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We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. In the beginning, the food needs for my Labrador Molly changed dramatically. I worried that I was feeding her too little. As she grew older, I became concerned that I was feeding her too much. So, how often should you feed a Labrador? You should feed an adult Labrador two meals per day. You should feed Labrador puppies three meals per day, unless otherwise stated on the food packaging. It is essential to adhere to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your Lab. You should also be aware of how to handle situations when your dog doesn't want to eat on schedule or doesn't finish its meal. In this article Labrador Feeding Schedules Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly. Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food. If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given. Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner. According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit that need the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household. Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death , they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals. Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals. In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total. Use Interactive Food Dispensers Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside. Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing. How Much to Feed a Labrador Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight. If your Lab is not at an ideal weight , you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight. Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision. Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food : Adult Target Weight:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Our Prices and Health Guarantee We are small family based hobby Bernedoodle breeders located in North Phoenix, AZ and we specialize in raising and training gorgeous and healthy high quality Bernedoodles in various sizes and colors. Our puppy parents are health tested and are loving sweet dogs with great temperaments. We try to use holistic natural approach with our family and pups as much as possible. Our special puppy training curriculum starts on day 1 from birth and continues till pups leave us. Many of our pups are working with children and adults with various physical and mental disabilities including Autism and past traumas. We have pups who became mobility and seizure alert service dogs. We teach our fur babies to trust, submit and love people and to adjust easier to many different environments. We use special set of exercises and training techniques from Puppy Culture, BAB by Jeanette Forrey, Super Dog Bio sensory program and set of our own proven exercises that proved themselves amazingly well for our pups for many years and helped us better prepare our fur babies for service and therapy work. We provide our fur babies with a great solid foundation to build on. Our pups start potty training at 3 weeks old and later at 5 weeks old they start using doggy door and at 8 weeks old they are usually keeping their puppy room accident free. Pups will go home potty trained to use doggy door and potty box and will also know a few simple commands appropriate for their age. They will be dewormed and have their wellness exam and first vaccines done by our Vet. Our pups get to spend time inside and outside, learn variety of different surfaces to walk on and play on, learn about different smells and textures, get exposed to a variety of sounds and movements during our desensitization exercises. Reach out to us please and see if we have just the right fur baby for you. Many blessings to you. Katerina Share this:. Scroll Down to Meet the Mamas and Papas! So bernedoodles are typically characterized as great companions they are obsessed with their humans , extremely smart and trainable, can have a nice steady energy level. They can be great for a variety of types of families and individuals - they are typically great with young kids, and with training, can be great for busy young families. They can also be great adventure buddies and loyal companions for folks in all life stages. Because of their low-non shed coats, they can be great for families and individuals with mild to moderate allergies. Because of their furnishings the fluffiness around their muzzle, eyebrows, and legs , they have hair on their coat instead of fur. Because of this, bernedoodles can be considered moderate to high maintenance for grooming. They will need routine brushing and combing by their owners, plus professional grooming every weeks. Bernedoodles are characterized as very smart. Because of this, it is important to fill their need for mental stimulation and give them training and activities. They can be easy to train compared to some other breeds, but it is important to socialize them with new people and new environments during the first 12 months. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to be protective of their families and farms, so they can be aloof around strangers sometime as a breed, so if you want your bernedoodle enjoy new people and new surroundings, give them those experiences as a puppy and that will go with them into adulthood! If you are able to put the time into training, especially the first 12 months, they can be dogs that can enjoy all aspects of your life because of their good and trained behavior. One more characteristic to note is that bernedoodles are extremely loyal animals and love their family and pack. Bernedoodles do not necessarily work well with folks who out of the house a lot while they are left home, or would prefer a dog that can be a bit more independent. They are great with folks who want a bond with their pup and a pup that is considered a companion. Doodles also typically are great with other family dogs - and getting 2 doodles a year apart can be a great experience. Meet the Mamas. Scroll down to read about this amazing breed that we have fallen in love with. We love Bernedoodles! Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards Temperament: Friendly, gentle, smart, affectionate Bernedoodle Basics If you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. While the name may sound a little funny, these dogs make wonderful pets and they are especially great with children. Origin Hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years, so the first crossing of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. The breeder who claims to have been the first to intentionally breed Bernedoodles, however, is Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels. Rupke bred her first litter of two Bernedoodles in and has since developed a breeding program around this hybrid breed. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. These are recommended for those who want a Bernedoode with minimal shedding and are also better for those with more severe allergies to dander. Bernedoodles are playful and affectionate — they do well with children and they love to spend time with their families! This combination is called the F1 Bernedoodle, or a first-generation cross, and it is believed these puppies grow up to be much healthier than both of its parent breeds and will display the most desirable mix of traits. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. Discover more about our Bernedoodle puppies for sale below! The Bernedoodle is a strong, robust dog with a compact and powerful body. It has a bushy tail, long-hanging ears, a triangular muzzle and button eyes. Their coat comes in a variety of colors such as black, white, tan, brindle or a combination thereof. Even though these hybrid dogs have been around less than two decades, the breed is already very popular. Weight Because the Poodle comes in three different sizes, so does the Bernedoodle. A toy or a tiny Bernedoodle stands 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs 10 to 24 lbs. A mini Bernedoodle stands 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 lbs. A standard Bernedoodle stands 23 to 29 inches tall and weighs 70 to 90 lbs. Bernedoodle Temperament and Behavior If you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle, with the laid-back yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. The Bernedoodle is a responsive and loving breed. They are intelligent, social, and good with children. These traits make the Bernedoodle easier to train and a good family dog. Bernedoodles have a relaxed temperament but a moderate energy level. Since the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will have a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. It can even depend on the individual pooch — litter mates that have the same parents might turn out to favor different lineages, some leaning more towards their Poodle or Bernese roots than others. From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. This also means that separation anxiety could end up being a problem for Bernedoodles in case they are not properly socialized. Bernedoodle Health For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In fact, the creators behind this designer breed claim that elimination of health issues typical for the purebred dogs is what drove them to crossbreed dogs in the first place. However, in no scenario is it possible for someone to predict how healthy any dog will be throughout their lifetime: the best you can hope for is that a proper diet, plenty of exercise and regular visits to the vet will help keep your pooch healthy and happy. Life Expectancy The Bernedoodle is still considered a new breed still being perfected so there is not enough information about their lifespan. While there is no way to say with certainty how long Bernedoodles live, breeders estimate that the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years. Of course, there are bound to be slight variations due to the difference in sizes, so a tiny Bernedoodle might live to be 17 years old, while the standard sized are closer to the shorter end of the range. Exercise Requirements The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. They do love their outdoor adventures and will be more than happy to join you on a hike or your morning jog, but they do not need intensive exercise to stay healthy and happy. With that being said, the Bernedoodle can be a good choice for apartment dwellers provided they have enough space and are willing to take their pet on long walks and to the dog park. This means that Bernedoodles adapt to various lifestyles, including different activity levels. You could be letting them roam about in a securely fenced backyard and maybe play with another canine companion, arrange a visit to the dog park for a game of fetch or simply have a daily walk around the block. The smaller varieties — toy and mini Bernedoodles — tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a good daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. A good idea is to offer puzzle toys and interactive toys, too. These will keep your pet entertained and offer a challenge for their smart minds. Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor or sable — black, white and brown. This color combination is also the most difficult to achieve, and as such, the most desirable. Recently, some breeders have presented a merle Bernedoodle which displays a marbled white and gray pattern on a black coat. Puppies with this coat are very rare and usually the most expensive. Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and tend to shed more than wavy or curly-coated Bernedoodles. The goal with crossbreeding these two popular breeds was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes. Bernedoodle Grooming The amount of shedding depends on the type of coat your dog has inherited from either parent. Those with a straighter type are prone to shed more, whereas if its coat is curly it will tend to shed less. Brushing somewhat regularly will help to prevent matting. Bernedoodle Training If bred well, the Bernedoodle should be an easily trainable dog because it inherits intelligence, eagerness to please, and a calm demeanor from its parents. As with other breeds, it is good to train and socialize your dog while still a puppy to avoid destructive and nuisance behavior later in life. During the puppy stage Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong, but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training. It will make both of your lives so much easier in the long run. See store for details on a particular puppy. Dog Registry of America, Inc. International Designer Canine Registry. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And thanks to their excellent temperaments, they also make perfect therapy and service dogs. Of course, we cannot forget that thanks to their Poodle heritage, these pups are well-known for being allergy-friendly dogs with their low-shedding coats. The perfect four-legged companion, we must say! For this reason, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that can be carried onto the offspring. Health warranties should always come in written form, and they typically cover the first one or two years from adoption. After all, breeders can claim whatever they want on their websites. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Arizona, Dulcito Doodles only breeds their litters from fully health tested and cleared parents. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Dulcito Doodles is very much committed to raising healthy, well-rounded, and confident puppies. They follow the Badass Breeders protocols, implement the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , introduce them to grooming and socialization , and start the puppies on litter box training as early as 3 weeks old. In addition to that, they feed their pups a high-quality raw food diet to provide them the best start in their care.

