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Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Dog owners may experience anxiety with the goldendoodle puppy coat transition to an adult coat. Depending on environmental and genetic conditions, growing into an adult coat can take several months to an entire year. More so, there is a myriad of information regarding Goldendoodles losing their puppy fur, but you need to be critical in following this information. However, keep in mind that the coat transition of your goldendoodle requires constant attention. This article will therefore serve as a step-by-step guide to help you learn about the coat transitions that your goldendoodle will experience and how to care for them properly. Puppies of the Goldendoodle breed have a gorgeous coats! Goldendoodles will lose their puppy coat as they get bigger rather than getting a new one. Your puppy has already started the change when you see this. This can vary rather considerably. The beginning of others occurs before or later. The vast majority of breeders expect it to appear before the first birthday. In contrast, its coat will gradually transform when a Goldendoodle matures. The Goldendoodle in your life will only go through this change once. This is comparable to losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth. This shift occurs only once in the life of your Goldendoodle. Depending on heredity and other circumstances, the texture and color of the coat may alter. Do Goldendoodles Puppy Coats Shed? Moreover, the easiest approach to determine whether your Goldie will have furnishings is to consider their age. They are most likely lacking from F1 Goldendoodles. F1B dogs are more susceptible to having them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, it is doubtful that they would develop them as adults. With or without, Doodles are still unquestionably adorable. Goldendoodle puppies will have varying coat colors and patterns regardless of size or generation. However, several breeders have found that Doodle puppies of different ages—F1, F1B, and F2—can have only slight differences. The mini goldendoodle puppy coat transition in your life will only go through this change once. Poodles have a fading gene, so that they might be a different color. However, breeders do emphasize a few telltale features that could provide an early indication of what to expect: Do A Nose Check When a puppy has abundant hair on top of its snout, it is called a mustache, and it is a good indicator that the dog will have a curlier coat. A wavier coat is suggested by hair that is straighter, shaggier, and more beard-like. Curly coats, according to breeders, are indicated by a pronounced mustache. The beard-like shagginess of a wavy coat is especially prominent around the face. The straight-coat goldendoodle puppy typically has a tidy and short muzzle. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle that has been backcrossed with a Poodle has 75 percent genes, increasing the likelihood of a coat with waves or curls. Typically, these dogs do not have a substantial coat shift from puppyhood to adulthood. These strategies for deciding on a goldendoodle puppy coat type are the most accurate. Nothing is guaranteed, and surprises are always possible. Types Of Goldendoodle Puppy Coats? It is difficult to envisage Goldendoodle coats having anything other than curly whenever the issue of this Doodle breed is brought up. Although Goldendoodles with curly coats are well-known, different less frequent coat types include wavy, smooth, and flat. Wavy and curly hair are the most prevalent varieties of Goldendoodle coats, followed by straight and flat. In addition to their attractiveness and sweetness, these charming pets have advantages for humans. Goldendoodles With Curly Coats. For various reasons, this specific style of Goldendoodle coat is extremely popular and in high demand. Curly-coated Goldendoodles are great for people with allergies and have a cute teddy bear look. Because of their curly coat, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Curly-coated dogs, in contrast to straight-haired dogs, shed significantly less hair, which is helpful for allergy sufferers. To clarify, dogs with non-shedding coats still shed at a far lower rate than those with straighter hair. Curly-Coated Goldendoodles Compared to dogs with straight and curly coats, wavy coat Goldendoodle puppies fall in the middle. Goldendoodles with wavy coats are more prone to shed than those with curly coats but shed less than those with straight coats. But since the wavy coat is between the regular and curly coats, it requires less effort to brush than dogs with curly coats. If you live with people who do not suffer from allergies, a wavy or flat hair coating could be an extra option when selecting your partner. While Goldendoodles with a curly coat require daily combing, those with a wavy coat require brushing only a few times per week. Straight-Coat Golden Retrievers If you desired to bring home a Goldendoodle with a straight hair coat, you would likely find hair everywhere. Typically, a goldendoodle with a straight coat does not require brushing; nevertheless, you should double-check if any household members are allergic to fur. Always certain that no one is allergic, as straight-haired dogs shed huge amounts of hair. While not having to brush your Goldendoodle regularly may seem great, the amount of hair it sheds requires additional cleaning. Daily brushing is strongly advised for Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats. Most of the time, Goldendoodles with a straight coat do not need to be brushed, depending on the situation. F1b Goldendoodle Coat Changes When you look up F1b Goldendoodles pictures on the internet, you will find out recombination between an F1 first generation Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of the Poodle is a highly desirable characteristic. Most often, F1 Goldendoodles will disappear with a piece of furniture. This greatly enhances the probability of a Curly or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less prone to see a substantial coat change between puppyhood and adulthood. It is typical for the density and coarseness of the fur to grow. This is true in some circumstances. Their adult coat may take on a deeper shade if that is how it is in their native habitat. Alternately, it might lighten up and leave the cute darker characteristics around the face. However, lateral color changes and shifts are common. When Goldendoodle puppies reach maturity, their adult coat is typically heavier and more rigid than their puppy fur. The breeder should know what to anticipate throughout coat transformation. Yes, their coat can be affected by various variables, most of which are health-related, and these common causes may include the following: Sun Bleaching. It can occur if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight. Depending on the extent of the sun damage or bleaching, their deeper hues will lighten significantly, and portions of their exposed fur may turn yellow or white. Grooming Your Goldendoodle coat changes pictures might have darker coat color due to lack of grooming, but it can be lightened and brightened with constant grooming. Grooming your dog on a regular and recommended basis improves not only their comfort but also their physical appearance. Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep them healthy and clean. You should trim their face regularly. Since its natural sheen diminishes with time, it typically seems darker than it did before. A healthier diet will help them shed their darker coat. Puppies of all breeds and sizes go through similar but somewhat different main processes. Pet owners observe the onset of mats and shedding fur in clumps. Their mature fur begins to emerge. Frequently Asked Questions 1. In most cases, a prominent mustache indicates that the puppy will have a curly coat. Unfortunately, not all puppies mature into adulthood with the desired wavy or curly coat and fluffy, soft fur. In addition, the F1B Goldendoodles are the least likely to undergo a drastic coat change as they age, while seeing an increase in coat coarseness and density. This is referred to as fading. Parents of Goldendoodles estimate a lifespan of four months to two years. It is advised to wait six months before giving your goldendoodle puppy her first complete trim down. Related Posts. By Kern Campbell Goldendoodles require a lot more attention than other dog breeds. So you should be aware of When Goldendoodles shed their puppy coat. Generally, it would be best to groom your Goldendoodle often to keep them clean and attractive. Good grooming also benefits the dog because it helps with its health. In addition, you are less likely to deal with skin and coat issues when you groom your puppy right. Goldendoodle puppies shed or change their coat in 5 to 8 months. After this shedding, the mature adult dog fur often begins to grow. However, you should not be discouraged if your puppy does not seem to shed the young fur since some dogs are late shedders and can take up to 12 months to be done. As for mature adult coats, it can take up to two years for some breeds of the Goldendoodle to have a full adult mature coat. When it grows back it can take anywhere from two to three and a half months to become full length again. Goldendoodles have three different types of possible fur coats. They can be wavy, curly, or straight least common. It will require regular brushing to keep it free from tangling. This type of fur is low shedding and can often be close to non-shedding as you can get. The last coat, the straight coat, which resembles closest to the Golden Retriever, is the least common and the easiest to take care of. The curly coats will have an excess amount of hair on the top of their muzzle, almost making curly looking mustaches on the sides of their nose. The wavy coat will have more straight hair around their muzzle, while the straight fur coat Goldendoodles usually tend to have short tidy hair around their muzzle. Nothing is guaranteed though because each puppy is unique, so these are just some general guidelines of what may happen. From the different styles of hair, to the maintenance required, to the types of brushes to be used, to how often they need to be groomed, the information can be overwhelming at times. Want to learn more? Check out our users guide to grooming and also our 3 Must-Have brushes for Goldendoodles! You might be surprised to learn you probably have the best daily brush for a Goldendoodle already in you. Why Is My Goldendoodle Shedding? January 22, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs. This does not mean that they do not shed at all, however. Can Goldendoodles shed? Many assume hypoallergenic to mean non-allergenic, meaning that something does not prompt an allergic response. Even hypoallergenic dogs shed hair or fur. Except for hairless dogs, all dogs — hypoallergenic or otherwise — shed at least a little bit. This is true even for Poodles with non-shedding coats. Most Goldendoodles have low-shedding or non-shedding coats; Goldendoodles typically lose less hair or fur than other non-hypoallergenic dog breeds. This makes Goldendoodles a great dog breed for people with mild pet allergies. In most cases, this is perfectly normal. The important thing is to understand what normal shedding is for your dog, and be aware when your dog sheds more than usual. What if your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual? Various things can lead to hair and fur loss in dogs: Some dogs lose extra fur during the summer and in higher temperatures. Parasites and health conditions can cause shedding. Some medications or grooming products may cause shedding. Things like stress, allergies, and nutritional issues can cause dogs to lose their fur. If your dog is losing more fur than usual, you should talk to your dogs veterinarian. F1B Goldendoodle puppies are the most likely to have non-shedding coats, but because Goldendoodles are designer dogs it is difficult to know with certainty what their coat will be like. This is why getting your Goldendoodle from a knowledgeable and experienced Goldendoodle breeder is important. Take a look at our current Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Arkansas. All of our puppies come to you with a two-year health guarantee; call or contact Platinum Goldies online for more information. Goldendoodles are born with a puppy coat that is generally fluffier and more vibrant than their adult coat. The puppy coat is there to give your Goldendoodle an extra layer of protection in its environment and to keep it warm. Once your Goldendoodle pup begins to transition into adulthood, this puppy coat will shed itself automatically and will be replaced by an adult coat. In most cases, Goldendoodles tend to lose their puppy coats when they are 5 to 8 months old. The exact timeframe that you can expect your Goldendoodle to lose its coat can be difficult to predict, as this can vary from case to case. Some Goldendoodles can take up to a year or more to lose their puppy coat, whereas other pet owners noticed changes as early as 4 months. The shedding process can also vary, as some Goldendoodles lose their puppy coats very quickly. On the other hand, some Goldendoodles lose their puppy coats gradually. My advice is to keep an eye on your pup at around the 4-month period and look for any changes in their coat regularly. When a Goldendoodle loses its puppy coat, the changes may be significant or hardly noticeable. More on this later. Goldendoodles can have several different coat types, and they all require a specific maintenance approach. The reason for this is that Goldendoodles have a dynamic genetic background that can vary depending on the breeding process and ancestral history of the pup. The Goldendoodle is a mix between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, which both have very different coat types. Depending on how your pup was bred, it could have either balanced genes or dominant ones leaning towards one of its parents. In general, Poodle coats require a lot more work and maintenance. A hair coat implies more maintenance from your end, so observe your pup closely as it begins to transition into adolescence and adulthood. Shedding Goldendoodles are known for being hypoallergenic dogs, but a certain amount of shedding is to be expected as your dog loses its puppy coat. How much shedding you can expect with your pup is hard to determine. Some pet owners report that their Goldendoodle pup hardly shed at all during this phase. Whereas others experienced a massive amount of shedding in a short period. Matting Perhaps the most troublesome aspect of a Goldendoodle losing its puppy coat is matting. Goldendoodles actually have a double coat which is prone to getting matted, especially when they transition into their adult coat. Goldendoodles are known for having very vibrant and unusual coat colors such as red, blue, and apricot, which are particularly eye-catching during their puppy months. This can be quite dramatic as some Goldendoodles will change their original color, which can result in your pup looking like a completely different dog. The reason for this is that Goldendoodles inherit many characteristics from their Poodle genes such as changing the color of their coats. If your Goldendoodle has dominant Poodle genes, this is something to be aware of. Goldendoodle Coat Types Goldendoodle coats stand out compared to a lot of other breeds. Their double coat can vary in characteristics due to Poodle and Golden Retriever genetics, which ultimately will determine how much grooming is required. Golden Retriever coats are made out of fur and are known for shedding excessively. Whereas Poodles have non-shedding hair coats that require a lot more grooming and maintenance. These are the most common Goldendoodle coat types: Wavy. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. This can happen at any time in their life. Sun bleaching If your dog loves to lounge in the sun and play around as much as possible, sun bleaching is possible. Their darker colors will lighten slightly, and some of their exposed fur can turn yellow or even white, depending on the amount of sun damage or bleaching. Nutrition problems If your dog is malnourished, their coat will fade, become dry, and change color. Since its natural luster fades, it often appears to turn darker than it used to be. If their nutrition is rebalanced, it brightens and lightens their coat color. Grooming Lack of grooming can darken their coat color, and grooming at proper intervals can help lighten and brighten their coat color. Grooming on a regular and recommended basis helps promote comfort for your dog and visible benefits for their aesthetics, too. Do Goldendoodles get curlier with age? Their coat texture can change as that Golden Retriever and Poodle gene combination battle it out in your dog. Most Goldendoodles will have adult fur that feels stiffer and is denser than puppy fur. This adult fur is stronger and can withstand the elements and expectations of the world better than the delicate and soft puppy fur. Types of Goldendoodle coats There is more than one kind of coat that a Goldendoodle can have. This will depend mainly on the genetic combination of their parent breeds. Your three options are: Straight, shaggy fur Wavy, fleecy fur Curly coiled fur The most common for Goldendoodles are wavy fur. This is generally the most preferred coat option because there tends to be minimal shedding. It gives your dog a charming personality, too. How do you tell what coat a Goldendoodle puppy will have? This is a topic of much discussion, as you can imagine. Goldendoodles are best known for their fluffy and fleecy coats, after all, as we discussed. However, as we also discussed, there are three coat options available to choose from. So, how do you know which your puppy will have when they grow up? Here are some questions to help guide you. Does your Goldendoodle have a curly and defined mustache? Does your Goldendoodle have a shaggy beard? Does your Goldendoodle have a neat and tidy muzzle? If your Goldendoodle has a mustache that is curly and very defined meaning that you can see it easily , this is a sign that they will grow into a curly hair coat. It may or may not be a different color than what you see in their mustache! The more the beard weaves, the more their fur will weave in most cases. Is this a sure thing? What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? The transition process is a little different for each puppy. However, the main transition phases include: Start with a soft, silky puppy coat Owners see mats start to appear Clumps of fur fall out Their fur starts to transition Their adult fur grows in So, what does that actually look like? Each Doodle will start with classic puppy fur that is silky and incredibly soft. The mats might be mild or severe. These can be minimized by proper grooming. It could be, again, subtle or very strong and concentrated. Depending on genetics, shedding and matting will go for weeks or even a few months. During this transition, their new coat will also start to work its way forward. This gives your dog a really charismatic look! By the time they reach their first birthday, their adult coat should be grown in, or very close to it! If you are struggling with the matting and the shedding, allowing your dog to swim regularly can help! This pulls free the clumping hair and prevents it from matting. This will help, too. In Short Between months of age, your Goldendoodle will shed their puppy coat and grow into their adult coat. This could be a fast and minimal process or a long and complicated process depending on their breeding. Their coat can change colors and textures, too. The key is to help them stay as comfortable as possible and see if you can guess what kind of coat they will have based on their features! Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. We breed Superior Quality Miniature, Medium and Standard Australian Labradoodles throughout the year in varying colours from chocolate, black, cream, red, apricot and gold. We have imported some of the very best Australian Labradoodles in the world for our breeding program offering top quality puppies from fully health tested parents. Please enjoy browsing through our Website which will give you a good idea of the look and feel of the Genuine Australian Labradoodle. Find out about our current litters , and our planned litters here. You can also find out about the purchase and reservation process here. What our customers say Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. She illuminates our life and I hope for a very long time yet Fabrice Poirot We have now had Cooper home with us in Scotland for a week. Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. Kerry Stanners We picked up our new puppy on Saturday from Courtlands. We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. Liz Bauer If Carlsberg made dogs xxx. She is perfect!!! What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. Dianne Liptrot Brought our puppy to Belgium. Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Shareen Bailey Our puppy came to live with us at the end of July. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos We are so happy with our new puppy Huey. Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. A great service and amazing dogs Louisa Johnson Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins Probably the best place to get your good natured Australian labradoodle Ian 'Iggy' Joynson Hamish is fourteen months old now and is an absolute joy! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? Matt Beard Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Suzanne Thom. We were introduced our first labradoodle more than 15 yrs ago and fell for the labradoodle dog breed. Immediately there after we came to be a guardian home of a breeding labradoodle puppy for Puppy Love Labradoodles and embraced our very own labradoodle almost twelve years ago. All of our labradoodles grow up with us in our home or in Guardian families which we have very carefully picked. We think our labradoodle family members do best when they are just one of us and treated like family. We travel with our labradoodles even if it is simply just to the supermarket. Each one of our newborn labradoodles are whelped in our bed room and live there with their mom for the initial 2 full weeks. This is where our mother labradoodles really feel most safe and precisely where we can keep a close eye on the baby labradoodles. Shortly after they are 2 weeks old we relocate them to the family room where they are revealed to everything that takes place in family everyday living. Labradoodle Temperament, Training and Health London, Ontario Labradoodles For Sale We have 8 children which support in interacting socially and looking after our labradoodle puppies. The labradoodle puppies have the ability to see, hear and smell all the things that goes in our house. When they are prepared to see their forever families they have already been for countless car rides and have had a great deal of hours of leisure and cuddles. London, ON Details The location could not be found.

Your first pet will most likely feel threatened and protective over his territory and get jealous. Here are my tips for introducing your French bulldog to a new puppy. It has something to do with their scent — puppies have a different smell than adult pups. He stopped drooling around her after a couple days. Apart from that, have your dog meet your new puppy for the time first time in an open location, like a large park If possible, let them reach the meeting location at the same time and keep the leashes loose or even off-leash. Sometimes on-leash, dogs can become more agitated and aggressive. Let them eat individually with their own dishes. Let your first pet go straight into the house while your new pup runs around the yard. This is because at night, dogs have a harder time seeing one another, which can put them on edge. And at mealtimes, many pups can get territorial. That includes feeding dishes, toys, beddings and other shared items. Additionally, clean up their common area and let the existing pet have an idea that another pet is set to arrive. Weston went in there occasionally to roll around in the bed and mark it with his scent. Whenever we left the house, we had Fira stay inside her playpen which was her safe place. Play with them, train them together and always give lots and lots of love to the older pet. He will also make his own rules with the new sibling, so allow him to create his own boundaries and teach the younger one his rules, how to play and more. Fira never did it again. Interactions between your Frenchie and your new puppy should not be forced. Weston did such a great job teaching Fira how to play and wrestle. Follow us on Instagram wtfrenchie to see all our updates in real-time. Related Posts. Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalized training program straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favorite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colors and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colors and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a leash. A training leash is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! Tracy Montgomery of Pakenham, Victoria, Australia, got her golden retriever Buddy when he was seven months old. As soon as she brought him home, the dog became 'out of control. Montgomery sent the golden retriever to two training schools to change his destructive ways but said the pet was expelled from both for causing chaos. The pet parent also tried increasing Buddy's exercise, changing his diet, and giving him new toys. The pet owner decided to get a French bulldog puppy, and when she introduced the pup named Boss to Buddy, it was 'love at first sight' for the golden retriever. The week-old Frenchie has managed to get Buddy on his best behavior. The golden hasn't destroyed anything since meeting Boss, according to Montgomery. They're like best mates. I had three boys, and it's like watching two boys roll around and wrestle but then be best friends again," she said. He hasn't turned into a perfect dog — he's still very active and has to settle down, but he's not destructive anymore — he's showing his loving side," she said. I love him; I love them both. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog puppy and what are their grooming needs? French Bulldogs sport a short and smooth coat that should be relatively fine to the touch. You do not want to over wash your Frenchie and dry out natural skin oils. We bathe our Frenchies on an as needed basis which is generally once a month , but we regularly spot clean them with wet washcloths or wet wipes unscented and for sensitive skin. Their behinds occasional need to be wiped clean as well, as does any other breed. The bottom line is that they should be washed as needed, and if your acceptance level of what is appropriate cleanliness is different than ours, it should not be a problem. There is quite a range of latitude in bathing frequency. There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store, Walmart, etc. Years ago, when we owned a Yorkie, our vet recommended using baby shampoo because Yorkies tend to frequently get goop around the eyes; and, the baby shampoo allowed us to clean the area around their eyes without irritating them. We still use baby shampoo with our Frenchies since they have lots of folds on their faces that require regular cleaning. If you decide to go with a dog shampoo, choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin; your vet may have some good recommendations. French Bulldogs are short-haired and have a single coat; so, fortunately, they do not shed as much as most breeds. Brushing their coat regularly with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair — which in turn, will reduce the amount of shedding. The are prone to becoming damp and this is where infection can result. They also can collect dirt and food causing infections also. Utah has a very dry climate, so for us it is sufficient to regularly clean their folds with baby shampoo and then thoroughly dry them with a dry cloth. The frequency of maintenance varies from Frenchie to Frenchie, as well as climatic conditions. Frenchies with large, ropey wrinkling in a hot, humid environment would require the most attention; whereas, a lightly wrinkled Frenchie in a cool, dry environment would require the least. It is recommended that you clean the wrinkles out at least once a week initially and then vary your schedule based on the requirements of each Frenchie. Tear stains appear more prevalent on the lighter color Frenchies. There are many products on the market which claim to remove and or prevent tear stain removal, but the most commonly referred to method is the use of Desitin yes, the same ointment used for the treatment of baby rash. The ointment is spread along the length of the stain and after two or three weeks of application the stains should have disappeared. Care must be taken in both cases to assure that neither gets into the dogs eyes. The nose can be susceptible to drying out. The best way to remedy this is to regularly apply a smear of petroleum jelly Vaseline to the nose. This keeps the nose dark and moist. Our vet also recommended vitamin E just squeeze a little of the capsule , which we have found to work very well. Some people do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money, it is a fairly simple task that takes only a few minutes. There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is the easiest to use. The instructions that come with the clippers will guide you on how to use the instrument. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail, called the quick, is easier to see. Cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain — nothing serious, but they might not sit too still the next time you undertake this task. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. Some Frenchie owners, who have dogs with dark toenails, cut them once every week or two so that they only have to cut off a little at a time, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, no harm done. Bleeding generally stops within a few minutes it helps to apply pressure with a paper towel. Have More Questions?

