german shepherd puppies for sale connecticut

Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

Provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development Promotes regular and healthy stools with the special blend of prebiotics Gentle of small stomachs Not suitable for pups with a maize or gluten allergy or intolerance FAQs How much food does a French Bulldog puppy need? The amount of food your Frenchie puppy needs depends on how much your pup weighs, and whether you're opting to give them a wet puppy food or dry food diet. Every type of food will have its own feeding guidelines so you can use these to figure out how much food they should have compared to how much they weigh. When they get to six months, increase their food intake to up to two and a half cups daily, but only feed them two times a day. Frenchies are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on their weight. If you start to notice your pup is piling on the pounds more than they should for their age, you should reduce their portion size by half a cup. If you have any concerns about your pup's weight, speak to your vet. Can French Bulldog puppies have allergies? Allergies are a common problem with French Bulldogs. These can be genetic, but they can also be food-based. They can usually get acne that causes sores or dry, flaky patches on their body. If you spot your Frenchie pup excessively and constantly scratching, chewing or biting at their legs, paws, face, sides or their behind, it could be a sign they have an allergy. We suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients in their diet to find out the trigger, which can be a little trial and error. You can then opt to feed them puppy foods for sensitive stomachs as these are typically made without ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic or intolerant to. We would also recommend collaborating with your vet to find the best food for your French Bulldog puppy. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. By choosing a dog food with top ingredients, you can ensure your Frenchie receives the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Salmon, poultry, and lamb are particularly beneficial sources of protein for French Bulldogs. Healthy Fats Healthy fats, such as omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of nutrition for French Bulldogs. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, and result in a glossy coat. By providing your Frenchie with a diet rich in healthy fats, you can support their skin and coat health while helping to moderate inflammation. Beneficial Supplements In addition to high-quality protein and healthy fats, beneficial supplements like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids should be considered for French Bulldog dog food. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and promote digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for joint health and support joint and cartilage health maintenance. Taurine and omega fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Some dog foods that include these beneficial supplements are: Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food, which contains taurine for cardiovascular health Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Food — which provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. By choosing a dog food with these beneficial supplements, you can provide your Frenchie with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs may be prone to allergies and sensitivities , making it important to research the ingredients in their food and consult a vet if necessary. Some common sensitivities in French Bulldogs include corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. If your Frenchie shows signs of allergies or sensitivities, it is essential to evaluate the ingredients in their food and seek veterinary advice if needed. If you suspect your French Bulldog has a food allergy , you may want to consider a limited-ingredient dog food or a grain-free diet. By being aware of potential allergies and sensitivities and choosing the right dog food, you can help your Frenchie maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding Guidelines for French Bulldogs Feeding guidelines for French Bulldogs include following label recommendations for feeding quantity and dividing daily servings into smaller meals for sustained energy supply. For French Bulldog puppies , it is recommended to provide them with 1. Puppies aged between 2 to 6 months should be supplied with three meals per day, whereas older puppies should be given two meals daily. Adult and senior French Bulldogs should also be fed two meals per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your Frenchie receives the right amount of food for their age, weight, and activity level, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and preventing potential health issues. Our Top Picks: Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in Our top picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs in include a variety of options tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of this charming breed. From weight management formulas to grain-free options and specialized diets for puppies and seniors, these dog foods offer the essential nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive. Pet owners recommend this dog food for its weight maintenance benefits, quality ingredients, and multiple protein sources. Additionally, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains taurine, which acts as a natural antioxidant for your pup. By choosing the best overall dog food for your Frenchie, you can support their overall health and well-being. This dog food is specifically tailored for overweight and less active dogs, providing an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them reach their weight goals and maintain an energetic lifestyle. However, the benefits it offers in terms of weight management and affordability make it a great value option for French Bulldog owners. Food and food are both great options when it comes to feeding your French Bulldog puppies. Both provide a complete, balanced diet for their growth and development. Food provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. It is also easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption, making it an ideal choice for your Frenchie puppy. It is worth noting that some puppies may not take to Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, and it is more expensive than other dog food options due to its breed-specific nature. However, the benefits it offers in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it a top choice for French Bulldog puppies. It provides optimal nutrition to maintain their health and wellbeing. This specialized diet is formulated for French Bulldogs over the age of twelve months and includes L-carnitine and top-notch protein to sustain optimal muscle mass, probiotics to minimize intestinal fermentation, and a kibble design that is easy for Frenchies to consume and encourages chewing. While some dogs may not accept Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food and it is costly, the benefits it provides in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it an ideal choice for senior French Bulldogs. Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food. Additionally, it is excellent for dogs with food allergies. No longer will they suffer from itchy paws or diarrhea. By choosing a dog food specifically designed for French Bulldogs with allergies, you can help alleviate their allergy symptoms and provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Customers have reported that their dogs enjoy the flavor of Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble and have maintained a healthy coat when consuming this food. By choosing a grain-free dog food option for your French Bulldog, you can support their overall health while accommodating their dietary needs. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are packed with lots of nutrition. Our dogs do deserve the best! Gradually introducing the new food over a period of days can help avoid these problems. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or stomach discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice. Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins. Instead, consider offering your Frenchie safe and healthy alternatives such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, fish, chicken, vegetables carrots, green beans, broccoli , and fruits apples, bananas, blueberries. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about what foods are appropriate for your French Bulldog. By providing your Frenchie with safe and healthy food alternatives, you can promote their overall health and well-being. Homemade Dog Food Options for French Bulldogs While commercially manufactured foods are generally recommended for French Bulldogs, some owners may prefer to prepare homemade dog food for their pets. Suitable ingredients for homemade dog food for French Bulldogs include cooked lean meats, cooked eggs, cooked vegetables, cooked grains, and healthy fats. If you choose to prepare homemade dog food for your French Bulldog, it is essential to ensure that the diet provides the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on creating a balanced and nutritious homemade diet for your Frenchie. Summary In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Frenchie is an essential part of supporting their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs, choosing high-quality ingredients, and providing a diet tailored to their age, weight, and activity level, you can ensure your Frenchie thrives. With the right nutrition, your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Frequently Asked Questions What are Frenchies allergic to? French can suffer from environmental allergies such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and grass as well as food allergies such as corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens can help keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. This could include things like keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding areas with high pollen. What should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? As the owner of a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally complete puppy food and, if desired, lean raw meat to provide them with the balanced diet they need. When he's not spending time with his furry best friend "Freddy II", you can find him reading up on the latest Frenchie trends or exploring new parks and hiking trails with his dapper little Frenchie by his side. Whether you're a seasoned Frenchie owner or just starting your journey, Freddy is excited to share his experiences and insights with you through his articles on this website. French Bulldog puppies have unique dietary needs that require special attention. There are a few key factors to consider. First off, opt for puppy-specific formulas that meet their nutritional requirements. Avoid recipes with fillers or artificial additives — go for wholesome kibble made especially for small dogs like Frenchies. A balanced diet is crucial in preventing common issues such as paw licking or upset tummies. With proper nutrition, your Frenchie pup will be ready to conquer the world one playful bark at a time. This premium dog food provides a balanced diet with a combination of high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy growth and support a strong immune system. One of the key features of Royal Canin Small Puppy is its small kibble size, which makes it easier for Frenchie puppies to chew and digest. This formula includes prebiotics to support digestive health and aid in nutrient absorption. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat. This grain-inclusive formula includes deboned chicken as the primary source of protein along with wholesome grains like brown rice. The blend of fruits, vegetables, and superfoods in Wellness Complete Health Puppy ensures that your furry friend receives essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe also incorporates omega fatty acids for healthy brain development and DHA for optimal eye health. We have never used this brand but I hear great things about it. This formula features deboned chicken as the main ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein to support muscle development. What sets Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe apart is its inclusion of whole grains like brown rice and barley. These grains offer a good source of energy and fiber while promoting healthy digestion. The recipe also includes fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, and sweet potatoes to provide additional nutrients. Royal Canin has been our go to french bulldog puppy food. After trying multiple brands such as Purina, Stella and Chewy, and Merrick no large quantity available for purchase, small bags got expensive , Royal Canin has never let us down. We have never noticed skin problems, intolerance, and poops have always been great. Other brands have caused vomiting, diarrhea, and skin reactions to name a few. French Bulldog puppies are energetic and growing rapidly, which means they need frequent meals throughout the day. It is recommended to feed them three to four times daily until they reach six months of age. This regular feeding schedule helps maintain their energy levels and supports proper growth. Follow the recommended portion sizes based on their age and weight. Different brands may have specific guidelines tailored for French Bulldog puppies or small breed puppies in general. For puppies aged weeks: 1 cup of food per meal. Victor Ocean Fish All Life Stages Dog Food Remember that these portions can vary depending on individual factors such as activity level and metabolism. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly if you notice significant weight gain or loss. Monitor their weight gain and adjust feeding amounts accordingly. While puppies naturally gain weight as they grow, excessive weight gain can lead to health issues such as joint problems. Keep an eye on their body condition and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their weight. If your puppy is gaining too much weight, consider reducing the portion sizes slightly or switching to a lower-calorie puppy food formula. On the other hand, if they are not gaining enough weight or appear undernourished, consult with your vet to determine if an increase in portion size or a different type of food is necessary. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your French Bulldog puppy receives the nutrition they need during this crucial stage of growth. Providing proper nutrition will help set the foundation for a healthy and happy adult French Bulldog. Feeding your Frenchie the wrong food can lead to serious health issues and discomfort. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be highly toxic for dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. Onions and Garlic: A Recipe for Anemia While onions and garlic might add flavor to our meals, they pose a significant risk to our four-legged companions. This could lead to anemia and potentially life-threatening complications for your French Bulldog. The exact reason behind this toxicity is still unknown; however, ingestion of these fruits has been linked to kidney failure in some dogs. Xylitol: Sweetness Turns Sour Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products like gum or candy. While it may be harmless for humans, it can be extremely dangerous for dogs. If ingested by your French Bulldog, xylitol can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. This can result in seizures, liver failure, or even death. Opt for high-quality dog food specifically formulated for their needs. Look for options that include meat protein sources like chicken or salmon, as these are beneficial for their muscle development and overall health. Make sure the food you choose contains adequate amounts of vitamins and fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. Avoid foods with excessive fat content that could lead to weight gain or digestive issues such as loose stools. Stick to dog-friendly fruits and veggies as treats instead. Chicken fat as dog food High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. Providing a healthy diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Opting for lean proteins like chicken and turkey ensures they receive high-quality nutrients without excessive fat content. These proteins promote muscle development, support growth, and provide essential amino acids for overall health. Opt for natural alternatives that are free from these artificial additives. Whole Grains: Nourishing Carbohydrate Sources Carbohydrates play a role in providing energy to your puppy. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Instead of fillers like corn or wheat that offer limited nutritional value, look for whole grains such as brown rice or oats. These whole food ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, minerals while promoting steady energy levels throughout the day. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promoting Healthy Skin and Coat To maintain healthy skin and a lustrous coat on your furry friend, incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into their diet. Sources like fish oil offer an abundance of these beneficial fats that nourish their skin from within. Not only do omega-3s contribute to a shiny coat but they also help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and overall health. By opting for lean proteins, avoiding artificial additives, incorporating whole grains, and including omega-3 fatty acids, you are providing the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Remember, a healthy diet sets the foundation for a happy and active French Bulldog. So be mindful of what goes into their food bowl to ensure they grow up strong and free from unnecessary health problems. Now that you understand the importance of healthy ingredients in food, you can make informed choices when selecting the very best dog food options for your furry companion. Keep their health in mind as you provide them with nourishing meals that will support their growth and overall well-being. By following these feeding guidelines, you can provide your Frenchie with the balanced nutrition they need to stay in optimal health. Obesity can lead to various health problems such as joint issues, heart disease, and respiratory difficulties. To keep track of their weight effectively, consider using a digital scale designed for pets or consult with your veterinarian. Adjusting Portion Sizes French Bulldogs have different dietary requirements based on their activity level and age. Puppies require more calories and nutrients to support their growth and development compared to adult dogs. To determine the appropriate portion size for your puppy or adult dog, consider consulting with animal nutritionists or your veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on factors such as breed-specific needs and individual metabolism. Excessive treats can contribute to weight gain if not properly regulated. Instead of relying solely on treats for positive reinforcement, try using praise or playtime as alternative rewards. Be mindful of the calorie content in both regular meals and treats. Opt for healthier options like small pieces of lean meat or fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. You could even use it as a meal topper to make meal time more fun. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings!