Before you start training your Boxer puppy—or, even better, before you get the puppy—read up on what kind of training is ideal for your breed. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. If you're planning to clicker train, get a clicker. If you're planning to crate train, get the right-sized crate. Also be sure to pick up an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions 10 to 15 minutes twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Ringpress Books Consider expending your Boxer's energy before training sessions by allowing him 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity. This will enable him to better focus on training. Try to train the dog in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Boxer puppy can focus his attention on you. This means avoiding places with other animals or people. Always begin training in your home or yard and build up to environments with more distractions e. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. Don't lecture your dog; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "I've told you not to do that" or "Please stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin Experts believe that a given dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Boxers who are hyper breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. The tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Publisher: Penguin Boxers are playful by nature, and a light, breezy tone will not suffice; he will think you are just playing with him if you are not firm enough. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Admonishing a Boxer puppy too long after the incident is ineffective. If you need to admonish or correct your dog, it needs to be done during or within a few seconds of the act. Dogs will have forgotten the event within seconds of its occurrence, so it's key to address the behavior immediately in order to facilitate the retraining process. Boxers are notoriously stubborn and steadfast, so you may have to correct your puppy numerous times. Always be consistent in your commands and desires of the dog. This helps your dog to understand what is expected. Don't forget to enforce training when you are out and about, so that your dog doesn't just thinking that "Sit" and "Stay" are things he has to do in the yard or house. By enforcing commands in public places it helps your Boxers to understand he must obey under all circumstances. Leave no room for doubt about what is acceptable behavior for your Boxer puppy. If he is not allowed on the furniture, be consistent. Boxers won't understand the concept of "sometimes"; they are either permitted to lie on the couch or they are not. If you live with other people, make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the training program. Using different words for the same action will confuse the dog, disrupt the training already done, and ultimately delay progress. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Love Boxer Dogs? Boxer Dogs are great family pets. They can often be referred to as the clown of dogs because of their joyful personality and clumsy behaviour, which can be very entertaining! They are a loyal companion and make great guard dogs, alerting their owners of anyone who approaches the property. Also, they tend to love affection from people they meet, including children, and enjoy an energetic run around with other dogs they come across! However, as with all breeds of dogs, Boxer Dog training from a young age is important. Boxer Dogs are a clever breed and can be quite trainable once you find the right reward to motivate them. The pros of this breed could go on forever. They really are amazing dogs. However, one of the main things people need to consider with this breed is their high energy levels! If you do not have a particularly active lifestyle then the Boxer Dog may not be the right breed for you. Boxers are highly energetic and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. If you are unable to dedicate time to put into exercising your Boxer Dog or finding ways to give mental stimulation, then you will find it exceedingly difficult to train and get along well with your dog. They also hold a reputation for being stubborn. This can cause problems for when you are trying to get them to do something. You need to have a lot of patience and persistence for Boxer puppy training. They are quick learners but you have to get through that stubbornness first in order to train them really well. Boxer Dogs are really energetic! Many people worry that training their new dog is going to be hard. Here are our top 10 tips for training Boxer Dogs to help you along your way… Make sure to exercise before training Boxers are an energetic breed and can become distracted easily. To help focus their attention on to you, exercise them before a training session. Discover what your dog likes When starting your Boxer puppy training, rewards are crucial. Every Boxer Dog is different and, as a result, they will all be motivated by different rewards. For example, some prefer treats and some prefer toys. You need to find out what your dog prefers and use that as a reward. If your dog likes treats, find their favourite treat. If your dog likes toys, find their favourite game. You can use these as rewards for good behaviour, which will make training sessions far easier! Reward Accordingly Depending on the exercise you and your dog are doing, you need to reward accordingly when it comes to Boxer Dog training. For example, if you are training your dog to walk to heel down the road, it may not be a good idea to reward your dog with a game of fetch. Focus on the good stuff Even though your Boxer may exhibit unwanted behaviour sometimes, you still need to focus on the good behaviour. As we said before, Boxer Dogs are stubborn, so reward their good behaviour and you will motivate them to do it more. The more you reward the good behaviour, the more likely it is that it will happen again. Motivation This is a similar point when it comes to Boxer Dog training. Boxers are known to be stubborn, but if we motivate them then they are more likely to do what we ask them to do. Using their favourite treats and other rewards is the best way to do this. So, we need to structure regular play times in for them. Dogs naturally want to play in the evening after their meal. You may notice that at some point in the evening they get a surge of energy and bounce around and want to play. This is a good time to play with them. One, two, three, and go Boxers are a very sociable breed and often get caught up with wanting to play with other dogs. To help with Boxer Dog training and for them to understand that they do not have to stay and play with every dog, you can teach them the 3-second rule. The rule is they can only meet for three seconds and then they are called away. This allows them a brief amount of time to say hello and then come back to you. If you do this enough, you will condition your dog to say hello and then walk on, making your walks a lot less hassle! Change Direction Boxers can be quite excitable when taking them out for walks and they may pull on the lead. To help combat this, you can change direction every time your Boxer Dog walks in front of you. This key point in Boxer dog training will teach them to follow you. And, if you reward them when they are well behaved and next to you, they will learn that they will get treats when they are beside you. Consistency is key It is very important to be consistent with the rules you are setting in place when it comes to Boxer puppy training. If you do not want your dog on the sofa but someone else allows it, then you will confuse your dog. Everyone in the household has to be reading off the same page in order for your dog to understand what it is you want from them. Set clear rules, and make sure everyone sticks to them! Learning to settle Teaching your dog to settle and relax is important for them so that not only can they unwind and relax, but they also understand how they should behave when you have visitors. This is when your dog lays down but rocks their hips over to one side. When your dog is in this position you can reward them and pair it with the word settle. If you wanted to take it a step further you can teach them to do this in their bed. Taking the time to teach them this key skill will really help the harmony in your home! What can good Boxer Dog training look like? Here at Royvon, we absolutely love working with Boxer Dogs to help them reach their full potential and thrive with their owners! Have a look at the video below to find out more! Meet Pippa! Pippa came to Royvon with obedience issues and problems with keeping her focus on her owner. She worked with our trainer Anna to help improve her behaviour! Anna and Pippa made great progress using positive reinforcement to reward her for ignoring possible distractions. Great work Pippa and Anna! Here at Royvon, we love working with dogs of all breeds, not just Boxers! With options to suit everyone from group puppy classes to intensive one-to-one residential training, we can cater for all needs! Whether your pup just needs to learn some basic manners, or they have issues such as aggression and anxiety, our progressive