The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in New York that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in New York that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in New York, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in New York, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses New York has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in New York. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, New York is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in New York? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Looking for an English Bulldog puppy for sale? We have top quality English Bulldog puppies for sale from the best world renowned champion bloodlines. Offering sales and delivery of our puppies nationwide. For those who want the very best. You can trust us for your next family member. Our website has been online since .We are breeders of Bulldogs living to .We are not associated with any other breeders or resellers. All of our puppies are home raised by us from our dogs. If you are looking for a reputable breeder with top quality English Bulldog puppies for sale give us a call to help you find your perfect puppy. Our puppies are very loved and well taken care of and we want this to continue when they go to their new homes. All of our Bulldogs are bred to standard from European champion bloodlines. Buyers can call us anytime for advice and guidance after you bring your puppy home. We offer Personal hand delivery by our courier to most U. Buyers of our puppies are also welcome to fly to our nearest airport we will meet you there and you can take your puppy back home with you as a carry-on. We are approved by all. We are top rated by our puppy buyers on Facebook as well. Quality is not cheap. Our puppies are no exception. If you are price shopping you may be looking at the wrong breeder. We have a lot of time, money and effort in our dogs and their care. We want only the best at Brenglora Bulldogs. Be aware a low priced English Bulldog puppy for sale may have high veterinary costs due to health problems. Bulldogs in general have always been considered expensive compared to other breeds due to high expense of c-section births and around the clock care of newborn puppies. Also newborn Bulldog puppies can have a high mortality rate. As reputable english Bulldog breeders, we are not about the latest fad for making more money. Fads are Mini Bulldogs, non standard colors and eye color not allowed in the Bulldog breed standard. Bulldogs were meant to be as described in the breed standard not to be non standard colors or sizes. Breeding to the breed standard and protecting the Bulldog breed is why we breed Bulldogs. Understanding and using pedigrees of the best Bulldogs available and knowing what those dogs contributed to their offspring is vital to producing the best English Bulldog puppies and avoiding health problems. Carelessly bred English Bulldog puppies for sale are a dime a dozen and are most likely to have health or temperament issues. Do yourself a favor and purchase your English Bulldog puppy only from a qualified breeder not a backyard breeder or pet store. Look for Bulldog breeders that are breeding to improve the breed. These breeders are more likely to be reputable. At Brenglora Bulldogs we take pride in producing top quality English Bulldog puppies for sale to families and individuals wanting a healthy, well bred English Bulldog puppy. We will have new litters born in .Reservations being accepted now. Call us to get information for future puppy availability. Since we are not a mass producer or re-seller we do not have English Bulldog puppies for sale all of the time. The focus at Brenglora Bulldogs is more on quality and health not how many pups we can sell. Reserve your puppy from future litters to get the English Bulldog puppy you have your heart set on. With a reservation you can look at each litter until you find the puppy you fall in love with. We offer standard colors only seen in purebred Bulldogs. We usually have, Red, light fawn, or white. The fawn or darker red are usually combined with white markings. English Bulldog Puppy. Sold English Bulldog Puppies for sale from the more reputable breeders are bred to standard, vet checked, and raised in a loving environment. When it comes time to sell the puppies, the breeder carefully screens potential adopters. At Brenglora Bulldogs we are Bulldog Enthusiasts and follow these practices when planning a litter and selling our puppies. We keep a waiting list for our puppies and want to assure they get the best homes. Our English Bulldogs are all our pets and are treated as family members. The English Bulldog breeder you choose will be the best or worst decision you can make when looking at an English Bulldog puppy for sale. Pick your breeder carefully and as a result, you will be assured of the healthiest English Bulldog puppy having the least amount of issues. When you purchase a puppy from Brenglora Bulldogs, you will have lifetime advice and guidance. As far as breeding healthy Bulldogs goes we have been breeding long enough to know how long our dogs live. We have gotten feedback from puppy buyers over the years and have had many healthy Bulldogs. We breed Bulldogs that are healthy and look like a Bulldog should and have the track record to prove it. We have bred many living to .And most are relatively problem free. We have several generations in our 40 plus years breeding. Our reputation is built on the puppies we have produced with many happy puppy buyers across the U. We offer our English Bulldog puppies for sale nationwide. Check out our English Bulldog puppy videos Contact us to get on our future puppy waiting list or for more information. Nationwide sales and delivery. If you are looking for the cheapest puppy you can find please go elsewhere. The puppies are priced according to quality. You are paying for a top quality puppy and our 40 years experience with the breed. Bulldogs are not an inexpensive breed. Ours are no exception. We are very busy so we appreciate serious inquiries only. We do not have English Bulldog puppies for sale all of the time so you may be on our waiting list for a bit awaiting your English Bulldog puppy. They are well worth the wait. All rights reserved. No part of this website can be copied or transmitted in any form without written permission. Brenglora Bulldogs-Augusta, KS. We sell and deliver puppies Nationwide. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs? Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? What if there are no Bulldog breeders in New York? Why do the best breeders want to work with Uptown Puppies? All the best Bulldog breeders NYC, businesses and companies are really happy to work with us, as we have a Breeder Pledge that they all follow. You can even take a look at this. What is a New York puppy mill like? Dark and gloomy, cages upon cages, puppy mills are a nightmare for Bulldog puppies New York. They just care about how much money they can make off of them. These puppies often get really sick. What health issues do Bulldogs suffer from? Bulldogs for sale New York can suffer from quite a few ailments throughout their lives, just like many dogs out there. The Bulldogs in New York that come from puppy mills suffer especially. Things you have to watch out for are respiratory problems you cannot leave your Bulldog New York in too much heat , and you always have to watch their skin for irritations. Can I get a Bulldog right now? You can connect with New York Bulldog breeders right now! Sort out all the travel arrangements, and get ready to have a beautiful Bulldog for sale New York by your side faster than you can say Jack Robinson! What kind of dog is a British Bulldog? British, or English, Bulldogs New York were specifically bred to look the way they do because a long time ago they were involved in bullfighting and bull-baiting. The wrinkles on their faces helped keep the blood away from covering their faces. Thank goodness that horrible violent sport is over. Bulldogs today are friendly and gentle kind dogs who love human company. How big will a Bulldog be? What is their temperament like? New York Bulldogs for sale are really heavy dogs! Which celebrities own Bulldogs? Bulldogs have also popped up on the silver screen a number of times!

German Shepherd Dog with Panda pattern Phenotype: The Panda pattern is characterized by symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, ventral abdomen, collar, and tip of the tail. The amount of white can vary from dog to dog. They cannot transmit this Panda variant to any of their offspring. Additional Details A mutation in the KIT gene has been found to be the source of the dominant white spotting pattern known as Panda that occurs in a line of German Shepherd dogs. This mutation is very recent: it appeared spontaneously in a female, Lewcinka's Franka von Phenom, born in .The Panda pattern is characterized by symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, ventral abdomen, collar, and tip of the tail. In the homozygous state, the Panda mutation is considered an early embryonic lethal as no live dogs with the pattern and with two copies of the mutation have been observed. Heterozygous dogs one copy of the mutation do not have any health defects associated with this pattern. Testing for the Panda pattern to allows breeders to determine if white patterning is caused by this KIT gene mutation. Type of Sample. White markings tend to be determined by the genes on the S locus. The white areas tend to be at the tip of the tail, end of the muzzle, breastbone, or paws. This is known as residual white. The cause may be unknown or may be due to a minor illness in the mother. This transition occurs when the pup is around months old and sheds his soft fluffy coat. This process can happen quickly or may take a few months. You may also see changes in the pattern. Nonetheless, she had many white markings across her chest as a puppy, which soon blended into her thick adult coat. Below is a picture of her at three months old. My 3-month-old German Shepherd Willow showing off her white chest markings! German Shepherds can have white paws. It usually appears on the tips of the paws. This study determined that the variant was associated with one or more spotting patterns in many dog breeds, including the German Shepherd. Regarding paws, white spotting can occur on one paw, all four, or any combination. What is a Panda German Shepherd? So, what exactly are they? They tend to have symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, belly, collar, and tail tip. The amount of white coloring can vary from dog to dog. They are typical-looking German Shepherds, other than their color, and have the same temperament and traits. The first-ever recorded Panda mutation occurred relatively recently in a female GSD in the year .Although these dogs look like they have Irish spotting consisting of white muzzle blazes and Border Collie-type markings, they are very different. This is due to being caused by the mutated dominant KIT gene. The gene that causes Irish spotting is yet to be identified. This allows German Shepherd breeders to establish whether the KIT gene mutation causes white patterning. There are often misunderstandings about whether German Shepherds with white markings can enter dog shows. However, this is a difficult question and depends entirely on the breed standard of the individual country. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. However, they are still allowed to be registered as purebred. They are also still permitted to participate in events, such as herding trials, tracking, and obedience. However, the consensus is inconspicuous white markings would not disqualify the dog from conformation. The UK Kennel Club also recognizes the all-white German Shepherd but states they are highly undesirable for conformation. However, they also refer to dogs having white markings. There are many varieties of coat colors in the German Shepherd breed. These are the main ones:. Next » by stormy on 02 April - I went to look at a puppy today from a local breeder. She is the last little one left, and after seeing her I think I know why. She has white markings on her toes, chest, and a small white patch on her chin? Will these spots go away? Will the fade? What caused the spots? She is the only one out of the 10 pups with the white markings. Take a look at this dog. He is considered the first German Shepherd. His grandfather on his mother's side was a white German Shepherd. Eliminating that from the gene pool through selective breeding is part of why GSD's have so many health problems. If you like the puppy, go buy it, raise it, train it, most importantly enjoy it and provide it an excellent, life-long home, then the pup can wear its white markings as a badge of honor! As I have never seen this. And he is absolutely beautiful and wonderful. I don't care about breeding or showing. She would be a family pet and loved even with her white marks. There have been many top famous dogs with a little white on the chest and toes. Often it gets less noticed with age as the dog gets bigger. Good luck! The white gene is a recessive masking gene that causes the dog to be completely white. I bought a pup that had white marks on her toes and chest. Her pigment faded badly by her second birthday. So, beware, if you are planning to show this dog, it is NOT a good candidate for the show ring! Look at the nails. If they are white, the dog is lacking in pigment, and will likely fade as it gets older. If they are black and look like they've been dipped in India ink, it will be okay. Here's my pup at 8 weeks: and here's what she looks like now: by GSD Lineage on 02 April - Here is a nice pup. You can have a large blanket and white feet. Look at the parents! Eila vom Mecklenburger Bolz Goergeous pup. A German Shepherd can have natural white patches on them as a puppy that usually disappear into adulthood. Adult dogs might get white patches due to vitiligo, health problems, natural aging, or premature aging caused by stress or genetics. To learn more about German Shepherds and why these white patches might occur, keep reading! German Shepherds are typically bred to have little to no white patches in their coats. This is because they were bred to be animal herders, and only the darker dogs could intimidate the other animals into moving. A dark-furred German Shepherd can have white markings, but this is only an indicator of a breeding fault instead of anything more insidious. That particular German Shepherd has the recessive white gene in its DNA, passed down from one of the parents. If your German Shepherd has a white spot on its chest or paws, but is only a puppy, the spot will likely fade as it gets older. Even if this does not happen, as long as your dog has been registered with the American Kennel Club AKC as purebred, having or not having a white spot does not make it any less of a purebred. If the white spotting is extreme, you might have what is known as a Panda German Shepherd. This is caused by a mutated KIT gene. All-white German Shepherds also do exist, but they are rarer to find. As a result, all-white puppies are usually more expensive than the working kind. These dogs are usually bred from all-white parents or one all-white and one non-all-white with the recessive white gene. An all-white needs to inherit the white gene from both of the parents. That also takes all the health risks associated with albino dogs out of the equation. There is no difference between an all-white, a black dog, or a dog with white spots other than the coat color and, in some cases, hair length. Instead of fixating on coat color, you should be ensuring that your breeder is responsible and does health tests on dogs because some breeders overlook health issues to get the perfect coat color. As your dog gets older and older, those gray hairs will turn whiter. Stress It is common knowledge that stress in humans can cause hair to turn gray faster than usual. It is hypothesized that stress prematurely triggers the graying process — where either aging prevents the production of melanin , the chemical which keeps your skin and hair at the natural color it is, or your hair gets bleached from within via hydrogen peroxide. According to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science , anxiety or stress can replicate this process in dogs. If your dog displays anxiety or impulsivity in the form of the symptoms below, take note. Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read.

