved. We decided to talk with Carlo to set up a viewing of the puppies for sale, and after seeing them we had to have one. Now we have Boula and she, as we knew, is a great addition to our family. She is an energetic puppy who is already showing the breeds tendencies of being loyal. We take her everywhere and she makes friends with every person and animal she meets. We just want to thank-you again Carlo with Riverside Kennels and let you know how much it means to us. I just wanted to update you on the now named Akeira, or just Keira for short. She is from your March 17, litter with Chester and Doris. My dad and I picked her up from you in late June. She is an amazing pup who is absolutely fearless and has so much power and drive. If at any time she does feel nervous about something she will whine and cry a little bit but will put on a brave face and get right through it. I am not joking. She can be very sassy and has such a huge personality. My teachers are very excited to work with her and i with the police k9 work especially because of how much great potential she has and shows us everyday. She is also just starting in dog agility. As I mentioned above, she is the most fearless dog in the class and is also the best one there. Also am thinking about getting her into some schutzhund work. Thank you for such an amazing dog. Here are some photos over the past several months of her growing up. And yes, in the middle photo she decided to sit in her empty food bowl. She is beautiful, and so sweet!! She loves to play, is gentle and captures the heart of all who meet her. Thank you again for all that you do!! He has been a great addition to our family. Very calm,gentle. When we are in public,people are amazed with his demeanor. He is a good boy! He is working to ba a Canine good citizen. Thank you again. He has brought great happines to our family. Stephanie Grover Hello Carlo, Hope you are doing well! I just had to share our good news with you. This past weekend Tristan and I attended some extensive training. He turned three years old last week and I am so proud of him. He is an amazing puppy! Our prayers were answered when a dear friend, Carlo, became family to us and offered us Walter in the beginning of August. We are truly blessed with Walter as he is the most loving, cuddly and handsome dog ever! Darla 11 year old girl and Walter have a special bond and share a love like no other; and now Heidi has come into our lives and boy are we busy! Busy laughing, caring and loving again. This is all because of Carlo and his generous heart. We cannot thank him enough for making out family complete. Thank you, Carlo! Him and Brooke our other GSD have formed quite a bond and have so much fun together. Thank you for all your hard work that goes into raising such amazing animals. He has a great personality, loves the snow, playing ball and anything to do with being outside. He is doing great in training classes and going from Kindergarten to level 2. I might have been better off sticking with my first choice in that litter, a larger male and much more easy going. She is my constant companion, is lying right next to my computer chair as I type this. I have more photos of her on Facebook Alyce Thompson Elliott. This property is perfect for her because she has plenty of places to expend that high energy — she loves the river, woods, meadows, and running running running. I certainly enjoy owning her. As much as she loves playing with other dogs, if a dog gets bossy or mean, she turns on them instantly, very alpha, but she accepts every person and every dog at first sight, just wants to be friends. She is a house dog, has free run of the whole house and there are no more puppy shenanigans of stolen or chewed shoes, etc. If we go out for the day, she takes care of the house, everything is in perfect shape when we get back. She knows to stay off beds and sofas, even when we are gone. He is drop dead handsome, loves people of all ages without regard to skin color, facial hair or anything else. He gets along great with other dogs, and even has maintained a good relationship with our barn cat. He does not have ball drive but makes up for it with stick drive, food drive, and drive to catch frogs and squirrels. He is smart, curious about everything, obedient mostly, strong, and loves running. Ruger is now 5 months and just a bundle of love. He has picked up his basic training very quickly; he is such a smart little boy. We continue to work on his obedience training and see his improvements each day. We will keep you posted with his progress and his growth; we look forward to visiting with you soon. She has been a perfect addition to our family and has been a great companion for Sam. This is sincerely a dream come true for her. She has a great personality and is a quick learner. We will keep you updated and thank you again. She was from the Ivy and Drake litter born in May .She has been such a great dog. Her temperament is very mild mannered and gets along well with all dogs and people. She wants to play fetch with her ball from the time she gets up until she goes down at night. I want to thank you again for all your help and patience through the process. Steve Carlo, We hope all is well with you. Lucie is turning into a beautiful dog. The camera does not do justice to all of the very pretty colors of her sable coat. We walk her daily and rarely a walk goes by without someone commenting on her looks and the coloring of her coat. She is a very healthy puppy and is still working on her obedience training. We wanted to share this photo as the pictures and information presented on your website from other customers really helped us in making our decision to visit and choose a puppy from one of your litters. Thank you again for taking the time and interest to breed these beautiful dogs. He is the most amazing little pup, so confident, and so smart. The day we brought him home, he immediately fit right in with our 2 year old GSD Brooke. They have grown to be like best friends and have so much fun together. Thank you for doing what you do! Danielle and Jake Carlo, I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how the puppy is doing. We named her Elsa and she is doing fine. I wanted to tell you what a nice puppy she is. She is very well behaved and is coming along nicely with her house training. You do a very nice job with your breeding of puppies based on this one. Thanks for giving me the chance to give her a nice home. She is already walking on a leash and healing for treats as well as coming and knowing how to sit. Her personality is fearless, a little independent, curious, loving and very playful. She is so well focused and appears to have the ability of listening. I enjoyed so much coming to visit you and all your dog family and meeting the wonderful parents of all the dogs you breed. Esha is the daughter of Ivy and Drake that are both friendly and beautiful. Thank-you so much for helping with suggestions on training her. Linda Pietroski Hi Carlo… Just wanted to to update you on Ava, she will be turning 2 years old in just 2 weeks on December 28th. She has grown into a beautiful member of our family. This is a picture of her with our two children and Charlie, our Australian Shepherd. Thanks again and have a great holiday season and New Year! We applaud you Carlo. .Your kennel is a dream come true and Everything we hoped for in a breeder of a high quality German Shepard puppy! We purchased Nala from you several months ago. She is a perfect fit for our family and with our other dog. We love hiking with her and taking her on long walks. She trains so easily and is one of the happiest dogs I have ever seen. She is very protective but not overly aggressive. I love Nala very much and thank you again for recommending her for us! Ruth Ann Hey Carlo,Just wanted to email and congratulate you on such amazing dog!! I absolutely love the new litter! They are beautiful — you do a great job putting together a good set of parents! Look and temperaments are great! Also wanted to let you know that Boeheim is doing great — we took him up to the St. Lawrence swimming and he loved it — he is a dark, big boy, with a big square head. Everybody up in Alexandria Bay loved him and he loves people. Maybe on our next time up we can stop and show you him. I wish that I was ready for another dog because your dogs are great! Boeheim would love a sister too but I am not ready to train another one yet and Boeheim is still a pup himself. I love showcasing him. She is doing well and has drives that are incredible. We knew he was meant to go home with us from the minute my husband and I met him. He watches our every move. His personality is only out shined by his beautiful silky looks. Thanks so much for giving us such a unbelievable companion. Nancy and Rhett Kristl Hi Carlo! We are enjoying this puppy immensely! He is amazing and has a wonderful disposition. He made the transition flawlessly. I have slowly introduced him to all household items. He curiously explores everything new, that puppy that was a little reserved is gone! You were right! He has only peed in the house once since we came home! Our dogs watch and tolerate him amazing well. Thank You, Thank You!! Tristan is very loving, intelligent, and has an outstanding temperament. He goes everywhere with me and loves everyone he meets. He did exceptionally well with his training. He is already trained off leash so we have been enjoying some hiking together this winter. Thank you again for such a great boy! Awesome awesome awesome dog. He is the best friend to our kids and us. Very gentle with them and lets us know when anyone is around the property. You truly are a top of the line breeder. Thank you for Sarge. The Clives. Price: Low to High Pyrenees pups We Pyrenees puppies family raised we are asking or best offer text or call .Will come with health certificate from the vet shots wormed food toys blanket. Located in Watertown NY willing to meet part w.AKC 1st shots, dewormed, health cert. Vet checked with first shots and wormed. Ready now .All pups will have 1st shots, worming, microchipped and vet checked before leaving. Parents are health tested by Paw Prints and Embark. Sweet, smart, non shed shots, vet checked. Raised in our home, well socialized with young children, other dogs and cats, l.Located near Wa.They will be pounds full grown and have their first set of shots. The mom is a family dog and i.Hypoallergenic, non shedding, raised.Up to date on all shots and worming, Akc papers and one month pet insurance. Crate training now, Started basic training she kn.They are ready for their forever home any day! Born June 8th. Vaccinated, dewormed and vet checked. If interested in giving.Family raised. Parents on premises. Top quality hunting and tracking lin.Will come vet checked and papered. Both parents on site!
A low-calorie diet is enough for an older dog, but it should still be full of nutrients. Moderate protein and fat content are still needed. Typically, Golden Retriever puppies need to be fed at least three times daily. Meanwhile, adult and senior Golden Retrievers are satisfied with two meals per day. A Golden Retriever puppy should be fed three times a day at scheduled intervals until it reaches six months. You may divide the three meals into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When your Golden Retriever puppy turns six months, you can begin feeding it twice a day until it reaches adulthood. For adult Golden Retrievers, the most ideal feeding schedule will be twice a day with equally spaced meals. You can give it high-quality food in the morning and evening. The same goes for senior dogs but with fewer calories. For an easier routine, you can create a customized feeding plan based on your daily schedule or commitments. A proper routine also prevents under and overfeeding. As Golden Retrievers have a ravenous appetite, you might be tempted to feed your dog often. But you should be firm and watchful to avoid any weight-related problems. Here, we provided the optimal feeding times you can follow for your Golden Retriever: 2 to 6 months: am — am, pm, pm 7 months to 8 years and above: am — am, pm — pm Ideally, you should not feed your Golden Retriever puppy after pm. Instead, give your pup an ice cube to chew on when it gets thirsty. Your Golden Retriever puppy should also be fed in the same area daily without distractions. This way, your young puppy can focus on eating its puppy food. Allot around 20 to 30 minutes for your Golden puppy to finish its meal. Remember that some Golden Retrievers like to gorge on more food while some are finicky. Keep your pooch lean with the right feeding schedule, feeding amounts, and proper physical activity. You can also consult your vet for more insights. You may give your pooch kibbles or cold-pressed dog food. Both are packed with necessary ingredients that are filled with nutrients! It can be a bit costly, but wet dog food is still a better choice for Golden Retrievers that are picky eaters and for senior Golden Retrievers, too. You may either mix them or alternate the two at every meal. Just make sure that when you take this approach, your pooch is getting the right food with proper calorie and nutrition requirements. Complete Raw Diet: Feeding your Golden Retriever raw food should be fine after it turns three to four weeks. However, feeding dogs with this option is linked to many food safety concerns. Meanwhile, freeze-dried dog food is also a raw food that has been repacked. Both have no preservatives added and are easy to store with long shelf lives. When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, you should take into account the ingredients, nutrient details, and feeding instructions as well. Based on the general guidelines, the nutrients you should be looking for besides meat products or animal protein and fats are high-quality grains such as brown rice. Fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals are also vital. This can be ideal for dogs that are sensitive to different types of grain. But grain-free food has been controversial due to its link with heart disease. Your vet can also help you personalize a diet plan for your dog. Curious to see what a homemade meal looks like for Golden Retrievers? Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their strong appetite, and on top of this, they are also curious. Several foods are toxic to Golden Retrievers, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain xylitol are also dangerous for your dog. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause severe issues to your dog, such as vomiting, and diarrhea, among others. Meanwhile, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is also unsafe for your pooch. If your Golden Retriever consumes too much xylitol, it can result in a dangerously low blood sugar level and even acute liver failure. This substance is usually found in sweet candies, gums, cookies, and the like, so make sure that you check what treats you give your dog. Read food labels or buy organic brands instead. Other vegetables that are harmful to your Golden Retriever are Brussel sprouts, kale, and wild mushrooms. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. Meanwhile, cherries contain cyanide which can be extremely harmful to your dog. You may also consult your vet to check the safety of specific foods, especially if your pooch has allergies or sensitivities. These gradual transitions typically occur over 5 to 7 days. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.
We are proud to be a member and abide by the ethics of this organization. These certifications help ensure that your new Australian Labradoodle puppy is the real deal. Our dogs are carefully selected so their puppies will have wonderful dispositions, amazing conformation, and hypoallergenic coats for which the breed was developed and is sought after. Our goal is to provide allergy friendly Australian Labradoodle puppies that are healthy, smart, and people oriented as family pets as well as therapy and service dogs. Our foundation dogs were chosen specifically because they were the best examples of the breed standards set forth by WALA. With each and every litter we produce we are striving to produce a better puppy that lives a full and happy healthy life. This ensures that our dogs are as healthy as possible before breeding. We use temperament testing and conformation evaluation to help us breed for for calm, confident, and people focused puppies with correct structure. We also use the temperament test results to help place puppies in the right homes. These breeding practices help ensure that you get the best possible Australian Labradoodle puppy available for your family or service dog. We feel that every family should own one of these wonderful Australian Labradoodle puppies for a joyful addition to your family. See why we belong to WALA in this video below.Sunrise Australian Labradoodles. 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 Ocala Florida 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 may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Have you always wanted a Labrador retriever, but are you worried about the common health problems of the breed? Someone might have recommended that you go for a Pit Bull-Lab mix. Labrador retrievers and American pit bull terriers began to be deliberately interbred in the s as a way of minimizing the health problems that are common to both pure breeds. The result is usually a gorgeous, medium-sized pup with the strength and loyalty of a pit bull and the intelligence and affection of a Labrador. But wait, you might be wondering if these dogs are highly aggressive, since pit bulls do have a reputation for being a pretty aggressive dog. While exactly what you get with a mix-breed pup is always unpredictable, the aggressive reputation of the pit bull is undeserved. They are, in fact, intelligent and affectionate canines. A word of warning, while pit bull-Lab mixes are highly affectionate and highly trainable, they are not generally recommended for first-time dog owners since there is quite a bit of work involved in looking after these special dogs. But whatever you call them, they are a mix between a Labrador retriever and an American pit bull terrier. Labrador retrievers are medium-large gun dogs that were initially bred to retrieve game. But over the years, they have also become incredibly popular family dogs. They are also highly intelligent, trainable, and friendly, so they are also often used as disability assistance dogs, for example working as guide dogs for the blind. American pit bull terriers are solidly built medium-sized dogs. In the early 19th century, they were often used in blood sports such as bull and bear-baiting, and after these sports were outlawed in , they were also often used in dogfighting. This is why the breed has a reputation for being aggressive, but they are not naturally aggressive when properly cared for. They are, in fact, strong, confident, and lively, and make excellent family pets as they love children and are protective of them. Pit Bull-Labrador Mix Characteristics Unlike with pure-bred dogs, which tend to have a fairly predictable appearance and temperament, you can never be sure exactly how the characteristics of parents will combine in a mix-breed dog. But it is possible to generalize about the most likely characteristics of a pit bull-Lab mix based on the characteristics that appear most often, and characteristics that breeders will often try and control to produce the best possible pups. Labrador-Pit Bull Mix Appearance Most pups that are a mix between a Labrador retriever and a pit bull can be characterized as medium in size. They usually range from between 17 to 25 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 90 pounds. Male Lab-pit bull mixes tend to be significantly larger than their female counterparts. They will almost certainly have a strong and muscular physique. Labradors are fairly strong to start with, and this is only enhanced by the extreme muscular nature of the American pit bull terrier. Their facial features generally fall between those of a Lab and a pit bull, and they will have a broader forehead than a Labrador retriever, but it will be narrower than that of a pit bull. They usually have a relatively long muzzle and long pointed ears. Your pitador might also come out with the classic Labrador retriever double coat that sheds a lot. Breeders will often try and control for this characteristic, but there are no guarantees. There is no way of knowing what kind of coat they will have when you adopt a puppy. Coat colors vary from classic Labrador colors including black, chocolate, and golden yellow, but you can also expect to see white, spotted, brindle, and cream. Lab-Pit Bull Mix Temperament When you adopt a Labrabull, you can expect a dog that is affectionate, intelligent, and energetic, as these are characteristics of both Labrador retrievers and American pit bull terriers. Lab-pit bull mixes are very affectionate and bond quickly with new families. They are incredibly friendly with children and will be both careful and protective of them. While you can trust a pit bull-Lab mix with children, small children should never be left alone with any dog unsupervised. While they do get on with other animals, this breed does have a need to be dominant. They may engage in behaviors you consider aggressive or undesirable to assert their dominance over other dogs or household animals. They crave to be included in everything the family does and to be the center of attention. These dogs are very intelligent and also eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are just as capable of being trained as working dogs as their Labrador retriever parent. They are motivated by praise and reward, and training should always utilize positive reinforcement. When your dog is frustrated and confused by what you want from them, that is when they can become aggressive. But pit bull-Lab dogs are not naturally aggressive; they actually have a calm and fun-loving temperament. But they are also high energy and need a lot of exercise. They are highly alert and will bark a little to let you know if guests arrive at the door or strangers are lurking near the house. Lab-Pit Bull Mix Health These crossbreed dogs generally live for years and within that time are likely to have fewer health problems than either purebred Labrador retrievers or American pit bull terriers. Nevertheless, they can be inclined to develop some of the joint conditions that are common in Labrador retrievers, such as hip dysplasia. They can benefit from glucosamine supplements to help keep their joints supple and healthy. You can find our recommendations for the best glucosamine supplements here. These dogs are also more inclined to developing epilepsy and hyperthyroidism than some other dog breeds. You should monitor your dog for seizures to identify the onset of epilepsy. You can read more about seizures in dogs here. Finally, dogs that are a mix of Labrador retrievers and pit bulls can be inclined to develop skin conditions and allergies. For this reason, it is important