and science-based training methods are here to help! Want to find out more about what we can do to help you and your dog? All of these highly successful competitors make it a practice to begin training their puppies as early as possible to insure success in their chosen field of competition. Before beginning to describe the specific methods they use in training their puppies, it might be helpful to summarize some of the research on puppy development and learning abilities, to show why their methods have been so successful for them. There have been a number of scientific studies done on canine development -- some of which have actually been used as the basis for human Infant and early childhood studies. As early as , Clarence Pfaffenberger presented information on the developmental stages in a puppy's life in his book, The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior. Pfaffenberger was deeply involved in the early research into the genetics of behavior and the development of traits through his work with the Guide Dogs for the Blind organization. In his chapter titled, "Some Critical periods in the Life of a Puppy", he described studies into canine development that were largely based on the research of J. Scott and his associates studied hundreds of puppies from birth until early adulthood - including their interactions with people in training situations. While the main focus of Dr. Scott's work was to discover developmental patterns and learning routines that could be applied to human children, the observations he and his colleagues made of their test puppies have added immeasurably to our understanding of how our dogs learn and how their personalities develop. Scott's research showed that all puppies go through the following stages: Stage One - Neonatal Survival from birth to 21 days old. During this period, the bitch's influence and her care of the litter is critical to its survival, but aside from having their physical needs met, food, warmth, care by the mother, etc. Stage Two - Primary Canine Socialization 21st day through 49th day. Both Dr. Scott and Mr. Pfaffenberger's research showed that starting around the 21st day, when the puppies can see, hear and smell fully, a critical period of socialization takes place with it's mother and litter mates that last at least until the puppy is 7 weeks old. It is during this period that the puppy learns how to be a dog and to interact appropriately with other dogs. A premature end to this critical canine socialization can lead to lifelong maladjustment problems with other dogs. As Mr. Pfaffenberger remarked, "It has been our experience at Guide Dogs for the Blind that the puppy who does not complete his seven weeks of canine socialization is often the same dog that, when grown, picks fights with all the strange dogs he meets. However, he also said, "Socialization with human beings, by taking the puppy from the nest and giving personal affection and some little training as early as five weeks of age my emphasis , was found to be desirable. Pfaffenberger went on to say that because they tested their puppies to determine their aptitude for guide dog work, they could not place them in a foster home until after 12 weeks of age. But they discovered that regular socialization and training, which were part of the evaluation process at least one half hour a week were sufficient to properly socialize their puppies. They routinely taught puppies from 7 to 12 weeks of age to heel, come and fetch. Stage Three - Broad socialization and significant new experiences from day 49 to day .This period from approximately the 49th day through the 84th day of a puppy's life should be devoted to as wide a variety of new experiences as the puppy is capable of absorbing. During this period, puppies are absorbing information at an astonishing rate and furthermore, they appear to be laying the foundation for their later and lifelong learning abilities. As Pfaffenberger goes on to say, "When is the best time to start to teach a puppy? The answer is, of course, as soon as it can learn, which is during the second critical period, 21 to 49 days of age. Like a child, a puppy is going to learn. If it does not learn what you want it to learn from you, it will form habits and learn from its littermates and other associates, things which may be contrary to what you want to teach it. The things which a puppy picks up on its own may be a block to its learning which will make success in training difficult or impossible later. And that if this opportunity is lost, it can never be regained because once a puppy has passed through these critical stages, he will never go through them again. While Pfaffenberger's book was one of the earliest to deal with this subject, many subsequent books on the subject of canine behavior and development have added to this knowledge and to the warning about delaying proper socialization and training. Do not waste this critical time in your puppy's life, but begin gentle "play-training" lessons with your young puppy. And also keep in mind that consistent, regular and brief training sessions with your puppy can make a world of difference in his success in later life. OK, if I've been able to convince you of the importance of training your puppies early and often, let's get to the "How to Train" your little Boxer baby. For this next section, we are going to hear from a number of highly successful competitors in all areas of canine competition. They are going to share with us, their puppy training techniques. Let's see what training methods top competitors advise to make your Boxer as successful as possible in the ring. First we'll hear from Debbie Struff of Raklyn Boxers. In addition to being a successful Connecticut breeder, Debbie is one of the top professional breed-ring handlers in this country. Bookmark Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States. Training should be started as soon as possible with Boxer pups. Among the wide range of dog breeds, Boxers are known to be one of the most trustworthy and intelligent. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. Because of their sturdiness and robust personality, they have been employed occasionally on police and military operations. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and therapy dogs. These canines have interesting traits, in spite of their menacing appearance, that make them easy to take care of and a wonderful family favorite. It is essential to make yourself aware of the type of dog that you are going to handle, as well as the right time to start training your puppy. Ideally, Boxer training is not initiated until the Boxer pup turns three weeks old. During this period, he is able to learn how to obey simple commands which will make the upcoming training more effective. Furthermore, Boxer owners must know the various characteristics that this type of canine possesses. The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands great attention. Boxers are renowned for their great love and faithfulness to their master and households. They are harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers; bright and friendly at play, but brave and determined when aroused. The Boxer's intelligence and willing tractability, its modesty, and cleanliness make it a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. This breed is extremely loyal, and is never mean or treacherous even in its old age. However, you must keep an eye on the precipitating factors for his anguish when it does appear and find out the reason for his unpleasant behavior right away, so that his frustration does not become part of his personality. TIP 2: Socialization is vital. Boxer dogs need interaction during the entire training process. Boxer puppies, in general, love to fool around, be with other human beings, and need some form of recreation. If integrated into the training environment, your dog will grow up more responsible. Boxers do not like being loners. They need to socialize with others just like humans. If not properly socialized or interacted with on a regular basis, Boxer aggression problems such as biting, chasing and barking loudly might arise unexpectedly and be difficult to correct. TIP 3: Providing regular exercise is absolutely essential. Boxer training should also include having your dog perform exercises. It can be a kind of sport or any outdoor activity. The key is to keep him active and agile, which helps him manage his energy levels when indoors. This exercise can be anything from a nice afternoon walk to playing a sport with him such as tossing a ball or frisbee. Boxers enjoy moving around, frolicking, and playing for hours. More movement means more strength and vigor for your dog. TIP 4: You are the alpha dog! During Boxer training you get to assume the role of a leader. It is imperative that your dog always treat you as his master and have no control over you. Make yourself the Alpha dog, especially during leash training. Leaders should be strict and dominant especially when setting rules. You must have the power over him and not allow him to overtake you. Adhering to this strict regimen until your dog fully learns and understands what behavior is acceptable and required will be worthwhile when taking