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd breed has always been popular in America. In fact, they have been ranked as number 1 in popularity throughout most of U. If a female German Shepherd dog GSD has joined your family, and you are thinking about breeding from her, you may be curious about how many puppies you should expect in one litter — as well as how many she might have over her years with you. On average, a German Shepherd can have puppies per litter. Some have as many as 15 or as few as one puppy per litter. On record, the biggest German Shepherd litter was 17 puppies by a dog named Mosha. The gestation period is approximately 63 days about two months after conceiving. However, this number may vary by several days. A German Shepherd dog can have two litters per year until around the age of 8. This means that a German Shepherd Dog can have approximately 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Well, the answer to this may help you understand the quantity of puppies they produce in a litter. The German Shepherd is native to Germany and is a cross breed between working sheep dogs and a dog believed to be a quarter wolf. They were originally bred to protect families and to herd livestock. Are there factors that affect the number of puppies a female German Shepherd can have? How many times in a year can they give birth? Knowing how many puppies to expect may help you plan resources to accommodate them if you are planning on becoming a breeder. A female German Shepherd with a small body will have a smaller litter size compared to a GSD with a bigger body. If you want a larger litter size, therefore, you should breed your German Shepherd before they are seven years or older. The best breeding years are between 2- 5 years of age. As the male dog ages, their sperm count decreases, and this affects the number of puppies in the litter. If you are a breeder, it is best to practice breeding when the male dog is in its prime years, between 2- 5 years. This way, you are likely to get a bigger litter size. The female should also have a healthy diet before breeding. Diet and health go hand in hand. A diet that consists of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will help your GSD to have a larger litter size. Your vet will help you determine the perfect diet before, during, and after your dog's pregnancy. Although it may be nerve-wracking, you need to be there to help your German Shepherd give birth. A whelping box with a heating pad or a heating lamp will help keep the new-born puppies warm. New-born puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, hence why the heating pad or lamp will come in handy. Heating pads: place them under the blankets or towels where the puppies lie. Make sure the setting is comfortable for them. At birth, they weigh about 0. German Shepherd dog puppies have four developmental life stages after they are born. You will notice the mother licking her puppies to clean them. Milk from their mother is very crucial at this age. They can begin eating some main foods but still nurse and feed on soft foods. By eight weeks, a puppy has all its teeth, and the teething process begins. At this time, you should ensure each puppy starts to wear a properly-fitted dog collar. For added security, choose a collar that allows you to track their location via GPS. Final Thoughts Owning a dog is a joyous experience, and when you own a German Shepherd, you have a loyal, smart, fierce, and protective dog for life. To add to that, German Shepherd dogs make good mothers and they know what to do during and after giving birth. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. German Shepherds are a large breed, so larger litters are often expected. Though most dog breeds give birth to 5 to 6 puppies, the average litter size of a German Shepherd is 8. The largest known German Shepherd litter was 17, birthed in by a white long-haired German Shephard named Mosha in Indiana. Several years later, in , another German Shepherd birthed a whopping 16 puppies —the largest litter the Leamington Spa Charity has ever seen in its 60 years of breeding dogs. If you have a healthy pregnant German Shepherd, expect her to give birth to at least 5 puppies. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. In a year, a healthy German Shepherd can get pregnant twice a year. Unlike smaller breeds, German Shepherds can go into heat once every six or so months. It's during this time that they can get pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two to four weeks long on average. So, if you don't want your beloved German Shepherd to return home pregnant, make sure she's kept away from other dogs during this period. You can take her outside to play, as long as it's in a secure enclosure like your backyard. Apart from the breed itself, there are a ton of factors that affect a German Shepherd's litter size. You can use these factors to predict approximately how many puppies your German Shepherd will give birth to when the time comes. Size It goes without saying that the larger your German Shepherd, the larger her potential litter. This is because biologically, larger dogs can safely carry more babies. Puppies can either stop growing during the developmental stage or be reabsorbed by the mother's body. Some of the puppies may also be miscarried. The same is said with German Shepherds with underlying health conditions like diabetes or obesity. Both parents need to be in excellent health to maximize the litter count. Age The age of both parents also affects the size of the litter, with the female's age more important than the male's age. German Shepherds under the age of 7 produce larger litters than German Shepherds over the same age. Additionally, German Shepherds bred after the age of 5 may have smaller litters in the future, as opposed to those bred earlier than 5. No matter the age, the first litter will be smaller than the upcoming litter. As for the stud, the older the male gets, the fewer his sperm count. Larger litters will likely occur if the male is under the age of 5 when bred with a female. Heritability Dogs tend to inherit their mother's litter size potential, so long as they're healthy. If you've purchased your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you can contact the breeder and ask them how many litters your pup's mother would produce on average. Nutrition Nutrition is a major factor in determining a dog's litter size and health. This is why numerous nutritional guidelines for pregnant dogs exist. Poorly fed pregnant dogs don't have the required nutritional support to produce a large litter. Therefore, providing high-quality food throughout the pregnancy is crucial. Pregnant dogs have different nutritional requirements than non-pregnant dogs. They also need high amounts of soluble carbohydrates, as well as calcium and phosphorous for puppy bone formation and nursing. Pregnant dogs that are fed a balanced diet without supplements produce the largest litter. High doses of supplements may kill developing puppies, reducing the litter size. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Like humans, the most reliable way to tell how many puppies a German Shepherd is having is through ultrasound examination. The veterinarian can scan your pregnant dog's belly and generate images of her uterus. Through this, you can count how many puppies your German Shepherd will likely have. That said, the images aren't usually of the highest quality. The ultrasound might fool you into thinking there's only one puppy when there's actually two or even three. And since puppies tend to huddle up together, you might also mistake two puppies with one big puppy. As such, take the images with a grain of salt. Ultrasound examinations are usually done at around 45 days of gestation. It's during this time that puppies' bones have developed and calcified, allowing you to see their shapes on screen. Different dog breeds have different gestation periods. Some give birth after only 60 days, while others give birth after 80 days. Some even surpass the day threshold, like Dalmatians. German Shepherds fall in the day category. On average, German Shepherds give birth after approximately nine weeks or roughly 58 to 68 days. Veterinarians can predict your dog's due date with an ultrasound scan, so you can prepare weeks beforehand. If your German Shepherd's gestation period lasts longer than the predicted due date, contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid future complications. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. Health A healthy German shepherd will produce many healthy puppies compared to an unhealthy one. Always take your GSD to a vet clinic to confirm that she is in a healthy state. This is because the larger ones have a bigger carrying capacity. Diet Diet plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the litter of a GSD. Feed her a balanced diet rather than only kibble throughout. Age German shepherds are more fertile between the ages of two to three years. If she gets older than that age, she is less likely to deliver a large litter. Individual Genetic Factors If a German shepherd delivers a large first litter the chances are that she will do the same in the second and the third litter. Gestation period for a GSD Their pregnancies take around 64 days which is a little more than other dogs. This is influenced by their bigger size. What to Expect of a Pregnant German Shepherd Change in Appetite The appetite might increase or decrease depending on the stage of pregnancy. She can show signs of morning sickness like vomiting. In case of a reduced appetite, you should try to feed her her favorite meal. Decrease in Activity If your GSD feels exhausted most of the time, she will be taking a nap more than usual. If your dog likes sleeping a lot, this sign might go unnoticed. Unless you have confirmed that she is pregnant, sleeping a lot should be seen as a red flag especially for active dogs. Behavior Change Behavior change will depend on an individual dog. Some German shepherds will seek extra attention and will be around you most of the time, while others will like isolation and will be hostile whenever you get closer to them. Her abdomen will enlarge, though this is among the last signs of pregnancy. This should not worry you as she will be back to her normal size once she delivers. The nipples might get dark red in color. Other times the milk might leak in the late stage of pregnancy. Frequent Urination A female German shepherd can increase the no of times she urinates during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be territory marking. She can pee anywhere, in the living room, the seat, or in the corner of a room. Nesting Behavior During the last stage of pregnancy, she will start preparing a place for the expected puppies. She will shred anything from blankets, newspapers, or clothes and keep them in her nest. Proper Feeding Feed your expectant German shepherd a balanced diet. Buy her the best dog food you can afford. It is advisable to increase the quantity of food you feed her. Instead of giving her a lot of food at once, divide the food into smaller portions and give it to her many times. This is to ensure that that the mother and the unborn puppies are healthy. Give Her space Due to hormonal changes, your dog will have mood swings. If she is not willing to eat or play do not compel her. Just give her space to be herself. Whelping Box A whelping box is set on the last stage of German shepherd pregnancy. It is a safe and comfortable place equipped with all the necessities needed for safe delivery. The place should be noise-free. Bottom Line German shepherds are caring parents. In rare cases, German shepherds eat their newborns. Be watchful to avoid such instances. Related Posts:. Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. A junior is the canine version of a teenager, and this is usually the time period between six and twelve months old. Adult dogs have completely finished growing and range between one and seven years old, while mature dog is at least seven years old. After this age, the dog will then be considered middle-aged. The ages of the last two categories will depend on the breed. A senior dog is an older dog that has reached the final quarter of its life expectancy. Since a German Shepherd has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, it will enter its senior years when it is between nine and .A geriatric dog is one that has reached the end of its stated life expectancy — and is still going strong. If Gunther the German Shepherd makes it to 15, he is considered geriatric. Is it true that dogs age seven years for every human year? She says it may have stemmed from an observation that dogs lived to be 10 years old, while humans lived to be 70 on average. It is true that dogs age much faster than humans, but the extent and speed of this process depends on many factors. Larger dogs tend to age faster and have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. The AKC divides dogs into four size categories: Small 20 pounds or under Medium 21 to 50 pounds Large 51 to pounds Giant Over pounds An adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 66 and 88 pounds, and an adult female generally weighs between 49 and 73 pounds. Then, until they reach the age of five, they age four years every year. Large dogs that are over five years old then generally age five or six years every year, and a German Shepherd that lives to be 14 is comparable to a human of .How many puppies can German Shepherds have? It is born completely helpless and depends on its mother for everything; it even needs her help to go to the bathroom. The puppy will typically start to crawl when it is a week old, and its eyes will open a few days later. The first baby teeth emerge when the puppy is two weeks old, and it will start going to the bathroom on its own around the same time. The socialization period lasts from the third to the twelfth week. Then, when the puppy can move, see, and hear, it needs to learn the social skills that will enable it to successfully interact with humans and other dogs. However, it still needs to stay with its mother during this time, so she can teach it proper dog behavior and other vital life skills. German Shepherds this age should also be introduced to humans to begin getting used to their presence. They will generally begin playing with their littermates and their humans when they are about four weeks old. Puppies that are at least seven weeks old can then be housebroken. The following video covers the growth and development of a German Shepherd puppy from when it is seven weeks old to six months old. The owner noted such physical changes as increasingly erect ears and darkening fur. The juvenile period lasts from three to six months and ends when the dog reaches sexual maturity. By this age, the puppy has all of its baby teeth. The puppy will be old enough for obedience school towards the end of the juvenile period. By the time a German Shepherd is six months old , it will look mostly like an adult dog, but it has not yet finished growing. It will have reached about 70 percent of its adult height and weight, and it will also have all of its adult teeth. German Shepherds, at this age should be spayed or neutered unless their owner plans to breed them. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? April 27, We all know that German shepherd is an intelligent dog and quite active in all his areas. But apart from his intelligence, he is the most fun-loving dog. And I also found that this is the only breed of dog which is so versatile, he can be your family dog, a guard dog, a military dog, a police dog, a search and rescue dog and a herding dog as well. I can say that this is the most versatile dog. Pregnancy and litters of German shepherd dog The bodyweight of a female German shepherd is around 30kgs and height are between 20 to 24 inches and this is a bodyweight for the healthy pregnancy of a German shepherd dog. German shepherd dog becomes a wonderful mother and she has a huge number of litters in her pregnancy. This is no fixed numbers of puppies in the German shepherd litter and it can vary from 1 to 15 puppies. Usually, a female German shepherd dog has 8 puppies in her first litters. A Female German shepherd has two litters in a year and this started from an early age and continues up to the age of 8 which means that she can have 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Factors affecting the size of litters.