to choose a good pH-balanced shampoo for your dog, and try to keep their food and environment free of toxins that can trigger or exacerbate allergies. These might help you to decide whether they are the right breed of dog for you. Exercise Lab-pit bull retrievers are energetic dogs that need lots of space to play. They need a yard to give them space to run and play throughout the day. They need a lot of exercise each day. They need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or playing catch, each day. On top of this, they will need hours of moderate exercise such as walking and playing. This exercise is best when split into at least two exercise sessions each day. It is advisable to keep your pit bull-Lab mix on the leash when in public parks as they have a high prey drive. Attention These dogs thrive on love and attention, and since they are so intelligent, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This means that it is not appropriate to leave them alone for long periods of time. If you leave one of these dogs alone for ten hours a day while everyone is at work, you will come home to a lot of destruction and a frustrated dog that may become aggressive in their need for your affection. Grooming Most Lab-pit bull mixes have the short-haired, low-shedding coat of a pit bull, which only needs brushing once a week. But if they turn out to have the high-shedding coat of a retriever, you may find that you need to brush them every day to keep on top of their shedding. You will also want a powerful vacuum cleaner that is designed to pick up dog hair. You also need to pay a lot of attention to dental care, as Lab-pit bull mixes are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease. Diet Since these dogs are highly muscular and full of energy, they thrive on a diet that is high in animal-based proteins and high in healthy fats. You do need to be careful how much food you give them, as they will usually eat even when they feel full, and they are prone to put on weight when they overeat. So, feed them a diet that is low in carbohydrates and put food out at regular times rather than leaving food in their bowl for them to graze throughout the day. Since these dogs are prone to allergies, it is important to invest in high-quality food that does not contain any artificial additives that can be toxic for dogs. It is also a good idea to vary their diet, and ensure they are not eating the same type of meat every day. Dogs are most likely to develop allergies to the foods they eat the most. So, if you feed your dog the same chicken-based dog food every day, it is likely that over time they might develop an allergy to chicken. Varying the protein that makes up their diet can help prevent this. Where To Adopt There are many reputable breeders out there breeding top-quality pit bull-Labrador retriever mixes. Generally speaking, you will find that the Labrador is the mother, as they are a slightly larger breed, and it is safer for the dog when the mother is a bit larger than the father. So, if possible, look to adopt rather than buy. A great place to start looking for adoptable dogs is at Petfinder. We found our Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever mix through petfinder. FAQs Is a pit bull-Lab mix an aggressive dog? No, pit bull-Lab mix dogs are not aggressive. They can have a reputation for aggression because pit bulls have traditionally been used in blood sports, but the breed is not naturally aggressive. They can be dominant among other animals and may engage in classic alphamale behavior to assert their position in the animal hierarchy. When do Lab-pit bull mixes stop growing? Lab-pit bull mix dogs will usually keep growing until they are about three years old, which is around the same time as they start to lose their puppy energy. You can expect them to grow between 17 and 25 inches tall and to weigh between 45 and 90 pounds. Are pit bull-Lab mixes a good dog breed for families with kids? Yes, Lab-pit bull mixes are excellent kids. They are gentle and playful and will also be highly protective of their young charges. While they will give you a bark to let you know that strangers are around, they are actually very good with strangers as well. Can you have a pit bull-Lab mix with another dog? Pit bull-Lab mixes are highly dominant animals, so they will try and assert their dominance over any other animals you have in the house. For this reason, they need to be well-socialized from a young age to ensure they learn appropriate behavior. So, while you can introduce a Lab-pit bull mix puppy into a home that already has a dog, you might want to be wary about introducing an adult dog into a household that already has another dog. Do pit bull-Lab mix dogs bark a lot? No, these highly intelligent dogs are not the type to bark continuously or for no reason. They might give you a bark to let you know when something has happened or if someone is approaching. When do Labrador-pit bull mix dogs calm down? From about the age of one year, these dogs begin to calm down and have less energy. The Verdict Labrador retriever-American pit bull terrier mixes make excellent pets for anyone with an active lifestyle and lots of space for these dogs to stretch their legs. They combine the intelligent and friendly temperament of both breeds in an adorable dog that is less likely to suffer from some of the serious medical conditions that are common in both pure breeds. They are also highly trainable and have a calm and friendly temperament as long as they are getting the physical stimulation and the attention that they need. You will need to be prepared to make the time commitment to keep these dogs healthy and happy. Do you have any experience raising a Lab-pit bull mix pup? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Loyal and easy to train, the Pitbull Lab mix will make an excellent addition to any family and provide great companionship. History Of The Pitbull Lab Mix Both the Pitbull and the Labrador Retriever are historically working dogs , so it comes as no surprise that the Pitbull Lab mix likes to keep themselves busy and entertained. They were originally bred to combine the most desirable characteristics from both parent breeds into one dog — the temperament of the Labrador and the loyalty of the Pitbull. Breed Origin The breed origin of the Pitbull Lab mix is actually unknown and we cannot be sure when these dogs first appeared. However, we can look at the history of both parent breeds so you get an idea of where these pups originated from. The Pitbull parent in the Pitbull Lab mix can actually be any of four types of Pitbull. The Pitbull was created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull and bear baiting. They were thought of as aggressive fighting dogs but it was also known that they were very gentle with humans and made excellent family dogs. Later, these Pitbulls accompanied immigrants to America and they began new careers as all-around farm dogs. Their jobs included hunting wild game, guarding the property from animal intruders and providing companionship. The Labrador, as we mentioned above, is the most popular breed of dog in America. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs in the s and used to accompany hunters and retrieve animals that had been shot. They were also used in Newfoundland to retrieve fish that came in off the trawl, which is why they love the water. Their loyal and loving nature mean that they quickly became a very popular family dog and are still used today as working dogs, such as guide dogs. Characteristics Of The Pitbull Lab Mix Because the Pitbull Lab Mix is not a purebred breed and it is not recognized by any kennel clubs, this means that there is no definite breed standard for these pups. This means we cannot be sure how each litter of puppies is going to turn out. However, we can guess based on previous litters. These dogs are normally born in litter sizes of 5 to 10 puppies, with the average being 7. It is not normally an issue which parent is the sire or the dam when breeding. Appearance As we have said above, you can never be sure what your Pitbull Lab crossbreed will look like. They may look more like their Pitbull parent or more like their Labrador Retriever parent. The Pitbull Lab Mix is classed as a medium to large breed dog, and they can weigh anywhere up to 80 lbs, with females generally being smaller than males. These dogs will likely have floppy ears and will be muscular yet lean in statue. Coat A Labrador Pitbull Mix will generally have a short, smooth coat and they will not require too much grooming. We will go into more detail about grooming later on. Color The parent breeds of the Pitbull Lab Mix dog can vary greatly in color, which means your designer dog will likely vary greatly too. A Labrador can be yellow, brown or black and a Pitbull can be a huge range of colors — especially because there are four different breeds of this dog! If you want a good indication as to what your Pitbull Lab may look like color wise, you should take a look at the parent breeds. Temperament The Pitbull Lab Mix is a friendly and sociable dog that loves to be around people. This is particularly true for the Pitbull in them, who can become feisty when bored or not stimulated. Therefore, they will do well when they are around a lot of people and are being given lots of attention! This could not be further from the truth. When raised properly and socialized well, these dogs are sweet-natured and loving — traits which are passed down to the Pit Lab Mix. They are not known to bark and will alert you when there is anything wrong, making them a great guard dog or watch dog. The intelligence level of this mixed breed dog means they are easily trainable and will be top of the class at puppy school. They will also happily learn tricks and engage with their owners! Lifespan The Lab Pit Mix has a relatively long life expectancy and can live, on average, anywhere between 10 and 14 years. These are normally the same health issues that their parent breeds are predisposed to. However, there are two health problems that are seen more frequently, both of which are seen in Labradors. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life While the different traits and characteristics that your Pitbull Lab Mix may inherit from their parent breeds can be somewhat of a mystery, fortunately taking care of these dogs is pretty straight forward. Below we discuss their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. As an adult, this should be anywhere between 1, to 2, calories a day, which equates to four cups of kibble a day. You should always check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding them of a particular food based on their weight. When they reach maturity, this should be reduced to 2. As an adult, you should try to feed them three times a day. Always remember to feed your Pitbull Lab Mix nutritious, high-quality dog food. We have included a food that we recommend below. This food is formulated with protein-rich chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring your doggie gets all the nutrients they need to keep their muscles healthy and strong. Designed specially for large dog breeds, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs. There are also antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage requirements and a healthy oxidative balance. Exercise A Pitbull Labrador crossbreed is a medium to large breed of dog and therefore has high exercise needs. A dog of this size should be exercising for around minutes a day, so you must make sure you have the time to dedicate to this breed before buying. When the Pitbull cross is a puppy, you should remember the 5 minute rule. Therefore, if your pup is four months old, you should only be exercising them for around 20 minutes. These pups will love to join you on a hike or a run or, like their Labrador parent, they also love to swim. Because of their intelligence, they can also learn different dog sports such as flyball or agility, so this is something to think about. Check locally to see whether your area has any restrictions. You may need to keep your dog on the leash or have them wear a muzzle. Loving and friendly, these pups thrive when they are around people and like to be right in the middle of everything, getting all the attention! They do not do well when left alone and can exhibit destructive behaviors and signs of separation anxiety. Therefore, you must make sure you are not going to be out for hours at a time if you are thinking about bringing one of these dogs into your home. These dogs need to be kept entertained and stimulated mentally, which is why they can be such a good playmate for children. They also get on well with other family pets, so there is no need to worry about their reaction to other dogs and cats. The Pitbull Lab Mix is a very intelligent dog, which means training them is very easy. Training and Socializing We have mentioned above that the Pitbull Labrador crossbreed is a very intelligent dog. This means that training them is easy and is one of the reasons they are recommended as a good first dog. These pups respond best to positive reinforcement training. This includes verbal praise and reward-based training such as treats. Socializing your Pitbull Lab cross is also not difficult. They get on well with children and other animals, so there should be no issue within the family home. You should start socializing them from a young age and introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals when you are out and about. Grooming Fortunately, your Lab Pitbull Mix will not require a lot grooming. You will need to brush them roughly two to three times a week to ensure that shedding stays at a minimum. Unfortunately, as they have a Labrador parent, they will shed a lot! You will need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your home fur-free. Bathing your Pitbull Lab is also important, but this can be done as infrequently as times a year. You should also check their ears regularly to spot any signs of infection, and ensure their nails are clipped as needed. We touched on this above but the answer is no. There is a common misconception that all Pitbulls are dangerous, but when trained properly and brought up in a loving and caring environment, Pitbulls are affectionate, loyal dogs and love to be around people. Are Pitbulls illegal? In some areas of the United States, Australia and the UK, Pitbulls and other related dog breeds are under breed-specific laws. These laws prevent residents in those areas from owning these dogs, except from under special circumstances. Pitbulls in these areas are seen as a danger because of their reputation and dog fighting background, even though there is a huge amount of evidence to show that when trained properly Pitbulls make great pets. How much does a Pitbull Lab Mix cost? If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local shelter to see if there is a pup there that needs a loving home! Summary The Pitbull Labrador Mix breed was created to cherrypick the best traits from each parent breed — the temperament of the Labrador and the loyalty of the Pitbull. These loving, friendly dogs make excellent family pups who just love to be around people, both adults and children, and other animals too. While the Pitbull has a reputation for being aggressive, this could not be further from the truth and, when put in the right home, the Pitbull Labrador Mix is a companion for life. What do you think, is one of these dogs right for you? Other Pitbull Related Guides. .You will never know if your puppy is going to look more like a Lab or a Pit in the future. Pit Lab Mixes are black, brown, tan, white, and yellow. Some Pit Lab Mixes are solid in color, while others have distinctive white marks just like a Pitbull. Originally, all Labradors were black. When a litter is influenced by the predominant features of the Black Lab, it is very likely for you to have a litter of jet black Lab Pitbull pups. A majority of Lab Pitbulls are actually black in color with distinctive white marks on the face, on the chest, at the tips of the paws and tail. Its spectrum of rich brown hues can be passed onto its offsprings. Brown Lab Pitbulls usually have markings, too. Labradors with orange hues to their coats are also classified by the American Kennel Club as a yellow Labrador. Pitbull Lab Mix Looks Generally speaking, Pitbull Lab Mixes have the following features: a broad head a pair of almond-shaped eyes small droopy ears a long tail a smooth, dense coat But as with any crossbreed, there is no way you can accurately guess how your puppy is going to turn out. You will just have to wait until he is fully grown. A Pitbull Lab can grow to a height between 30 cm. As always, this breed sits in the grey area between the Pitbull and the Labrador even in size. Their weight also depends on how much Labrador or Pitbull genes they have in them. Pitbull Labs in general, weigh around 45 lbs. However, a Pitbull Lab with dominant Pitbull genes can weigh up to 95 lbs. Pitbull Lab Mix Character Traits We all know that the Labrador Retriever has a playful, friendly spirit while the Pitbull has a bold, courageous demeanor. So, what could be the personality of a Pitbull Lab mix? Read on to find out! Pitbull Lab Mixes are family oriented and will protect their humans at all costs. These courageous canines will stand up to any threat! Pitbull Lab Mixes are highly protective of their pack, which is often displayed as an aggressive behavior. When given proper training, the Pitbull Lab mix can easily distinguish between threat and unusual stimuli, so he can exercise restraint. The Pitbull Lab mix is usually quiet, which makes them the ideal pet for apartment living or for close-knit subdivisions. Likewise, Pitbull Lab Mixes are great watch dogs as they always keep their eyes peeled. They can sense danger from afar, be it a wanted criminal or a teenager who is up to no good. A big softie Another remarkable trait that Labrabulls have is their ability to connect with their owners. They can sense if you are sad, troubled, or in pain. These dogs will snuggle next to you and give you wet licks — the canine equivalent of hugs and kisses. So, the next time you are about to cry, you can count on your tail-wagger to comfort you during hard times. This is certainly a trait that they have inherited from Labradors. After all, Labradors are notably known as therapy dogs. A goofball Pitbull Lab Mixes are ever-ready to face any danger that represents itself. But these fearless dogs also melt easily into a jiggly pile of face-licking love around their beloved humans. Pitbull Lab Mixes love to run fast, tug hard, jump high, play games and solve doggie problems like the smart and creative creature that he is. Clingy Although the Pitbull Lab mix is a big softie, this breed does have a tendency to develop a neurotic behavior if left alone for long periods. Encourage him to be a little more independent by allowing him to explore the world a little further away from you. Docile Pitbull Lab Mixes are notable for their obedient demeanor towards their owners. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Be sure to establish yourself as the Alpha of the pack, especially when your Pitbull Lab Mix is still a pup. Lab Pit Mix Temperament A majority of dog owners are not yet convinced with the Lab Pit Mix temperament, which mainly harks back to the reputation of its parent breed, the Pitbull. So, why are these dogs depicted in a bad light? But truth be told, the tiny Chihuahua is actually more threatening than the hulking Pitbull. James Serpell, a renowned professor from the University of Pennsylvania, conducted a series of tests to determine which canines are the most aggressive. Furthermore, the American Temperament Test Society performed a study in to evaluate the temperament of the controversial breed. According to the results, the American Pitbull Terrier has a temperament passing rate of .In other words, many canines that share Pitbull-like characteristics are quickly categorized as a Pitbull Terrier. Likewise, the CDC stated that there is no scientific proof that shows Pitbulls are more involved in fatal attacks compared to other breeds. But of course, any dog that was cultivated for aggression can terrorize a whole neighborhood. This applies to all dogs, not just for Pitbulls. Therefore, an angry Pitbull is not the closest thing you will encounter next to a Great White Shark. While its parent breed has proven itself a true fighter, a Pitbull can only be aggressive if the dog was bred for the wrong reasons. Undesirable traits are rooted in improper training and lack of socialization, regardless of which breed you have. This means a Labrador, which is easygoing and gentle by nature, can get into a bevy of troubles if he has no concept of right and wrong. Unfortunately, the Pitbull Terrier remains a cult favorite among irresponsible owners. Therefore, it is imperative that you take the time to ensure your canine buddy gets properly trained and socialized. Despite their undeserved reputation, a Pitbull or a Pitbull Lab mix can respond well when training is done the right way, especially when you shower your pets with tender loving care! Are Lab Pitbull Mixes Sociable? Dogs are social creatures and are happiest when in contact with others, so yes, that includes the Pitbull Lab mix. But just like any other dog, your Lab Pit Mix must learn social skills at a tender age to keep fighting at a minimum. Socializing allows your tiny pup to get used to various settings and be comfortable towards meeting new people and animals. Keep in mind that Lab Pit Mix sometimes love to play a little rough. However, this should not be mistaken as a high prey drive. As a fur-parent, you also have to be well-balanced as the dog you seek. If you have a grumpy canine with a killer glint in the eye and a growl to match, step back and consider whether you are teaching your dog the right lessons. If not, get professional help! Establish yourself as the Alpha First of all, you have to firmly establish yourself as the leader of the pack. It means you have to set boundaries, stick with your own rules, and avoid doing things out on a whim! Otherwise, your growing pooch would think you are weak and inconsistent. A successful relationship depends upon you being in control. If your little Pitador does what he wants in small, harmless ways, it is likely for him to do what he wants in big, annoying ways. Nevertheless, be sure to be fair and calm when correcting your furry sidekick. Pitadors are among the most obedient dogs but they can also be very sensitive. Employ positive reinforcement Pitadors care about praise… and yummy treats! So, be sure to hand out some tasty dog biscuits to your pup for his little accomplishments. You can also alternate it with praises and belly rubs. Positive reinforcement is absolutely crucial, especially during the first weeks of potty training. When your Pitador goes potty outside instead of your hardwood floor, make a fuss and reward him. Considering how the Pitbull Lab mix is extremely intelligent, your pup is quick to understand which of