him for a walk or to a dog park for exercise. Want to learn how to save on veterinary care? Click here TIP 5: Use a reward system. If your Boxer has been conforming well to the rules you have taught him during training, praise him often. Positive reinforcement is also an important element in Boxer leash training. You may give him his favorite bite-sized treat for being a good dog. Foods, toys, and telling him "Good job! Just as important as praise is remembering that if he misbehaves, you should just correct him and not punish. Punishing him violently or excessively may trigger Boxer aggression problems in the form of biting and scratching. The whole idea here is to repay him for his excellence and to reprimand in a firm but friendly manner. TIP 6: Whenever possible, spend extra time with your Boxer, beyond the training sessions. Some owners who do Boxer training might not appreciate the significance of the amount of time shared with their dogs. Insure that you allot time for your pup beyond the training to reassure him you love him and that he is your friend and companion and member of the family. Keeping your dog company is one way to bring your relationship with him to the next level, as well as increasing the success of the training. Avoid letting him feel unwanted or neglected. TIP 7: Teach your Boxer basic tricks. In Boxer training, teaching your dog a new skill is also important. As he learns a trick or two, it will not only impress friends and family, but also helps to increase your dog's mental development and obtain his trust easier. Sit, stand, roll, and kneel are a few examples of basic tricks you can teach your canine. These tricks just need patience and perseverance and he will grow into a very clever dog. TIP 8: Visit your veterinarian for help when needed. Certain problems may come up while training your Boxer. In this case, seek help from your vet for experts in your area familiar with this particular breed. Some of the issues such as proper crate training, ways to prevent Boxer anxiety and how to keep him from jumping on other people might require some extra help. The greatest tip for training your Boxer will be to approach him with patience, persistence and lots of love. Your Boxer will become a remarkably well trained dog, and a wonderful member of your family. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more! WhatsApp If you own a pet dog, one of your key priorities should be training it. It has also been noted that the earlier you start training your dog, the easier it would be to do so. You can train your dog a number of commands when it is quite young. Furthermore, every breed is different and they all have varying personality traits. Today, we will be talking about dog training the popular Boxer dog breed. Boxer Dog A medium-sized guard dog that originally came from Germany, the Boxer is one of the most popular choices as pets today. This breed has a box-shaped face, with a squarish jaw and muscular body which makes it quite good-looking. But they are not only friendly companions. They are also extremely intelligent, intuitive, alert, and patient; all traits making them a very popular breed. In addition to being family dogs, they can be raised as guard dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, and will also help owners in many other activities- if trained to do so. Are Boxer Puppies Easy to Train? They are intelligent dogs, who are extremely willing to learn provided that the training process begins at the right time and in the correct manner. Make sure that you do not neglect training your boxer puppy because this breed has a high-energy level. Without learning the commands, your boxer puppy might develop bad habits or become overly hyper, aggressive, or even fearful. However, there are some tips that will greatly help dog owners in achieving success while training. Training the Boxer Early On When it comes to Boxer puppies, it is best to begin the training sessions within the first 20 weeks of their life. You have to start defining boundaries, setting rules, and assigning them their role in the initial stages of life. So, start with basic commands as soon as you can. This does not mean you can start professional training when the boxer puppy is only a few weeks old. Different obedience training should be started at different stages. While some of them are advised super early, others can be started when the pup is around 6 months old. However, Boxers learn best and quickest when they are taught early in life. This should be started as soon as possible for Boxers. However, remember that the boxer puppy is still young and scared, so you have to be extremely soft and never scold him. Start training by taking it to the potty spot around mins after a meal and stand and wait there till the puppy eliminates. You have to start building a regular potty training schedule and overtime, you will see how your boxer dog follows a consistent routine themselves. You can also teach them voice commands from the start as the dog can easily pick these too. So, potty train your dog as a start and then slowly add more commands. Proper crate training is also important for teaching responsibility and good behavior to them. When the boxer is three to four months old, you can start teaching your dog these commands. Remember to use food treats as a way of rewarding them every time they understand your voice cues. The best training method is giving your dog lots of praise and reinforce good behavior with a reward system. Leash Training Boxer Dogs All dog breeds must be taught how to stay on the leash and get used to it. You will be taking your dog for walks regularly, and using the leash is the only way to control them while they are out. Boxer dog training cannot be complete without this important lesson. Make sure that you have a suitable and comfortable collar and leash for your boxer. Again, keep a tasty treat with you when you are on a walk and offer it whenever the dog stays by your side. Remember, these sessions should be kept short and positive. You should constantly lure it towards yourself so it learns to walk with you. When it starts to act like a devil and keeps pulling away, then ignore it. When your dog comes back to you, reward it. Always troubleshoot related leash behavior problems by sticking to this strategy. Crate Training For Boxers Your dog must know how to stay in a crate happily. You can teach them to do so by providing them a large and comfortable crate. When you start to crate train your Boxer, you can expect some crying and whining initially. Puppies tend to cry a lot in the first few nights. But you must stay strong and pull yourself through no matter how your pup reacts. So the golden rule is, you are not to allow the puppy out of the crate until it stops crying on its own. Keep practicing this and soon, your doggo will be totally fine. When you finally open the crate, keep a treat ready so your dog knows it did a good job. Importance of Proper Socialization In successful boxer dog training, socialization also plays a key role. Boxers need to be given the opportunity to interact and get along with other human beings. Simply spending time with their dog trainer or owner is not adequate for them. This will help to prevent aggression issues like biting or chasing as well as barking loudly. This should be integrated with puppy training early on as it is much harder to correct such problems later on when you have an adult dog. Who is the Alpha dog? Before you begin puppy training, you must know that dogs have a pack mentality. This means that there is only one alpha, who is their leader. And this alpha leader should always be you, the owner! Dominance training is an important approach that is often recommended while training the boxer breed. No matter what you are training, let your puppy know what is acceptable and what is not. You will be the rewarding giver and the commander at all times. Make sure to always exude confidence and control with your demeanor and voice, because dogs can easily pick these cues. This entire approach is very effective in training your dog well. Spend time with your Boxer Dog Although it is important to be the alpha, you also need to take on the role of a loving owner. Boxers love attention and time, so it is important that you also have separate fun, playtime with them-apart from training sessions. This allows your dog to see you in a different light as well. It helps you bond with them better, and as these dogs are so loyal and affectionate, it will also help achieve more training success. After all, boxers are known to be obedient and faithful to their owner, especially when they have developed a deep connection with them. We recommend you to always visit the veterinarian if your Boxer is facing behavioral issues that stand out as odd to you or if you are having too much trouble training it. This is to ensure that your doggo is fine and not facing any other issues you may be unaware of. Boxers are a family favorite and a highly recommended canine companion for everyone. Using our tips, you can train it to be an excellent partner who will be forever obedient and extremely well-behaved. We hope this guide was helpful to you. Enjoy training your Boxer pup!