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 resultsPage 1 - 23 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Prices vary.Vaccinated and dewormed. Comes with food, pipi pads and vaccination booklet. They are very loving and love to play and are amazing with kids. Mother is chocolate lab and father is standard poodle. We currently have exotic colours from our Russian import bloodline. Chocolate and tan, wolf sable, cream sable, black and tan.Color: chocolate and white parti. DNA tested with perfect result! Vaccination and deworming all on schedule. Kennel trained. Arnold loves to cuddle and loves being around kids. Arnold will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of his parents, he will.He is a chocolate toy male poodle with a great personality. He gets along well with other dogs and cats, and is very playful and intelligent. He was originally going to be kept for.We have a variety of beautiful colors to choose from, with three males males are the.One male 1 female. Hypoallergenic first shots, dewormed vet.Albert We will be in Red Deere on the 22 for delivery around noon! We are raising the most beautiful litter in our home with children, other dogs and cats around. The momma, Rosie, is our.Our 5 lb chocolate deer head chihuahua and 7 lb black toy poodle had babies. We are pleased to offer 4 beautiful male Labradoodle puppies. Father Gibson is a friendly chocolate lab and mother Zoey is a white standard poodle with a winning personality. Pups are ready.She is a retired mama, now spayed, just looking for a loving forever home. She is shy and has very kind nature. She enjoys car.Browse other categories in Pets in Canada. Red Apricot The gene for brown fur is recessive in Poodles, meaning that a puppy must receive a copy from each parent for the color to show. Otherwise, offspring will display the dominant color, which is often black. Some Poodles may end up inheriting a variety of colors thanks to their genetic background. Some poodles come in spotted or merled varieties, while others are patterned or tricolored. The most common poodle colors include black, chocolate, and white, while the three rarest colors include apricot, red, and cream. The rarer the color, the harder it is to find a breeder with available puppies, making chocolate a good choice for dog owners who want a more immediate placement. This is a completely natural process that happens in plenty of show breeds, and it should be no cause for concern. Most Poodles grow lighter in color with time, including chocolate varieties. Even then, they may grow lighter or grayer as they mature. Chocolate poodles often clear from a deep brown to a light, almost white gold. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Age Just like us, dogs can start to sprout gray hairs with age. Brown coloration may fade to gray or white in mature poodles, especially around the nose, chin, and eyes. Hair may also grow more coarse or wiry with time. Environment While fur changes are most often completely natural in poodles, environmental damage can lead to color shifts in some cases. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is a common cause of lightening in poodle fur. You can also find specialized pet sunscreens to protect skin and fur. Try to steer clear of anything with toxic components, such as mineral oils, parabens, polysorbates, and more. Poodle Coat Types Poodles are world-renowned for their elaborate, fluffy coats. Many people groom Poodle coats into styles such as the continental clip or the cupcake cut. There are three main types of coat styles owners can work with. Are Poodles hyper? They sure love to run and exercise! Curly Coat When most people picture Poodles, the first thing that comes to mind is their magnificent curly coat. Most mature poodle show breeds should have tight, even curls if they have a pure bloodline. Curly coats require regular, careful grooming sessions to prevent tangles and matting. Dogs with hairy ears are more likely to catch dirt and debris in their ear canal, paving the way for blockages and worse. Wavy Coat While show poodles must have tight curls, most standard varieties and poodle mixes have wavy fur. Wavy hair is often softer and more manageable than curly hair, making it a popular choice amongst dog owners looking for a low-maintenance grooming schedule. Hair will form into small ropes around the head, ears, and body. However, keep in mind that a corded coat requires even more maintenance than curls. You must work to keep the hair clean from dirt, debris, and oils by carefully squeezing shampoo into the coat instead of scrubbing it. As one of the most common colors of poodle, chocolate varieties tend to be on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to price. It prevents knotting and matting that may lead to more serious issues such as sores and infections down the line. How you care for your poodle will depend on its coat type and whether it has curly, wavy, or corded fur. When in doubt, ask your groomer for home care tips between visits. 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

It's priceless. At Bluegrass Frenchies you get priceless service and quality. That's why our customers keep returning to us time after time. The old adage "You get what you pay for" has never been more true than when purchasing what will soon become an essential and contributing member of your family. We have beautiful French Bulldogs, short legs, stocky little bodies, and nice large "bat-like" ears. We specialize in creams, fawns, reds and pied Frenchies. Most of our adult French bulldogs have an adult weight of 16 to 22 lbs. All of our puppies come with a one year health guarantee. All of our puppies are vet checked, with the first series of shots, and AKC papers. We also offer 4 weeks of puppy training from time puppy is weaned til 10 weeks of age. From our loving arms to yours we try to make everything as simple as possible. Families are welcome to come here and visit before paying for puppy in full. On getting your puppy you are welcome to come here or we can come to you. Check out our website for what we offer and what sets us apart. If you are looking for cheap you are not looking for quality. We hope that as you read through this page you will see that we know Frenchies AND we care enough that we want our new families to be well informed too. We are very hands on with our French bulldogs from the time they are born until they are in your loving arms! French Bulldogs may look tough on the outside, but inside they are lovable, soft, caring and easygoing. These dogs spread the good vibes wherever they go. Outgoing and open, they love nothing more than to cuddle on the couch, romp on the carpet or play in the yard. Boasting unlimited energy, they sometimes have no idea when or how to stop their motors. But, with a French bulldog, things never get out of hand. They rarely lose their cool, snap or bark. They simply want to roll around and play. All of our French bulldogs are bred on our 60 acre farm. We are dedicated to raising quality French bulldogs for both pet and show homes. We DO NOT sell our French bulldogs to pet stores, puppy mills or other breeders unless they go through our extensive breeder interviewing process. All of our puppies are really our puppies. Then once we get our babies home we take turns sitting with mom and newborns to make sure they are all getting the attention that they need. Raising our French bulldogs is a total family endeavor. We want your puppy to leave us with the BEST that we can provide for you and your puppy. Cute Courtney Clan. We offer French bulldogs and French bulldogs only. About Bluegrass Frenchies 5 generation pedigrees full of AKC champions We are proud to show you pictures of our parents when posting their puppies for sale. All of our French bulldogs are U. We are happy to show you our sold offspring as puppies and as full grown adults. We specialize in creams, fawns, reds and pied Frenchies. Most of our adult French bulldogs have an adult weight of 16 to 22 lbs. All of our puppies come with a two year health guarantee and AKC papers. All of our puppies are vet checked. Up to date on vaccinations and deworming. Quality isn't Expensive.It's Priceless At Bluegrass Frenchies you get priceless service and quality. That's why our customers keep returning to us time after time. Please know that the health and safety of our French bulldogs remains our first concern followed very closely by making the buying process for our families super easy. We have lots of ways you can get your new puppy from us! We even have puppies in Canada. We will work with you and meet part way as well. If you want a BlueGrass puppy to add to your furry family we will do all that we can to make that as easy as can be. All deposits and payments are explained in our Preview Adoption Steps. Payments made through our website are tunneled via a secure and encrypted shopping cart system. If you are interested in adding one of our French bulldogs to your family please fill out the adoption application or if you have questions call, email or text Christina at .If texting please include your name with the text message. Scam Alert Watch out for Scams Watch out for scams. We are seeing pictures of our French bulldogs in unauthorized places. Some scammers steal our pictures from our site and list them as their own. With this in mind please understand that all photographs and text are the exclusive intellectual property of Bluegrass Frenchies in Richmond, Kentucky. We will prosecute anyone that is using our photos to run scams on unsuspecting buyers. This is no joke and will not be tolerated in any shape, form, or fashion. For helpful tips on spotting puppy scammers click on the link above in order to spot what you should be looking for. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Kentucky? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Kentucky work? There are lots of things that can affect the price of French Bulldog puppies in Kentucky, from the color of the coat to the size, pedigree, and more. If you have a budget in mind, the best thing you can do right now is start looking for a French Bulldog for sale Kentucky and see if you can find the perfect pup today. Do French Bulldogs have any particular characteristics? When it comes to Kentucky French Bulldogs for sale, you may already know that they are small dogs. They are companion dogs, so they are friendly and affectionate. They love spending time with their owners, and they will want to be with you all day. They also enjoy playing, so get ready to have fun! Is there a reason French Bulldogs are so expensive? These pups are more difficult to breed for Kentucky French Bulldog breeders. Their narrow hips make natural reproduction very difficult, so they are often artificially inseminated, and pups are delivered by C-section too. This additional work and skill for the breeders leads to higher prices for French Bulldogs for sale Kentucky. What if I find a French Bulldog from a breeder in another state? But if you find your pup from a breeder over the other side of the country, they can make travel arrangements so you can simply meet your pooch at your most convenient major airport. We make it easy to find your perfect pup wherever they are. How do you screen the breeders to ensure only the best get into your network? All breeders and businesses that join our network must take our Breeder Pledge. Check this out to find out what we expect from the French Bulldog breeders in Kentucky here, and what you can expect too. We only want the very best here so you can look for French Bulldogs for sale in Kentucky with peace of mind. Why is Uptown Puppies better than searching the internet for French Bulldogs? Because we only connect you with top French Bulldog breeders Kentucky when you search here. We think finding a new French Bulldog Kentucky should be quick, easy, and fun. What exactly are puppy mills, anyway? Think of mills as factories for dogs. So please stay away from them in your search for French Bulldog puppies Kentucky. Will I find French Bulldog puppies if I start searching now? There are many breeders and companies in our network, and they have lots of pups to choose from. Whatever you have got in mind, look for your Kentucky French Bulldog for sale today and have fun! Are French Bulldogs good with other dogs and pets? French Bulldogs tend to get along well with other pets, as long as they are introduced to them at an early age so they can be properly socialized. When you are looking for French Bulldog puppies for sale Kentucky, plan how you will introduce them to your other pets. Do French Bulldogs shed during the year? Yes, like many other dogs, French Bulldogs shed throughout the year. Just make sure you give them a regular brush and you will find that it is very easy to look after these little dogs. There are several reputable french bulldog breeders in Kentucky but do trust those with years of experience and not the backyard breeders with limited knowledge of the high standards for which I breed, quality. .Please watch the little human ones though, Frenchie do not having their ears pulled or their eyes explored; do you? Frenchies are funny, shorter legs, more lazy, rounded ears and demanding of your attention! They are comical and playful but lazy might be a better description. Bulldogs are NOT good swimmers; being head heavy, they tend to tilt downward and can drown. Swimmies or life jackets coupled with constant supervision is a MUST as they do love to soak. If you have an in-ground swimming pool they need to be supervised at all times if they have access to it. French Bulldogs are known as a bullheaded and stubborn breed so repetition is the key to training. Praising and sweet talk is the key to success along with patience as they love to please. Just like raising a child, but remember, you are the alpha, and they will learn what you teach them. Again, repetition, reward and patience are key. They are always anxious to please. French Bulldog or Poodle? Check out this link to read more about the French Bulldog to see if they will fit perfectly in your family.