His breeding program focuses on improving the health and well-being of the breed by selecting breedable parents with the best traits to produce healthy, multi-generational Labradoodle puppies. He also begins crate training each puppy at five weeks. In addition to getting microchipped, socialized, vaccinated, and dewormed, each puppy goes home with ALAA registration and a two-year health guarantee. Limited Litter Availability Ethical breeders usually limit the number of litters their breedable Labradoodle mothers produce each year to ensure that each puppy gets equal attention as their littermates. This protocol lets the mothers get months of rest before producing their next litter or retiring. Limited litter production also applies to breeders who specialize in breeding other designers Doodles. Health Prioritization Reputable breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in PA should get their dogs tested for several hereditary health issues to avoid producing litters with potentially unhealthy puppies. Although Labradoodles are a generally hardy dog breed, they can become susceptible to eye, hip, elbow, knee, and cardiac diseases. Experience with the Breed The best Labradoodle breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience working with the breed they can relay to first-time owners with countless questions. The time it takes to bring your puppy home after filling out an application can vary depending on where you look. I was very lucky in that my breeder had a litter of puppies available at the time I was looking for one. In fact, I spotted an advert for puppies on Facebook, and I was able to go and view them right away. At the time, the pups were only four weeks old, so I did have to wait for four weeks until they were old enough to leave their mother and had received their first vaccinations. That time gave me a chance to buy everything I needed for the new arrival and to puppy-proof as best I could my home and garden. Your life will suddenly get a whole lot busier once your furbaby lands! We made a list of ethical breeders from nearby states, which you can try:. We use our own Snowy River Training Program to help our puppies develop into confident and well-behaved companions. We offer a wide range of Labradoodle colors and sizes to choose from, including mini and medium. We are committed to providing the best possible homes for our Labradoodles and will work with you to ensure a smooth adoption process. Bashful Life is better with a Labradoodle by your side! Come and meet Bashful! He is a sweet loving, cuddly boy. Already crate trained and loves to go for walks. Also, loves the water! Come and meet Doc. He loves adventure and would love a home with an active family. Already Crate Trained! Frequently Asked Questions Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. With decades of experience, we have been breeding the finest Labradoodles and providing families with loving, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. What is the breeding process at Snowy River Doodles? Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies with excellent temperaments, sound health, and beautiful coats. We carefully select our breeding dogs from top-quality lines, ensuring the highest standards in health and temperament. Our puppy has begun potty training and crate training. What does that mean? We use a litter box placed in their pen starting at three weeks of age and gradually make the pen larger as they begin to recognize the potty area. This trains the puppies to potty in one area. When you go home, that area will be outside. At six weeks, they begin spending time outside. At this time, they also start eating at least one meal a day in a crate by themselves and they spend some time in a crate for a few hours during the day. We put an old towel and chew toy in the crate with them. Do you ship? No, we no longer ship puppies. We feel that there are enough labradoodle breeders across the country to find one locally and there is no need to put a puppy through this stressful process. I am willing to meet owners at the Philadelphia or Harrisburg Airport if you wish to fly in and take your puppy back home with you under your seat. Please inquire if you are interested in this. There are additional fees and requirements. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive early socialization and basic training. We introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted and prepared for life with their new families. Can I visit Snowy River Doodles to meet the puppies and their parents? At Snowy River, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Only families with deposits will be able to visit once puppies are 6 weeks old. And meet the parents at that time. His parents are Tally and Huey. Tina was very responsive throughout the adoption process and you can tell she really cares about her dogs and where the puppies go. Eli has a huge personality and is such a sweetheart. Training was pretty easy as he is super smart. He adapted well when we added our daughter in and is very patient with her. We love our Eli so much and he has added so much to our little family. Thank you Tina for the best companion and snuggle buddy. He is smart, funny and still, at 6 years old, very mischievous! He is the second doodle I got from Snowy River Labradoodles. Sadly his brother, Baxter has crossed the rainbow bridge. They have the most wonderful temperament and are just so much fun. Tina does a wonderful job working with the puppies and is such a pleasure to deal with. There has never been and never will be another dog like her! She smiles at us, she stands up and hugs us when we get home, she brings pure happiness to everyone she meets! She is a little more timid when going out in public so pet therapy is not in her future career. She is still the sweetest! She comes around and gives everyone in our family love, not missing anyone. When you arrive home, she always goes and grabs her babies to show you. She knows so many tricks and was so easy to teach! Our year-old daughter taught her sit, roll over, shake, jump through a hula hoop, tell a secret, weave between your legs, high five and even how to push a button to ask for a treat. She likes to put on dog shows for our company! We really did our research before purchasing our first doodle and man did we choose right when we came to you! We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 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 Lancaster Pennsylvania 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. Happy Families A dedicated and very caring professional breeder. Thank you, Vicki, for our beautiful 9-week-old puppy, Brandy, whom we love so much! She, along with her five brothers and sisters were cared for by Vicki. Vicki is amazing! She is a dedicated and very caring professional breeder who sincerely loves and cares about both her puppies and their future parents! Her puppies are extremely well-cared for they follow all the latest veterinary recommendations for breeders. Her breeding experience is of the highest level as can be demonstrated by the many positive reviews and feedback we researched before meeting Vicki over the phone. Vicki and her husband go out of their way to involve her new puppy parents from the very first days of the litter being born by interacting with videos, informational emails and photos of the new puppies right up to the day they meet their new parents. Absolutely honest and above board, she is always there for you to answer any question you might have on how best to care for your new puppy before and after your puppy is home with you! Paula and I both were blown away by just how involved she was with us every step of the way and how she kept us updated on the growth of the pups right until pick up day! Needless to say we offer our highest recommendation. John and Paula DeBlase The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. I got my precious puppy, Luna, from Windsor Creek Labradoodles recently. The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Dealing with Vicki was an absolute pleasure. I received a beautiful, friendly, healthy puppy. I filled out my application, described our needs, talked to Vicki on the phone and in the end, Vicki made a perfect match for us! I highly recommend this awesome breeder! Kay Pappas They answered all our questions. We are first time dog owners and were so fortunate to have found Vicki and Walt at Windsor Creek. They were so welcoming to our whole family. They answered all our questions, shared resources and improved our confidence that we were making a great decision for our family. Vicki has selected the perfect puppy for us. Ruby is playful, sweet and so smart! She is calm enough to sit and listen to our oldest son read, yet loves to run and chase our youngest son to play. Vicki has been an amazing source of knowledge and recommendations that has continued even after we have brought our puppy home. Their support throughout this whole process has been invaluable and we feel so lucky to be forever connected to Windsor Creek by our sweet puppy! Shana Brophy There is no other place I would go. My family suffered a tragic loss last year. We lost our beloved Chewie. He was with us for 15 years and came from Windsor Creek Labradoodles. When we were ready, we knew where to go, right back to Windsor Creek and Vicki Tyson. Our new puppy, Wyatt, in two short weeks is again proving to be a blessing. Vicki does not just breed puppies, she knows how to nurture these incredibly wonderful bundles of joy so that they fit perfectly into your family. There is no other place I or my family would go to trust this type of decision other than Windsor Creek and Vicki. In fact, we are returning again for yet another puppy, hopefully by the New Year! My family and I have wanted a dog for a long, long time but could not adopt one due to severe allergies for one of my three sons. He wanted a dog so badly. We are so grateful for Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles. She made the process so easy for us. Vicki is extremely informative and thorough, and is very responsive to any questions. We now have a healthy, happy and beautiful puppy! I highly recommend Windsor Creek Labradoodles. Vicki is the best! Joe Campi We picked up our puppy in perfect health. Our experience with Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles was simply exceptional from the very beginning to the day we brought our puppy home. Her absolute love for these dogs comes through in every phone call, email and interaction we had over the course of many months. She is so thoughtful and meticulous in her communication and planning which is so helpful to our family as first-time dog owners. We picked up our puppy in perfect health and so full of energy and his transition into our home has been seamless. We could not have been happier with our experience. Mike M. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Suffice to say that the dog has come a long way from its herding roots. Part of that perfect picture we have of these pups is the erect position of their ears. It gives them the qualities we associate with the breed, such as intelligence and confidence. Floppy ears strike us as a disconnect. These dogs have a dense coat that puts a lot of weight on their ears, relatively speaking. Also, large breeds like the German Shepherd mature more slowly than smaller dogs. It could just be a matter of time. That fact will come into play with the availability and price of the dog. It may have a disqualifying trait , such as floppy ears. This characteristic has a genetic component. Injury or Trauma Damaged the Cartilage Puppies sometimes play rough. They bite at each other, and sometimes the ears get the brunt of it. That often translates into slower healing times. Some manufactures produce tailor-made foods for specific breeds , such as the German Shepherd. That can go a long way to helping your dog recovering from an injury. It can interfere with air circulation in the ear canals, setting up the perfect storm for infections or mites. These conditions are horribly uncomfortable for your pup. Left untreated, it can cause a hematoma or swelling. This condition requires veterinary treatment. Several options exist, from aspirating or draining it to surgery. The best prevention is avoiding the conditions that caused the ear discomfort in the first place. All German Shepherds have floppy ears as puppies. The difference depends on when they start to change and stand up into their adult position. It can take several months. However, the number of adult dogs with floppy ears is about one in five. That may get its ears standing upright quicker. Taping the ears is usually part of the healing process when dogs get their ears cropped. The other concern is doing the procedure correctly. That could lead to ear trauma or a bowel obstruction if it swallows the materials. We suggest that you have your veterinarian do the job if you want to go this route. Final Thoughts The upright ears are an essential feature of the striking pose of the German Shepherd. Nature often has her plan for when that will happen in a puppy. Sometimes, it takes longer in pups with thicker fur or large ears. Healthy nutritional support will help the cartilage develop stronger and quicker. In the meantime, patience is the key. See also:. A common misconception that many people have is that German Shepherds have cropped ears that account for their erect posture. It often surprises some people to learn that the AKC standard calls for naturally erect, not cropped ears. GSD puppies are born with floppy ears set against the side of the head. As puppies mature, their ears usually start to stand up naturally. However, for various reasons, some dogs have ears that stay floppy. You can reasonably expect erect ears by around eight months old. This is because calcium that would generally nourish the ears is reallocated to the teeth during this time. You can expect the ears to become erect after the teething stops , around 20 weeks. After a puppy is no longer teething, they will start retaining enough cartilage in the ears to help hold them up. GSDs ears are heavier than they appear, and the cartilage must be sufficient to help keep that position. A sign of ears likely to stay erect are ears that become pointy once they start to stand. If your puppy reaches four or five months without any sign of the ears standing up, you might need to give them some help. When the ears are not erect by around seven or eight months, they will more than likely retain a floppy position. It is not something that is going to happen overnight. If you notice that your pup can prick their ears up or even just the tips of their ears by the time they are four to five months old, the chances are that the ears are developing normally and should become pointed without any intervention. The best thing to do is to keep your hands off their ears and avoid bending, rubbing, or folding their ears. If you notice that your German Shepherd is shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears, it may be their attempt to relieve some kind of minor itchiness or irritation. However, if you notice that the head-shaking persists, then you should be concerned, especially as your pup grows. Any trauma to their ears before they reach four to five months of age can affect the cartilage and cause the ears to remain floppy rather than erect. Aural Haematoma: this is a blood blister found on the outer skin of the ear and can appear swollen. This condition is often the result of trauma due to vigorous ear shaking or a dog fight. However, if they are more serious, they will need to be removed surgically, and this can sometimes include the removal of part or all of the ear canal. If not, your pup will continue shaking their head and scratching, which can cause further injury and trauma to their ears. Skin Allergies: The head shaking and scratching may also be due to an allergy. For this, you may have to use antibiotics, antihistamines, or put your pup on a low allergy diet to treat their ears. For more information on avoiding dog ear infections and what to look for regarding causes and treatments, visit AKC. One of the more recognizable features of the German Shepherd dog breed is their large, erect ears and stoic expression. However, a lesser-known fact is that a German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears. So, how do you know what kind of ears your German Shepherd will have? The ears should also be pointed. If you got your German Shepherd from a reputable dog breeder, you could expect that their ears will stand erect after they are done teething. However, if you acquired your puppy from a puppy mill or there were less than desirable breeding practices or health problems, then your adult dog may end up with droopy ears. German Shepherd Ears Chart Although there is an official breed standard, in reality, German Shepherds have different types of ears, from ears that are set too high or too low to ears that are too large, asymmetrical, or too small. Some dogs even have ears pointing outwards or inwards or tilting one way. Overall, as you can see in our German Shepherd Ears Chart , there are at least 12 different types of German Shepherd ear shapes. Blood flow into the cartilage will likely increase when you do this, helping the ears keep their shape. Proper cleaning will help prevent infections that can be painful and costly to treat. Make sure you have a towel handy as you drop the ear cleaner into their ear. The towel can be used to clean up any mess as well as massage the ear cleaner solution in and around the ears. You can then use a cotton ball to remove any dirt or excess liquid. Chew Toys Sturdy chew toys will not only help keep your puppy busy but can also play a role in exercising the muscles supporting both the ears and jaws. Chewing helps with teething while also exercising their jaw and neck, and head muscles. Quality Diet The food that you feed your puppy should have high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Foods free from both wheat and corn are some of the best choices. You should also discuss supplementation with your veterinarian. Glucosamine, for example, helps to lubricate joints and supports healthy cartilage. For example, hearing certain noises that attract their attention or hearing their name can make them prick up their ears. Take advantage of this situation by praising them and providing a treat when they prick up their ears in response to this type of stimulus. They will associate pricking their ears up with getting a reward. Regularly Check for Parasites You also want to regularly check your dog out for parasites and ear mites. In addition, tapeworms and roundworms take away the essential nutrients your German Shepherd pup needs, which can ultimately cause poor health and other deficiencies. An ear mite infection can also cause your dog to itch, which causes them to shake their head excessively. Cartilage is extremely fragile and is prone to damage. If the cartilage becomes damaged, it can prove impossible for the ears to stand erect. However, keep in mind, this is invasive and does require your dog to go under anesthesia. They will also require pain medication following the surgery, and there will be a lengthy recovery time. Discuss Options with Your Vet You may want to consider having your vet make sure nothing is going on, like an ear infection. Some German Shepherds come from lines that carry genes that lead to floppier ears. Unfortunately, when genetics is the cause, there is little that owners can do aside from being more conscientious about ear health, which is a more significant concern in floppy-eared dogs. Many dogs from show lines, in particular, have larger ears that require more cartilage while the dog is growing to help support a more upright position. In many cases, these dogs will not have ears that stay upright. Broken Ear Cartilage German Shepherds can also end up with permanently floppy ears as a result of broken ear cartilage. This can happen in GSDs for a variety of reasons, including: Injuries. Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