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Labrador retrievers are fun-loving and affectionate breed of dogs with hearty appetites. This breed of dogs is prone to arthritis, weight issues, and allergy problems. Therefore, establishing a good diet plan, when they are puppies, is one of the keys for a long, healthy life of labs. Meat should be the preferred ingredient of the labs. Whole ground grains, like barley, oats, and rice and vegetables, such as potatoes and peas, also are nutritious and good for labs. Labrador puppies need fatty acids like Omega-3 and 6 that are found in herring oil. Prebiotics works with the good bacteria in the digestive tract of dogs and strengthen their immune systems. Being a large dog breed, lab puppies have rapid growth that can cause a strain on joints. You should look for those food products with sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine that help maintain healthy joints of dogs. You should also watch calories intake of your puppy to make sure your puppy is growing appropriately and not just getting fat, which also can add stress to the bones and joints. Some recommended Labrador food that comprises above-mentioned nutrients are given below: For Labrador puppies:. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Lucky for you, German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed in the world next to the Border Collie and the Poodle. Which means it is the most intelligent large dog breed. Being obedient is natural for them. They can learn tricks in a snap of a finger. Plus, their character trait of being a pleaser makes them highly trainable. So, that makes German Shepherd puppies one of the easiest dog breeds to potty train. It means having the time and energy to teach them, especially potty-training. Generally, German Shepherd potty-training age or house-breaking age should be as young as possible. Depending on its age, it can hold its bladder from 30 minutes up to 4 hrs. When a GSD puppy reaches weeks, it has the ability to hold its bladder for up to 2 hours. At 16 weeks, a GSD puppy can hold its bladder from 2 hours up to 4 hours. By the time it is 6 months old, it should be completely potty-trained. Luckily, for owners whose puppies were born in the house, GSD moms will be responsible for cleaning up the mess. But owners are expected to potty-train them before they get used to messing up everywhere. There are many ways of potty-training pets, and the best way to potty-train a German Shepherd puppy depends on which method you will use. What matters is how effective the method is for your GSD puppy and the amount of time and patience that you have. Choosing a suitable spot One known GSD behavior is dominance. If an owner will let the GSD puppy choose the spot where it wants to relieve itself, chances are, it will always do its business there. So, owners should act as the leader of the pack to avoid disobedience. That spot should be comfortable enough for your GSD puppy and convenient enough for you to clean up. Which means their potty time will depend on their meal times. Meal is not the only reason for relieving themselves. Activities will make them very excited, so be ready to let them relieve right after. Command Use one command to signal your GSD puppy to go potty. This command should be used all throughout the entire potty training period. Rewards Give your GSD puppy small treats or even toys and praise it for doing such a good job. Positive reinforcement will encourage your puppy to do the same behavior. You need patience, time and dedication. Some training methods are quite confusing for owners. Here are a few things that owners might want to consider. To crate or not to crate See also Pannus and other German Shepherd Eye Problems Crate training is a good way to train your puppy not to make a mess in your home. For some dedicated pet owners, aside from potty times after meals, they choose to give their puppies early morning and late evening potty time They are also especially alert when their puppies are crying or making sounds at night. This approach might make you feel a little sleepless at first, but consider the benefits you will gain. Dog training pads Dog training pads can help you prevent your GSD puppy to make a mess in your house. Most potty pads or training pads are made of absorbent materials with odor control that keeps your floor clean and mess-free. The problem is, your puppy might get used to the idea that it can relieve itself in the house anytime it wants to. Plus, it might take time to wean your GSD puppy off from potty pads. But if you need to go to work or you need to leave your GSD puppy at home, you can use potty pads to avoid mess. There are a number of pet owners who choose to keep their puppies in their house on a leash instead of crate training. It usually takes a few weeks to 4 months for puppies to completely learn potty-training. The younger the puppy the better it will adapt to potty-training. The more patient the owner, the faster it will take for the puppy to be fully potty-trained. Be consistent on the routine that you have set. GSD puppies are known for their obedience. So, being consistent in the routine will result in success. Strictly follow regular feeding and potty time schedules. Do not overfeed your puppy especially at night. Observe your puppy before and after going to the loo. This will help you identify when it needs to have a go. Use potty-training spray to encourage your GSD puppy to relieve in your chosen spot. Do not play with your puppy when bringing it to the designated potty area. Or else, it will forget the purpose of going out. Always use commands and hand signals everytime you bring your puppy out for potty time. This is for your puppy to recall the meaning of your command and hand signals. Conclusion German Shepherd potty-training might be a little challenging in the beginning, but with your patience and understanding, it will take no time at all before you can successfully potty-train them. There are many techniques that you can choose, the keypoint is it should be according to your capabilities and time. Always remember that GSDs are highly intelligent dogs. If you start potty-training right, it will end in success. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. This is never acceptable. Unfortunately, this can make it somewhat challenging for owners and families with no one at home during the working day. My German Shepherd was never left for more than three hours in her crate during the day. She was crate trained as soon as we brought her home at eight weeks old, as recommended by her breeder. If you check out this fantastic video below from celebrity dog trainer Zak George on how to crate train a puppy, around halfway through the video, he confirms that you should never leave dogs for more than four hours in a crate and less for younger puppies. How to Crate Train a Puppy German Shepherds that have been crate trained love their crate and see it as somewhere comfortable where they can go to feel safe and secure. They see it as their special den where no one else is allowed and where they can either eat, rest, or play with their favorite chew toys. Plus, puppies need loads of attention, playtime, and socialization. The same goes for house-trained adult dogs, who should be allowed outside to pee at least times during the day. You must always exercise your German Shepherd and allow him to go to the toilet before leaving him in a crate for a few hours. You can always invest in a pet camera, such as a Furbo from Amazon, to keep an eye on them from time to time and make sure they are okay. You can get cheaper dog cameras, but I just love how these can toss treats out to your dog, which you control remotely from your smartphone! Extended periods longer than four hours can lead to various mental and physical health issues for your dog. Here are a few significant side effects of leaving a German Shepherd in a crate for longer than four hours a day: Restlessness during the evening is common when owners leave their dogs in a crate for too many hours each day. Pacing, whining, and excessive energy might occur when a German Shepherd is supposed to be tired or winding down for the night. Separation anxiety is an unfortunate issue that GSDs have to deal with sometimes. If they need to pee or poop while stuck in the crate for hours on end, they could develop rashes or infections. After all, would you? Joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia is a disease prevalent in older German Shepherds. If your adult dog is crated for hours and hours during the day, then he cannot stretch out and move around sufficiently. The lack of space and cramped conditions without exercise for hours can cause additional pain and discomfort due to your GSDs hip dysplasia. German Shepherds left in their cage for excessively long times can develop heart or other health conditions. Without enough exercise throughout the day, GSDs can become ill very quickly. Remember, they were initially bred as herding dogs and are still used as working dogs today due to their fitness, strength, and stamina. They should have open running space, and they need two periods of at least minutes of exercise per day, including mental stimulation and lots of playtimes. Never uses a crate as a way of punishment for your German Shepherd. It should be a happy place where they associate positive experiences. Regarding crate size, German Shepherds should have an extra-large one, no smaller than 48 inches. This allows for enough space for your dog to move around and stretch out without being too confined to a small area. You need a metal or wire crate, preferably a heavy-duty one that will be impossible to break as German