his actions are good and desirable to you. Thus, he will repeat the behavior as often as possible. Correct your dog the right way Punishment is often associated with physical harm, such as hitting your dog with a stick. This method is not only harsh but also counterproductive. So, how do you correct your canine lout without making him anxious or wary of you? Since it is no good trying to reason with your dog, the most efficient and humane way to teach him is through constructive punishment. You can confiscate his favorite toys or simply ignore your dog for a certain period of time. Physical punishment only hampers the relationship between you and your beloved pet. Explore new grounds Take your furry sidekick as many places as you can go. You can stuff him in a pet carrier while he is still a puppy and have him walk beside you when he is finally bulky. Having your little Pitador tag along with you provides him with a spectrum of experiences with various people, animals, and objects. This is the best way to shape his behavior towards boisterous children, unusual structures, and fast-moving vehicles among many others. The more exposure he has as a puppy, the calmer he becomes as an adult. Provide mental and physical stimulation Both parent breeds of the Pitbull Lab mix requires tons of mental and physical exercise, so it is quite unsurprising for their offspring to have the same demands. Regular exercise is paramount if you want to keep your furry sidekick fighting fit. Otherwise, your Pitador is bound to carry extra weight that can have a huge impact on his overall wellbeing. Dogs are rarely lazy but if the exercise is boring, dogs are as likely as humans to refuse to do it. However, simply letting your dog chase squirrels out in the backyard is not going to cut it. So, what are your options? Walk your dog Walking your canine buddy is the most commonly performed exercise. Ideally, active dogs such as the Pitbull Lab mix should be taken out for a long walk twice daily. To make this a viable solution for busy fur-parents, choose to walk around the neighborhood a couple of times or go to a park that has a decent distance from your home. Try to change the route of your walks from time to time, so your Pitador has a new battery of smells to get excited over. You can always count on the treadmill if it rains cats and dogs! It gives your dog the workout he requires in a playful manner, while you just sit and relax. It would be wise to come equipped with a nifty device, such as a toughened tennis ball with a long-handled launcher that sends the ball flying into the far distance. Dog Frisbees also fly long distances to be retrieved by your pet. Go out for a swim A lot of dogs are afraid of the water but once they get the hang of it, they will paddle like a wild duck! Swimming is also one of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your dog. There is a plethora of toys from pet stores, such as a Kong floating toy to encourage your furry pal to swim. Your fun-loving Pitador will surely jump right in and retrieve the object for you. Find out what reward motivates your canine buddy and include some of that reward for him in your exercise regime to encourage him to be more active. Even racing up the stairs with your dog can be a fun and effective exercise, as well. The simplest forms of exercise can deliver amazing results. In fact, running up and down the stairs is the quickest way for obese dogs to lose weight! They will chow down anything delicious, whether it is the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food! So, it is up to you to provide your canine buddy the balanced diet he needs to stay hale and hearty. Go for the best dry dog food and keep them away from the nutrient-deprived worst dry dog food. His choices are:. Protective yet friendly, the Pitbull Lab mix has a range of reputations to live up to. These breeds were used in bloodsports until the practice was banned. Sadly, the stigma attached to being used as fighting dogs has stuck with Pitbull-type breeds through the years. Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs. They are also commonly used as therapy dogs, in search and rescue missions and as seeing eye dogs for the blind. When you make a Pitbull and Lab mix, any of the qualities of the parent breeds can be passed on, in any combination. Growing controversy over American Pitbulls in recent years has led to a lot of misinformation about the breed. Pitbulls are banned in several countries because of their reputation as a fighting dog. However, if properly bred, socialized and trained, these are wonderful dogs with a warm, loving and affectionate temperament. What Do They Look Like? When buying a cross-breed there are no guarantees. Puppies can resemble either parent, or a combination of both. There can even be big differences within the same litter. But, Labrador and Pitbull breeds do have some similarities that are likely to appear in your Pitador puppy. Pitbull Lab Mix Size Both have medium-sized, athletic frames. Pitbulls are quite muscular, with wide chests and broad, flat heads. But, Labs are taller, with a slimmer shape and a longer nose. So, Labrabulls will range from 50 to 90 pounds. Labrabull Coats and Colors They have a short and silky coat and come in a variety of colors. Coat colors include brindle, brown, black and white and tan. You may also find a black Lab and Pitbull mix or a chocolate Lab Pitbull mix. Another popular variety is the yellow Lab Pitbull mix. For example, your glossy black Lab Pitbull mix puppy will likely get some gray around his muzzle and eyes as he gets older. Grooming and Shedding Thanks to its parents short-haired genes, the Labrador Pitbull mix is fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just bathe when necessary and brush as needed. But, during shedding season you might find you are grooming a lot. Labradors are very high shedding dogs, and as such your puppy could be too. Make sure to get him used to being groomed regularly. This will make your job easier when he starts to molt! So you can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to be the same. Many Pitbull advocates praise their intelligence, willingness to learn and love for their families. Labrador Retrievers are known as excellent family pets. They are friendly and outgoing and play well with other dogs. So, a Pitbull and Lab mix is likely to be a people-pleaser when it comes to his family. This super-smart mutt will do anything for praise and attention. But, they will need company for much of the day, due to their strong bonds. They are therefore not an ideal pet for anyone who works away from home. Or who cannot bring their dog along with them during the day. Intelligent dogs can become bored and destructive if left to their own devices too often. This can also result in barking. Are They Aggressive? A genuine concern about Pitbulls is their bite reflex. Compared with bites from other dogs, the damage that they can do is much more severe. In a study of over bites over a period of 15 years at one trauma center, 30 injuries were by Pitbulls. The level of injury caused by them was far greater. If you are bitten by a Pitbull you are more likely to have a worse injury, and more likely to die from it. According to its results, the American Pitbull passed the test with a .So, this makes it more even-tempered than Cocker Spaniels and Beagles! However, the CDC itself admits that these numbers are culled from media headlines that could potentially misidentify the breed. A more recent study by Dr. James Serpell at the University of Pennsylvania ran different breeds through a series of tests and found that the top three most aggressive were Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers. Cautions For Pitbull Owners Pitbulls might not be the most likely dog to bite you. But if they do, it is much more likely to lead to severe injury or death. But you need to throw yourself into socialization and definitely meet the Pitbull parent to assess their temperament. Being a responsible owner means giving your dog the tools to curb his anxiety. This involves training, socialization, and lots of praise and support. Given its extremely intelligent parentage, this hybrid responds very well to instructions and can master the basics in no time. Both Pitbull and Lab breeds work best with positive reinforcement. They love to please their owners and are extremely willing. Using punishment to train your puppy is not advised. This can destroy the trust between dog and owner. In addition, it can lead to problems in the future with aggression. Punishing a dog causes them to hide the warning signals that they are unhappy. Use reward-based methods and train together every day to build an even stronger bond between you. Your Labrabull will definitely need regular exercise. As it will be on the larger side and quite active. Importance Of Socialization While Pitbulls have a bad reputation that is not entirely fair, there is some truth to it. The risks of biting is higher than with some breeds, the severity of bites is far worse. Plus, Pitties can be territorial and display some guarding characteristics. So, when you buy a puppy with a Pit parent, you need to commit to socialization as a number one priority. A confident dog is a safer, happier dog. And dogs become confident through early exposure to the situations which have potential to worry them as adults. It is very important to socialize a Pitbull Lab mix puppy as early and often as possible. But there are some serious genetic health conditions that your puppy could inherit. So health screening of both parents is essential. The breeder should provide you with evidence of good hip and elbow scores for both the Labrador and Pitbull parent. They should also show you an eye test for each of them, carried out less than a year ago. The Labrador parent should have no family history of exercise-induced collapse or cruciate ligament problems. The Pitbull parent should have no history of skin problems. Labradors live on average .Pitbull lifespan is around the same. This is about the average lifespan for medium-sized to large breeds. You need to feed your Bullador a well-balanced diet to ensure he gets all the nutrients he needs. Especially because these dogs require so much exercise! Although Pitbull dogs are often great with the kids in their families, the nature of their bite and severity of the injuries they cause is something you need to seriously consider before you bring one into a home with children. Never leave a Pit mix alone and unsupervised with kids, and make sure that they treat him with respect. Well-bred, well-socialized Labrador and Pitbull mixes are a breed that give as much as they get. But giving a rescue Pitbull Lab mix can be very rewarding. For both pup and owner. Check with your local shelters to see if they have any mixed breeds. Some may inherit more Lab genes, others will favor Pitbulls. The only way to know what you are getting is to meet your puppy first, and talk to the breeder. But, there may be additional costs for health check-ups and official documentation. From day one make sure you have visitors to the house at least four times a week. Make sure there is a range of adults and children, and that each new person gives the puppy praise and treats upon arrival. Take your pup to every type of location you think you might visit together. And make sure lots of people say hello to her. Again, if possible, they can give her treats to reward her and help build a positive association. Supervised interaction with other dogs will teach your dog how to play properly, and respect his furry friends. Organised play dates or behaviorial classes can help your puppy learn to be a calm and happy part of a pack. Pitbull Lab mix puppies, breeders or adoption? The Pitbull Lab Mix can be a great pet for the right home. In this article we will look at how well suited the Labrabull is to your family, and give you tips for finding the perfect puppy. We will also give you the information you need to properly feed, care for and groom your dog. And explore their behavior traits and training, exercise and socialization requirements. This guide is packed with information and will help you decide whether an adult Lab Pitbull mix will suit your home and lifestyle. Pitbull Lab Mix Origins? Labradors and Pitbulls have been being bred together informally for years, for pet homes and as ranch dogs. But in recent years with the rise of the designer first generation dog mixes, then are gaining more of a following. Labs are one of the most popular breeds in the US. Their ancestors originated in Canada and they were bred there in the 18th century to aid fisherman who needed a trusted and reliable helper dog. On the flip side, this hard-working, rough and tough canine also has a sweet personality. Today Labs are best described as loyal, intelligent, friendly and eager-to-please. Labs can co-exist with various age groups as well as with a cross-section of other animals. They take to training easily and make Labs a popular choice as police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. The Pitbull originated from crossing Bulldogs with Terriers back in the s. Breeds used for fighting, bullbaiting a ratting. Despite their lurid beginnings, the Pitbull is actually an affectionate breed with a fierce loyalty to their owners. Once brought over from the UK to America, Pitbulls were commonly used as farm dogs to protect livestock and herd sheep. They were known for their docile temperament with people and children and were not just working dogs but family pets. Pitbulls are strong, athletic, and courageous dogs, but underneath it all, they are often big softies looking for the same love and attention as any pet. They have expressive eyes, pointed ears and a long fairly straight tail. In other words, given his parentage, your pup can be counted on to be one of the most handsome dogs zipping around the dog park! How Big is the Pitbull Lab mix? The Labrador Pitbull mix is a medium to large, powerful, dog that can reach up to two feet in height and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The fur is smooth and shiny, and not difficult to maintain. You can expect the common coat colors to be a solid tan, black, white, yellow, or brown. However, the Pitbull Lab Mix can also come with various colors like the Pitbull; so a brindle is entirely possible! Pitbulls tend to shed on the low to average end of the spectrum. However, a Lab Pitbull Mix could well take after their Labrador parent in the molting department and be more of a heavy shedding dog. Either way they are not a hypoallergenic dog and are not recommended for allergy sufferers. They can also need quite a lot of grooming in the shedding season, despite their short coat. Pitbull Lab Mix Grooming A Pitlab has a silky, short, and dense coat that benefits from brushing to keep it shiny. The Labrador undercoat is not common in this particular mix breed. Due to being a high shedding dog Labs need a good grooming tool for the heavier shedding parts of the year. A weekly brush the rest of the time should be fine. Use a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste to keep his pearly whites clean. And at the same time check for any signs of infection. The Pitbull Lab Mix grooming needs range from low to moderate. The latter was bred in the 19th century to be used in physically punishing ways, such as dogfighting. In America, this tenacious and strong dog was bred with larger canines and was used as a farm dog, who was also called upon to aid in hunting large game. Today, the American Pitbull Terrier retains an alert and protective nature. He is known for his courage, determination, and loyalty, but also comes with a reputation for being a naturally aggressive breed. This is not entirely unfounded. And according to one source on dog bites, in there were 22 Pitbull dog bite fatalities in the US. For the same year, Labradors and their mixes were responsible for 3 deaths. The Pitbull is a banned breed in some countries including the United Kingdom. In regard to this particular mix breed, one source reports that between and , 46 Pitbull Lab Mix attacks had been recorded. Are Pitbull Mixes Aggressive? However, a lot of people believe that this loyal dog has been maligned. Counter-arguments regarding the dangerousness of this breed highlight the fact that until the mids, the Pitbull was not a feared dog. And was actually considered a friendly family pet. This argument identifies the change in attitude as a social construct and media bias rather than any actual increase of aggression in this breed. The unreliability of victim and witness memory and accuracy of identifying dog breeds correctly has also become an area of interest in the Pitbull debate. Some believe that attacking breed is often misidentified when victims report dog bites. It is important to note that it is only the American Pitbull Terrier under scrutiny. Temperaments of other Pitbull breeds, like the American Staffordshire Terrier, have never been called into question. However, we would add a note of caution here. There are plenty of sources now that argue that Pitbulls are less likely to bite than previously thought. Bite Type and Frequency The Pitbull Lab mix is not much more likely to bite than many other popular breeds. However when weighing this up it is important to bear in mind the possible consequences of a bite, should one happen. While no dog bite is pleasant, the American Pitbull has been bred with the physical structure needed to bite hard. With big canine teeth and strong jaws. It holds on. The damage done by their bite has the potential therefore to be far greater than that of a typical dog bite. This is especially relevant in families with small children. This trait could be passed to your Pitbull Lab mix. They will likely be an energetic and loyal dog that loves attention from their owner. If there is more Pitbull temperament in them, your dog will be more reserved and docile. Thorough socialisation will be essential for this pup. If they inherit more Labrador personality they will probably be very social and exuberant. With socialization and good breeding practices, you can have a reasonable expectation that they will get along well with children and possibly other dogs. And will make a good family pet. When it comes to other pets, the Labrador side of your Pitbull Lab Mix has a better chance of getting along with them than the Pitbull does. You should take caution with strangers and other dogs until you know how your animal typically reacts in such situations. Although a pup with a very friendly Pitbull parent, that is well socialized, could be a very friendly and cuddly companion indeed. It is advised to start training young, as early as 8 to 12 weeks old. The longer you wait the more strong-minded your dog will become. With consistent and positive reinforcement training methods, they can be a terrific and well-mannered companion. It should be noted that punishment based training is not recommended as a modern training method and it has the potential to mask problems and cause or exacerbate aggression. Therefore access to things like a yard for self-exercise, fetch with the owner, and space and time to run around is important. Owners should be aware of health issues discussed below such as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia and Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and adjust exercise routines for their dog in consult with a vet. Larger dogs generally have greater issues with hip and elbow dysplasia, and both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In addition, gastric bloat and hypothyroidism may be potential issues for your pup. You should inquire with your breeder about heart, eye, skin, and ear issues. Purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder decreases the chances of owning a dog with unexpected, surprising health problems. You should test both parents for health conditions that commonly affect their breed. Like any breed, they have some minor health issues to be aware of, like skin problems and allergies. The Pitbull Lab cross has a similar life expectancy to that of the parent breeds. Labradors are one of the most popular family dogs. They have a friendly and affectionate nature. On the other hand, Pitbulls have had mixed reviews in this department. You probably associate Pitbulls with dog fighting and aggression. Historically, though, they are known for being loyal family dogs that are good with children. This mixed-breed would make a good family pet if bred and socialized properly like any other dog. When visiting a litter, be sure to observe the temperament of the Pitbull parent and socialize your pup early to help increase the chances of a friendly, gentle companion. Unlike Labs, Pitbulls do not get on well with other animals so your pup will do best as the only furry child. Another option would be to get a purebred Lab or another kind of mix. Rescuing a PitLab All too often designer dogs end up relinquished by owners who were ultimately unable to care for their needs. Not all mixed breeds have their own specific rescue. However, breed rescues for the purebred parents often take in related mixes as well. Pitbull Lab Mix Puppies With the increasing popularity of mixed-breed puppies, it is important to find a responsible breeder that follows the recommended guidelines for all health testing. Make sure they provide a clean and loving environment for their dogs. Working with a good breeder is the best way to increase your chances of a healthy and happy Pitlab Mix Puppy. Pet stores and puppy mills have a reputation for producing unhealthy puppies, sometimes with more challenging temperaments. Unethical breeding practices and poor treatment of the parent breeds, especially with the Pitbull parent, will not produce the desirable traits you are hoping for in your new Pitbull Lab Mix Puppy. Labrador Pitbull Mix Breeders It goes without saying, but you should only deal with an ethical, reputable breeder that can ensure your Labrabull was crossbred from parents free of medical issues. A good breeder is happy to provide evidence of clean health checks and to answer all of your questions about the Bullador. Plus, your breeder should be asking you questions to make sure you are equipped to handle this large, energetic breed. If you buy from a breeder, ask about the temperaments of your Pitlab parents. You can also ask to see the bloodlines of both of the parents for any clues. And If possible, ask to see the parent so that you can observe their temperament for yourself. Any sign of aggression in the parents is a red flag. Unfortunately, unethical breeding practices go hand in hand with the increase in demand for designer dog breeds. Do your research and ensure you are choosing a responsible breeder that can provide you with a healthy and happy pup.