We find that at the age when our puppies move around, we get them socialising with our other litter. You can hear the excitement in their yelps. Health Our breeding girls are vet checked with our local vet. Our vet knows our girls by name and is well adapted to them. Home environment Our home is their home. They have a room where they rest or they can come and go as they please. Usually they like to follow us around the house. They all live snuggling up on the couch or in our bed. They love human contact, so if you're looking for a companion, you have come to the right page. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. GM2 Genetic Test GM2 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder that causes neurological problems. There are a few different types of this disease affecting different breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. MPS Genetic Test Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. In person puppy pick up Meet the breeder in person for puppy pick ups Ground transport service Supportive of on-the-road pet transport by car or van Domestic air travel by plane Supportive of domestic air transport by plane RightPaw Achievements About the Breeder A little about us I decided to become a breeder due to the love and passion I have with all my dogs. To produce wonderful temperament pups that have spent their first 8 weeks in loving family indoor environments and adjusted to play and cuddles. The forever home owners have not only a new family addition, they have a breeder that is… Read more Why we got involved in breeding To do my best ensuring that the quality of the breed continues to improve through quailty DNA lines. Our special touch My special touch provides all our puppies with a happy and loving forever home, therefore we carefully screen and interview all our puppy buyers. All our puppy buyers can be assured that our puppies go home health checked as well as the parents' health and DNA checked too! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Delivery to Melbourne! For Free. We have these delightful little guys and girls. Gorgeous playful happy go lucky toy poodles, make wonderful companion dogs for all ages. These babies have been raised with big and small humans. They babies are well underway to being toilet trained, they are incredibly bright and bubbly If you can offer one of these guys a forever pet home pls contact us. Are they the right fit for your home? Can you attend to their needs? Are they as cute as a button? The perfect pal that ticks all these boxes is our line of Toy Poodle puppies in Sydney, Melb and surrounding areas. At 4Pups, we breed first-generation Toy Poodle puppies for sale across Australia to bring out the best breed and produce ace-quality dogs. A compact and healthy little animal with a wonderful temperament, perfect for a ball of fun! Speak to our team here today to find your pup! So why are these dogs made for you? Many Toy Poodle puppies in Sydney and beyond have one of the most adorable and Energetic personalities, making them the most pup-ular of dog breeds. Our Toy Poodle puppies for sale in Australia come in colours red and gold. Mini toy poodle brown — toy mini poodle for sale Mini toy poodle brown. Toy Poodles are very smart and easy to train. They can learn tricks very quickly and enjoy showing off their talents for their owners. Their intelligence also makes them great problem solvers. If you have a problem with your houseplants wilting or your houseplants drying out too fast, you may want to consider getting a Toy Poodle who can find an alternative watering system for you! Mini toy poodle brown. Mini toy poodle brown — About Suzy Mini toy poodle brown. This energetic Miniature Poodle puppy is call Suzy and she is ready to meet you! She is vet checked and up to date on vaccinations and dewormed. She has a beautiful coat , which makes her a perfect companions for your home. Poodle Breed Characteristics Mini toy poodle brown. The poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds around. Mini toy poodle brown These days most poodle owners opt for the sporting clip, showing off their squarely toned shape. Either way, if someone in your family is sensitive to dog fur , poodles are hypoallergenic puppies. Poodle Temperament Mini toy poodle brown. Poodles are people-oriented and love learning new tricks. They are good-natured and have a strong impulse to fetch with a wide assortment of toys due to their hunting dog past. Poodle Grooming and Health Needs Mini toy poodle brown. As puppies , poodles need only minimal bathing and brushing. As they start to grow, however, their coats will need a wide variety of attention, depending on how you want to groom them. If the matting gets too extreme, experts suggest cutting the hair very short and growing out their curly locks from scratch. On the other end of the spectrum are those who prefer their poodles go to a professional groomer. If so, every weeks is ideal, as they get a bath and nail trim in the process. Poodles are a healthy and long-lived breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. The toy length poodle is at increased risk of developing Legg-Calve-Perthes involving the femoral head and luxating patellas kneecap dislocating , while standard poodles can develop bloat. Training Poodles are highly trainable , quick learners and want to please their owners. They learn best from positive reinforcement and excel in tracking, agility and obedience. Poodle puppies benefit from socialisation and puppy obedience classes to build good puppy behaviour. Poodles are especially aware of the tone of your voice, so if you need to reprimand your poodle, be firm but not harsh. Energy Level Mini toy poodle brown. Poodles of every size are active dogs that need exercise on a daily basis. They love swimming as a great way to burn that dog fuel. Playing multiple games of fetch and retrieval helps to bond with your poodle and tucker them out. Mini toy poodle brown Life Span Poodles live between 10 — 18 years on average. Reviews There are no reviews yet. They pack the intellect of the larger Standard and Miniature Poodle into their little bodies, as well as the athleticism and gentle nature. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? These puppies are currently 8 weeks old and are thriving healthy puppies. For further information and photos: stevenfe gmail. We take great pride, love and care for these puppies and parents. Puppies are raised on high nutritional premium diet and milk supplement to ensure healthy and consistant growth. Puppies are raisied inside our family home and are carefully handled from young in a clean spacious puppy run area. They all have friendly calm natures and are extremly playful with each other and our children. The Dam - Mother is a small Toy poodle at 2. She is DNA tested clear and has healthy body formation. She is up to date with all health checks from young with no health issues or pre existing health issues. Coco carries the tight curl hair gene and her coat is of small tight curls. She has a beautiful gentle nature and is very maternal with her pups The Sire - Father is a playful Toy Poodle also at 3. He is our Stud Dog and Dna Tested Clear as well as up to date with health checks with no existing health issues. He also has great body formation. Hugo is a playful and friendly dog who also has partial European bloodlines and is a vibrant red colour also. You can be sure that our Toy Poodles have been perfectly paired to bring you these gorgeous healthy puppies with quality assurance that they will not develop any genetic diseases. Puppies are from championship bloodlines and DNA tested clear by parentage all paperwork supplied Puppies will be wormed, groomed and well socialised with people and other dogs as well as being introduced to there outside world before going to their new homes. Our dogs are part of the family and live with us inside our home. We are located in Greenwich, on Sydney's lower north shore. Puppies come with a puppy pack containing food, toys etc and loads of information about how to care for your new baby. Bijou Toy Poodles will provide ongoing support. Megan Beck paul mini toy poodles for sale there are now 6 weeks old very healthy puppies just had there first vaccinations and they have also been microchip and have had a health check witch you will receive. There are three black and three chocolate. Two of the blacks are girls but the rest are boys. Both parents are pure-bred toy poodles. Mum is apricot and dad is chocolate. My phone number is , Sarah. Pups will be due 13th September, will most likely be black possibly brown. All paperwork supplied. Microchipped, wormed, vet checked and puppy pack included. Lifetime support. She is our family dog. She is DNA tested and cleared of all diseases. She has been raised around young children and is very gentle. She loves water and getting in the pool with the kids. She is very easy going inside dog. Dad is Toy poodle Ruby Red. He is from a loving family. DNA tested and cleared of all diseases. Poodles make perfect additions to most households as they are small in size, highly intelligent and have a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat. All Pups will be raised with noise and children and will be toilet training. All dogs will be wormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks, flea treated, come with their first vaccination, microchipped and a puppy pack including a toy with mum and sibling's scent. We know leaving their mum is hard and have a special gift that will help them settle as well as heaps of other goodies. Will be ready for new homes 17th September .Video chats are welcome, regular photo updates will also be sent. Viewings for serious buyers ONLY. Puppies are raised in a loving family home. These delightful black Toy Poodles are a sight to behold. With their shiny, jet-black coats and expressive eyes, they exude elegance and charm. Their small size adds to their appeal, making them perfect companions for individuals or families living in apartments or smaller homes. Despite their tiny stature, they are intelligent, lively, and full of personality. These Toy Poodles will surely capture your heart with their playful nature and unwavering loyalty. On the other hand, we have seven stunning Miniature Poodles who are equally deserving of a loving family. These regal canines possess an air of sophistication with their graceful movements and beautifully groomed curly coats. Their striking appearance is enhanced by their rich fur, which gleams under the sunlight. Miniature Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature. They are perfect for families seeking a versatile and affectionate companion who can adapt well to various living situations. Whether you choose one of the black Toy Poodles or the gorgeous Miniature Poodles, you can expect a canine companion that will bring endless joy, love, and laughter into your life. These poodles have been raised with care, socialized from an early age, and are ready to shower their forever families with affection. They are eagerly awaiting the chance to become cherished members of a loving household. If you're looking for a lifelong friend who will brighten your days and fill your home with love, consider adopting one of these beautiful black Toy Poodles or gorgeous Miniature Poodles. By providing them with a forever home, you'll be rewarded with a loyal and devoted companion for years to come. Don't miss this opportunity to bring home a truly special addition to your family! Josh G 4. She has a very affectionate nature and is most happy when she can sit with us on the couch and have cuddles. She loves people and will be friends with everyone. The father is a toy poodle stud that has a calm nature and is the most gorgeous dark, rich ruby colour I have ever seen. Microchipped, vaccinated, wormed fortnightly from two weeks of age, vet checked and Can assist with delivery to all areas including interstate. Email me directly poodlepuppies outlook. They are so smart and easy to train, they are active and playful too, a great companions for children and adults alike. Non shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They are also small breed so great for small yards or apartment livingIf you are passionate about having smart, active and playful fur friend and you are able to withstand this cuteness then you are the right person. For sad personal reasons we can't keep her anymore. Mocha is 3 y. She can live with other pets and kids without problems. She likes walking and cuddling. She is desexed and fully vaccinated. It's best not to live her alone at home for the whole day as she can feel lonely. I am happy to answer any questions you might have. Will sleep over night nil issues. He has bundles of energy and snuggles for his family. He will require a family who are going to take him everywhere with him, he's a lap warmer. He loves foraging through the garden and following your every move. Both pedants are purebred toy poodles. We are all animal loving family registered breeders. When you meet these puppies you will see the calm difference that you wouldn't get from a backyard breeder only in it for the money, as alot of work has been already done to these puppies so you won't have sleepless nights. A phone call to us to see our difference is a Must. All our pups come with Royal Canin puppy packs. For more details do reach us directly at miaa gmail. Born on the 23rd of May, these beautiful puppies are ready for their furever homes from the 18th of July. Mum, Bella is a purebred red poodle with pedigree bloodlines. She has the most loving nature. Dad, Perri is a black Toy Poodle with Pedigree bloodlines and is super loving too. Living on a farm, the dogs are active and playful and have all the wonderful qualities of a poodle - non sheading and intelligent. They are a part of our family and are treated with the upmost care and love. The puppies are super confident playing with mum and dad, running around, going up and down stairs, being outside on the farm around other dogs and animals and around our children. These puppies have been brought up in a family environment and are well socialised and used to noise and the business of family life. They are eating solids and climbing up and down stairs. Price is dependent on markings of selected puppy Both parents have had DNA genetic screens by Orivet. He is super cuddly and affectionate Boy Theo - Black with a white patch on his chest and chin with 2 back white paws. Pictured included of Mum and Dad - other 2 puppies from the litter are sold already. More pics and videos available on my Insta profile CedarParkPoodles We are located on the Central Coast Genuine inquiries welcome and they will only be sold to the best of homes. Jasmine Sparkes 1 year old male toy size poodle Hi there, my name's Tofu. I am a chocolate-colored Toy Size Poodle. So far, I am 1 year old, born in June .I am currently seeking a loving family to provide me with a warm home. I'm very smart and have been trained for toilet. Also I am very friendly and lively, and I enjoy playing with people and other puppies. I stand 27cm tall and weigh 4. Despite my small size, I possess great loyalty and affection. I have completed the first-year series of vaccinations, and I hope that my new owner can help me get the one-year vaccine once I enter my new home. I am a male and have not been neutered. Currently I live in Melbourne CBD, so you can come pick me up if it's convinient for you, or I can go to your place if you live nearby! Our Puppies are safely socialised with children, cats, other dogs raised in a family environment as they are our much loved pets. We are not a large kennel with only litters a year, all raised by us in the safety and security of our home. Puppies will be vaccinated and microchipped at 6 weeks and come with an extensive puppy pack including everything you need for the first couple of weeks such as toys, samples, transitional food, 30days pet insurance, a folder with vet records, photos from birth-8wks, discount codes and caring for your puppy guides plus much more. Lifetime Breeder support. Puppies come from DNA clear parents, tested through Orivet and are clear for all genetic problems documentation can be provided They have been health checked and DNA tested full breed profile prior to breeding ensuring the healthiest puppies. Parents are extremely intelligent and have great temperaments, as these puppies will have. Mum and Dad are small and are true toy poodle size not oversized These puppies will make wonderful companions and you won't need to worry about mess with their non shedding coat. Purebred Toy Poodles not crossbred Poodles are amongst the most hypoallergenic dogs you can own and are the perfect breed for those who have allergies. Puppies will be: Fully weaned Wormed regularly Vet checked Vaccinated Microchipped Begining toilet training A blanket with mums scent will also be provided to ease the transition for puppy. I'm happy to FaceTime so you can see how sweet these puppies are for yourself. If you would like to further discuss please feel free to call or email me. They come from Gidget's final litter purebred black toy poodle and Lord Boris purebred brown toy poodle. Both parents DNA clear through orivet. Available is 1 black boy and 2 black girls. They will be vet checked, microchipped, wormed and had their 1st vaccination. They are ready for their forever homes. Mum and dad are available for viewing. They have been microchipped, vaccinated and wormed. They are happy, healthy puppies and super cute. More pictures available on request Kim Pearson Toy Poodle ready for his forever home Beautiful red toy poodle with white socks and bow tie. He is 10 weeks old and looking for his forever home. Wormed regularly, microchipped and vaccinated. Potty trained and comes when called. Is an indoor dog loves cuddles children and both men and women. Excellent mothers day gift. They all have lovely temperaments and have been handled and socialised to ensure the best outcome for both you and your puppy. Their hypoallergenic and shed free coats make them perfect for living in the home environment. Rightpaw accredited. These boys were born March 4th and will be ready to leave at least 9 weeks old. Mum and Dad are both are ours and have the most beautiful personalities ever. They live with us inside as family members, and we are only looking for homes who will treat the babies the same special way. They will only go to families we approve, so we will ask lots of questions to ensure our pups find the most loving, caring family homes - they truly deserve it. Pickles - choc phantom face with sable back. Male, white chest, white pawsCoconut - cream boy with white spot on head and white chest, curl through coatButters - SOLD - apricot boy with white chestThese puppies will not suffer any genetic diseases as DNA tested parents through orivet. We are a small boutique breeder, accredited with rightpaw and RPBA. Puppies will come wormed, microchipped and with first vaccination, as well as with a puppy pack to help them start their best lives with you. The colours we could get are chocolate, black, apricot and white. Polly and Teddy the parents came from breeders, in Newcastle and Queensland, and had multiple black siblings. Interestingly, Polly's Mum was white. So you are guaranteed a massive range of coloring possibilities. We searched a long time for our chocolate Teddy. They may produce a range of colors, white, black, apricot and My favourite , chocolate. They are all vaccinated and microchipped. They are loving and playful and are use to a lot of snuggles and cuddles, with my children. Polly has a very protective, loyal personality. And Teddy is true to his name, and is big cuddly, quiet, very very relaxed gentleman. Poodles are easy to train, and very obedient. A perfect companion for an adult. They very loyal to their master and as they don't shed hair, they can live indoors quite happily and they won't cause allergy problems. Teddy, the dad, is also an available STUD. Please contact Sarah on for any questions. Both parents DNA clear orivet purebred chocolate toy poodles. Pups were born on .We take pride in our litters and are happy to answer any questions you may have both about the puppies and in regards to raising them in your family home. Beautiful temperaments for both parents. They are very cuddly, well socialised, calm dogs who do not display ANY aggressive or anti social tendencies. Father is red, weighing 3kg Mother is red with white chin, weighing 3. You are welcome to meet both Mum and Dad of the pups.