Shepherds are strong dogs. Most metal crates will fold down, making them easily transportable, and you can opt for either a single or double door or both, depending on how you wish to position the crate. I like the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate as it comes with the option of double doors, has a divider panel, and is easy to set up. You can read more about why I like this crate in this article, 8 Best Dog Crates for German Shepherds and Playpens Nonetheless, a crate on its own will not just turn into a safe haven for your dog and keep him entertained. It can be as big as the whole crate, or you could leave half of it uncovered for them to move around easier and leave some space for them to cool down on the tray if they get too warm. Either way, you need to make it cozy, and washable soft bedding is essential to allow them to lay down comfortably. One way of solving all these problems is to go for the Big Barker crate pad. Plenty of toys. Imagine being stuck in a small room for hours and hours with nothing to do. Providing them with various interesting chew and interactive toys, such as KONG toys , will prevent them from becoming bored. Food and water. Purchase clip-on bowls to prevent them from being tipped over. A blanket to cover the crate. Place a blanket or cover over the top of the crate. This makes the crate feel more like a den and can help your dog feel more secure, especially if he is clingy. As long as they have food, water, and shelter, such as a large dog house, they should be able to adapt fairly quickly. This can be done; however, it will require lots of training, patience, and a gradual transition. Get dog gates for your house. These gates allow you to decide how much space your puppy can have to move around in your house by sectioning off various off-limit areas. Purchase indoor or outdoor dog fences or playpens for your puppy. These products are perfect for young GSDs who need more room to move around. Some of these can even be connected to a crate to make a fantastic combination of a cozy resting space and room to roam. If you have a higher budget or need a playpen, look at the BestPet Dog Pen. Slowly train your German Shepherd to roam free throughout the house. This process will take some time, from puppyhood into adulthood. You can start by initially leaving the crate door open when you go out or gradually increasing the size of their gated area until it fits the size of a room. My GSD, Willow, was 12 months old before I started leaving her crate door open and two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house. However, it is important to gradually increase the time they spend outside the crate and to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate. It is also important to ensure that your German Shepherd has access to water and a comfortable place to rest when they are in the crate. It is also recommended to cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to create a den-like environment and provide your dog with a sense of security. Using a crate can be a helpful tool for managing separation anxiety in German Shepherds. However, it is important to introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive and comfortable space for your dog. You should also avoid leaving your dog in the crate for extended periods of time and provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate. When crate training your German Shepherd, always provide food, water, comfy bedding, and enough toys for them to enjoy and keep themselves entertained. My German Shepherd adored her crate. She loved to go and settle in her crate if she wanted to rest and needed some peace and quiet away from me! Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve itself at least times per day. That's at least once every 8 hours. Size The body size of your pet is also an important factor. A small or toy breed dogs has a very tiny dog bladder compared to a larger dog. How long can dogs hold their pee? It's estimated how often do dogs pee approximately ml per pound of body weight. So a 5 lbs dog will pee between 1. That's not a lot, but how much can their tiny dog bladders hold? Half an ounce? An ounce at best? Every dog is different, and their bathroom habits are unique too. Our guidelines are general estimates, but your dog may fall well below or even exceed these averages. Make sure you are making a bathroom schedule that best suits your individual pup. Health Many pet health conditions can contribute to more frequent urination. Urinary tract issues, kidney stone problems, diabetes, and even weight problems can be a factor. Medications play a role as well. Some medications can have a diuretic effect, meaning it encourages more frequent urination. It could be a symptom of a health issue that needs to be addressed. Diet The type of food you feed plays an important role in your urinary health issues. Moisture-rich foods , like raw and wet dog food , can increase the amount and frequency of their pee. Hydration is good. Even though your dog may need to pee a bit more often, moisture-rich diets aid in digestion and can flush out toxins and bacteria that build up in their body. Just like in humans, the colour of their pee can indicate dehydration. Dark yellow pee is not a good sign. The Importance of a Bathroom Routine We mentioned earlier that young dog can hold their pee for quite a while. On average dogs can hold their pee for up to hours if they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences. Forcing your dog to hold his dog bladder for too long on a regular basis can increase the risk of: Urinary tract infections — part of the urination cycle is to help the body flush out bacteria and toxins that build up in the kidney, bladder, and urethra. Holding their pee allows that bacteria to continue populating in the urinary tract. This can lead to crystal or stone formation, and blockages that can quickly become life-threatening. For dogs prone to urinary issues, try a urinary support product like Cranimals to help reduce bacteria buildup. Urinary cancer — carcinogens in urine will have more opportunity to interact with cells the longer they are in contact with the bladder. This is a less common issue but should still be considered when deciding how long your pet must wait for a pee break. Incontinence — It's more common in ageing pets, but incontinence can happen to dogs at any age. When dogs are repeatedly made to hold their pee for too long, over-distention of the bladder can occur and damage the muscle and surrounding tissues leading to leaks. This damage may be irreversible, so prevention is key. If your dog is experiencing any issues when it comes to bathroom needs, then you need to contact your vet immediately. Not peeing, straining to pee, peeing way too often, leaking, and blood in the urine are all common signs of a much bigger issue. Potty Training Issues If your dog is having accidents in the house consistently, then you may need to consider why. The first thing you should do is connect with your vet to rule out a medical issue. If your dog is a healthy dog, then the problem could be behavioural. Excitement Peeing For puppies , and even young adult dogs, excitement peeing is common. This is commonly referred to as puppy piddles. How long should I walk my dog in the door, does your dog immediately pee? It doesn't always mean that he just can't hold it any longer. It likely means that he is overwhelmed by the excitement of seeing you. How many times should a dog pee a day? You can un-train this behaviour by simply ignoring your dog until he is calm enough to reward it with attention. This will take time, patience, and consistency. Fortunately, many younger dogs outgrow these peeing habits on their own. Marking Territory marking is another reason that your dog may be having accidents in the house. It's most common in un-neutered males, but fixed dogs of both genders can have this bad habit. The psychology of territory marking is rooted in their natural instincts. It's a game of control. Often this habit forms when a new pet or person is introduced into the home that makes your dog feel that his position in the hierarchy is threatened. Marking behaviours from intact dogs can usually be solved by getting them fixed. Talk to your vet about whether spaying or neutering your pet is the best option. Fixed dogs that mark typically do so out of anxiety. Keeping your pet stimulated, both mentally and physically will relieve stress, anxiety, and fear. Anxiety relief products, such as the Thundershirt , can also be a helpful tool when managing marking behaviours. Check out the link below for more information on this great product. Choose the options that best suit your dog's needs. Pee pads — these are especially helpful for young puppies and dogs that are kennel trained. Indoor bathroom — For free-roaming dogs, an indoor potty training system can allow your dog to relieve themselves whenever they need to. Like a litter box for dogs. Which, by the way, also exists. Doggy door — If you have a secure, fenced backyard, consider installing a doggy door. Your dog can come and go as he pleases, and you can stop worrying about leaving him alone with no bathroom break. This fun and engaging environment will allow him to run and play all day while being supervised by trained professionals. Lunch break check-up — This option is only great for those that live close to where they work. If you can, try to duck home on your lunch break for a quick hangout with your pooch. You can manage his bathroom needs, and give him some extra attention and exercise to break up his day. This is the best of both worlds for anyone lucky enough to have this option. Your dog doesn't have to be home