It is, in fact, the first choice of most first-time dog owners. This adorable dog breed has a lot of features that you should know. They can be used for a lot of purposes. You can keep them as guide dogs, sniffer dogs or family dogs. In this post, you are going to know more about this dog breed. History and Popularity The history of Golden Retrievers can be traced back to the 19th century. It was bred in Scotland. Since their origin, Golden Retrievers have become popular all over the world. One of the major reason for its popularity is its friendly nature and easy-going temperament. Appearance The Golden Retriever is a stong built medium-large sized dog breed. It has a beautiful golden colored soft coat. It has a thick and feathery tail. Its oval-shaped eyes are very cute. Its ears are short and remain hung down. Characteristics 1. Friendly Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest dogs in the world. They are great companions and love to be around you. When you are looking for a family dog, the Golden Retriever has to be your first choice. Reliable They are one of the most reliable dogs to have. They are trustworthy and loyal. You will feel their trust and reliability when you have them around you. Dog Breeders Near Me 3. Kind Golden Retrievers are one of the kindest animals you can have as pets. They are good with kids. They can be the best companion for your kids. Intelligent Golden Retrievers are intelligent animals. They can learn fast. They are widely known for being the best guide dogs for visually impaired people. Who is it not for? While the Golden Retriever is certainly a great dog to have, it is not suitable for everyone. Your lifestyle is a primary factor when deciding whether or not you can have this dog breed as your pet. Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone. Why are Golden Retrievers so expensive? Golden Retriever are one of the most sought for dog breeds in India, hence, they are in lot of demand. Because of such high demand and low supply, they are naturally a bit expensive then the other breed of dogs that are readily available. How much do Golden Retrievers cost per month? Which type of Golden Retriever is best? There are three types of Golden Retrievers- the regular, the lowe and long hair type. Should I get a boy or girl Golden Retriever? The good news is that females are easier to obedience train. Are Black Golden Retrievers rare? Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? Is Golden Retriever smart? Golden Retrievers are one of the smartest breeds, ranking up there with German Shepherds and Beagles. Is Golden Retriever dangerous? A Golden Retriever is a large dog that has the potential for violence when it feels threatened or frightened. Do Golden Retrievers pick a favorite person? What is bad about Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are a healthy breed of dogs, but they have their share of health problems. Is Golden Retriever good for India? Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are two breeds of dogs that have made quite the name for themselves in India. These intelligent canines make fantastic companion animals, as they love to engage with people from all walks of life. Can Golden Retriever protect you? Golden Retrievers are one of the most loyal and intelligent breeds around. These big boys can protect their owner with all that loyalty and intelligence behind them. Can Golden Retrievers drink milk? Dogs should have a balanced diet and drink water not milk. This is because they can get stomach aches, diarrhea or other health troubles if they consume too much milk or any other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream etc. Can Golden Retrievers aggressive? Training can help keep your dog from being aggressive and dominant! Are Golden Retrievers lazy? In fact, Goldens love exercise and playing with their owners — but it must never tire them out or overwhelm them because of how sensitive these dogs can be when it comes to stress. Can Golden Retriever be left alone? Golden Retriever will become destructive or anxious if left alone for extended periods of time. If you go out after work, socialize on weekends, the dog may pine and be hungry with all these needs to take care of! Can Golden Retrievers eat boiled eggs? Eggs can be a great source of protein and nutrients to keep your dog healthy inside and out. What foods are bad for Golden Retrievers? There are many ingredients that you should look out for in pet food, some of which might be carcinogenic. What fruits can Golden Retrievers eat? Is your pup one of those dogs who likes to snack on the occasional fruit? They can enjoy apples as well as bananas and mango. Are Golden Retrievers big barkers? However some Golden Retrievers will let you know when strangers approach in the vicinity. What are the disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever? They shed so much fur! Inevitably this means more work cleaning up afterward. A Golden Retriever also can not be left alone for more than a few hours, which means you will have to spare constant attention, which might be difficult for most people! Do Golden Retrievers like to cuddle? Golden Retriever loves to cuddle. They are one of those breed of dogs that would come and sit in your lap and love to spend hours with you at strech. Are Golden Retrievers the nicest dogs? The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in India and for good reason. Goldens also need some basic obedience training so they know their place among humans! How long can Golden Retrievers hold their pee? They can hold their pee for up to hours if they need too. The average adult Golden Retriever should be allowed to relieve themselves at least times a day and no less than once every 8 hours or more often in hot weather when dogs are panting heavily due to summer heat. What to Know Before owning a Golden Retriever? The Golden Retriever is a sturdy and intelligent dog that requires careful consideration. They are not for couch potatoes, but require mental stimulation in order to be happy. Can Golden Retrievers live longer than 12 years? They are larger dogs, so their time with us is shorter than other breeds of dog. However, some goldies have lived as long as 19 years which is quite rare! Why are Golden Retrievers so loyal? Golden Retrievers were bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt birds, requiring them to be obedient and loyal. Their athleticism is also a result of their history as hunting dogs. Are Golden Retrievers jealous? Golden Retrievers are intelligent and loving dogs. What is the best age to get a Golden Retriever puppy? After 8 weeks, Golden Retriever puppies are ready to be taken away from their mother and littermates. The process of weaning the puppy is healthier for both you and your new pup! What is the best age to train a Golden Retriever? Are Golden Retrievers destructive? They may chew on your shoes or furniture as they explore the world around them. How do you know if your Golden Retriever loves you? The final sign that your dog loves you? Or bringing things to show how much he appreciates everything. Do Golden Retrievers like to sleep with their owners? Dogs of all breeds including a Golden Retriever will love nothing more than to share the same bed with their owners. Why are Golden Retrievers always hungry? Are Golden Retrievers indoor or outdoor dogs? Golden Retriever family members can experience many problems if left out all the time- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, aggression; Behavioral problems such as digging holes even while indoors Look what I made! Are Golden Retrievers calmer than labs? The Golden Retriever and Labrador are few of the most popular breeds for a family with kids. They are great around children and love to play, but Golden Retriever also enjoy their downtime unlike most Labradors. Conclusion These were some of the things that you need to know before you decide to get this adorable dog breed. Do you think you have something more that can be added to this post? Please let us know down in the comment section. We might add it in the next update of this post. Hope you found this post helpful. Leave your questions and suggestions in the comment section below. The golden retriever is one of the most if not the most popular dogs in India as well as in the whole world. They have been used in thousands of movies as well. If you are considering them making your pet then you have landed in the right place. In this article Golden Retriever Price in India, we have given each and every piece of information that is needed to know before owning a Golden retriever. So, keep reading to know more. However, there are various factors that can affect the Golden retriever price in India. Golden retriever price in Delhi 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Bangalore 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Kolkata 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Chennai 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Kerala 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Tamil Nadu 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Ahmedabad 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Pune 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Punjab 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Chandigarh 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Hyderabad 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Lucknow 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Jaipur 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Patna 15, - 40, Rs. Golden retriever price in Gurgaon 15, - 40, Rs. About Golden Retriever Dog Breeds History- Regarding the past of the golden retriver, there was a widespread belief that Russian circus dogs were crossed with Scottish and English retriever breeds and this led to their development. This idea lasted until the s when the contemporary notes of Lord Tweed Mouth, the creator of the breed, were discovered which revealed that he had crossed the yellow retriever he owned with a representative of a Spaniel breed living in Scotland at that time the Tweed Water Spaniel. This breed was bred to be a hunting dog. Their primary task was to collect the shot birds mainly in wet marshy areas. They are less and less used for hunting purposes. Instead, they have become one of the most popular family dogs in Anglo-Saxon areas. Appearance — Golden retrievers are medium to large size dogs and are characterised by their unique appearance. It has a broad head with large expressive dark brown eyes and hanging floppy ears. Their coat is only available in golden colour hence they are named golden retrievers. Personality- The golden retriever is an extremely kind, friendly, maximally human-focused dog breed. The Sullivan child dwells in every golden retriever without the slightest sign of malice or aggression towards other dogs or humans and not only in connection with their owners. A truly positive thinker. The hallmark of their personality is their willingness to comply. They do and learn almost everything in order to make their masters happy and satisfied. If we were talking about students and not dogs, perhaps in a positive sense they would be geeks to characterise their character and behaviour. Life Span and Size- The average weight of an adult Golden retriever can range between 25 to 35 kg and they can grow between 51 to 61 cm in height. Compared to the size of the golden retriever, they are a surprisingly long-living dog breed with a typical lifespan of 13 to 15 years. But it is not uncommon for individuals to be 17 to 18 years old as well, which is really a curiosity. Trainability- Due to their desire to observe, golden retrievers can be easily and quickly trained for tasks that suit their characters. This lovely, calm dog comes out most with a trainer like his own personality. They are matched by understanding, friendly and positive training methods. Hardness and roughness are very far from this breed and not expedient. They are passionate about their owners, enthusiastic and committed, they melt away from positive feedback. Activity- Due to their hunter past they are very active, love to move, come and go, fool around, run with their owners, fetch the ball and of course, they love swimming and water. This dog needs to be moved and run regularly otherwise they will not be happy without enough activities they can turn inwards. Keeping them in a house with a garden is ideal for them but they can easily get used to living in an apartment. But regular morning and evening walks are required. They can play with other dogs as well as they are friendly with all other dogs and do not get into fights or showdowns. Health- They can suffer from some illness in their life. Among them elbow and hip dysplasia, rarely epilepsy and hereditary progressive retinal atrophy can occur for which it is worth asking for the health screening papers of the parents when buying a puppy. They have no other known or characteristic diseases they can be called a healthy breed. Now, when goldens are about a year and a half old, their full coat comes in. They blow their coat in the spring and fall, which is just a fancy way of saying that they shed a lot. You can minimise shedding by simply brushing their hair with a good pet brush at least times a week. They are Big Dogs- Golden retrievers are big dogs. So why does this matter? But if your big gold retriever pulls on the leash and jumps on people, then it is a big deal. Another thing to consider about golden retrievers and their size is travelling. So, you need to also consider this before owning them. They are expensive- Golden retriever puppies are not cheap. Golden retriever puppies are difficult- All puppies bite a lot. But golden retrievers were bred to retrieve gun-down games with their mouth. Expect all these things to be fair game for your puppies. Razor-sharp teeth and puppies potty a lot, like every hour. Puppies are destructive. They need constant supervision because they love getting into mischief, chewing things, biting things, ripping up things, you name it. Needs a lot of Training- In fact, according to dr. So what does that mean? They pick up commands quickly, and they retain them as well. And when they get bored, they act out. Needs a lot of time- Golden retrievers require a lot of time. We have already talked about training earlier and how important that is. So, training them probably takes about 10 to 30 minutes per day. Golden retrievers also require a lot of grooming. You have to brush them several times a week you going to have to trim their nails and clean their teeth and ears. None of these are fun things. Buy from a Reputable golden retriever breeder— As these dogs are very popular a lot of people have started to breed these dogs to earn the money. So you have to be aware do not buy from anyone or a so-called local breeder because a not properly bred dog may have several health issues or any other issues. So, it is better to buy from a reputable breeder with proper paperwork. Pros and Cons of Owning a Golden Retriever Pros- These dogs are very loving and purest to their soul and truly can turn out to be great golden friends. Can get along with any pet whether it is a dog, cat or any other pet. Do not bark a lot. Easy to train as they love to please their owner. Are extremely social and want to be a part of your and love kids as well. Cons- These dogs can get huge and eats a lot be prepared to buy a lot of Dog food. Needs a lot of daily exercises. They shed their golden hair a lot. Can not leave them alone as I said they always want to be with you. FAQ 1. How much does a Golden Retriever puppy cost in India? Can Golden Retriever survive in India? Yes, they can survive can live pretty well in India. The Indian bred Golden retriever can easily thrive in India they just need extra caring during summer. During summer times take them for walks early in the morning or even when the temperature is a little lower, prove them plenty of fresh water, can even on AC optional if it is very hot and include diets like buttermilk, curd, lassi without sugar , etc in their diet which can help them keep their temperature cool. In short, yes you can keep just need little extra care during summer. Is a Golden Retriever good for beginners? The golden retriever can safely be called one of the few dogs that can be honestly recommended to almost all first-time dog owners. With their above the average kindness and adaptability, they tolerate and accept almost all mistakes made by an inexperienced owner with almost no negative consequences. A golden retriever, even if untrained, will never attack another dog chasing a postman. His boldest prank will be at most a reckless chase of a pigeon. Here of course we must also mention that the person who chooses them must not forget this extremely cheerful breed will be happy if they can be close to their owner and family and requires a lot of activity. The absence of all these can change their almost unshakably positive character in a negative direction. In hot climates like India, golden retrievers and other dogs might benefit from air conditioning. This is due to the fact that they have thick coats that might make them susceptible to overheating, particularly in the summer. Access to air conditioning can assist in maintaining their comfort, regulating their body temperature, and avoiding heatstroke. To avoid dehydration and other health problems, it is crucial to monitor their exposure to air conditioning and offer enough ventilation. Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot? Golden Retrievers are generally quiet dogs compared to some other breeds and dogs do not bark a lot only bark when they want to express something. However, they can have bad behaviour barking so you must train them in commands or cues like stop, enough, and quiet use any word and be consistent with it on a daily basis. Are Golden Retrievers Better male or female? The capacity of male and female golden retrievers to make good pets is not innately different. Golden retrievers, whether male or female, may make excellent companions and share characteristics including warm and pleasant attitudes, intelligence, and a love of playing and retrieving. It generally comes down to personal preference and individual personality differences—which can vary from dog to dog regardless of gender—when deciding whether to get a male or female golden retriever. Just Remember, before buying a golden retriever or any dog, know what you are getting into as it requires a responsibility to take care of them. It is recommended to do your research about the dog as well. I have tried my best to give complete information about this special breed before owning them. Hope you found this article helpful. Thank You! Golden Retriever price in dehradun Rs. The cost of a Golden Retriever is not an easy thing to determine given the numerous factors that affect it. Genetics — It all boils down to genetics in determining how much your golden retriever dog would cost. A golden retriever with excellent genetics can be sold for higher prices. Breeders — This factor plays a huge role in determining how much your golden retriever puppy costs as well since they have their own pricing policy based on what they want to sell their puppies for so if they do not want to sell their puppy at a certain price then that would be what they get paid for their dog. Location— Location also plays a big part in determining how much golden retriever can cost. If you live near a golden retriever breeder then chances are that you could get your hands on one for less but if you live far away from any breeders then expect to pay the price of golden retriever more just because of transportation costs. Gender— Gender also has its own effect on Golden Retriever price as male golden retrievers usually command higher prices than females because there is less demand for female golden retrievers. Age — Another factor that determines Golden Retriever price is age since older golden retrievers tend to cost more due to having better genetics. Size — Size also determines Golden Retriever price due to bigger sized dogs costing more money. Coat Color — Golden retrievers with rarer coat colors such as black golden retrievers are more expensive than golden retrievers with normal coat colors such as brown golden retrievers. Well, it is because people prefer buying rare colored golden retriever dogs over normal colored ones. The coat is golden yellow in color and looks really attractive when coupled with black markings. It can be long-haired or short-haired. But its fur has a very good look. On average, Golden Retriever dogs grow up to 3 feet in height at withers shoulders for males and 2 feet for females which is about average for most dog breeds. Females are lighter than males as they weigh 60 pounds on average while male dogs weigh 75 pounds on average. Its exact origins are unknown but most historians agree that it resulted from crossbreeding between black Labrador Retrievers and Tweed Water Spaniels of Scotland. It shares many of its characteristics with other retriever breeds including popular Flat Coated Retriever as well as Irish Setters. The Golden was originally bred to retrieve game from cold water so they have excellent swimming abilities. Golden Retriever Personality And Behaviour Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly and patient dogs, making them great as family pets. Golden retrievers are known for being loyal and caring towards children. These traits make golden retrievers particularly suited for families with children. They tend to interact well with other animals as well. However, a few short walks each day should provide sufficient exercise for your golden retriever. If you plan on taking long hikes or runs, it is best to do so early in the morning or at night when it is cooler. Also Read — Top 12 dog breeds for Indian climate Golden Retriever Lifespan Golden retrievers have long lifespans — years on average. Because they are large dogs with relatively few genetic issues, they tend to live longer than breeds of similar size like German shepherds. That said, golden retrievers are still vulnerable to diseases that could shorten their lives. Golden Retriever Health Problems Like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk. It can cause lameness and arthritis in the affected limbs. Cancer: Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to other breeds. Common types include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Regular veterinary check-ups and awareness of any unusual lumps or changes in behavior are important. Heart Problems: Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy enlarged heart and mitral valve disease can affect Golden Retrievers. Regular cardiac check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can mitigate these risks. Regular eye exams can help catch and manage these issues early. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can suffer from skin allergies, often triggered by food, environment, or parasites. Maintaining proper hygiene, a balanced diet, and addressing allergies promptly can help manage this. It can result in weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Medication and regular veterinary care are essential for managing hypothyroidism. Ear Infections: With their floppy ears, Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections caused by moisture and bacteria buildup. Regular ear cleaning and proper drying after swimming can help prevent these infections. Obesity: Golden Retrievers are enthusiastic eaters, which can lead to obesity if their diet and exercise are not properly managed. Maintaining a balanced diet and providing regular exercise are crucial for their overall health. Providing joint supplements, controlled exercise, and weight management can help support their joint health. Here are five essential golden retriever care tips that will help keep your dog looking good. This also helps prevent ticks and other parasites from spreading on his body. But before doing so, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies like shampoo and towels. To get rid of these pests, visit a professional groomer who can recommend a suitable treatment plan that works best for your pooch. You could either hire a personal trainer for your pet or enroll him in doggy daycare where he can play around with his friends while you go about your daily chores. Remember, taking care of your golden retriever is more than just feeding and walking him every day. Golden Retriever Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost of a Golden Retriever can vary depending on various factors such as location, quality of food, grooming services, veterinary care, and overall lifestyle. Grooming: Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming. Alternatively, you can learn to groom your dog at home, which would require investing in grooming tools and supplies. Veterinary Care: Routine veterinary care is essential to keep your Golden Retriever healthy. This includes vaccinations, annual check-ups, flea and tick prevention, and occasional health issues. Training and Socialization: Golden Retrievers benefit from training and socialization classes to ensure good behavior and a well-adjusted temperament. Here are some fun facts about these beautiful dogs! Trainability of Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly trainable dogs known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training and various dog sports. Positive Reinforcement: Golden Retrievers respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. They thrive on praise, treats, and rewards for desired behaviors. Harsh training techniques or punishment can be counterproductive and damage their trust and enthusiasm. Socialization: Early socialization is crucial for Golden Retrievers. Exposing them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them develop into well-rounded and confident dogs. Consistency and Patience: Golden Retrievers benefit from consistent training routines and clear expectations. Patience is essential as they may require repetition to fully grasp commands and behaviors. Versatility: Golden Retrievers have a natural aptitude for various activities and roles. They excel in obedience trials, agility courses, and retrieving games. They can also be trained as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs. Mental Stimulation: Golden Retrievers thrive on mental stimulation. Providing them with challenging puzzles, interactive toys, and training sessions that engage their minds helps prevent boredom and keeps them focused. Continuous Training: Training should be an ongoing process throughout their lives. Regular practice and reinforcement of learned commands and behaviors help maintain their training and prevent regression. Grooming of Golden Retriever Grooming a Golden Retriever is essential to keep their coat healthy, shiny, and free from tangles. Use a slicker brush or a deshedding tool to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathing: Bathe your Golden Retriever every months or as needed. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils from their coat. Be cautious not to over-bathe, as it can lead to dry skin. Ears: Check their ears weekly for dirt, wax, or signs of infection. Gently clean with a dog ear cleaner and cotton ball. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding. Teeth: Brush their teeth times a week to prevent tartar buildup and maintain good oral health. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Coat Care: Pay special attention to their feathered tail, legs, and neck, where tangles and mats can form. Use a detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb to gently work through knots. Shedding: Golden Retrievers shed heavily, especially during shedding seasons. Regular brushing helps manage shedding, but be prepared for some fur around the house. Professional Grooming: Consider occasional visits to a professional groomer for a thorough trim and cleaning. Frequently Asked Questions Can golden retriever survive in india? Golden retrievers can live in India as long as they are not exposed to extreme heat. Due to their double coating, they are not tolerant of extreme heat and may require continuous air conditioning. Is golden retriever dangerous? In general, Golden Retrievers are loving, kind, and gentle with practically everyone they come into contact with, so they are not dangerous dogs. Due to their affinity for meeting new friends and developing strong ties with the people they care about most, golden retrievers are not dangerous. Are Golden Retrievers good for first-time dog owners? Yes, Golden Retrievers can be good for first-time dog owners. They are known for being friendly, loyal, and easy to train. They are also known for being good with children and other animals. Golden Retrievers are generally eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are also adaptable to different living environments, whether in a house or an apartment. Are golden retrievers hypoallergenic? No, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They are a shedding breed and produce dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Are pit bulls good with children? Yes, Pit bulls can be good with children if well-trained and socialized. Recommended —. Our team at Premium Pet House consists of some of the best dog breeders in India. While ensuring all safety and hygiene norms, we breed Golden Retrievers in a conducive environment. With us, you can rest assured that you will be dealing with reputed dog breeders who love pets as much as you do! Here are a few reasons why you should get a Golden Retriever in India from dog breeders: Complete Knowledge Of The Breed The biggest benefit of purchasing a puppy from breeders is that you obtain complete knowledge of the breed. All our dog breeders are well-versed with the nitty-gritty details regarding Golden Retrievers. They will provide you with every bit of information needed to bring a cute little puppy home! Bringing Healthy Pets Home Trusted dog breeders in India follow breeding standards regarding the physical and psychological characteristics of puppies. This ensures that the pets you bring home are fit and healthy. The dam mother and sire father give you a clearer idea about the way your little one would look and act when they get older! Most breeders provide their customers with a detailed history of the pups they purchase, often going back multiple generations. Moreover, getting your Golden Retriever puppy from a dog breeder helps you know their exact birth date! Choosing the Best of the Lot Dog breeders often guide you through the process of purchasing a Golden Retriever in India. They help you choose the most suitable puppy based on your specific needs and preferences. Responsible dog breeders know their puppies the best and are more than happy to guide you along the way. Whenever you have any questions or confusion regarding your Golden Retriever puppy, you can always reach the concerned dog breeder for personalized help. End-to-end Assistance Every dog lover at Premium Pet House is more than willing to help you throughout your journey of becoming a pet parent. Whether it is your first time or another pet awaits a beautiful Golden Retriever puppy at your home, we will help you make the best choice. Our dog breeders will also resolve all your queries and give you all information regarding the puppy and its breed before you take it home. Rest assured that you will not be paying even a penny more than necessary while purchasing your pet. This makes it easier to make your choice in terms of color, size, weight, gender, and type of breed. Moreover, we ensure that every single Golden Retriever puppy in India sold by us is fully healthy and free from health issues. Responsible Breeding We love dogs and would never want to see them suffer under any circumstance. Our group of responsible breeders follows ethical and safe breeding procedures, providing every dog with a healthy and conducive environment. Until you take a furry friend home, they live happily with their parents and friends at our farms. Putting everything aside, the sheer aesthetic appeal of Golden Retrievers is enough to convince anyone to bring a healthy puppy home! Spending a few weeks interacting with you and your family helps them understand what you say and follow your instructions. Their intelligence also makes it easy to train Golden Retrievers. Unless you need to train them in highly advanced tricks and skills, you can do without a dog trainer. A few weeks of basic training can help you teach basic commands to your Golden Retriever puppy. Best Playmates For Kids If you are looking for someone to keep your children company, a Golden Retriever might be the best alternative! Golden Retrievers make playful pets who love spending time with children. With their innocence and never-ending curiosity, they can relate to your children, making the two parties best friends in no time! Adaptable Pets Golden Retrievers are no-nonsense pets with no unnecessary demands. They are highly adaptable dogs who can live happily and in peace wherever you keep them. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a spacious bungalow, your Golden Retriever will be equally happy and content about the surroundings. As long as you give them their daily dose of exercise, they will not trouble you with anything. No matter how old your pet is, they will always be playful, loving, curious, and energetic like a young puppy. You will never find them old and grumpy, sitting in a corner and sulking! They Rarely Bark Noisily Another major benefit of purchasing Golden Retrievers in India is that they do not bark noisily and disturb your neighbors. You can rest assured that they are not the kind of dogs who bark incessantly for no apparent reason. They are quiet, playful, and bark softly when they are delighted to be with you! Their Temperament Is Ideal With a Golden Retriever puppy at home, you will not need to worry about erratic behavior and anger issues. You will never find your pet in a sudden fit of anger and irritation for no reason. They are even-tempered and well-mannered dogs who are always calm and composed. They do not get irritated easily, even if troubled a little by the kids at home! They are some of the most food-motivated breeds in the world, often making their pet parents spend a fortune feeding them every month. Food is the biggest motivator for a Golden Retriever, whether you want to train them or get them to behave nicely in your house. However, these habits can be managed and the food craze of Golden Retrievers can be managed if you train them at a young age. Dealing With All The Shedding! Before you bring a Golden Retriever puppy home, it is important to note that they are heavy shedders. There is no escaping from the hair they will shed all over your house, pretty much throughout the year. Their thick double coats tend to shed a lot, especially before and after winters when they blow their coats. While you cannot control the heavy shedding, you can manage it by grooming your Golden Retriever pup regularly and keeping your house clean. While they are athletic and energetic, they lack the instincts of guard dogs. You cannot expect a Golden Retriever to scare off intruders and safeguard your house. They are too playful, goofy, and innocent to be guard dogs! This often leads to separation anxiety if you fail to give them enough attention. Never make the mistake of keeping your pet tied outside your house or making them feel neglected by not attending to them for too long. Although they do not demand constant attention, they have an inherent desire to be loved and wanted by their pet parents. Tendency To Gain Weight As Golden Retrievers love food, they tend to become overweight if you do not watch their daily food intake and exercise. They need their daily dose of exercise to burn the calories they consume throughout the day. A Golden Retriever will never say no to food. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to monitor their diet and keep them healthy. Retrievers tend to get stubborn over time, especially when it comes to getting things they love. It is no different than dealing with a sassy teenager! Age-wise Food And Care For Golden Retrievers If you are looking for Golden Retrievers for sale in India, it is important to have complete knowledge of their feeding requirements at every age. With a wolf-like appetite, Retrievers need immense care when it comes to feeding them the right items. At all ages, they need a wholesome diet to keep them fit and maintain their energy levels. Make sure you consult a dog breeder or a vet before feeding anything to a puppy younger than 2 months. Once your Golden Retriever puppy crosses the one-month age mark, you can make the transition from milk to solid food items. These starter foods provide the energy and nutrients required by your pet to remain healthy and active. Between the ages of 2 and 15 months, they should be fed at least twice or thrice every day, maintaining a daily calorie intake of 2, calories. It is also important to feed your puppies food items rich in Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to keep their bones and joints strong. Unlike younger puppies, they are satisfied with two meals every day. This is the age when pet owners should be careful with the quantity of food given to their Golden Retriever puppies. Overfeeding your pet will definitely make them obese. Make sure you do not feed them any more food than necessary to keep them from getting overweight. At this phase of their lives, Golden Retrievers need a diet with low carbohydrates and moderate proteins and fats. However, they need food high in fiber to ensure steady metabolism and digestion. A golden retriever is a large breed of dog initially originating from a gun dog — a popular breed globally. Golden retrievers make great friendships and find fun being in the company. You can trust them because they are easy with kids and other breeds! You can find Golden retriever easily in any pet store. Golden retriever price in India city-wise Here is the complete detail of a golden retriever price in India city-wise, covering major cities where golden retrievers are available for sale with their corresponding prices. Factor affecting Golden retriever price Quality of the golden retriever pup Golden retrievers are warm, loyal, and easy-to-please family dogs, and relatively trainable. The golden retriever is even-tempered, smart, and kind. You can see them playful, yet gentle with children, and they gel well. Colour and size Adult male golden retrievers can grow upto 65—75 pounds, while females 55—65 pounds. Their colour ranges from light golden to cream and dark golden to golden. The physique can vary from broad and thick to leaner and more sporty. A good breeder focuses on the health and temperament of the golden retriever puppy. Before bringing it home, you can learn much about your golden retriever from the breeder. Location and demand The popularity and demand for golden retrievers are increasing in India, particularly in the major cities listed above. When the need for taking care of is high, and supply is less, the price tends to rise. Grooming cost of Golden retriever Golden retrievers shed hair moderately in summer and winter and heavily in spring. With an anti-shedding brush, the process of brushing gets smoother and faster. Trimming includes nails on the ears, neck, feet, and hair. As per the pet groomer, you should brush them once a week, trim their hair every weeks, and bathe them occasionally. This cost can vary based on your needs and location. Insurance cost of golden retriever Golden retrievers have righ risk of life-threatening diseases if they are obesse. You can try to reduce these risks and future expenses by getting a pup from a legal breeder, who can provide you screening results for the inherent conditions. You need to be aware about the risk and seek for insurance support that covers the medical needs, injuries, or loss. Training cost of golden retriever A golden retriever is a great companion dog. They have a good sense of balancing temperament and seldom get angry or harsh towards people and other pets. Being social is their nature, and you should take your goldie outside, so they encounter people. Your golden retriever can thriver when playing, exercising, walking and socialising with people. You might have to go for a hotel, transport, or even a kennel for the stay. This cost may vary from place to place based on your needs. Registration cost of golden retriever To ensure your pet golden retriever is safe and well-maintained, you need a professional system that supports it. Your pet needs a community that cares for it. KCI Kennel Club of India does it so well for dogs with timely checking on the health and safety of dogs. Veterinarian cost of a golden retriever A golden retriever is known as a healthy dog breed. However, a regular health check-up ensures your pet is safe and sound. As a pet owner, ensure that your dog gets its vaccinations and deworming tablets on time. Vaccination keeps your dog in good shape and prevents the chances of diseases like rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis. Once vaccinated, they also prevent the spread of viruses or infections. The ideal time for vaccination starts when the puppy is weeks old to prevent the disease. After, when the golden retriever is an adult, he must have his core vaccine annually and rabies vaccine every three years. This versatile dog breed is one-of-a-kind and needs all love! Nothing can stop you from becoming their best parents if you can do so. A golden retriever is quick to win your heart, making training more accessible. A golden retriever is so active that he can play for a long time. Are you trying to be the person or want to be the person your golden dog wants you to be? Whether making a new friend or bringing a new pup home, you need to know them to improve your relationship with them. Here are a few top-searched Google questions related to a golden retriever and their answers to learn more! Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought. The sudden breakage in the bond does bring some change in them. Golden retrievers are known for their quiet temperament compared to other dog breeds. When they bark, they usually show their loyalty to their owners. Retrievers are known to be smart, quick learners, and ready to please, which helps trainers. Golden retrievers best fit in a family-oriented set up. Labs and goldens are high-spirited breeds and love the outdoors. The same goes for the mid to large-breed dogs. The golden retriever is a Scottish breed. As sporting dogs, golden retrievers need lots of exercises. Like beagles, golden retrievers, too, make excellent therapy dogs. They are always young at heart, even as they age. This dog breed needs daily exercise and activities to avoid obesity and stay in shape. Do Golden Retrievers Love Everyone? While golden retrievers love everyone in the home, they also have a special affection toward the most social family member. Being social dogs, they love going around. Golden retrievers are a hyper dog breed. However, like most breeds, they are slightly calmer after their puppy phase, around 2 or 3 years old. Female golden retrievers mature more obediently than males, making them calmer. Golden retriever often needs panting or paw pads to cool down. Ice is the cold treat for them. Eating ice or drinking cold water lowers their body temperature. Are golden retrievers the happiest dog? Their qualities influence the environment and uplift the mood. Retrievers never get angry and makes people smile. Golden retrievers love listening to the music of almost all genres. You can see the change in their behaviour based on the song you play. The regular sleeping hours are per day. A golden puppy retriever sleeps longer than an adult. Sleep is essential to stay healthy and growing. You have to be patient with your golden retriever. Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. However, you can extend their lifespan which may vary from breed to breed with proper nutrition, a support system, and a healthy lifestyle. Shampoo used for golden retrievers should be mild and gentle. Dog experts generally advise bathing your golden retriever once every 6 — 8 weeks. A regular bathing schedule keeps infection, matting and dandruff at bay. You can see golden retriever glow because they are clean and well-maintained. You know what it takes to become the owner your pet wants you to be! Just go above and beyond to create the environment that needs to thrive! I'm Marketer by profession and a Dog Blogger by passion! I write about dog breeds, review products, and curate dog stories, photos, and videos. Post navigation. It is the most popular breed globally, specifically for being good-natured and friendly, with an eager willingness to please. They make great companions and enjoy human company. Golden Retrievers love to play fetch and tug-of-war with their owners and thrive on having somewhere to go, like for a walk or run around in the park. Golden Retrievers also get along well with children and other dogs, so they might be a great choice if you have kids or another dog at home. A Golden Retriever puppy would usually range between Rs. It is easy to find a Golden Retriever in any local pet store or dog show. They are intelligent and easy to train. This breed needs extensive exercise like walks, family playtimes, and more. They need daily grooming with a brush or comb and scissors to trim the fur between their toes and eyes. Taking care of a Golden Retriever is not an impossible task. They love being with their owners, so they are happy to go on long walks or just hang out with you at home, but they must get enough physical exercise. A golden retriever puppy is a very active animal; however, it is prone to hip dysplasia, implying a stricter weight control regime. Since they love being with people, if you have been looking for a family dog that will be a companion to both you and your kids, this might just be the perfect breed for you! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