A German Shepherd in Ohio and rehoming them would cost you three hundred dollars to four hundred dollars. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you would ask people like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of any trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd should you adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first met. If you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can also avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd in North Carolina because of its shyness. However, this is only a guide, and if the personality of the dog is not that of a big deal for you, you can pick any dog you want. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary Live and enjoy in Ohio with your adopted German Shepherd dog. Adopting in Ohio would range from three hundred dollars to for hundred dollars. This will pay for the whole expenses in taking care of the German Shepherd in Ohio. If you want to adopt one, choose a German Shepherd that is friendly and trusting. Rescued dogs are neglected, abused, and abandoned. These three horrific acts can scar a dog for life, and if you do not want the work, it might be best that you avoid rescued German Shepherds that have mistrusts and are afraid of people. Other States. A German Shepherd rescue that focuses on adoption or rehoming is always a much safer bet for a German Shepherd than just any animal shelter you come across. Responsible rescue organizations subject potential adopters to screening applications, home visits, and reference checks in order to ensure the safety of their German Shepherds. This way, rescue organizations help dogs find a new home with a loving family, and largely prevent these dogs from ever ending up in a shelter again. That said, all of the rescues that have been chosen for this list were chosen via a strict set of criteria. The following are all excellent non-profit organizations that strive to foster, rehabilitate, and then finally rehome their German Shepherds. How do they function? Weeping Willow Sanctuary is a strict, no-kill shelter and a non-profit organization with the goal of saving as many German Shepherd dogs as they can from inhumane and unethical treatment. This rescue is committed to locating and rehoming abandoned German Shepherds in all parts of the state of Ohio. The shelter rescues GSDs from kill shelters, GSDs that are homeless, GSDs that have been in abusive homes, and owner-surrenders that have been given up for various reasons. They also function as a permanent home for senior dogs and dogs with extreme medical conditions that otherwise cannot find new homes. What do they offer? Their facilities boast a two-acre, fenced plot of land where their German Shepherd dogs are able to roam freely and enjoy socialization with other dogs as much as they want. Weeping Willow Sanctuary hosts several different events every year — from public education events to adoption events to public fundraisers specifically held for the older dogs in their care. The rescue accepts financial donations, but they mostly urge those who want to help out and have the free time to do so to volunteer since they are always in need of an extra helping hand. Of course, the team at Weeping Willow Sanctuary puts all monetary donations to good use — they utilize the funds to address the medical issues of each dog that is in their care. If you decide to adopt one of their wonderful adult German Shepherd dogs, be sure to check out their website and get in touch with them in order to inquire further about adoptable dogs. This is a small, independently-run shelter that functions primarily via Facebook, email, and Petfinder in order to provide a convenient and efficient adoption experience to people in Ohio who are looking for German Shepherd dogs for adoption. This rescue organization keeps the well-being and health of its dogs at the forefront of its operation. They seek to nurture, rehabilitate, and rehome each and every German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix dog that is in their care. This German Shepherd rescue organization functions without a primary facility for housing their dogs — instead, the dogs in their care are kept in responsible foster homes. Cincinnati Area German Shepherd Rescue is most active on Facebook, where they share pictures and information about their available adoptable dogs and other underprivileged dogs in their area. Before actually adopting one of their German Shepherds, potential new families will need to be screened and interviewed, as well as provide personal references in addition to a veterinarian reference. Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Ohio A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. The rescues on this page typically have at least a couple of German Shepherd or German Shepherd mixes available. These dogs usually get adopted fairly quick and sometimes the rescues have a wait list of people wanting to adopt a new German Shepherd. By keeping up with these German Shepherd rescues in Ohio, you have an excellent chance of finding the perfect German Shepherd for you. They are located near Cleveland Ohio. However, they use the donations they do receive to spay or neuter, vaccinate, and treat dogs that are need of medical help. Dogs receive a complete health check-up and are tested for heartworms. If they are positive, they receive heartworm treatment. They also receive worming meds and antibiotics as necessary. The two founders, Deb and Jan, pay for most of the veterinary care out of their own pockets. All of the dogs are either housed with the founders of the rescue or in foster homes. This rescue can only accept dogs as long as they have foster homes for them to go to. Dogs Hope German Shepherd and All Breed Rescue takes dogs from shelters and also takes in dogs from the public when possible. However, they also want to rescue any dog that they can and are willing to take in different breeds if they have space. If you would like to adopt a dog from Dogs Hope German Shepherd and All Breed Rescue, you must be at least 21 years old and thoroughly fill out the application. The rescue will call your veterinarian and verify vaccination records for existing dogs. They or a partner rescue will come to your home to do a home visit. They want to know why you need to surrender your dog and as much information about your dog as possible. They provide lots of useful tips about providing a write-up and taking pictures. They clarify that they are willing to take your dog even if it has not seen a vet in some time. Rescue and Adoption Details Website: dogshope. However, they often have German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes at their rescue. They take dogs throughout the state of Ohio, including dogs from high-kill shelters, county-run shelters, and other rescues. Occasionally they take in owner-surrenders. Because they take so many dogs that would otherwise be euthanized at shelters, Multiple Breed Rescue often has shepherd mixes. German Shepherds tend not to do well in the shelter environment, which means they often end up on the euthanasia list and require a rescue like Multiple Breed Rescue to save them. Rather, their dogs are primarily kept in foster homes. This rescue is a registered non-profit c 3 that operates entirely on the efforts of volunteers and on donations from the public. From its founding in until , this rescue has saved over 3, animals. They hope to rescue many more animals as time goes on. If you are not sure whether you are ready for a German Shepherd, fostering through Multiple Breed Rescue is a great idea. They rely on foster homes to save more dogs. They will provide all of the supplies you need including food and medical treatment for foster dogs. You will also get all kinds of other useful supplies like crates, collars, potty pads, blankets, toys, etc. If you would like to adopt a dog from Multiple Breed Rescue, you need to be at least 23 years old and you will need to travel to Grafton, Ohio. A boarding facility allows Multiple Breed Rescue to use their facility, so this is where you would go to adopt a dog. Dogs are housed throughout Ohio, so you will need to know which dog you would like to meet ahead of time. Adoption events are conducted throughout the year and are a good opportunity to meet more than one dog at a time. Rescue and Adoption Details.