alone, and you get to hang out with the coolest co-worker ever. Frequently Asked Questions How long can an adult dog hold its pee? Adult dogs can generally hold their pee for about 6 to 8 hours. Can puppies hold their pee as long as adult dogs? No, puppies have smaller bladders and less control, so they typically need to pee more frequently, often every 2 to 4 hours. Are there breed-specific differences in how long dogs can hold their pee? Yes, some small breeds may need more frequent bathroom breaks compared to larger breeds, which can hold it longer. How can I extend the time my dog can hold its pee? You can gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks through training, but it's important not to make them wait too long, as it can lead to discomfort or accidents. What are signs that my dog needs to pee urgently? Signs include restlessness, pacing, whining, sniffing the ground, circling, or scratching at the door. Should I limit water intake to help my dog hold its pee longer? No, it's essential to provide access to fresh water, and limiting it can lead to dehydration. Instead, focus on regular bathroom breaks and proper training. She has worked in the pet industry for over a decade and loves to share her passion for animal welfare with others. She is currently working for one very rebellious cat, Jack, and hanging out with a goofy but loveable doggo named Roxy. Age can be grouped into three stages; Puppies Puppies cannot hold pee for long as adult dogs, their bladders are small in size and not fully developed. Younger puppies will need more potty breaks than older ones. This means a one-month-old puppy will hold pee for an hour, two months old for two hours, and so on. You should train them from an early age so that even when they will have a high holding capacity they will have known their place. Though they can hold it longer, it is not advisable to let him hold it as it can lead to urinary tract complications. The amount of water consumed by your dog will also affect the number of hours he can hold his bladder. Elderly For a dog to be considered old, the breed plays a big role. If a dog is old, he will not be as active as he used to be, his diet and potty break schedule will change. An old dog is also prone to urinary tract infections which can make him not hold urine for long. At this age, pee pads are convenient. Size A big dog will hold his bladder for longer compared to a small one. Big dogs have a large bladder to hold more urine while small ones fill theirs quickly. Urinary tracts infections, diabetes, and kidney stones can make your dog hold urine for fewer hours. Take him to a vet for treatment, but also if your dog is under medication he can change his peeing routine. Anxiety If your dog is anxious or stressed, he will pee frequently. Even the trained dogs when anxious, will not hold it for long. Talk to a dog behaviorist for advice on how to handle an anxious dog. Change in Seasons During the hot season dogs tend to drink lots of water, they reduce their body temperatures by peeing frequently. In the cold season, they will drink less water hence peeing less. A dog that feeds on too much dry food will tend to pee less compared to one the feeds on wet foods. If you feed your dog too much dry food, you make him prone to urinary tract infections and digestion problems. Level of Training If you do not train your dog to hold his bladder, he will pee whenever and wherever he wants. You should potty train your dog at an early age. If you take him out to pee at a specific time, he will hold his bladder waiting for the time. Have a regular schedule to avoid confusing your dog. Place toys, food, and water for him to relate the crate with good activities. When he is finally comfortable with the crate, lock him inside. The dog will take the crate as his territory and he cannot pee or poo inside. Take away water bowls hours before his sleeping time, he will have less urine when you lock him in a crate. Use a strong detergent as dogs can smell the urine and pee again at the same spot. Conclusion Remember that dogs depend on us to help in doing lots of things. They also have needs just like human beings. If you want a healthy dog, take him out for potty services. Do not experiment with the duration he can hold it. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts.

It should be noted that not all Labradoodle breeders are good enough to handle them well. We give you all the information you need about the best Labradoodle breeders in North Carolina so that it becomes simpler for you to choose one for yourself or take care of your pet by training it well. We did our investigation and located several breeders through the ALAA. PuppySpot is a great place to start your search. They have a wide variety of Labradoodle puppies to choose from, with different sizes, colors, and personalities. One of the things that set PuppySpot apart is that their breeders are carefully screened to ensure high standards for health, ethics, and care. PuppySpot also offers helpful resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Labradoodle home as easy as possible. Plus, their website is user-friendly and makes it easy to search for and compare different puppies. PuppySpot is committed to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. They refuse to work with puppy mills or substandard breeders, and they partner with animal welfare organizations to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. The Australian Labradoodle Club of America, Butch Charlton, personally picked the earliest progenitors of all their little darlings from a highly studied line in Australia in .DownUnder Labradoodles now is descended from those first dogs, who embodied a line of the greatest quality Australian doodles. You may rest assured that your Labradoodle puppy was reared in a safe environment because this Gold Paw breeder adheres to the highest quality ALAA ethical breeding standards. Until they go to their forever home, all dogs and litter stay with the family. They are de-sexed, microchipped, and come with a health guarantee from DownUnder Labradoodles, as well as lifetime assistance. Each Labradoodle puppy born here has a daily stimulation schedule, which increases their curiosity and inquisitiveness compared to their classmates. It also reduces their anxiety and terror later in life. Before adoption, each puppy is checked for hereditary eye and heart illnesses, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. In addition, this North Carolina Labradoodle breeder socializes its puppies with men, women, and children, ensuring a smooth transition to your family. Each Labradoodle puppy is spayed or neutered, up to date on immunizations, deworming, and micro-chipped, in addition to being adaptable. Poodle puppies come in various sizes, including tiny, medium, and standard. The breeder strives to ensure you have a long and happy life with your doodle without the need for a lifetime of veterinarian costs with extensive testing taken to prevent inherited disorders. They also discovered that nothing beats compassion and meaningful time with people when it comes to a great start in life. A well-adjusted parent means a well-adjusted puppy; their mothers and sires are raised in Guardian homes rather than kennels. They never outsource their breeding to the southern hemisphere; instead, all their dogs are bred on site. Their innate disposition appears to be intended for service, intellect, boundless energy, and unwavering optimism. They only require some fine-tuning along the way. Neurological stimulation, Temperament training, and socialization are all used to help Labradoodle puppies tap into their inherent ability to learn and adapt. As a result, they produce excellent hypoallergenic service dogs for first responders, veterans, the injured, the elderly, and others. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Charlotte North Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Advertisement Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. They will help you redecorate your floors Do you have a hardwood floor? Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. Playing around is no game The German Shepherd is a very active breed and needs lots of physical stimulation and playtime. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies who are also busy bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Our goal is to breed the best German shepherd puppies for families! We do not require you to show! We do to keep up with German standards. Our puppies are from prestigious lines in Germany and are trustworthy with families and friends. The are very easily trained and not so over aggrestive that you cannot trust them with your neigbor, but have the natural protective instinct to let anyone one know they are not welcome without the owners permission. Now, so are more layed back then others. We have an excellent trainer that will help you train your dog in the proper way to get the puppy or adult dog so you can learn how to incoorperate good behavior. We also have a professional staff of employees with children who are allowed to be part of the Von der Otto experience. I will add pictures of all the socialization we offer, which include our employees Maggie, Bryanna and their children, along with the Von der Otto College Program. Click any image to view an image slideshow of all images in this gallery. For a full size image and no slideshow, click the "view full image" link instead. Sindbad and Emma Pups .Meet the heart of our business Maggie, Bryanna and our extended family, their children! These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below! She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches.