german shepherd puppies for sale asheville nc - How to help my German Shepherd with Separation Anxiety? November 3, November 3, Anyone who has a German Shepherd knows that they are exceptionally intelligent, loyal and confident. Separation anxiety is common in dogs and especially German Shepherds. We all know that German Shepherds are extremely affectionate and loyal to their family. They love spending time with their owners and protect them from threats. There are certain traits only linked to German Shepherds such as a want to chase things, they can be very aloof toward strangers, be territorial, and have an exceptional ability to focus. This intelligent and playful breed can quickly get bored and anxious when they are separated from their owners for long periods. Shepherds have shown signs of aggression and bad behavior due to being alone and feeling anxious and stressed. Dealing with separation anxiety with Shepherds can be different than other breeds because of their size and intelligence. With a small dog you can pick them up, cuddle, walk around with them in your arms, this is not an option with a shepherd. Other dogs can be content with classical music in the background to calm them while a shepherd need more mental stimulation to bring comfort. You know your dog best so changes in behavior or body language should be addressed. Lip licking Whites of the eyes are visible Shaking Looking away and avoidance behavior This issue can be worse for rescue German Shepherds because of the potential for pre-existing abandonment issues. If you recently brought your new dog home from the shelter, you might find that separation anxiety is a big problem. They have previous experience with being abandoned or left at a shelter. It is also important to remember that your German Shepherd can develop separation anxiety issues later in life even if they were previously fine. German Shepherds are sensitive to changes in their lives. For example, some dog owners will notice increased anxiety in their dogs after moving to another house. Your pet merely needs time to get used to their new surroundings and will find comfort in your presence. A change in routine, such as a new job, could also have an impact. Sometimes just getting older can mean a newly developed case of separation anxiety. The behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety in German Shepherds: The symptoms that you will be most aware of as a dog owner are the more destructive behaviors and their impact on your home. If your dog has the freedom to roam around the house and take out their frustrations, damage may occur. Dogs can become more inclined to chew to comfort themselves, often legs of chairs, corners of couches…even walls! How should you react when your dog pees or poops in the house while you are away? You might find unfortunate accidents on the floor when you get home, as though your dog forgot all about their house-breaking training. When this happens, your dog should never be yelled at or punished. Your dog connects the accident to your behavior. So, if you normally would yell at your dog when there is an accident, then your dog would relate the actual accident to yelling, not that they were the cause of this accident. This could mean that they start whining a lot more as they pace the home looking for you. Or they might start barking. If the latter is the case, you might find your neighbors knocking on your door complaining about the noise. That is because they might not manifest themselves until you leave home. Some German Shepherd will start to drool excessively, while others may pant and shake. There can be a big difference in the symptoms exhibited, with some dogs becoming quite active in their anxiety and others more lethargic and depressed. Click here to learn more about the signs of separation anxiety in dogs What can you do to prevent separation anxiety in German Shepherds? The impact of these tools will always depend on the personality of your dog, the severity of the condition, and your efforts in using them consistently. Therefore, some dog owners will see results with greater speed and ease than others. Renowned as the Queen of Calm, it relieves anxiety, helps with sleep and lifts moods. Lavender can help de-stress and calm your anxious dog safely. It can not only quiet a nervous and agitated pooch, but also help them sleep better, and can even cheer up a depressed pet. One of the gentlest oils around, lavender is well-known as a natural sedative, calming and soothing the nerves, easing anxiety and depression, and promoting deeper and more restful sleep. Lavender's calming sedative-like effects were confirmed in a study Pubmed article Link with dogs who had a history of car ride anxiety. The study found that dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing when exposed to the scent. Another study Shelter Dog Study link on diffusing lavender in a dog shelter showed similar results. Your Scent. Neuroscientist Gregory Berns and his team at Emory University's Center for Neuropolicy used advanced brain-imaging to demonstrate that dogs recognize scents even when the source isn't present. One of the most interesting findings of his study published in the journal Behavioral Processes is how canine brains responded differently to the odor of unfamiliar dogs and humans compared to their own family. You are your dog's favorite smell. While we might expect that dogs should be highly tuned to the smell of other dogs, it seems that the 'reward response' is reserved for their humans. Whether this is based on food, play, innate genetic predisposition or something else remains an area for future investigation. They don't call man "dog's best friend" for nothing. Click here to learn more about the powerful effects that your smell has on your dog SPACE: Give them space where they can be happy and entertained while you are gone. If you want to stop your anxious German Shepherd from exploring the home in search of you or destroying things out of boredom or worry, make sure that they are secure and entertained. Train your pup to be safe in a crate or a pen. Give them a safe designated area that is all theirs where they can sleep and play. A crate can become a cozy little den with their blankets and toys. A nap here in the afternoon can be soothing. The destructive side of separation anxiety can subside if your dog is tired and would much rather have a good sleep. You can enjoy some quality time together and get plenty of exercise on a long walk. Then, when they are settled back at home and content, you can leave without a fuss. How do we get your actual scent into our products? When you order, we send you a scent collection kit in the mail. When you mail back your collected scent in the prepaid envelope provide, our labs extract your scent molecules in a highly concentrated format, which is then blended to create the ultimate calming spray for your dog. It is all natural, drug and chemical free. To stop separation anxiety in German Shepherds, socialize and train your dog from an early age and exercise him before leaving. Leave him where he feels relaxed and comfy, keeping departures low-key, and leave lots of toys and distractions. Practice short trips first and never use punishment. Puppies should be exposed to different stimuli as often as possible from an early age. Start by introducing your pup to your family and friends, taking him to many different places where he can encounter other dogs and experience various scenarios, such as traffic noise, lots of people, children playing, etc. Puppies need a routine and a training schedule. Check out my article, German Shepherd Puppy Training Schedule , for a month-by-month plan on what to teach and when. Just understand it may take a little longer. For both puppies and older dogs, obedience classes are always an excellent idea. Exercise helps to keep them healthy and prevents boredom. This study found that dogs with separation anxiety exercised less compared with dogs that did not have separation anxiety. The same study also found that unsocialized dogs were more at risk see above. Always exercise your German Shepherd before you leave him. He will be tired and will want to sleep while you are away. A tired dog is also a happy dog. When you return home, exercise him again. A healthy adult German Shepherd needs at least two periods of between 45 to minutes of daily exercise. Walking him on the lead every day without any variety will not be sufficient. Puppies have different exercise requirements as they are still growing, and too much or the wrong type of exercise can be harmful to pups. So, here are my 7 fun ways how to exercise a German Shepherd puppy. If your German Shepherd stays indoors and is crate trained, you should leave him in his crate as he will feel safe and secure. However, a point to note is that some dogs with already developed separation anxiety do not do well in a crate. Other options are to leave him in a designated room or use dog gates to segregate an area or use a playpen. Making a big fuss about departures and arrivals detracts from this purpose. The same applies when you return, so wait a few minutes before petting him and showing him affection. It makes a great chew toy, has a crazy fun bounce, and you can fill it with peanut butter or treats for your doggo to enjoy. Puzzle toys are mentally and physically stimulating, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This cool toy will keep your pup busy while he tries to find all the tasty treats. It encourages positive play and gets thousands of great reviews. Another tip is to leave the TV on or have some gentle music playing. So start by leaving him for a few minutes at a time as soon as you bring him home, which is usually around eight weeks old. Gradually build this up over the next few weeks, increasing his time alone little by little. A rough guideline is that puppies should be left no more than one hour per month of age up to a maximum of four hours. You can read more info on how long German Shepherds can be left alone in my guilt-free guide. When my German Shepherd was a young pup, even if I had nowhere to go, I would sneak upstairs to another room and stay silent for a few minutes so that she could get used to being alone in her crate. However, you should try to avoid this step if you notice that your German Shepherd is beginning to feel quite comfortable alone. It should only be attempted if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or you need to be away for more than four hours. Otherwise, you could end up reversing your progress. German Shepherds are all about you and will stress very easily! One way to stop separation anxiety in German Shepherds is to show your doggo that you love him and he is important to you. You should allow him to have some time alone as you might inadvertently be making him too clingy. A GSDs strong bond can become a problem if you allow it! Ensure you show him affection at the right times, such as during training or when he deserves praise. There are also other ways to show affection rather than constantly petting, such as extra walks or playtime or offering special treats or toys as rewards. Never Discipline Your GSD If you come home to destroyed cushions, scratches on the door, or a chewed table leg, you cannot discipline or punish your pup. They are, in fact, part of a panic response. You should discipline dogs at the precise moment they perform the unwanted behavior. But why? This is because dogs have a 2-minute short-term memory and will not remember what happened a few minutes earlier, never mind an hour ago! But they will recall your training commands through associative memory. This means they can remember associations between commands, situations, and behavior. This is why positive reinforcement as a method of training works. Consider a Second Dog to be a Friend One solution to prevent separation anxiety in German Shepherds is to consider getting a second dog. However, this is a massive commitment, and you need to carefully think about how much extra time, work, and expense it will involve. If your family is truly set on a second dog, bear in mind that adult German Shepherds often have difficulty accepting new dogs. This problem stems from their intense bond with you. However, a young adolescent dog will likely receive a new friend with open paws! It can lower his recovery rate and add up to his trauma. This can increase the nervousness. Sometimes, there can only be one trigger point to address and this can get them rid of fear. Rework on your routine to spend some more time with your German Shepherd. Every dog takes his own pace to recover. It can reduce boredom, sensitize your absence, and also promote coping skills of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety Training If your German Shepherd suffers from severe separation anxiety or you have adopted a rescue with clear signs of this psychological problem, and the above recommendations are clearly not working, it may be time to start more advanced separation anxiety training. So, can you train separation anxiety out of a German Shephard? You can train separation anxiety out of a German Shepherd. German Shepherd separation anxiety training consists of behavior modification techniques such as counterconditioning and desensitization, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial phases if the anxiety is severe. Interestingly, I found some recent research suggesting that understanding the root cause of separation anxiety could be the key to effective treatment. The research conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Lincoln, UK, stated that separation-related behavior SRB should be seen as a symptom of inherent frustrations instead of a diagnosis. The idea is to condition your German Shepherd to look forward to your departure by learning to associate the sound of your keys and other departure cues with getting something pleasant, such as a treat or a toy. Desensitization Another training technique is desensitization. This is when you gradually teach your dog to cope with a situation by carefully exposing him to that situation in tiny steps. For example, you can start by practicing progressive departures of minutes when you leave your German Shepherd. For example, if he starts to panic after just 30 seconds of you leaving, then that is your starting point. You will start by walking through the door and leaving him for, say, 15 seconds. But, if you know that he starts to exhibit symptoms after 10 minutes, try leaving him for 5 minutes. Do you get me? Slowly but surely is the key. Doggy cams are excellent for this as you just operate them from your smartphone. This one has over 20, positive reviews, and you can even get it to toss out treats to your dog. But that is not for now! As behavior modification training is not a quick solution, you may need to consider additional treatment options, such as conventional or alternative medication, especially if your GSDs anxiety is severe. To treat separation anxiety in your German Shepherd, consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet whilst you continue behavior modification training. You can also use dog appeasing pheromone DAP , which has therapeutic calming effects. CBD oil is also becoming more popular, albeit not clinically proven. Medication is only a temporary fix and should always be used in conjunction with the training techniques described above. This is a synthetic copy of the natural comforting pheromone secreted by a dam to reassure her puppies. Dog-appeasing pheromone has therapeutic effects of calming and reducing some forms of anxiety in both young and adult dogs. Nonetheless, there has been little research to support the use of DAP for canine separation anxiety, and its long-term effectiveness is unknown. However, this study suggested that DAP improved separation anxiety in hospitalized dogs. Adaptil is the brand recommended, most trusted, and used by vets and expert animal behaviorists. I have never needed to try this for my German Shepherd. CBD oil is available in drops, capsules, and a range of treats. Some dog owners claim that their dogs benefit from using it as it helps to fight their separation anxiety by relaxing them and keeping them calm when alone. This study suggested that the main reasons owners choose cannabis products were to use them alongside other therapies, and they were perceived as a natural substance. Before you give any supplement to your German Shepherd, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Here are the key takeaways of this guide: Early socialization and training can prevent separation-related behavior Get your pup accustomed to being alone from a young age Thoroughly exercise your German Shepherd before leaving him Never punish your dog for destructive behavior due to SRB In extreme cases, work on behavior modification training Remember, you need to be patient and consistent as behavior modification training techniques can take weeks or months, depending on the dog and the extent of the problem. Related Posts You May Like:. Training - Separation Anxiety Reducing Separation Anxiety in Dogs You can download this article as a PDF by clicking here and keep it handy for yourself or share it with someone you know. The most common of these behaviors are: Digging, chewing, and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners Howling, barking, and crying in an attempt to get their owners to return Urination and defecation even with housetrained dogs as a result of distress Why Do Dogs Suffer from Separation Anxiety? In reality, they are part of a panic response. He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors. He reacts with excitement, depression, or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house. He dislikes spending time outdoors by himself. For more severe problems, these techniques should be used along with the desensitization process described in the next section. Keep arrivals and departures low-key. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes, then calmly pet him. Dogs usually learn to associate certain cues with short absences by their owners. Use your safety cue during practice sessions with your dog. Be sure to avoid presenting your dog with the safety cue when you leave for a period of time longer than he can tolerate; if you do, the value of the safety cue will be lost. If your dog engages in destructive chewing as part of his separation distress, offering him a chewing item as a safety cue is a good idea. Desensitization Techniques for More Severe Cases of Separation Anxiety The primary treatment for more severe cases of separation anxiety is a systematic process of getting your dog used to being alone. We recommend the following procedure: Begin by engaging in your normal departure activities getting your keys, putting on your coat , then sit back down. Repeat this step until your dog shows no distress in response to your activities. Next, engage in your normal departure activities and go to the door and open it, then sit back down. Next, step outside the door, leaving the door open, then return. Finally, step outside, close the door, then immediately return. Slowly get your dog accustomed to being alone with the door closed between you for several seconds. Proceed very gradually from step to step, repeating each step until your dog shows no signs of distress. The number of repetitions will vary depending on the severity of the problem. Return to an earlier step in the process and practice this step until the dog shows no distress response, then proceed to the next step. Once your dog is tolerating your being on the other side of the door for several seconds, begin short-duration absences. Your return must be low-key: Either ignore your dog or greet him quietly and calmly. If he shows no signs of distress, repeat the exercise. If he appears anxious, wait until he relaxes to repeat the exercise. Practice as many absences as possible that last less than 10 minutes. You can do many departures within one session if your dog relaxes sufficiently between departures. You should also scatter practice departures and short-duration absences throughout the day. The hard part is at the beginning, but the job gets easier as you go along. Nevertheless, you must go slowly at first. How long it takes to condition your dog to being alone depends on the severity of his problem. To do this, you gradually increase the distance you move away from your dog. As you progress, you can do this during the course of your normal daily activities. When you come back, give him a treat or praise him quietly. Never punish your dog during these training sessions. Interim Solutions Because the treatments described above can take a while, and because a dog with separation anxiety can do serious damage to himself or your home in the interim, consider these suggestions to help you and your dog cope in the short term. Consult your veterinarian about the possibility of drug therapy. Such medication is a temporary measure and should be used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques. Take your dog to a dog day care facility or boarding kennel. Leave your dog with a friend, family member, or neighbor. Take your dog to work with you, even for half a day, if possible. Punishment is not an effective way to treat separation anxiety. In fact, punishing your dog after you return home may actually increase his separation anxiety. Getting another pet as a companion for your dog. Crating your dog. Your dog will still engage in anxiety responses in the crate. He may urinate, defecate, howl, or even injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Training your dog. You can download this as a PDF here and keep it handy for yourself or share it with someone you know. Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved. The separation anxiety can be triggered by the dog seeing signs that the owner is leaving. Depending on how severe the anxiety is, your German Shepherd will most likely present the following symptoms: Howling is arguably the most common sign of separation anxiety in German Shepherds. Giving treats and toys to chew on during alone time can go a long way in resolving the issue. Remember not to show them too much affection at these moments as it only makes matters worse. Frequent accidents and misbehavior despite being trained. Excessive licking. Attempting to escape from home, especially after your departure, is one of the most common signs that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety. Some German Shepherds exhibit separation anxiety by biting their paws often. Frequent change of position or pacing can also show signs of separation in a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is famous for being one of the most loyal dog breeds. This, however, comes at a price since the dogs could get sensitive and emotional about being left behind. German shepherds are among the most affectionate dog breeds in the world. If not well managed, the anxiety problem can grow from barking to other kinds of unpleasant behavior such as aggression towards other dogs or destroying furniture. What causes separation anxiety in German Shepherds? It is not properly understood why dogs experience separation anxiety. There are, however, a few likely scenarios. First, wolves and dogs are natural pack animals. They grow fond of each other and their master much faster than other animals like cats. It is not, therefore, hard to imagine how difficult it is for your dog to feel alone, as they might be afraid of being hurt or lost. Another possible reason for this behavior is previous experiences with abandonment. Dogs adopted from shelters are particularly vulnerable to these experiences. According to The German Shepherder , the issue is also quite rampant in older dogs who have had to survive the passing or departure of their owners and had to be re-homed. While you might get a sense of affection by knowing that your dog is anxious for your return, it might be dangerous for your dog to be upset every time you leave. It is therefore best to tackle the problem head-on. This is only possible by making changes to the routine that your German Shepherd is used to. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day before you leave. According to GermanShepherdProblems , most German Shepherd dogs will not become anxious if they do not panic at the departure of their master. Try to give the dog something to do while you are away. A chew toy works best in German Shepherds. However, these remedies are only useful if the dog is not experiencing severe anxiety. Otherwise, if your dog is severely anxious, these activities might not be enough to capture their attention in order to get over your absence. Do this by going through your leaving routine daily without actually leaving, or just occasionally get up and leave without giving the dog any warning. By not giving much affection to the German Shepherd right before you go and mixing up your leaving routine, they might be less likely to panic when you leave. Also, try your best to ignore the dog when it starts to whine or whimper. It is really tough to ignore them when they start to sound displeased. However, showing more affection to your dog when it gets upset only makes things worse. You need to do your best to keep a distance between your dog and your act of leaving. In most cases, just re-planning your routine will work great at solving the issue of separation anxiety. Positive reinforcements Puppies are more like children, as they learn much faster when they are rewarded for a behavior. The idea only works in mild anxiety cases. If bad behavior has already taken hold, positive reinforcements might not be a favorable option. The goal of positive reinforcements is to reward calm behaviors and discourage anxious behaviors such as chewing and barking. Some professionals may refer to it as counter-conditioning since it teaches your dog to embrace its fears for a treat. If you are not calm around your dog, especially at the time of departure, you might be the cause of the problem. It is not advisable to pour love or make a big deal at the moment of your departure. Stay calm when preparing to depart. We are not, however, forbidding you from saying goodbye to your dog. Just try to not make a fuss out of it. Medication might help at times If you have tried all the ways listed above but none seem to be working, you might want to try some medication for your German Shepherd. It is always advisable to have a personal veterinary professional for your dog. Getting them checked immediately when symptoms arise could help a vet alleviate the issue early on. While medication should not be your first choice, it is sometimes essential that your German Shepherd receives medical attention for cases of severe anxiety. What to Avoid Doing to an Anxious German Shepherd Now that we know what to do to an anxious German Shepherd let us look at the things you should avoid doing around them. Do Not Yell at Your Dog! According to AboutGermanShepherddogs , yelling at your dog will only make the situation worse. Figure out which parts of the schedule to change and stick to it if it works. Do Not Ignore Training Some people simply let the dogs rest if they show signs of separation anxiety. It is essential that the dog gets regular training and new exercises to keep their mind off your departure. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety: Final Thoughts It is essential to recognize the signs of separation anxiety early on. This will not be difficult with most German Shepherd breeds as they will chew up just about anything when stressed enough! When you understand what exactly is keeping your pal anxious, you can take the steps discussed above to resolve it quickly. Some cases of separation anxiety can begin as early as puppyhood, others develop over time and multiple negative exposures. What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs? Instinctually, pack animals know that there is safety in numbers. When an anxious dog is left alone, they may fear being hurt or lost. Another possible cause is past experience with abandonment. This is especially true for dogs who were adopted from shelters. Here is the quick list of things that can trigger separation anxiety in German Shepherds. Moving to a new home Changing families or guardians New household schedule, including new work or school hours Additions to the household such as a new baby, new roommate, or new pet Subtractions from the household such as a family member moving away or a pet passing away What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety? First rule out things like barking at birds or cats outside, barking at the mail carrier, or barking at cars as they drive by. Destructive behavior is one of the hallmarks of separation anxiety. This can be especially devastating with a German Shepherd due to their size and strength. If your GSD has been chewing shoes, tearing up the furniture, or ripping the curtains down, she may be stressed out and suffering from separation anxiety. Some anxious GSDs even end up chewing the walls, doors, or floors! Escaping from confinement can be a sign of separation anxiety, but it can also just be a naughty dog behavior. Pacing or frequent position changes can indicate separation anxiety in a German Shepherd. As a working dog, GSDs already have lots of energy, but if your dog seems to pace or change positions frequently in your absence, she may be feeling anxious. This is often accompanied by panting, whining, and intense attention out a window or listening in the distance. Some dogs will exhibit these behaviors in front of their humans. When ruling out other causes of strange or upsetting behaviors, pay close attention to the details since many of the following issues can mimic separation anxiety in German Shepherds. Barking or Howling As mentioned above, some German Shepherds may like spending their days barking or howling at neighborhood cats, other dogs barking nearby, pedestrians, or even the phone ringing next door. This reactive barking or howling is not the same as separation anxiety. In these instances, the dog is either eliciting great joy in the barking and howling, or they are showing protective and alerting behaviors. You can tell if this is an anxiety-related issue in one simple way. Urination in the Wrong Place If your German Shepherd has started urinating all over the house or on the furniture, it could be separation anxiety. Or it could just be incomplete or incorrect potty training. It may also indicate a bladder infection or other urinary problems. Instead, look for lapses in your potty training or the bathroom routine. Maybe she needs a few extra trips outdoors each day or an indoor potty option. Untreated bladder infection or infections of the urinary tract can have serious complications. Urinating Out of Fear or Excitement Another urination issue to keep an eye out for is fear or excitement urination. These accidents happen quickly, without warning, and often in quick spurts or sprinkles. Some dogs do empty their whole bladder in these cases, but not always. If your dog is frightened—thunder, yelling in the household, for example—or is very excited to see you, they may have a small accident. This is uncontrolled and often seems to surprise the dog as much as the humans. Marking This is usually a male behavior, but females have been known to mark their territory with urine, too. Boredom By far, the most common cause of separation anxiety in German Shepherds is boredom. Imagine being stuck at home all day, every day, all alone, waiting for your favorite person to come home. Without the ability to leave or to create entertainment on their own, many GSDs resort to boredom behaviors. This can include barking, urinating, chewing, and pacing. Whether alone or with you, we have a great, in-depth article right here that covers ways to alleviate the boredom. Likely, your dog is eager for relief too! Positive Reinforcement As with human children, positive reinforcement of preferred behaviors is a stellar way to help a German Shepherd prevent or cope with separation anxiety. Your goal is to slowly change the fearful, anxious behaviors and reactions to calm and relaxed ones. You do so by rewarding calm behaviors and ignoring the negative ones. This works best for mild cases of separation anxiety, usually well before the bad behaviors have really taken hold. It also works with other behavior issues, not just separation anxiety. By gradually exposing your GSD to the trigger of their anxiety being alone , and rewarding the dog with pleasant things such as treats , you will begin to change the emotional reaction to the trigger. It can take some time to fully change the anxiety response to a calm one, but stick with it. Anything your GSD really loves can work in this situation. Give the dog 20 — 30 minutes to finish the treat, then come back. In this method, you gradually expose the dog to the fear trigger being alone , but not for a long enough period that they feel the full force of the anxiety. The best way to accomplish this is to first train your dog to perform the stay command while you step out of the room. Call him to you, reward, then repeat. You can start using the bathroom door or a bedroom door to separate you, then opening the door and calling him to you. Pre-departure Anxiety Be sure your dog is relaxed when you do start to leave the house. Many German Shepherds begin their anxiety behaviors even before you step outside the door. By watching for these signs and reacting appropriately, you can nip this in the bud right away. Figure out what the anxiety cue is for your dog. For others, it may be seeing a lunch box or bag sitting on the counter. Whatever it is for your dog, begin desensitizing her to that object or ritual. You do this by disrupting the negative association. Sit back on the couch with your shoes on, petting your dog, and acting calm. Stay Calm This advice is for you. Give her a positive trigger the toy or treat , and then simply leave the house. Set a Routine This may be one of the most important ways to help an anxious German Shepherd feel calmer. Changes in routine and schedules can be a huge upsetting influence on a dog. Try to keep to the same routine and schedule, even on your days off. This will help your German Shepherd feel more in control and less afraid. If he knows you wake at 7 in the morning, take him for a walk, feed him breakfast, and then leave for the day, be sure to follow that schedule every day as closely as possible. Routines bring peace and safety. You can eventually make some changes to the routine, slowly, once your dog is feeling less anxious. This advice is an offshoot of the counterconditioning and positive reinforcement section above. It could be a new toy, a puzzle, or a game to play in your absence. Medication may help You may have tried everything listed above, plus a million other creative ideas, and yet your dog is still anxious when you leave. There is no shame in helping a dog feel less anxious via medical intervention. Just as some humans need a little help from their doctors, so too do some German Shepherds. Ideally, medication would not be your first choice. And in a perfect world, you would not need to provide the medication forever. Medication is the right choice for some dogs. Do not yell at, scold, or discipline your dog. This will only exacerbate his fear and may make things even worse down the road. Do not ignore separation anxiety either. This is not a behavior that will get better all on its own. You need to figure out what works for your dog and then stick with it. Not just the training you already do, but new training, too. You may find some great tips from a local dog meet-up or by contacting a dog trainer that specializes in anxiety. Final Thoughts Understanding what separation anxiety is, what to look for, and how to treat it at home are all important ways to show love to your German Shepherd. When you can understand what causes your sweet pup to be so afraid or so anxious, you can take steps to remove the issue or to make the trigger less scary to begin with. By employing one or more of the strategies listed above you can help your GSD live a happier, healthier, and more confident life.
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german shepherd puppies for sale asheville nc - Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Maltipoo Overview Maltipoos are a popular cross of the Maltese and Toy or Miniature Poodle. True to their parent breeds , Maltipoos are affectionate and gentle. They make super companions for empty-nesters and are excellent therapy dogs. Because both Poodles and Maltese are considered non-shedders, people who breed Maltipoos hope to end up with a hypoallergenic dog. All dogs produce dander dead skin flakes and saliva, which carry allergens. And allergies can build over time. You may not react to a dog when you first meet him, but develop an allergy after living with him for days, weeks, or even months. He enjoys life, and his perfect day includes playing dog games , going for a walk, and racing through the house. Maltipoos can be a good choice for first-time or timid owners. They also do well in homes with elderly people or with older children who can handle them carefully. Maltipoos can adapt to any kind of home, from an apartment to a house. No matter what their housing, they love being with their people, and should live indoors with their human families, never outside or in kennels. For those who appreciate their cuddly appeal and can give them the companionship they need, they can make an ideal pet. Maltipoo Highlights Adorable Crossbreed: The Maltipoo is a charming and popular crossbreed that combines the best traits of the Maltese and the Poodle. Hypoallergenic Coat: Known for their low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat, Maltipoos are often a good choice for individuals with allergies. Compact Size: Maltipoos are small-sized dogs, making them well-suited for apartment living and households with limited space. Companion Nature: These dogs thrive on companionship and are known for forming strong bonds with their families. They are affectionate and enjoy being around people. Intelligence: Maltipoos inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, making them quick learners and adaptable to various training commands. Playful and Social: Maltipoos have a playful and friendly demeanor, making them enjoyable companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Regular walks and play sessions are usually enough to keep them content. Training Potential: Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Maltipoos are often successful in obedience training and can learn tricks quickly. Grooming: Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but their low-shedding nature reduces the amount of hair in the environment. Long Lifespan: Maltipoos enjoy a relatively long lifespan for a small breed, often living between 10 to 15 years. Maltipoo History The Maltipoo was created to be a small-breed companion dog for allergy sufferers. Maltipoos have enjoyed the affections of celebrities and are among the more popular of the so-called designer breeds. Most litters are the result of first-generation breedings between Maltese and Poodles , but some people also breed Maltipoos to Maltipoos. Generally, Maltipoos stand 8 to 14 inches tall and weigh 5 to 20 pounds. Maltipoo Personality This is an intelligent, affectionate, fun-loving dog who generally gets along well with everyone he meets. They can also be active and feisty, and enjoy a good play session just as much as they relish a long cuddle. Socialization helps ensure that your Maltipoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. White Shaker Syndrome manifests as tremors over the entire body, lack of coordination, and rapid eye movements. Episodes usually start when the dog is six months to three years old and is stressed or overly excited. If you suspect your Maltipoo has White Dog Shaker Syndrome, talk to your vet about treatment options. Epilepsy causes seizures in the dog. Epilepsy can be managed with medication, but it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this disorder, which can be hereditary or of unknown cause. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts-the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf -is not properly lined up. This causes lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. It is a condition that is present at birth although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur until much later. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation, ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. Portosystemic Shunt PSS is an abnormal flow of blood between the liver and the body. Signs can include but are not limited to neurobehavioral abnormalities such as poor balance, lack of appetite, hypoglycemia low blood sugar , intermittent gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, urinary tract problems, drug intolerance, and stunted growth. Signs usually appear before two years of age. Corrective surgery can be helpful in long-term management, as can a special diet. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease affects many toy breeds. When your Maltipoo has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur, which connects to the pelvis, begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Prognosis is generally very good after the surgery and many dogs suffer only minor lameness, particularly during weather changes. Maltipoo Care Maltipoos are people lovers and should live indoors with their family, never outside or in a kennel. The Maltipoo is an intelligent dog and takes well to training. Maltipoos are active, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy, happy, and out of trouble. Excess energy can lead to destructive behavior , and you might be shocked to know just how much damage a small, bored dog can do. Give your Maltipoo 10 to 15 minutes of exercise each day. A short walk, play sessions in a fenced yard, or a good game of fetch down a hallway will do the trick. Maltipoos can be noisy and will alert bark when they see something or someone that looks suspect. Take this trait into consideration before getting a Maltipoo, especially if you live in a building with noise restrictions. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age , build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Maltipoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Maltipoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Maltipoo Coat Color And Grooming The Maltipoo has a low-shedding, low-dander coat with a fluffy, soft, wool-like texture. The coat comes in a variety of colors, with the more common colors being cream, white, and silver. The Maltipoo needs daily brushing to keep his coat clean and free of mats. Many Maltipoos are clipped to keep them tidy and cool. Generally a Maltipoo only needs clipping once or twice a year, but his head will need a monthly trim. Expect to bathe a Maltipoo at least once a month to keep the coat soft and clean. Trim the hair around the eyes to keep it looking neat. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Daily is better. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. As with any dog, always teach children how to approach and touch your Maltipoo, and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear pulling from either party. Maltipoo Rescue Groups This cross is frequently available at animal shelters. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Temperament: Very friendly, people-pleaser and easy going. These dogs can look more like a Poodle or a Maltese depending on the specific puppy. They will usually have the sturdy build of a Poodle with all of the elegance that you would expect from a Maltese. Most of these dogs are very small which means that they are fragile. They would do best in a house with older children or without big dogs so that they will not get hurt. Height and Weight The parent that has the most influence on the size of the Maltese Poodle mix is the Poodle parent. Since the Poodle can be a toy or miniature there is a large size gap. They normally reach between inches in height. As for weight they can be as little as 5 pounds but as much as 20 pounds. This can result in black, white, chocolate, gray or apricot colored. They can be these colors or any shade or dilution of these colors. Thick and curly is typically the most popular as this coat is hypoallergenic. They can be great therapy dogs because of their friendly dispositions and caring nature. Both the Poodle and the Maltese histories go back to old Royalty. Depending on the physical location, their name has several different spellings: Malt-a-poo, Malt-i-poo and Malt-e-poo. They are very intelligent and quick to learn which allows them to be trained easily but make sure that they have the mental stimulation they need. Easily adapt to any home as long as they are inside since they love being around their owners. A true Maltipoo is a dog that is a mix of a pure Poodle and a pure Maltese. Although they are tiny lapdogs that look innocent, they get very attached to their people and can think they are a lot bigger than they are. They are extremely affectionate towards their families wanting nothing more than to make you smile. Poodles are known for their energy and intelligence. So if your dog has more dominant Poodle genes they will be more energy filled and ready to play. Whereas if you dog has more dominant Maltese genes then it will be more laid back and willing to be your couch potato. Because of this energy they will need mental stimulation in order to keep them out of mischief — when these dogs are bored they will chew and bark. They are constantly looking for praise from their owners and are intelligent so training them is very easy. These pups make are great for first-time dog owners because of their trainability and loving personalities. They are also great dogs for apartment living since they do not need a lot of room to run around in. The Maltese Poodle mix is a fantastic dog for a family. It is known as a people pleaser and will do whatever it takes to make its puppy parents happy. The breed is a great dog when it comes to families but is also a great dog for a person who lives on their own or an elderly person that needs a friend. Because they are eager to please their owners, they are easy to train and good for teaching responsibility. Caring for the Maltipoo Dog This breed is very versatile. They are not very picky about which activities they play in. However if they have no mind stimulation they tend to get a little antsy and might bark to get attention. Read on to learn how to care for this little teddy bear… Exercise Requirements These dogs are best kept inside as they are very small and do not need lots of exercise. They are not opposed to going outside but their coat and skin mixed with heat can lead to quick dehydration or heat exhaustion. Therefore playing with them inside is the best option — this is why they make great apartment dogs. Although they do not need a ton of exercise, it is best to take them on one or two short walks a day to ensure they are getting enough exercise to stop weight gain. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding They are prone to dry skin if washed too much so make sure not to bath them more than once a month. The coat should be kept around inches long, but there is nothing wrong with completely shaving them down if preferred. Getting their hair trimmed every months should result in the coat staying around an inch and a half long. Unkept hair can cause health issues so keep on top of it. These dogs are allergy friendly and do not shed much, so they will not leave lots of hair around your house. Feeding and Diet These pooches can have a mix of dry and wet dog food. Hard dry food can be good for their teeth, but wet food is commonly more enjoyed. As the Maltipoo Dog tends to become sick on an empty stomach, always make sure they have food accessible to them. Just make sure to monitor their weight closely. This should be spread out over the entire day and not given per meal. This is an enlarged heart that does not fit as it should. In addition, they can have many issues related to the left side of the heart specifically. There are many other issues that can arise in these dogs as well such as joint pain and hip bone deterioration. Unfortunately, these dogs can suffer from tremors in early adulthood. In addition, skin issues can be an issue if they are bathed too often. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! It was said that these cute, fluffy dogs were mostly developed keeping in mind the need of those suffering from allergies. Most Maltipoo litters were a product of breeding the first generation Poodle and Maltese, however, later on one Maltidoodle was crossed with the other also. What is a Tea Cup Maltipoo It is not a category of the Maltipoo but a tactic of breeders to produce tiny variants of the dogs to attract people. However, the AKC and other major kennel clubs are against such practices as such dogs could have a lot of health ailments. Maltipoos who have a weight lesser than 5 lbs once they have grown entirely fall under this group. Temperament and Personality Most Maltipoos would be seen inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle, besides displaying the fun loving, gentle and affectionate nature of both its parents. This trait of theirs could result in separation anxiety especially when left alone for prolonged periods, making them resort to destructive activities like self-harm. They are great alarm dogs like their Poodle parent, with a sense of alertness, barking constantly to warn their owners about all that is happening around them. However, these canines lack the aggression of the Maltese and do not fit the bill of a guard dog. Like the Miniature Poodle and Maltese, the Maltipoo is also not suited for homes with kids below the age of 6 because of their small and delicate nature. Moreover, these dogs might even be snappy like their Maltese parent especially when teased or bothered by the kids. They however, share a comfortable rapport with other canines and pets even if they are not raised with them. Care Exercise Though active and energetic, the Maltese Poodle mix would do well with a moderate amount of exercise, needing a brisk walk twice a day, coupled with sufficient playtime outside or even within the house. If their physical needs are met well, these small-sized dogs would perfectly adjust to apartment living. Grooming They shed less just like their parents, needing a little amount of grooming. Brush two to three times in a week using a pin or slicker brush, apt for their thick coat, helping to keep their hair soft and clean. If your Maltipoo has attained the curly coat of the Poodle, then it should be taken to a professional groomer in every four or six weeks. Their coat needs to be clipped one or two times in a year while the hair located on their head around their eyes and ears need frequent trimming to ensure cleanliness, besides preventing the formation of mats and tangles. Other hygiene needs include brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week, trimming the nails one or two times a month as well as cleaning its eyes to avoid tear stains and ears on a routine basis. Bathe your Maltipoo on a monthly or whenever its coat is soiled and dirty, using warm water and vet-approved dog shampoo. Health Problem Some of the health problems faced by the Maltidoodle include White Shaker Syndrome characterized by body tremors, uncoordinated gait, and rapid movement of the eyes , patellar luxation, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg Calve Perthes disease and portosystemic shunt abnormal blood flow between the body and liver. Training They are intelligent and smart, they could take to the Maltese in terms of stubbornness, hence needing to be handled with firmness. Crate training the Maltipoo puppies are a mandate to lessen their pangs of separation anxiety. Make the crate warm and comfortable by putting their choicest belongings. Do not force them in against their wishes and never use the crate as a mode of punishment. Note: While selecting a crate do not go for spacious and big ones as that could put your dog at a stress. A 19 inch crate size would be aptly suited for your Maltipoo. If you desire to put it in the crate since its puppy days then go for ones with dividers so that you can block a portion of it when it is a puppy and then eventually remove it as it grows up. Socialization training since their puppy days is a must, which should involve exposing the Maltipoo to a variety of situations, the good and the bad. In this way, these dogs would be able to have a control over their barking instincts and not yell at anything and everything they come across. Feeding Give them good quality dry dog food devoid of any artificial colorings or additives. You can also add homemade food but in measured amounts. Morkie vs. The Morkie is high at barking and even yappier than the Maltipoo. Their coat is somewhat hypoallergenic, although not completely hypoallergenic. This is because they trap more dander than other breeds. If you are an allergy sufferer, make sure you spend a lot of time with your Maltipoo before you bring them home to ensure you are not allergic to them. We will go into more detail about grooming your Maltipoo further on. Color While the breed standard color of a Poodle is white, a Maltese can come in many different colors. This means that your Maltipoo can also come in many different colors and, as they are a designer breed, most likely will be unique in their colorway and design! You Maltese Poodle Mix could be black, blue, grey, brown, cream, silver or white, although the most common colors are a light beige or white. Temperament The Maltese Poodle is a true companion dog who loves to be around people and thrives on human attention. They are very loyal to their owners and will care for you as much as you care for them. That being said, they love all people they meet and will want to be friends with everyone! Fortunately, separation anxiety can be helped with socialization from a young age. The Maltipoo is also a playful dog. Although they do not have a high activity level, they are very intelligent and require mental stimulation. They will love to play with you and have known to be mischievous from time to time! Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Maltipoo is around 12 to 16 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any dog, the Maltese Poodle mix can develop some health issues. They inherit these health problems from their parent breeds and can, therefore, be more susceptible to issues the Maltese and Poodle are. The most common health problems with the Maltipoo are set out below: White Shaker Syndrome — this is a syndrome that is common in small dogs and causes the whole body to shake. It is caused by an inflammation in the brain which is idiopathic. Some owners mistake this for their dog just being cold but if you suspect they are suffering from white shaker syndrome, you should take them to the vets. Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Epilepsy — this seizure disorder can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Buying from a reputable breeder will help to reduce health issues in your Maltipoo. You should also watch out for any signs of the issues about and take your pup for regular health checkups. Daily Life Now we have learnt all about the characteristics of a Maltese Poodle Mix, it is time to take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. Below we cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. The general rule is 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, which can average out to around calories or one cup of food a day. However, you should always check the bag of the food packet to see the exact amount of that particular food you should be feeding your pup based on their size. It is recommended that you do not feed your Maltese Poodle in one go and instead break up their food into three to four meals a day. The food you give them should be high-quality dry kibble that is formulated for smaller breeds of dog, so you are sure they are getting the correct amount of energy, protein and fat. Your dog will function at his best with enough protein. Without adding any grains, their recipes are created with the assistance of doctors to provide your dog the ideal ratio of protein and fat. Each batch is checked to ensure it meets our high standards, and high quality ingredients are mixed in the USA for quality control. These pups should be getting between 30 to 40 minutes of exercise everyday. This can be split over games, walks and runs to keep them engaged and entertained. Your Maltipoo will also benefit from mental stimulation. Because they love to spend time with you, playing games with you indoors will be their favorite pastime. Family Compatibility The Maltipoo is a pup that adapts to any situation and makes the perfect family pet. A loyal companion, they are also excellent with couples, seniors and individuals. Because they are a little dog, they are also great for apartment and town living and their exercise needs are small they do not require a large yard to run around in. These dogs get on very well with other animals and will do well in a home with other pets. They are easy to train and socialize too, which means they are a good dog to have if you do not have experience with pups. The Maltipoo does well with children, but because of their size they are very vulnerable and delicate. You will need to teach your young children to be careful with this hybrid dog otherwise they could hurt them! The Maltese Poodle Mix is a lap dog that requires a lot of attention and you must ensure you have the time to spend with your Maltipoo before you buy them! They do not do well when they are left alone and like to be around people. When they are left alone for too long they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so you must make sure you have time to curl up with them on the couch or, even better, take them with you wherever you go! Training and Socializing Both the Maltese and the Poodle are intelligent dogs who love to learn. Therefore, the Maltipoo is a dog that is easy to train. You must be patient and consistent with them, but they will pick up basic commands very easily. You should always use positive reinforcement with your Maltese Poodle hybrid. This includes verbal praise and treats. Never use punishment with them. Because they are so devoted to their owners, they will not understand and be hurt and confused, which can lead to destructive behaviors. You should do it from a young age and introduce them to lots of different sounds, sights, places, smells and people. Luckily, this breed of dog love both humans and other pets. Grooming The Maltese Poodle Mix is a generally easy dog to take care of, although they do need to be groomed often. This is because of their beautiful coat! Whether they have the curly coat of a Poodle or the longer coat of a Maltese, you will need to brush their fur almost every day. This is especially important if they have the curlier hair of a Poodle because matting can occur and this can become uncomfortable for your pooch. Their coat will need to be professionally groomed every 6 weeks or so to keep them looking their best. Their ears will also need to be checked and their nails should be clipped by the groomers. Dental hygiene is also important for your doggie to prevent gum disease and dental decay. Try to brush their teeth as often as you can to keep any health problems at bay. Regular grooming from a young age will reinforce the bond you have with your Maltipoo. Maltipoo Breed Traits. Lifespan Sociability The Maltipoo is a mix between the gentle and playful Maltese and the active and smart Poodle. They can have any mix of these traits. They may be brilliant or have more average intelligence. Their exercise needs can vary a bit as well, depending on how active they are. Most of the time, these dogs are decently smart and typically train pretty quickly. Of course, this can vary quite a bit. Some may be smarter than others. Usually, Maltipoos are friendly. Early socialization and training ensure that they are accepting of strangers and other pets as well. These are not typically aggressive in the least. Maltipoos are described as 1st generation or 2nd generation. These are one of the few mixed breeds that are sometimes bred past the 1st generation. Colors vary greatly. Maltipoos can look very different from each other. They come in a variety of different colors. You can find a puppy in just about any color. Size depends on the size of the Poodle used. The Poodle used in breeding has a large role in the size of the puppy. Usually, toy Poodles are used, and this is the size we have used when writing this article. However, rarely, standard Poodles are used, and this results in an enormous puppy. They are affectionate and usually gentle. Puppies can be playful and quite active. However, they tend to calm down as they age. Some may stay relatively active into adulthood, like their Poodle parent. They are well-suited to families with children who like to play as well as snuggle. These dogs are a bit loud and vocal. They can make good alert dogs on some occasions, depending on their specific character and training. Maltipoos tend to bark at anyone who passes by. Related Read: Maltese vs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are playful and cuddly, so they fit in with many different people. They are usually very friendly with strangers and friends alike. Sometimes, these dogs are not particularly good with children, though. They are smaller and can be more easily injured by toddlers and preschoolers. This can cause them to snap and be more fearful of children. This dog is not incredibly territorial, nor does it have a significant prey drive. Of course, dogs that are properly socialized and raised around cats and other pets usually see them as part of the family. Puppy classes and socialization are essential for raising a well-meaning dog. They can eat any other high-quality food that any other dog eats. Of course, we recommend a high-quality dog food that contains quite a bit of meat and protein. These dogs are not particularly prone to food allergies, but they can happen. Some dogs are quite active and need a lot of playtime. Others prefer to lounge around. It is usually better to be on the side of too much exercise than too little. Plan on taking your dog on at least one walk a day. Playtime in a backyard may be necessary as well. They are typically smart and eager to please. They are not particularly stubborn or anything of that sort, so they usually take to training well. Because of their intelligence level, they need a bit of mental exercise every day, or they may become destructive. Training is an easy way to do this, so many dogs enjoy it immensely. They do not shed much, but their coats are high-maintenance otherwise. Their wooly coat requires daily brushing from a young age. Luckily, most dogs get used to regular brushing. They typically need a bath at least once a month on top of whenever they get visibly dirty. They will likely need a bath after running through leaves, for instance. Or, at least, a good brushing. Clippings every few months are required, though their faces and paws may need trimming more often. We recommend scheduling them a monthly grooming appointment unless you are willing to learn how to groom them properly at home. Their nails should be trimmed every month at the very least. They need their teeth brushed quite a bit as well. Daily is best. These dogs are particularly prone to dental problems, so brushing is essential. They are not prone to many different health conditions. Minor Conditions. March 15, Table of Contents Maltipoos — Adorable designer pups Maltipoos are dogs that result from crossing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Maltese. The Maltipoo has yet to be recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and other organizations across the world. Most dogs have a fluffy and wool-like coat, though, which is one of the features they are most appreciated for. How big does a Maltipoo get? This is a relatively small breed. Adults get to a height that ranges from 10 to 12 inches, depending on their gender and genetic inheritance. Most have a weight between 10 and 20 pounds, also depending on their gender, whether they were spayed or neutered, and if their parents were smaller or larger. If you are looking for an especially small Maltipoo, you should pick a female and also ask your breeder for a cross of two smaller parents. If you are looking for a larger dog however, make sure to pick a male puppies from parents that are on the larger side. Genetics are strong when it comes to size! Temperament The best thing about a Maltipoo is that it usually inherits the personality of its parents. However, like any other breed, whether mixed or not, this one needs to be socialized as early as possible. Another Maltipoo personality trait that dog owners love is that they can be quite affectionate. They do tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for many hours during the day, so if you tend to be away from home for more than 10 hours on a daily basis, this might not be the right dog for you. Are Maltipoos easy to potty train? Most Maltipoos are very easy to train, especially if some of the training was done by the breeder. Praise and repetitive routines offer the best results when it comes to potty training a Maltipoo. For more information on house training your Maltipoo, talk to an experienced trainer. Is a Maltipoo a good dog? Most dog parents seem to agree that Maltipoos make not good, but great dogs. On top of everything, a Maltipoo maintains their puppy temperament even in their senior years, which can be very refreshing. Are Maltipoos barkers? Some Maltipoos can cause problems if they are adopted from inexperienced or irresponsible breeders. All puppies have to be trained to some extent in order to maintain good behavior, especially in relation to other animals and people. As we previously mentioned, they do not do well when they spend a lot of time alone. Unfortunately, that can be a problem for most pet owners unless they live in a house and have a yard where the dog can have some fun while they are away. On the other hand, they cannot be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. They do shed several times a year, and their coat should be groomed every months depending on whether it is curly or not. Some Maltipoos have fluffy or curly hair around their eyes, so the latter can sometimes get irritated. If you ever try to cut some of the fur around the eyes, make sure to cover them with your hand first. Others prefer a lamb cut or a fancier style such as the Miami cut. Do Maltipoos have health problems? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Yes, Red Maltipoos are rare. A Maltipoo may have a red coat when born but it may fade to Apricot as an adult. Are Black Maltipoos Rare? Yes, Black Maltipoos are extremely rare. Black can be said to be the rarest Maltipoo coat color, especially pure black coats. Additionally, Maltipoo puppies born with a black coat are unlikely to stay that color as an adult. Often their coats fade to a grey or silver shade. Are Chocolate Maltipoos Rare? Yes, Chocolate Maltipoos are extremely rare. Chocolate coloring is only seen in parti-colored Maltipoo hence, you will never find a solid brown coated Maltipoo. These respective coat colors of the parent dogs are rare to start with. Maltipoos have hair as they are single coated. Both the Poodle and the Maltese breeds are also single coated with hair instead of fur, so it is understandable that the cross breed also has hair. The general rule is that a double coated dog has fur while a single coated dog has hair. Are Maltipoos Soft? Yes, Maltipoos are very soft. Their coat has a soft, wool-like texture and is medium to long in length. The softness of the coat of a Maltipoo is one of the reasons they are such a popular dog breed. No, not all Maltipoos have curly hair. It is possible to have straight hair Maltipoos as the Maltese has straight hair. Nevertheless, this is an uncommon trait as Poodles have curly hair. The hair curl gene is dominant so a Maltipoo only needs to have a single copy of the curl variant to express the phenotype. If a Maltipoo has straight hair is is very likely to be slightly wavy. Yes, Maltipoos are born with straight hair that will become slightly wavy as they grow up. Their hair is straight with a slight wave due to their Maltese parentage as purebred Malteses have long, straight hair. They get the slight wavy from the Poodle parent that has curly hair. Single or Double Coat? Are Maltipoos Single Coated? Yes, Maltipoos are single coated. Both the Maltese and the Poodle have single coats so it is understandable that the Maltipoo inherits this trait. A single coat means that the hair all over the Maltipoo is basically the same length and that they shed small amounts all year long. They do not have an undercoat. Are Maltipoos Double Coated? No, Maltipoos are not double coated. Their coat does not have a high density and does not consist of many layers. Being double coated is a common misconception as Maltipoos have such a fluffy coat. Do Maltipoos Have An Undercoat? No, Maltipoos do not have an undercoat as they are single coated. This means that all of their hairs are roughly the same length rather than having short undercoat hairs with longer guard hairs.