Let me define and give a brief description of each… Crate Training: Confinement And Supervision The first method of house training makes use of a crate and a constant mix of supervision and confinement. Our favorite is the Midwest Life Stages Crate. We bought one for Linus over 14 years ago an still use the exact same crate today. Using a crate during house training works so well because dogs have a natural instinct not to soil their dens, to keep the place that they sleep free of feces and urine. This teaches and encourages your puppy to learn how to control their bowels and bladder. So by supervising your puppy when they are outside the crate and taking them to their toilet spot when they need to go, and crating them when you cannot supervise them, a puppy never gets a chance to make a mistake by toileting in the wrong place. This dramatically speeds up the house training process. For a more detailed discussion of using a crate during house training, please click here. And you can find a complete and detailed guide to crate training your puppy by clicking here. Paper Training: Starting Inside Then Moving Outside With this method, the idea is to train your puppy to toilet on papers or specially manufactured pads inside your home. Once they are consistent with this, you begin to move the pads or paper closer to a door to the outside, and then place similar pads or paper outside for them to use before eventually completely removing the pads from inside the home unless indoor training of course. This works well because a puppy very quickly learns to potty only ever on the paper or pads and they are always accessible in the home. Also, Puppy pads are steeped in a specially formulated scent that strongly encourages a puppy to toilet on these and not on the floor or other places in your home. However, the biggest disadvantage to this method is initially your puppy will have learnt that toileting indoors is acceptable behavior. So if your end goal is to train your dog to only ever toilet outside, the house training process will take far longer with this method. Constant supervision This method is exactly what it sounds like and is simply where you constantly supervise your puppy. You must never allow any accidents to happen inside the home or your training can suffer a set back. As this method requires nothing but your attention and speed of action, this is the cheapest of all options as you need no crate, no pads, no nothing. But this method is very time-consuming and takes more effort and concentration than using a crate as you can never let your guard down and allow puppy the chance to make a mistake. Finally we have… Umbilical Cord House Training This method also relies on constant supervision for its success and is exactly what it sounds like: You have your puppy attached to you by looping their leash around the belt on your jeans or trousers. Puppy will be right by your side so you can correct any mistakes and take them to the right spot every time. This is also a very good alternative method to use for those who would prefer not to crate or confine their dogs at all. But so you know what to expect, here a few universal truths that apply to house training: Very young puppies have very little control over their bowels and bladder. The larger the breed, the quicker the control comes. For a Labrador, you cannot expect them to have any control until 12 weeks of age, for smaller and toy breeds, this could be as much as 16 weeks old. Start house training the minute you get your puppy home. Do not delay. This will pay dividends in the long run. Some puppies learn quicker than others. This is normal. Even when a puppy can control their bladder and bowels, they cannot hold it for long. Frequent toilet trips are essential! Continue with the house training plan and it will stick eventually. You cannot expect any puppy to be fully house trained before 6 months of age. With proper house training, expect your puppy to be fully house trained by 6 to 7 months of age. By fully house trained, I mean you can completely trust them and will never see any more accidents going forward. As long as you follow the advice given throughout the many parts of this guide, from 16 weeks onwards accidents will be rare. With a decade or more of love to come. The generally accepted rule of thumb written in most books and articles is: A puppy can hold their bladder for A MAXIMUM of one hour for each month of their age So a 2 month old puppy can hold it for 2 hours, a 3 month old puppy can hold it for 3 hours, etc. After this time period, an accident is all but guaranteed. However, I have some bones to pick with this rule myself… All puppies are different. Generally speaking, the bigger the puppy, the longer they can hold it. Not all are the same and bladder control varies too wildly to use a rule like this. Outside of a crate and roaming around with you in the home, I would say: A puppy can hold their bladder for 30 to 45 minutes max at 2 months old. Use this as a rule of thumb and you will be closer to reality. But if you follow my guide, you will see in article 6 that we will be keeping a diary and forming schedules so there will be no guess-work needed. Certainly far less than during the day! A puppy at 8 weeks old should be able to last between 4 and 5 hours, varying from puppy to puppy. Over the next few weeks, the time they can last through the night will lengthen and lengthen until at 16 weeks a puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without you having to take them to their bathroom spot for relief. Though many will reach this point at any time between 10 and 16 weeks. Some puppies need to go immediately after eating or drinking, while others cannot go until a full half hour later. What you can rely on though is that after eating or drinking, all puppies will need to go very shortly after. As a general rule, all puppies should be taken to their bathroom spot: First thing in the morning when you rise. Just before the last person in the house goes to sleep. Immediately after the puppy wakes up. This is after any nap, at any time of day. Within the first half an hour after eating. Within the first 15 minutes after drinking. After play or experiencing any form of excitement such as a visitor saying hello. And because, like us, puppies and dogs need to go often throughout a day, You also want to take them to their bathroom spot on a schedule such as the following: 8 weeks old — take them to their bathroom spot every 30 minutes. Common ailments such as urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis and many medical problems affecting internal organs and the genitalia can cause a dog to toilet much more frequently than they usually would. So have your puppy or dog checked, and if further down the road they start to have accidents you cannot explain, have them checked again. It may not be their fault. After reading this article you now know what house training is, how long it should take, will have some respect and understanding for the fact a puppy has little bladder and bowel control and know how often and when you need to provide toilet breaks. You should also now have realistic expectations of time-scales, the amount of effort required and exactly what your growing puppy can do at different ages. At first, an 8 week old puppy will relieve themselves without hardly knowing, they cannot help it and yes this is frustrating. But be patient, stay calm, and with consistency and patience eventually your puppy will develop enough control of their little bodies to hold it longer and longer. In this article we discuss the attitude and approach you should take and the mindset you need bring with you to be successful at house training. We also cover the skills and attitude your puppy brings with them to the process. If your puppy can still smell the scent of urine he will want to potty again in the same spot. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Learn to spot the signs Never punish your Lab after an accident Use potty pads as a temporary indoor alternative Recognize excitement urination Be aware of submissive urination Allow more freedom as your puppy improves The ultimate aim of housebreaking your puppy is to prevent accidents. Control His Environment When potty training your puppy, the first thing to do is to control his environment. Use a long leash and attach your pup to your waist, even when inside the house. This allows you to look out for warning signs. Your pup will sleep in the crate, whereas the playpen provides extra space. Make sure to choose a pen with a door so that you can attach it to the crate, such as the Midwest Homes for Pets Folding Exercise Pen from Amazon. I also recommend the Midwest Homes for Pets icrate. Introduce the Crate Slowly introduce the crate when crate training your Lab over the first few days. When you let your pup out of his crate, immediately take him outside. When he is away from his own room, make sure you closely supervise him by keeping him attached to you on a long leash. Allow Frequent Potty Breaks Give your dog lots of opportunities to go outside. Create a Puppy Potty Schedule Dogs thrive off routines, including mealtimes, exercise, and potty training! You can set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to take your dog outside to his toilet area. Your pup will need to go first thing in the morning, after a meal or drinking, when he wakes from a nap, after playtimes, and before bedtime. Look for clues such as sniffing the floor or carpet, circling, restlessness, becoming overexcited, whining, or making towards the door. This includes whether you catch him in the act or if it happened a while ago. Moreso, the latter, as your dog will have no idea what he is being punished for! This is because dogs have a terrible short-term memory and will forget an event in two minutes. Instead, take him straight outside and reward him with a treat and lots of praise if he finishes off his business. Use Potty Pads as a Temporary Indoor Alternative Potty pads can be handy in extended periods of bad weather or if you live in a high-rise apartment and it takes longer to get outside. They can also be useful when traveling. This is when your Labrador gets so excited he will pee a small amount. It may happen when a family member or friend visits. To prevent this, allow your dog to eliminate before a visitor arrives and ensure visitors make their entrance low-key with no fuss, even ignoring the pup for a few minutes. Dogs will usually grow out of excitement pee by 18 months of age. Be Aware of Submissive Urination This is also common, but your puppy will outgrow it. It occurs when your Labrador wants to show submissive status to a person or another animal. He may squat and urinate during specific situations. To prevent it, avoid yelling and physical punishment, appear less intimidating when approaching, kneel down, and stroke under his chin instead of the top of his head. At first, keep his sleeping area small and then gradually increase the size slowly and methodically. Remove the divider in the crate or make the playpen area larger if you arent using a crate. You can use a crate to your advantage as it helps your pup develop quicker bowel and bladder control. To potty train a Lab puppy with a crate, use the crate as a tool. When the door is closed, your Lab will let you know he needs to eliminate by whining or scratching. He will learn self-control quicker. Crates are great when you cannot fully supervise your puppy and are an ideal way to control his environment. However, you still need to keep a close eye on him and spot the signs when he needs to go. Make it smaller using a divider. He will be less likely to eliminate in a smaller sleeping area. Check out my recommendations for the Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens , including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Just be aware that it will probably take a little longer. Use dog gates to section off an area of the house. When away from his confinement, tether your pup to you with a long leash and establish a strict potty break schedule. If you choose dog gates, there are many styles you can choose to match your decor and configure how you like. This area should contain training pads or newspapers. Potty Training Puppies Between Months Old Most puppies are around eight weeks old when they leave their mother and littermates, but occasionally your pup may be a little older when you first bring him home. You may wonder how to potty train an older puppy and whether you should do anything different. Generally speaking, you should follow the same principles as training an 8-week-old Lab. However, a more mature puppy should be able to grasp housebreaking quicker. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Time to start potty training your Labrador Puppy Potty training or house training is one of the first things that you will have to focus on after bringing home a Labrador Puppy. However, you must know what to expect when toilet training a Lab puppy, you must be prepared with patience and dedication since house training can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the house-training basics that you will need to follow to train your puppy. House training is done over time, and here is how. You can also take your puppy into your yard if you have one. Teaching your lab puppy go potty in the yard is the best idea since Labradors produce a lot of waste when they are grown. If you live in an apartment you have no other option but to take your Lab outside to evacuate. Lab puppies love to go outside and explore new territories. So for apartment dwellers, the first months of potty training will happen indoors. Puppies can refuse to go potty on surfaces that they are not used to. For example, if your puppy gets used to evacuating on hard floors, going potty in the grass will feel awkward to your puppy, and will prefer to do it on the sidewalk. So, using an artificial grass puppy pad while you potty train your Lab indoors can help to transition to real grass when your puppy is ready to explore the outside world. How to toilet train a Labrador Retriever Puppy Keep an eye on your puppy for signs like circling, sniffing, and scratching the floor. This means that your puppy needs to potty. Take your puppy outside or to the designated potty place in your house or apartment. This will help your dog know that is the place to go do the thing. If the activity is successful praise your puppy for doing a good job. You can also give your Lab puppy a treat for doing a good job, Labs are a food-motivated breed, so yummy treats help a lot with training. Positive reinforcement will help your Labrador to go potty in the right place. Limiting the movement of your puppy will make it easier to keep an eye on during this process. Consider using baby gates to close an area of your house. The area must be big enough so that your puppy can move and play inside. It should be close to your yard or the area of your house where you want your Lab to go potty. Also, this area must be easy to clean, you can expect accidents in this part of the potty training. Then take the puppy to the potty place and let it finish there. Do not scare the puppy if you catch it in the act, the goal is to get its attention and let it know that it is not doing the right thing. This is something you must teach your dog. Do it patiently and be consistent with the training and eventually, you will get your Labrador fully house-trained. Use some white vinegar diluted in water or an enzymatic odor remover to thoroughly clean the area. For this period, you might need the following items to begin potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure they are all pet-friendly and of a reputable brand name. Absorbent pee pad : Dog training pads mostly come in handy in the first stages of house training, before your puppy can go potty outside. The benefit of a pad is that the mess your puppy makes will be confined to just one place and it will be easier for you to clean up. Stain Remover : As a routine, accidents are bound to happen. And this is why having a good cleaner is extremely important. Along with a pet, cleaner make sure you also have ample small towels on hand. Dog poop bag and Pooper scooper : Having these is also very important. They will come in handy when you have to pick up and discard the mess your little friend makes. You can carry these in your bag or even in your pocket when you go out on a walk with your dog. Treats: Many dogs are motivated by food, and this is why you will need food treats that your Labrador puppy enjoys. After your dog listens to your commands and goes to the right place, give him a treat, so he understands that food comes after he goes to the right place. A leash and collar: This will allow you to show your dog where the right place is. Barrier gates : This is also an essential supply as it will confine your dog to a specific place. Barrier gates make it easier to keep your house floors clean. Pee finder : Finding and cleaning dried pee will help prevent future accidents. You might also want a car seat cover in case you have to travel somewhere with your little friend. An artificial grass pad to train your puppy for the outside. When to start house training your Labrador puppy: On a general note, younger Labrador puppies have very short attention spans. At what age should a lab puppy be potty trained? House training should begin as soon as your Lab puppy arrives at your home. Which is normally at 7 to 9 weeks of age. So, if your little Labrador puppy is a few weeks old, you might begin with basic command words to get familiar with the house routine and also your voice. You can use this time to show your new Lab puppy the areas of your house it is allowed to be in, and close off any part of your house that is off-limits to your dog. The best moments to train your Lab puppy are: After a nap. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:. As I mentioned earlier, I think this is a somewhat subjective question. Why is it a subjective question? Here are a few questions you might ask yourself when deciding if your puppy is potty trained: Is she potty trained when she knows to go to the door and wait for your to let her out? What if she has an accident waiting for you to get to the door? Is she potty trained after she learns to ring the bells on the door to let you know she needs to go out? Or try the Might Paw Smart Bell. My definition of a potty trained puppy is: I can give my puppy freedom around the house without worrying about potty accidents. My puppy will go to the back door when she has to potty and wait at least 30 seconds for me to let her out. Now, this definition does not eliminate all potty accidents. Elsa is 6 months old and potty trained by my definition. One last thing I want to say about when a puppy is potty trained. While your puppy may be potty trained and perfect in your own home that may not be the case everywhere your puppy goes. If you leave your puppy with a friend, your pup may not know where she is supposed to potty in her new environment. You should keep in mind and advise any novice puppy sitters that your puppy may need some help learning where to go potty. Golden puppy potty break Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to potty train a puppy is one of the most common questions we get on the blog, but as I said earlier, it feels like we are a blog about pee and poop. However, I was talking to a colleague of mine who has experience working with hundreds of puppies. So, the answer to the question of can an 8-week old puppy be potty trained is yes, but it very rarely happens. In order for them to be fully potty trained by 8 weeks old, they would have to be trained by their previous caretakers. Our most recent puppy, a black Labrador Retriever named Elsa came home to us when she was exactly 8 weeks old. Her breeder started potty training her by teaching her to do her business on a piece of artificial turf. When she came home to us at 8 weeks old Elsa still had accidents in the house. Even though she understood the place to go potty I think at 8 weeks old she lacked the bladder control to hold it. First of all, most week old puppies lack the bladder control to hold their potty. It would be difficult to potty train a puppy in 7 days, but not impossible. When we brought home Raven she was just over 1 year old and she was not potty trained. We were able to potty train her in less than 7 days. However, she was older and could control her bladder, we had potty trained many puppies before her and understood how to potty train a puppy. Finally, I think her previous caretaker may have started her training before she came to our home. Since we crate train all of our puppies our answer to this question is the same as our original answer. Of course, our answer is not without a little insight. I suspect new puppy owners who use their crate properly to potty train their puppies are accident-free sooner than those who do not use a crate. The key to potty training is to prevent your puppy from having accidents in the house. The crate is a great tool to help prevent accidents in the house. A properly crate-trained puppy will not pee or poop in the crate. Therefore when you go to bed at night you should not have to worry about accidents in the house. During the day when you need a puppy break, you can crate your pup and not worry about accidents during your puppy break. Check out our blog post about how to crate train a puppy for more information on crate training. I am not an expert on all dog breeds. However, I have worked with many different breeds apprenticing as a trainer at our local doggie daycare. That being said I have worked extensively with Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers and the majority of my experience is based on these two highly trainable breeds. I have talked to many trainers and in general, the more trainable breeds tend to learn potty training more quickly. Final Thoughts Every puppy is different. Every puppy is different. In our experience, it takes our puppies approximately weeks before they are potty trained. Now back to you! Did it take longer or shorter than weeks to potty train your puppy? Tells us about your experiences in the comment section below.

Doodles from our family to yours. Look no further than RedLetter Doodles! Our hypoallergenic puppies are specially bred to have a predictable non-shedding coat, producing less dander for those with allergies. We raise our puppies in a loving family environment, ensuring they are well socialized and prepared to transition smoothly into their new homes. Contact us today to learn more about our breeding program and available puppies. All our females undergo genetic testing for both colors and diseases, and we only breed them with stud dogs who have undergone genetic testing to ensure healthy offspring. We provide every puppy with a wellness veterinarian exam, remove their dew claws, give them their first shot, and de-worm them before they leave for their new homes. We take pride in providing a no-risk breeder experience for our customers. Our RedLetter Promise guarantees our puppies until they reach two years of age against any life-threatening congenital or hereditary defects. Our dedication to responsible breeding practices ensures that every puppy that leaves our home is healthy and well-cared for. Contact RedLetter Doodles. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Meet the Parents. Studs Premier breeder of mini and medium Goldendoodles. We are proud breeders of amazing mini and medium goldendoodle puppies. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, our puppies are multigens and come in wonderful colors of apricot, red, cream, black, chocolate, phantom, sable, and parti. Our puppies have wavy to curly coats, and are low to no shedding. Healthy dogs are a priority to us. Therefore, each of our parent dogs are genetically tested and we offer a two year guarantee against genetic disease. Our two-year guarantee covers genetic joint issues. And, finally, all of our parents visit a certified veterinary ophthalmologist every two years to get their CAER certificates. We raise our dogs with care, including taking critical steps during the first eight weeks of the puppy's life to ensure we raise happy, socially successful, and trainable dogs. Early neurological stimulation, daily handling and play, noise-desensitization, and age appropriate exposure to a crate are important parts of our program. And, of course, at 4 weeks we give the pups a great start to house-training with scheduled meals and outside potty time. The size range of the female English Golden Retrievers I have owned range from lbs. In my 20 years of breeding English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles I am achieving a very good consistency with creating sizes. I am at the forefront of creating and perfecting the Pocket Size lbs. Micro is then a huge classification of any puppy less than 14 lbs. Whether you call them Micro Goldendoodles, Micro Petite Goldendoodles, Toy Goldendoodles, Teacup Goldendoodles; they all have the same great personality as their larger Goldendoodle ancestors in a cute small little package. Here at Hilltop Pups, we only breed Poodles with English Golden Retrievers for their excellent health record with an average life span of years. Absolutely no other breeds mixed in to rush the downsizing. Downsizing takes several generations by breeding in a smaller size poodle every 2 to 3 generations to retain the English Golden Retriever personality. Our smallest poodle here is 3 lbs. Since Hilltop Pups team is creating and perfecting the smallest Goldendoodles along with the increasingly popular Irish English Goldendoodles; we have our own size range chart of the average sizes we have witnessed in the past 20 years of breeding. Until an organization such as AKC or CKC identifies Goldendoodles as an official breed, no organization can state what the size standards are as they vary so greatly with breeders breeding American or English Golden Retrievers, plus the range of poodle sizes from lbs. Although Goldendoodles are not considered a Purebred dog breed; it is still important to register your puppy with a reputable canine tracking organization. This will allow breeders to have the information necessary to make responsible breeding decisions. I am an official Preferred Breeder by the strict Breeding Standards set forth by CKC which has the best pedigrees for tracking ancestors for breeding purposes. There are many Designer Dog Registries, but I prefer one of the two largest reputable groups. The English lines create the Teddy Bear look. The English Golden Retrievers have short stocky legs and shorter body length, whereas, American Golden Retrievers can have long bodies and are taller. From there we will have a better understanding of your wants and needs, to properly answer your questions. At Hilltop Pups you get the honor of choosing your puppy with our expert assistance of course. We do not assign puppies to you. We allow visitors because we are proud of our establishment. Beware of Breeders not allowing you to visit and hiding behind Parvo to scare you off. Google Earth those Breeders addresses and names. If you cannot find their name and address on their website immediately exit their website, they are hiding something such as arrest record for cruelty to animals. There are as many good Breeders as there are Puppy Mills out there. My two daughters Abby and Brittany are breeding dogs at their houses, and all puppies are raised with the same excellent breeding practices. Our three sons also house dogs for us; all their dogs are listed on my website, so we can link our websites together. I love hearing from my puppy parents how easy going their puppy is and friendly with everyone. This is due to all the loving care givers our dogs and puppies are with every single day. I have my three Granddaughters ages help with puppy Early Stimulation training and play, so puppies meet a wide variety of people and children in a comfortable trusting setting. When a puppy has been trained by only one person, say a lady; then the puppy may be fearful of a man or a child. Thus, we create confident, brave well-adjusted puppies. Luckily, I have the sweetest husband that cannot sit still and is always looking for something to do or something to clean up. Feel free to contact us via email preferred at hilltoppups yahoo. We will make every effort to answer your questions promptly and truthfully! During busy times, such as when there are several litters of puppies to care for or a mom in Labor, email is much easier for us and we can put in writing complex questions, so