This mixed breed is known to be energetic, adventurous, and loyal. They are established as good working dogs as well. Both of its parents come from breeds that are used as hunting dogs. Therefore, they are not qualified to join the said club. There is little information about the exact origin of this designer breed. But it is believed that the Hungarian Vizsla Labrador mix was first bred when the Hungarian Vizsla dog was brought to the United States. This was most likely by the time World War II was coming to an end. Many years later, the interest in the breed began to escalate because of its amazing hunting abilities. The Vizsla was originally bred 1, years ago in Hungary as a hunting companion. That was its main purpose due to its dominant instinct to point and retrieve. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, date back to the s in Newfoundland in Canada. These dogs were owned by fishermen, and their main purpose was to retrieve fish that had fallen from fishing hooks and pull back nets filled with fish. These two breeds share many similarities when it comes to their temperaments. This results in an offspring that will grow up to be highly intelligent, hardworking, and capable of being a hunting and working dog. It may look like a Vizsla with the features of a Labrador or the other way around. However, they typically have V-shaped ears, dark-colored noses, and short, straight coats. They either have a muscular or a thin and tall physique. Their coat colors can be rust, fawn, golden, cream, or black. They may also inherit the chocolate brown color of the Labrador. Moreover, this hybrid can also have either brown or amber eyes, depending on the parent breeds. A Vizsla Chocolate Lab mix is one of the most unique and eye-catching mixed dogs you can find. In spite of that, when they are mixed together, their offspring make up this perfect blend of physical features that looks beautifully balanced. For a male Vizsla Lab mix, it can grow at around 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. Since both the Vizsla and Labrador are considered medium-sized breeds, we can expect that the Vizsla Lab mix puppy will fully grow with a similar height and weight. Even this hybrid dog can walk around in an apartment-living kind of area. However, it can be an advantage if you own a house with a backyard. As long as they have an area they can freely run around to, and they are regularly taken outside for a trip or a long walk with their humans, they will be just fine and satisfied. They are amazing with young ones as well since they are playful, loving, and have gentle behavior. Being high-energy dogs that they are, they will certainly enjoy activities that allow them to run around and explore, like going on hikes, walks, or jogs with their humans. They are easy to please because they are eager to learn and love human interaction, which makes them very sociable to anyone of any age. They may exhibit signs of separation anxiety because they love to be clingy and snuggly with their humans. When you own Vizsla Lab mix puppies, you have to make sure to provide them continuous attention and training for them to develop good social skills as they grow. Watch this video of a Vizsla Lab mix in training to have a peek at their skills and trainability: Kibo - Vizsla x Labrador Puppy - 3. In general, mixed breeds are considered healthier than purebreds because of what scientists call hybrid vigor. With proper exercise and diet, and regular checkups to the vet, you can assure yourself and your growing Vizsla Labrador mix a healthy life. Unfortunately, they are still prone to a few health problems. Here are some common health issues in Vizsla Lab mixes you should know about: Hip Dysplasia: This is a skeletal condition common in the parent breeds that affects the hip joints. Vizsla Lab mix dogs that develop hip dysplasia may have difficulty moving and walking. As these affected parts deteriorate, the pain becomes more intense, resulting in immobility. Hip and elbow dysplasia may also be a possible combination. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden seizures due to an abnormality in the brain. Sebaceous Adenitis: This is a common inflammatory skin problem in Vizslas. Since the Vizsla Lab mix has a short double coat, they are prone to this disease. This results in hair loss along with drying and scaling of the skin, mostly affecting the trunk, head, and ears. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : Even though considered a minor issue, progressive retinal atrophy is a group of degenerative diseases that alters the photoreceptor cells. When your Vizsla Lab mix dog has this disease, this may lead to partial to complete blindness if the cells continue to degrade. Some health problems tend to be inevitable due to genetics. But as long as you are well aware of where you got your Vizsla Lab mix pups and you take good care of them, they will develop little to no health issues. This will also help to ensure that the future lineage will have healthy genes. Vizsla Labs are happy puppies, but they turn into curious and energetic adults that require a great deal of love and commitment. Vizsla Labs are loving and loyal dogs that create strong bonds, especially with children. The Vizsla Lab mix has been assigned multiple different names by breeders and dog clubs throughout the years. They are sometimes called Labralas and sometimes Viszladors. Vizsla and Vizslabrador are other nicknames that they are sometimes referred to as. They are obsessed with the water. The Vizsla Lab mix takes after both their parent breeds when it comes to spending time in the water. These dogs can efficiently hunt waterfowl. These dogs can do more than hunt and spend time in the family home. Like their parent breeds, they can be excellent service and rescue dogs with the right training. They love playing in the yard during the day and enjoy nothing more than a long snuggle when it is time to settle down in the evening. The Vizsla Lab is intelligent and easy to train, but training should be ongoing throughout their life to ensure proper behavior at home and out in public. Their happy-go-lucky personality makes them an awesome playmate for children. They can even handle a little teasing from the younger kids without getting aggressive or pushy. Their agile bodies make them efficient when it comes to breaking out of fenced yards. But if they are trained to stay inside their contained yard, they will usually cooperate. All in all, Vizsla Labs are well-rounded dogs that can adapt to a wide range of environments and situations. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They like to please and are rarely aggressive, so they can be trusted to behave in the chaotic and loud setting that kids are good at creating. They can get too excited when young kids are acting rowdy, though, which could result in an accidental injury. Children should learn to stay calm and even-tempered when spending time indoors with these dogs. They like to be the life of the party at the dog park, and they will happily introduce themselves to strange dogs when they meet one on the streets. This can put them in danger when meeting an aggressive dog, though, so they should always be kept on a leash when in public. Image Credit: Jared Cook, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Vizsla Lab Mix If you want to make sure that your Vizsla Lab puppy grows into a strong and healthy adult, you should make a game plan for how to care for them properly from the time that you first bring them home. Here is what you need to know to come up with a successful game plan. Owners can expect them to eat between 3 and 4 cups of dry commercial food each day or the equivalent in commercial wet or homemade food. They do well on a high-quality commercial diet if the food features real meat as the protein source and real fruits and vegetables as the main carbohydrate energy source. Choosing a food that is free of animal by-products and artificial ingredients will help ensure a long and happy life for your Vizsla Lab pup. While they love cuddling up with family members and laying in front of the fire on a chilly afternoon, they need about 90 minutes of vigorous exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy throughout their puppy, adult, and senior years. A daily walk is a must, as is time playing fetch or running around in the yard. These dogs will never turn down a trip to the dog park. They also love playing with toys and engaging in activities like hide-and-seek when spending time indoors. They can even be trained to walk on a treadmill for exercise when the weather is too bad to go outside for a walk. They should learn how to come, sit, and stay while they are still puppies. Practicing the stay command will help teach your pooch patience so they can get along well in the family household. The Vizsla Lab mix is extremely agile, which makes them excellent candidates to participate in agility competitions. Agility training in a public setting will allow your pooch to socialize with other dogs while expelling pent-up energy and challenging their mind. These dogs can also be trained as service animals , which will allow them to do things like help a family member with PTSD or help out at a facility where you volunteer your own time. They should get enough outdoor exercise to keep their nails naturally trimmed, but they should still be checked regularly for cracks, chips, and splits. They are prone to ear infections, so the ears should be checked for redness and swelling before being thoroughly cleaned with a damp cloth once a week or so. With quality veterinary care and the awareness of these possible problems, though, you can protect your pooch from these health conditions. Minor Conditions.