you have time to digest and study the information. Our FAQ page is an excellent place to start if you are not familiar with Goldendoodles, as I have collected 20 years of most often asked questions. Email is more efficient; when you call, I may be bathing or grooming a dog or puppy and I cannot leave them unsupervised. Emailing gives me time to answer questions thoroughly, attach reading material, pictures of puppies or Goldendoodles for example. For those people that cannot visit in person, we provide a lot of pictures and video to assist with the selection process. On our website you can search pages by size category, so you have less to look through. On the Sire and Dam pages all our dogs are listed and their health tests. Click on any document to view it. If you do not adopt a puppy from me request proof of health documents and pedigrees before submitting that non-refundable deposit. If a Breeder does not present documents up front, some never will. Some of the dogs listed on my website live with my two daughters and three sons. My two daughters work with me, live close by, and will someday take over my business. It all started here with a dog loving family with 5 children. With my background of Human Resource Management, I know how to research and apply my knowledge in respect to Breeding Laws, better breeding practices, and making my business the best it can be from the treatment of my dogs to my customer service. Some Breeders pick your puppy for you. At Hilltop Pups you get to choose your puppy with our expert advice. We post pictures of puppies every 7 to 10 days with videos, so you get to watch them grow. We schedule visits one hour apart at the top of each hour, once the schedule is full, we schedule on the half hour as well. After each visitor we disinfect everything that has been touched. I am aware some of you are coming a great distance. Go to your car in advance and GPS our address, make sure your GPS is set for highways "not scenic route" as we live on the edge of a town and the GPS will take you through winding country roads. Then give yourself an extra half hour, as I prefer you be early than late running into the next appointment. If you are not able to visit, I take many videos of the puppies and if you have narrowed down your selection to two puppies; we can make you videos of just those two puppies. Rarely in the last 18 years has someone changed their mind when they arrived here and picked a different puppy than the puppy they first fell in love with via our website. You are welcome to fly here to get your puppy. Currently American Airlines has resumed puppy shipping, but temperatures at any point in the flight including departure and layover, must be below 85 degrees and above 32 degrees. Which is a challenge here during the Summer and Winter months, plus any stop over destination and arrival destination temperatures. You are welcome to fly here; Louisville Kentucky airport is the closest at only 80 miles away. Many people are choosing Delivery to your door via vehicle delivery service. Here are reputable delivery companies I have been using for years; you contact the companies directly, arrange shipments with them, and pay them their shipping fee when they deliver the puppy to you. Flight Nanny Service contact Mary Venneketter for cost .Early Stimulation Training program is our highest priority which we start at 3 days old and once puppies are walking around, we still hold them every day on their backs, talk to them to create eye contact, rub all over them to make grooming easier in the future. We teach our puppies not to jump on people and to sit at your feet for attention. Puppies are paper trained to go on shredded paper which feels just like grass, so house training is a breeze, or if you need to train on potty pads that is easy as well. See what your puppy learns before you get the puppy home. The first step in your puppy's future. The next step in your puppy's future is your training from the very first day your puppy enters your home. Want to train your puppy from the convenience of your home as early as the day the puppy arrives home? No waiting until your puppy is fully vaccinated to start training. I suggest you start the training program before your puppy arrives; so you will be off to a great start. After completing this course your puppy should qualify. They are very friendly, helpful, easy to understand, and encouraging, which motivates you to continue in your training adventure. They offer video lessons, plus one on one training question and answer sessions via video chat. This is a Lifetime Program with Members Only Access to training methods, materials, and other resources needed for Pet Parenting and beyond. To continue training where we left off, I highly suggest you have the first unit completed before you get your puppy home. We create the best puppy for you, and you create the best Dog Ever! We are proud of our establishment and have a Visitation Room which includes windows for you to view where our Adult Dogs are Housed. We bring the puppies and adults to you to visit with them. For the safety of our dogs and puppies we do not allow you to walk through the facility, because we would need to disinfect everywhere you walked. We have had this practice in place since the beginning of our breeding program and have never contacted any health concerns by doing so, beware of Breeders that do not allow you to visit hiding behind false statements. Breeders walk everywhere in the world, shopping centers, gas station, Veterinarian Offices and then come home and walk around their kennels, just like anyone else. So why shouldn't people visit? I prefer puppies to get all the interactions they can with different people; you are providing valuable puppy training as well. Evansville is a one-hour drive. This is our house, not a public shopping center. We require appointments to visit as you do want to make sure we are home and able to focus our attention on you and have adequate time for you to interact with the puppies. This is not a large place; the visitation area can get crowded quickly if more than one family is visiting at a time. Our visitation Room does have windows on two sides, so you can see where and how all our adult dogs are housed. It is very important to stay as close to your scheduled arrival time as possible, give yourself that extra half hour for traffic concerns. We are at Eastern Time. Jasper is an aesthetically pleasing clean town of 15, and always rated at the top of the best places to live listings. How amazing it would be for AKC to do this; it is up to Breeders to commit to keeping their breed healthy going forward by health testing the parent dogs. Which believe me very few Breeders invest their money back into their dogs; so always demand copies of health testing prior to even submitting a deposit. DO Not trust Breeders that say they will provide the documents when the puppy goes home, demand proof up front. It is a nightmare to try to get paperwork from a Breeder after you have the puppy, because they do not have it. The Breeder is pulling on your emotions knowing you are getting attached to the puppy and then you are stuck with no proof that you have a healthy puppy that will live a long healthy life. Breeders never to rarely give you the correct documents after you have the puppy, learn from heart breaking experiences of having to re-home dogs that couldn't pass health screening. My research, commitment, and due diligence has paid off. Here is the foundation for creating the perfect Teddy Bear Goldendoodle and how to build conformity into the Breed. At Hilltop Pups we DNA test the coat type of all our dogs so we can create the most non-shedding hypoallergenic coat as possible. I follow this DNA rule when breeding to make sure my dogs are non-shedding. No guess work involved here; You can brush them and not even get hair to pull out. Next, we only breed with English Retrievers which produce a softer less shedding less matting coat than the coarser American Golden Retriever coats. The weight range of English Golden Retrievers that I have owned is for female and for males, although they look just and big and fluffier than the American Golden Retrievers. Next, we consider the color genetics behind the poodle: Reds-, browns-, and cream-colored poodles produce soft non-shedding coats. White, Gray, and Black poodles produce shredders even in the curly dogs; thus, they have been removed from Hilltop Pups breeding program. In we started breeding the Irish Goldendoodles. I am very pleased with what I have seen in the Irish Goldendoodles. Therefore, I only breed English Golden Retrievers as their life expectancy is years and very few ever have cancer. It takes a few generations to build the dark red poodle color back into the English Goldendoodles since the English Golden Retrievers are only white to cream. For the Irish we started with breeding a health tested American Golden Retriever to a health tested Irish Setter to get the hybrid vigor and dark red color; then bred that with a health tested male poodle and then back to another health tested poodle creating the F1b Irish Goldendoodles to ensure the hypo allergenic non-shed coats, plus get the dark red color and fabulous coats. Advantages of adopting an English Goldendoodle from Hilltop Pups Size range available 8 - 38 pounds Predictable size ranges for F2b and multi-Generations Hypoallergenic if past the F1 First generation, because we can DNA test the coat types for breeding. Fully Vaccinated for their age Trained with Early Neurological Stimulation Trained not to jump on people, but sit at your feet for attention Paper potty trained Pre-spoiled, loved, and well socialized Puppies go home with: A 2-year health guarantee; 4 years if you provide NuVet Vitamin Supplements Microchipped with pre-paid membership enrollment form CKC Registration Papers. Goldendoodle Puppies: F1b vs. Both of these strains of the Goldendoodle breed come with slightly different sizes and appearances, but all will be some of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet! What is an F1b Goldendoodle? What is an F1bb Goldendoodle? This makes them .F1bb Goldendoodles are especially popular among families with moderate to severe pet allergies, as they are even less likely to shed or cause allergic irritation. They also have an even curlier, poodle-like coat and smaller body size than an F1b Goldendoodle. How big is a Medium Goldendoodle? Our F1b Goldendoodle puppies typically fall within the medium size category since they have slightly more Golden Retriever blood. Medium Goldendoodles can vary in size depending on which of the parent breed's genes are more prominent, but their size averages between: Weight: pounds These are the perfect size for families interested in a medium-sized but manageable dog! How big is a Mini Goldendoodle? Our F1bb Goldendoodle puppies typically fall within the small, or mini, size category since they have more Poodle blood. Mini Goldendoodles can vary even more in size because of the complicated mix of parent genes, but their size averages between: Weight: pounds Height: inches at the shoulder These are the perfect size for families interested in a smaller-sized dog! Goldendoodle Litters For Sale.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We strive to breed beautiful, healthy, and loving dogs. All of our adult dogs have been health tested and sleep in our master bedroom as distinguished members of our family. This makes us different than large scale breeders as our puppies are truly a part of our family until they become a part of yours. Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. We raise our puppies using a combination of Puppy Culture curriculum, BAB curriculum, and lots of love. In addition to early neurological stimulation and socialization, our puppies are also started on potty training and crate training. All of our puppies will be examined by a veterinarian, dewormed, and receive age appropriate vaccinations before pick up. Our poodles all have their tails docked to appropriate length and dew claws removed. We leave our doodles natural. We keep a running waiting list for each breed in order of first contact and approved questionnaire submission. We generally allow puppy selections for individual litters starting at around 4 weeks of age. The final balance is due on or before pick up. Please contact us through email, phone, or facebook messenger for specific puppy pricing if it is not listed on our puppies tab. Each of our puppies go home with a Puppy Pack that includes a folder for paperwork, puppy food to get you started, a personalized blanket that smells like mom, and lots of other goodies. Please contact us for a questionnaire if you would like to join our wait-list! We hope that your new best friend will come from our home to yours. About Me Hi! I am a pharmacist by training but am blessed to be a mostly stay-at-home-mom by choice. I have owned and loved dogs all my life- and breeding them has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. My husband and 3 children are a huge part of our operation and they all absolutely adore having so many dogs as a part of our family. I care deeply about the health and happiness of my puppies and am very careful to ensure they are placed in loving, forever homes. Besides dogs, my other interests include house plants, genetics, gardening, Mexican food, all things Disney, and the beach! Feedback from some of our puppy families: "Ok.She is so confident and well adjusted!! Y'all have done an amazing job, she's seriously 1 in a million! He is sweet and spunky! He adjusted to our family so quickly and I believe that is because of the love and care he received from Rachel and her family. Finally brought our baby boy Remi home today. We are in love!! I may be biased but I think he is the cutest, sweetest doodle of all time. A big thank you to Texas Coast Poodles and Doodles for being so amazing and taking such good care of our Remi! They really love their babies and I would recommend them to any family looking for a "furever' best friend!!! Jennifer A. We love him! We were given updates, pictures, videos, and she answered all our questions. We have a girl!! Her name is Suki Sunshine. She is smart, healthy, and loves people. She has added so much joy to our lives. It's very obvious that Rachel and her whole family loves their dogs. This was an awesome experience for us! Julie W. Thanks for paws-ing to stop by our site! Be sure to check out our "News" tab to see what we're up to and our "Puppies" tab for new puppy pics! And please feel free to contact us for any questions or further info about joining our wait-list. Please contact us for a questionnaire and more information! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook texascoastpoodlesanddoodles. We began our dog breeding journey in and never looked back! We want our dogs to have it all--beauty and brains! And we want them to live long lives, but more importantly, live with a very high quality of life. We are so passionate about what we do, and can't wait to work with you! How do we create the ultimate family companion? Raising our breeding dogs from pups inside our home allows us to experience what our families will experience when they raise future puppies. Sometimes we start a dog's health testing early or as a younger pup, but we often wait to let the pup mature so that we can watch its temperament develop. Unfortunately, the term "fully health tested" often refers to a dog that has had DNA testing and a wellness exam by a veterinarian. That level of health testing won't cut it here! Some of our dogs are tested more than others at our discretion. We make all of our dogs' health testing certificates available to potential customers as we feel it is impossible to decide which breeder to support without viewing this real documentation. Health certifications are often forged and faked. Please verify health testing certificates from any breeder with the lab or organization that issued them! We have retired many breeding prospects before ever having a litter because their health testing does not meet our standards. Like retiring a breeding prospect due to temperament, this process is challenging and painful for us as breeders. We are attached to these dogs, and at this stage in the process, we have even more time, money, and unconditional love invested in these dogs. Temperament is paramount when purchasing a family pet. Many families can handle minor health issues that could arise over time, as these are often easily diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Temperament and behavior go deeper, we feel. Families looking for a household pet need a dog that has a reliable, predictable, safe, and easygoing temperament. So this is our number one priority. We pair dogs together with the highest chance of producing puppies with genetics superior to their parents. This is the only way we can secure a future for our pets as well as the future pets of all of our customers. Many of our breeding dogs are in Guardian Homes, and each pregnancy is a unique experience. Sometimes the female will stay with her Guardian Home during the pregnancy and then come to our home to whelp and raise puppies. And sometimes, we will take the female in to care for her throughout her pregnancy. We like to be close to our litters at all times, so they are born and reared in our spare bedroom right across the hall from our bedroom. First, we can maintain superior cleanliness standards. We don't want our home to smell like puppy poop, and puppies poop a lot! So, waste is cleaned up as soon as it hits the ground. Puppies that are raised in a clean environment are easier to potty train! Second, we can observe the puppies' behavior more effectively inside our home. So many families say to us, "I don't know how you get anything done at home; I would be watching those puppies all day long! It's so much fun! But we also observe on a deeper level and take notes daily to best match puppies to families. We have often considered moving litters to a well-designed kennel because of the simplicity it can bring. However, we can't every bring ourselves to do it. We would end up living inside the kennel to be close to the pups! We love what we do, and even though it can be a huge disturbance to have a litter of puppies inside our home, we wouldn't change it for anything. And you get to reap these rewards when you bring home your very own Rebecca Creek Retriever! The historic Rebecca Creek and the breathtaking Guadalupe River are both just minutes away, and our dogs love to splash and play in the gently flowing, crystal-clear waters. This quaint slice of Hill Country heaven has been passed down through the owner's family for generations. Their generosity and hospitality over the years have made it possible for us to have grown our humble program to what it is today. Our spare bedroom was dubbed "The Puppy Room" many years ago, and today has been retrofitted to serve our unique lifestyle. We also have a small boarding kennel, which is located directly adjacent to our home. Our boutique dog boarding service is one of many bespoke services that our families have exclusive access to. However, we do indeed love to enjoy the spirit on occasion as well as visit the local distillery. You may see us there from time to time on bingo nights, listening to live music, sipping on a "Creek Julep," while a dog or two lay under the table. View our Upcoming Events page to see where we plan to be--stop by and say hi! More about us. At Vicky's Toy Puppies you'll find a puppy to love! Click below to view our cute puppies. This food needs to be in your possession prior to scheduling pickup. To order the link is: Pawtree. I am not shipping by air, at this time. Please try again! I have learned to enjoy and target the shed-free tiny dogs. Our way of living is moving toward smaller space, apartments, condos, and smaller dogs can travel with ease, in our mobile society. I have raised hunting dogs for my Father when I was a child and young adult. CavaPoos , MaltiPoos , These crosses are very successful as pets, and companions. Upbringing My puppies are raised in rubber coated stacking cages designed for their comfort, ease of cleaning, and safety. Puppies are provided heat, and cooling, as it is needed. I have raised most of my adults, and find they are better parents for me, and raise calmer, happier babies. Everyone is looking for my arrival, whether it is for an outing, exercise, food and water, or daily cleaning. As they age, I touch, handle, kiss, and play with each litter of babies. Changing their bedding is an opportunity to do the same. Photo taking, baths, basic health supervision is educational times, as well. I view everything I do for the puppies as necessary for their well rounded development. I want my babies excited, and ready for daily routine change. As they develop and mature I take them for auto rides across town and arrange for contact with other people. Special Puppies Some of my Yorkies have become seizure dogs, alerting to seizures, and blood sugar problems. One Chihuahua was raised successfully as a detector of cancer. One Miniature Pincher worked as a service dog, in a counseling setting. Numerous dogs have functioned as hearing aids, alerting to arriving visitors. Countless Chihuahuas have been Asthma Dogs, which means they helped people who had Asthma. I truly enjoy knowing my puppies make a positive difference in human lives.

We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train? Posted on February 8, by Galen Kauffman Share: Looking for a new furever family member and wondering if goldens are easy to train? The answer is usually yes, but there are some factors at play. Whether you are training your Golden Retriever or any other dog for that matter, the main ingredients with dog training are kindness, patience, firmness, and consistency. Compared to other dog breeds, these evenly tempered, popular dogs are smart, and training your family pet guarantees to be easy peasy. Come pick up your new best friend from Ohio, or we can bring them to your door anywhere in the continental US for one low, flat fee! Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being intelligent and eager to please. Nonetheless, owners of this dog breed say it will take time and patience. Read more about if Golden Retrievers are good dogs here hint they are. When you look at how long it takes for a Golden Retriever to reach maturity, then it will take as long as 18 months to fully train your young Golden. You can enroll your dog in a dog obedience training school. You can work with a qualified dog trainer. You can try training your Golden yourself. What about toilet training? Are golden retrievers easy to potty train? There are videos available to show you potty training techniques for your canine friend that will ensure your training is peaceful and even humorous. Male puppies have to transition from squatting to lifting their legs. If they grow up with several female dogs, they may take longer to learn this technique. Dog potty training videos can be a helpful solution for quick and easy training. Be patient with your Golden as accidents are bound to happen. Puppies love routine so if you feed your puppy consistently at the same time, he can get used to you taking him outdoors soon after to do his business. Always reward your puppy when he uses the toilet outdoors so that he knows exactly what is expected of him. In fact, they are looked upon as one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. When you check out ranking statistics on which dog breeds are the most intelligent, the Golden Retriever is way up at the top. In fact, they come in at number 4 out of breeds. Canine psychologists tell us that they are as smart as a 2 and a half-year-old human child. The reason Golden Retrievers can learn so much is that they are eager to please their owners. Because of their affable nature, they derive great pleasure in being petted and patted. They love to hear that they are a good boy or a good girl. Treats for your Golden Retriever should be tasty and healthy. Dog food manufacturers have provided us with lots of dog treat varieties, some of which are — Dog biscuits in a variety of flavors and shapes. Always choose brands that are known for producing high-quality dog foods. Pieces of real meat. Beef or other meat jerky treats. These are available to your pet as shin strips of dehydrated meat. It can be chicken or fish too cut into strips and then dried. Check the ingredients carefully and make sure they contain no added salt or spices. There will be some Golden Retrievers that are difficult to train. Just like people, no two goldens are exactly the same, and they all have their own unique personality. There are many dog training styles and programs and not all of them work for all dogs. Also, no two dogs are exactly the same either, even among the same breeds. Sometimes one feels as though the human owner lacked socialization as a child. The reason that they come across as mischievous is that they are a particular breed of dog that takes a long time to mature. People who have owned these magnificent dogs say that they only really start to settle down and to mature after 2 years of age. Some Golden Retriever owners say that these dogs never grow up — that they remain gorgeously mischievous puppies all their life. Dogs are social animals, and the socialized Golden Retriever is an amicable dog. They are always at ease around people and pets. Your Golden interacts with other dogs through different body postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail and ear positions. Who else is going to welcome you so warmly at the door, lavish you with kisses, and provide you with so much love, loyalty, and laughter? A dog is a long-term investment of 10 to 20 years. It is important to do some serious research before you settle on a good, reputable Golden Retriever breeder. Also, make sure you get the right type of golden retriever for you. When you buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you want to see the breed registration papers. Get a Golden From A Trusted Breeder When you want to bring a Golden into your home, it is imperative to find a quality puppy from a reputable breeder. Their breeding dogs are known for their excellent temperaments and their good health. When you check the track record of exceptional Golden Retriever breeders like ours, you find a consistent record of excellent pups. Puppies bred from great parents will inherit the trainability needed to be the best, more so if you want to enter your dog into competitions. Start Training Early Normally you get your puppy when he is 8 weeks old. Did you know that your Golden Retriever puppy can be attending puppy pre-school at 8 weeks of age already? These preschool classes will usually continue for about 6 to 8 weeks. The Golden Retriever is such a good dog generally, but without training, he will jump up at people, want to fight with other dogs, urinate wherever he pleases, and possibly nip kids and adults along the way. The established club offers classes for Golden Retrievers from basic obedience to more advanced obedience skills with positive reinforcement methods. Through training your dog he can become a much loved, valuable, calm, well-behaved family member. Socialize Them Early Socializing a puppy is all about getting him used to life out there. The key life skills that your puppy learns will ensure he is a calm, confident dog — a pleasure to be around. The beauty about socializing your Golden Retriever early is that you can be sure that he will know how to respond to new, unknown situations without becoming aggressive or fearful. Dog experts tell us that you only have a short window of opportunity to have your puppy socialized. Start as early as 8 weeks of age. The older a puppy gets, the harder the training becomes. Your Golden Retriever can be potty trained in 2 months, but many dog experts say that dog training is an ongoing process right up to age 2. A lot depends on the individual dog, your training methods, and your consistency. Golden Retriever owners say that their female Goldens mature quicker than the males, and because the females are also calmer, they are easier to train. What Commands Should I Teach? When you start with obedience training, stick to a few basic but important commands such as come, sit, stay, and down. One of the biggest obstacles in dog training is not being consistent. It can be most confusing, even for an intelligent dog like the Golden Retriever, to receive mixed messages. Any dog will lose interest. Rather have several short impactful training sessions than one long boring one that turns out to be an obstacle in training. Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? You get a yes and no for this question. Your Golden is such a smart dog that training should be easy. Make the training rewarding for him and praise him with tasty dog treats. Always ensure that the training is in keeping with his age. If you have a few members in your family, ensure that they use the same training strategies and words. Your Golden Retriever needs all the advantages you can give him which is why training for him is such a smart move. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Studies have shown that separating a puppy from mom and siblings before that time may lead to behavior problems later on. The good news is that you can start training your baby golden retriever as soon as he is home with you. Up until your puppy is 6 months old you should focus your attention on 3 main things: Golden Retriever Potty Training This may seem obvious but potty training problems are one of the main reasons dogs are surrendered at shelters. This link will take you to a step-by-step guide on potty training and crate training a golden retriever puppy. Socialization As a dog trainer I get asked many questions about dog behavior and training. In this photo Samsom is being socialized to babies and also to people putting their hands in his food bowl. Always add something yummy! Unfortunately, this period is very short and closes at 3 months of age. This means you have about 4 weeks to socialize your puppy to people of all sizes, genders, colors, ages, with costumes, hats, umbrellas; dogs of all sizes, colors, ages; cars, buses, trucks, loud noises, water, hair trimming, nail trimming, etc. Take your pup to a golden retriever training and socialization class that uses only positive methods. The first four weeks with your new golden retriever pup should be the busiest ones, follow this link for a detailed list and guide on how to socialize your new baby dog. It is natural and completely normal. The good news is that you can teach them to control the pressure they make with their mouth until mouthing turns into soft kisses. Follow this link for a how-to-guide. Playing with a puppy's mouth is a great way to teach him to how control his teeth. Finally, you can also start golden retriever training obedience commands, since puppies can learn very fast many things but you need to concentrate your attention on the three topics above, because they are key factors to help your puppy become a friendly and social dog, one you can trust and trusts you. Teaching your kids to train your Golden Retriever puppy is a grat way for them to bond. Sit and stay! Do not give up. Then repeat 3 more times. This is classic adolescence behavior and may start happening when your golden is between months. Just like humans, dogs also have an adolescence period, and just like humans, they like to test boundaries. During this time it is very important that you continue training basic obedience commands: Take your golden retriever dog to an obedience class that uses positive methods only! The ease of training dogs varies across different breeds and the age at which they are adopted. Retrievers are typically released two months after birth and ready for training. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train because of their high social intelligence, loyalty, and desire to please; they can understand commands and positive consequences in the first few weeks. However, if you do not teach them early on, you may need to work harder to get them to unlearn bad habits. We must remember that Golden Retrievers are acclimatized to working with people and are definitely people pleasers. They were bred as hunting dogs to retrieve shot-down waterfowl and are still used today as gundogs by sportspersons to retrieve game birds. They are also used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs. While training a Golden Retriever is easy, you have to start early. If the dog misses the early portion of the training, the later stages draw out perpetually. By now, you know the dangers of being too late in training your dog. But what if you are too early for the party? Not if you go by the standard release time. The average breeder releases a Golden Retriever at 8 weeks old. You should train your Golden Retriever at two months old because, by that stage, he has grown enough to take cues and is sufficiently self-reliant not to need his mother to survive. He will have already learned canine behaviors by interacting with his mother and littermates, but now he can continue to learn by association. Initial training should be kept light. As mentioned in the table, it is simply a period where you establish your authority as the source of commands and rewards. You can even go 2 weeks without giving any proper training to your freshly-released pup without impacting his progression. However, the 8 to week period from release to assimilation is important. A traumatic experience can have a negative and counter-productive effect during this period. Read further if you: Have a Golden Retriever older than seven weeks or plan to get a puppy Want an approximate schedule for training your pup Wish to train a dog using positive reinforcement and ethical training methods Want to commit to 1. At this point, you have to train your puppy to see you as an authority figure. Moreover, the puppy can only form the most obvious associations between command, response, and consequence, so it is crucial to adapt your training strategy accordingly. For example, you can start clapping if your pup runs toward you. Once he realizes that clapping and running toward you are linked, you can clap, and he will run toward you. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. Each anchor has to be hard to confuse with every other anchor. Clapping, for instance, is an anchor that can be confused with snapping your fingers. But it is hard to confuse clapping with whistling. This melts a lot of the resistance as you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands. Therefore, the first step should be encouraging your Golden Retriever to follow you. As you may know, dogs evolved from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader usually a parent. Delaying gratification is easier for grown dogs. Young puppies get tired too quickly and spend most of their time sleeping. So if your puppy follows you, reward him with affection, hugs, and appreciation. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your dog establish a connection between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. When your puppy knows that following you results in rewards, you can make the act of following you slightly more challenging. Things you can do may include sharp turns and sudden changes of pace. Lower Socializing Barriers Golden Retrievers are the definition of social beings. Still, their appearance and the love they receive can keep them from becoming completely asocial. But why make socialization difficult when you can facilitate it early in their lives? Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pup is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. Golden Retrievers are bundles of energy, and it would take living in a castle for one to become agoraphobic. Seeing the outdoors as soon as they are ready to take block-long walks is healthier for their social development. Start Potty Training You might wonder how long you have to wait before your Golden Retriever puppy is ready for potty training. Quite simply, your Retriever is ready for potty training the day you bring him home. Cordoning it off and adding a small fence can help him identify it more easily. Next, you need a potty training schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Moreover, many owners use dog crates to help with house training and I highly recommend you do this too. The earlier you discipline your Golden Retriever , the less harsh you need to be with him as he grows up. Biting is one of the behaviors that incur severe penalties for dogs. Golden Retrievers, fortunately, develop a soft mouth and are less likely to administer harsh bites. Still, nibbling must be discouraged so that kids, other pets, and your friends can be safe around your puppy. If you have ever given silent treatment to your spouse, you know it takes intelligence to know that you are in a timeout. So a timeout for a 2-month-old Retriever might not be the right punishment because he might not understand why he is in one. Often, an untrained Retriever puppy might snatch at a treat. After that, you can withhold the second treat and close off your body language. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Golden Retriever will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Teach Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Golden Retriever will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. How to Train a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Once you have established your authority and set initial anchors, it is time to progress the training of your Golden Retriever puppy to the next stage. Four weeks of light training is sufficient for setting anchors and establishing associations. That makes the 3-month mark ideal for slightly more complex commands. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. He will regress to walk behind you. He already knows how to sit and stand, and you have to use the same method you used for the heel position and command to teach your Retriever how to sit or stand on command. The method is simple. The same applies to other position commands. Since your Retriever can tell words apart, he can go into different positions based on the words you say. The anchoring process involves saying something or making a specific sound while your dog is busy holding a certain position or acting a certain way. Now is the time to start saying the words you have associated with his actions in order to inspire said actions. Where you previously whistled when your Retriever ran towards you, now you must whistle so he begins his run. This is the start of his Golden Retriever recall training. It is possible that your Retriever does not respond to the commands. There will be back and forth where you will keep saying words while the dog organically acts. After a few attempts at reinforcing the commands, you can test the triggers again. So avoid forcing your dog to be perfect on the first few attempts. This helps him be social and get close to them. He must learn to be safe and social around strangers too. After all, he has to go on walks without picking fights with people, no matter how friendly Golden Retrievers are known to be. Slowly exposing him to crowds can improve his social tolerance. The less quick he is to bark at strangers, the kinder they will be to him. This triggers a positive feedback loop where he is adored for being social, which encourages him to be more social. Updated: March 2nd, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. So which is best? What is the right age to start training a Golden Retriever puppy? This advice traditionally came from the trainers of working dogs who quite rightly felt it best to leave a puppy to be a puppy, let it grow some and become stronger before starting formal training. It was very physical with the use of corrections and physical punishments and aversives very common. The accepted idea was that it was cruel to be so physical with a very young puppy and so training was delayed until 6 months old or so. But there are so many gentle, positive reward based training methods today that physical corrections and aversives are almost completely unnecessary. So waiting for 6 months to start training is no longer essential. From the moment you get your puppy, they will be watching and learning from you. And much, much more besides. A puppy at 8 weeks knows nothing of life and learns everything from you at an amazing pace, all day every day. So you are training your 8 week old puppy whether you think you are or not. Why not start a little basic obedience or trick training as well? For a variety of reasons, the best age to start training your Golden puppy is as soon as you get them at 8 weeks of age. Puppies soak up knowledge and skills like sponges in their first few months, why not take advantage to teach essential life skills as soon as possible? If you wish to take your puppy everywhere you go, friends and shop owners will want you to have a modicum of control over your puppy while in their premises. Behaviors are being developed all the time in your puppy so you should try to influence good ones and prevent bad ones. Training is quality time you and your pup spend together, forming a bond and strengthening your relationship which is good for everyone involved. Modern training techniques like clicker training and shaping are very positive and fun ways to train that will cause no stress to your puppy and can achieve great results. But if they live indoors with you and your family, are taken through town and into other peoples buildings, then you will definitely want to be able to keep them under control. So starting training early is pretty much essential and will be a massive help to you. Keep training sessions very short, just 2 or 3 minutes long a few times per day. Their attention spans will be incredibly short and you do not want them getting bored and starting to dislike training. Only train simple commands and try to set them up to win and do things correctly. Frequent failure will cause your puppy to start dreading training instead of enjoying it. So keep it simple. In real time, you get to see what you should be teaching your puppy as they grow through all the ages and stages from an 8-week old pup to a well-behaved, good-mannered, obedience trained and confident adult dog. The course is an opportunity to see a professional dog trainer raising a puppy on video, with every single step, every milestone and problem encountered — and solved — along the way, filmed for you to follow along with. Check it out! You should start crate training, house-breaking, bite-inhibition and socialization from the moment you get them home. But Golden Retrievers are such intelligent dogs that they can learn a whole variety of simple commands and tricks while still very young. You can teach your puppy: Sit.