german shepherd puppies walking - Best Snacks for a Pug Overview Just as much thought should go into what you give your Pug for snacks and treats as it does in regard to main meals. When you look at the overall nutritional needs for this breed, as well as the importance of steering clear of additives that can cause allergic reactions, upset stomach and other issues, and weight gain being a common issue for adult Pugs, what you offer for snacks and treats will play a huge role in your Pug's overall health and well-being. This section will cover if snacks are really required, how often they should be given, the difference between snacks and training treats, how to get the most benefits from these, and some healthy and delicious options. Already know the details of why, how many, and how often and just want recommendations? Jump to: The Best Snacks for a Pug. You may be wondering if it's just fine to only give your Pug 2 or 3 meals per day without anything extra and if it's really necessary for a Pug to have any snacks or additional treats. And, if your Pug is on a diet to control their weight, this may be particularly relevant. The short answer is yes, most Pugs can benefit from both snacks and training treats, including those on a weight maintenance plan. Let's look at the advantages of each of these: Snacks: Snacks help satiate a dog's appetite in between meals. Without these, a Pug can end up so hungry at meal time that he eats much too fast. Rapid ingestion of food is linked to gastric dilatation volvulus commonly referred to as bloat which is a dangerous and often fatal twisting of the stomach. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the brain to realize that the stomach is full. If a Pug is so hungry that he wolfs down his food, he may want to keep eating even after he's had enough. If a dog's stomach is empty for too long of a time, churning stomach bile can cause an upset stomach, as well as cause vomiting of the bile often appears as a white or yellow foam-type substance. Training treats: The 1 method of teaching a dog what is right and what is wrong is to reward good behavior. While praise and petting play a role, a tasty tidbit of food is the most effective way to offer rewards. Giving a Pug reward treats can greatly boost your success for housebreaking, command training, efforts to stop barking, jumping up, or chewing on non-toy objects, and works well for the reinforcement of good behavior such as socializing with other dogs or with people. So, as you can see, giving snacks and treats to your Pug is important. The key is to find a good balance, only offering these tidbits at the right times, in the right quantities, and to stick with very healthy options. Frequency: Most Pugs do best with a total of 3 snacks per day. This can be any combination of snacks, though dental treats are typically reserved to just one per day. One snack is given between breakfast and lunch, one given between lunch and dinner, and one given one to two hours after dinner. If there is another certain time of the day that your Pug gets really hungry but it's not time for a meal, a 4th can be given. Serving sizes: One hard chew, 2 to 3 medium-sized biscuits, a small handful of bite-size biscuits, or one dental treat. Training Treats - These are moist or chewy small treats. Frequency: When any sort of training is beginning, reward is often given to mark each correct behavior. For example, each time a Pug goes to the bathroom in the designated area or each time a Pug obeys the 'sit' command. In some cases, once training is underway and a Pug is getting the hang of things, reward can be given more sporadically. For example, once commands are understood, praise should be given each time a Pug obeys but reward in the form of a treat can be given every 5th or 6th time. For every behavior that your Pug displays that pleases you, even well-learned actions like sitting nicely while you place a harness on or heeling beside you while being walked, randomly offer reward and praise to show your Pug that you appreciate their actions. Serving size: These are designed to be very small to offer just a tiny burst of flavor so that appetite is not affected by multiple rewards. Only one or two small training treats should be given each time you wish to mark good behavior. The Difference Between Dog Snacks and Dog Training Treats While technically you can give one in place of the other, there are a few main differences: Snacks, meant be given to a Pug in between meals should be dry. This is the best consistency to calm down the stomach and keep away hunger pains. These may be labeled as treats or chews often along with the words crunchy or dry, or you may see the terms cookie, cracker, or biscuit. These are often large enough that a dog has to chew at least a few times before swallowing it down. This also includes hard chews meant to be gnawed on for a while for either teething puppies or Pugs that see chewing as an enjoyable hobby. Training treats, meant to be given to a Pug during training and to mark good behavior should be moist. This is the best consistency to quickly deliver the message that a dog did a great job. These may be labeled as treats, training treats, chews, or training chews and you will usually see the terms moist, soft, or chewy. These are typically very small; they are designed to offer a quick burst of flavor while not having much of an impact on a dog's appetite. Snacks to Avoid Giving a Pug Before we dive into the best options for snacks to give to a Pug, there are 3 types that should be avoided: 1. This pose a risk to all just about every dog breed. Most are made from the inner layers of cow or horse hides and then artificially flavored. Dangers of these types of snacks include choking, contamination of E. Pig ears. The shards from these dry brittle snacks can cause tooth breakage and cause injury to the throat. Once swallowed, improperly chewed pig ears can cause blockage to the intestinal tract. Real animal bones. It is not safe to give a Pug real bones from ham, chicken, turkey, duck, beef roast or any other meat. Cooked bones are the biggest danger, though raw bones can cause problems as well. Cooked bones become very brittle and can crack into sharp splinters that pierce the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestinal tract causing choking, blockage or internal injury. Raw bones are a bit safer but still pose risks including splinters and over consumption of marrow that can lead to diarrhea and flare ups for dogs prone to pancreatitis. The Best Snacks for a Pug Avoid: Whenever you are giving your Pug any sort of food, it is just as important to be aware of which ingredients need to be avoided as it is to what is being offered. Ingredients to steer clear of include: Synthetic preservatives. And, as we covered, these should be dry not moist. Recommended: 1. There are so many awesome flavors including those with yogurt or a beef base, and this one is a variety pack that pairs pumpkin with apple, banana, blueberry, and cranberry. It's a great way to give a Pug different flavors, each is only 9 calories, and these are made in the USA. Bandit's Biscuits All-Natural Cookies. These have no corn, wheat, or soy, have just 10 calories per cookie, and are made in the USA. This is a fantastic option for helping a Pug stay happy until the next meal. These are dry baked biscuits made in North America the US and Canada with lots of yummy flavors to choose from. Note that some of these recipes have flour or some grains but there is also a grain-free option if you prefer that for your Pug. The small size works for most adult Pugs and mini size is best for most Pug puppies. Though 'rawhide' is in the name, that is just their way of letting you know that these chews are a great alternative to real rawhides which as we covered are dangerous for dogs that like to chew. These are designed for small and medium sized breeds, like the Pug, and literally have just one ingredient: healthy sweet potatoes. These are good for a dog's teeth, which is always a plus and these are made in the USA. The Best Training Treats for a Pug Avoid: Just like snacks, training treats should not have synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, corn, high levels of wheat, by-products, generic meats or oils, or be made overseas particularly China. Since these are meant to offer just a small yet powerful burst of flavor to mark good behavior and help with training, avoid anything that is large enough that your Pug has to chew more than just a few times. Look for: Treats that use a vitamin blend as a preservative mixed tocopherols. These should have a strong flavor that dogs see as high-value including meats like bacon, lamb, and bison and sweet fruits like watermelon, apple, and berries. Fruitables Skinny Minis. Though all the entire line of Fruitables are pretty low in calories, the ones in this line have just 2 or 3 calories per treat which make these a great choice for adult Pugs that need an eye kept on their weight and are the perfect chewy consistency for giving rewards. These are all-natural and are made in the USA. Wellness does a fantastic job with both kibble and treats; there is no grain, soy, corn, by-products, or other additives and all are preserved with vitamins. And, these are made in the USA. These little square training treats are ideal because you can break these in half if you're doing a session that involves lots of action rewards, like heeling or working on a command or offer one square for one-time action rewards like house training. Zuke's Mini Naturals Dog Treats. There is no corn, soy, or wheat, these are made in the USA, and a citrus and vitamin blend is used as a natural preservative. Giving Fruits and Vegetables as Snacks There are some crunchy vegetables and soft fruits that you can give to a Pug, if you wish. Veggies - Not every dog will be thrilled to be given plain veggies, but some do like to chew on raw baby carrots which are good for the teeth. Other vegetables that a Pug can eat include peas, green beans, potato, sweet potato, spinach, and kale, but these are best mixed into meals. Fruits - Many fruits have good levels of fiber that cause natural sugar to be absorbed slowly, so fruit can be given in moderation. Fruits that Pugs can eat include pear, banana, blueberries, raspberries, and mango. On hot summer days , berries can first be frozen which can make a nice, cool treat. And Don't Forget About Dental Treats Taking good care of your Pug's teeth is a vital part of care and dental chews are edible so these should be looked at as necessary snacks. One of the most preventable issues that happens to dogs is dental decay and periodontal disease. Just like humans, plaque is constantly being produced. If it is not removed, it starts to harden into tartar in as little as 3 days. Plaque and tartar both form hard coatings on the teeth, often moving below the gum line, and eating away at enamel. Decay develops and this is a silent destruction that can lead to infections and tooth loss. You can help prevent this by performing at home dental care of your Pug's teeth via brushing them or using a spray and by offering a daily dental chew. This will take the place of one of your Pug's regular snacks that is given in between meals or as an after dinner snack. Note that some dental chews are very tasty so a dog will accept these as they do any other yummy treat. Also please note that these have a very hard texture they must, to do their job and for that reason a dog should be supervised when chewing on these. The teenie size is for dogs 5 to 15 lbs. If your Pug is over 25 lbs. Did you find this article to be helpful? This huge, comprehensive book is available in both hard copy soft cover and PDF ebook. Want to stay informed? Become a free PetPugDog Membe r to receive newsletters that announce new articles and updates. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Email Offering high value treats for your pug should be foremost on your mind if you want to raise it to be healthy. It is your responsibility as a pug parent to know just the right food to give noting the fact that this breed has weight issues. While it may sound lovely to prepare your own dog treat, time can be cruel on your side. Source: pugingtonpost. These treats are also low in calories and fat. Because they are quite filling, it makes them consume less but get the most of what they need leading to a more controlled weight. After scouring Amazon for the best pug treats, here are the top 3 bestselling ones. High quality made in the USA, this bag offers nothing but high quality proteins from single animal source, easily digestible carbs, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 for topnotch health. It also contains ZERO corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs, and no chicken or beef to prevent triggering allergies in your pug. For safety and authenticity, always order from Amazon. To feed your pug, it is best to consult your veterinarian. For healthy meaty eats. .This high value pug treat is recommended as training aid making them the best choice when potty training or doing skills training for your pug pup. Made with percent pure USA-sourced and made beef liver, it is dried raw or freeze-dried to ensure locking in the aroma and freshness leaving a smooth texture pugs love to eat. Low on calories and fat, this is truly heaven for pug parents who want nothing but the best for their pup without making them overweight. The Purebites Beef Liver Dog Treats are highly recommended also for pugs and other dog breeds with health issues like obesity, diabetes, allergies, and GI disorders. No wonder new pug owners reviews often give this one two thumbs up. Available in Amazon in various pack sizes—4. Each pack comes in resealable bags to preserve taste and freshness. Another flavorful choice from Purebites is its Cheddar Cheese dog treats. .Instead of meaty liver, this one is made from percent pure USA-sourced and made cheddar cheese to ensure quality. Aside from its pug snout-friendly size and design, it is freeze-dried raw to encapsulate wholly the aroma, freshness and texture. High in calcium but low in fat and calories, this also makes a great choice for pugs with weigh issues, GI problems, diabetes, and allergies. Reviews and feedback from pug parents have also hailed this flavorful PureBites Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats as one of that most pugs love. To order, feel free to choose from two budget-friendly sizes—in single or 2-pack .Order from Amazon to ensure authenticity, shipping and, of course, discounts. Feed Them Right! Source: petpugdog. If you want to raise healthy and disease-free pets, choose any of these high value treats for your pug. You can diversify the flavors in doing so but make sure to stick to either of these brands — Blue Buffalo Basics or Purebites—to ensure quality ingredients and content. When buying, the best and safest route is still with Amazon. So, order now and do it in bulk to save more. Conclusion Training Treats vs Snacks Some treats are snacks, some snacks are treats. But how can you tell the difference between snacks and treats? The answer lies in HOW your dog thinks. Understanding how your dog processes things can help you figure out if the treat is a snack or a training treat. Knowing this will allow you to use treats more effectively while training and giving your dog a healthier diet. There are a lot of opinions on whether to give your pug training treats or snacks. The most important thing to remember is that treats should only be given in small amounts. This will help Pugs to focus on the task at hand. When it comes to treats, you want your pug to learn that good behavior is always rewarded. Dog treats will act as a great motivation to encourage them to keep performing the desired behavior. But, a snack is a general term used to describe any form of food or drink that your dog may enjoy. There are plenty of healthy snacks you can give your pug, like pieces of fruit or vegetables. Just be careful not to overdo it, because too many treats will quickly lead to weight gain. And can also provide a little bit of mental stimulation. Yogurt Drops: Another great source of calcium for your pug is yogurt drops. They make a tasty snack and are easy to chew. This is important for keeping their bones healthy and preventing joint problems down the road. Freeze-dried Liver: This is a healthy and nutritious treat that your pug will love. It is a great source of protein and vitamins, and it will help keep your pug healthy and strong. The liver is a good source of vitamin A, iron, and other important nutrients. Freeze-liver is also a protein-rich substance. All these nutrients make the liver an excellent choice for a healthy and nutritious treat for your pug. Green Beans: These are healthy and crunchy snacks that your pug will love. Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as dietary fiber. Carrots: Another healthy and crunchy option, carrots make a great snack for pugs. They are a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for healthy eyesight, and also contain fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Like most vegetables, carrots are also low in calories, making them a healthy choice for overweight pugs. Peanut Butter: This is a classic treat that pugs love. Just make sure to give it in moderation, as it can be high in calories. However, with the right type of treat, you can use them as a way to help train your pug and reinforce good behavior. Homemade Treats for Your Pug If you love cooking and pugs, or if you adore your canine companion. And want to try a new treat for them, this is the perfect recipe for you. Making a Pug Treat is very simple. These treats are great for rewarding good behavior or as a training treat for your pug. The best Pug puppy treats are typically homemade. There are many recipes that are simple, healthy, and will make your pup delighted. One of the simplest Pug puppy treat recipes is a mixture of boiled chicken, rice, and some vegetables. The chicken can be substituted with other meats or fish if desired. This recipe is low calorie, high in protein, and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Another great Pug puppy treat recipe is a simple mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal. Look no further than your own pantry. Your kitchen covers all the elements necessary to prepare delicious home-style treats. Using one of the many treats for pugs recipes offered. One of the key benefits of homemade treats for pugs is that when you use your own ingredients to cook homestyle dog treats. You can know for certain that unlike commercially made treats for pugs with their high quantities of fats and sugar. You are giving your Pug a treat that is delightful as well as being good for your pet as it contains a fraction of the important nutrients your Pug needs. They also do not have any artificial food colorings, other preservatives, or added sugar. They are also free from dangerous chemicals and additives when they are made in your own kitchen using fresh ingredients. The absence of all these things helps to make the treats both healthier and safer for your pug to chomp. One important reason you may want to make your dog some treats is to build up and develop the bond between the two of you. Again, this is a case of positive reinforcement. If you give your Pug a treat, he will feel loved and cared for. And he will thus be happier and more affectionate. Making your own treats for pugs at home can be exciting and save you money. Homemade treats for pugs are better for your Pug. Here are some simple recipes with items you already have at home. Flank Steak Lamb While you can try wild game, like self-hunted bison, deer, and other wild animals, it is best to freeze the meat first. You want to kill any bacteria on the meat before giving it to your dog, such as E. Manufactured Treats You can purchase pre-made manufactured treats from the store. However, be careful when you try out a treat. Try to stay with natural, healthy selections with minimal ingredients. Also, if your pug has allergies, you need to be aware of any potential irritants. Some ingredients to watch for are: High sugar High sugar or fructose Synthetic, cooked, or raw bones Because of the increasing awareness about popular dog treat ingredients, companies are starting to recalculate their angle for marketing. Even if a brand claims to have all natural ingredients, always take a look at the contents before you trust it. Homemade Treats Homemade treats are typically healthier, but they do require prepping. You can get some really nifty ideas online for recipes. These will involve less ingredients and more nutrition than processed treats. Plus, you are in full control over what goes into the creation process. Some ideas you could try for a snack include: Homemade dog biscuits Vegan, gluten-free, or organic treats Frozen pureed fruit cubes You can bake, freeze, or tailor-make your pet snacks just the way they like. Certain kinds of readily available treats are absolutely no good for your pug—or any dog, for that matter. While some of these treats have remained popular despite being unhealthy, you should avoid these treats at all costs. Sugar-Filled Treats Treats chalked full of sugar can lead to obesity, addiction, and dental issues. If they continue to ingest too much sugar over a long period, it can lead to more serious problems like liver failure and diabetes. Pig Ears Pig ears are very tough, and they can break into sharp bits—posing as a choking hazard. Pig ears are also a breeding ground for nasty bacteria. Artificial Additives When treats are filled with artificial dyes, preservatives, and flavoring. If your pug is sensitive to an ingredient in the treat, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. It can also trigger allergic reactions and prove toxic. Raw or Cooked Bones You may think that raw or cooked bones are a healthy alternative snack for your pug. However, raw bones can harbor lots of bacteria leading to gastrointestinal upset. Cooked bones can split apart and cause choking or damage to the throat, stomach, and intestines. But human food is a bad habit to get started that leads to poor health. Real chicken is the number one ingredient here, which is something you want to keep an eye on when you purchase treats. This selection has .You can break these little meatballs up to get the most out of them if you prefer. I break one in half for Sid to reward him for a job well done and save the other half for later. If your pug has food sensitivities, you may want to steer away from this one. Chicken can be a trigger for allergies in some pugs. Everyone likes treats, including your adorable Pug. Carefully chosen health treats are not only great for the overall health and well-being of your pup. These also come in handy during training sessions. The 10 best treats for pugs is what you need and we got it. Dogs often listen to commands better when they know that something yummy is waiting for them. Treats are even more important for breeds that are stubborn to train, such as Pugs. Thus, as a Pug owner, it is important to know what treats will be safe and healthy for your dog so you can teach these flat-faced cuties some tricks and good manners. Here are the 10 best treats for Pugs that you can add to your to-buy list: 10 of the Best Treats for Pugs 1. This is one of the most popular brands you can find in the market today. The brand developed the Basic Skin and Stomach Care line. These treats are packed with high-quality proteins from a single animal source. These are also rich in omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids and easy-to-digest carbs to promote better health. The formulation is also free from eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, or corn. Beef or chicken are also not included in these treats to avoid unwanted allergy triggers in your adorable pup. These treats are available in an exciting hodgepodge of exciting flavors. These include grain-free potato and duck, potato and turkey, potato and lamb, and more. Fruitables Skinny Minis Even though Fruitables is best known for its entire line of treats with low-calorie content, the Skinny Minis collection only contains 2 to 3 calories per treat. It makes them a great option for your adult Pug that needs to keep a close eye on his weight. These treats also have a delightful; chewy consistency that makes them perfect as rewards for your small pups. Fruitables Skinny Minis is a variety pack that includes pumpkin and mango, pumpkin and berry, and apple and bacon. These choices are all-natural and made in the USA. The snacks are delectable treats for pooches made from top-quality ingredients. These include beef hide and real chicken meat. The flavors of these treats are hard to resist and something Pugs will always crave for. The gourmet treats are made even better by their funny shapes that make chewing them long-lasting fun. The freshness of these meaty bites is maintained thanks to the sealable bag they come in. These are hands-free tasty treats that will keep the mouth of your pup clear of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. The Veterinary Oral Health Council has given its approval to these treats, which means you can be assured of the safety of your pooch. These blueberry-flavored treats are also rich in nutrients that encourage easy digestion. Take note, however, that these treats are not wheat-free. It means these may cause issues for dogs with gluten concerns. Buddy Butter Dog Treat Dog owners know that peanut butter should never be given to any dog breed. Peanut butter scientifically contains Xylitol, a type of alcohol unsafe for canine consumption. But with Buddy Butter, you can have peace of mind knowing that the treats come from safe peanut butter. Your Pug will definitely love the nutty taste of these treats. This is basically peanut butter for dogs which they will love. Each piece has 27 kcal. The small meatballs can be broken down into tinier pieces so you can make the most out of these treats. However, you might want to avoid these treats if your Pug suffers from food sensitivities. Chicken happens to be one of the common triggers for allergies in some dogs. These high-value treats for Pugs can be used for training, including potty training and skill training. It is either freeze-dried or raw to help lock in the freshness and aroma that creates a smooth texture that pugs love. The treats are low in fat and calories, making them a heaven-sent for Pug owners who want to reward their dogs without compromising their weight. PureBites treats are also recommended for Pugs and other breeds with health concerns such as allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and diabetes. In addition to the design and size that are perfect for the snouts of your Pug, the treats are freeze-dried raw to maintain the texture, aroma, and freshness of every piece. Low in calories and fat and high in calcium, these treats are great options for dogs with allergies, GI issues, weight problems, and diabetes. Wellness Training Rewards Wellness never fails to do an amazing job with its treats and kibble. Everything is also preserved with vitamins and made in the USA. Wellness Training Rewards come in the form of small square training treats that you can break in half. It makes these treats perfect for training sessions that involve numerous action rewards such as working on commands or heeling. You can also give your Pug one square treat as a reward for one-time actions such as house training. There are several delicious treats you can choose from including lamb and salmon, chicken and lamb, beef and turkey, and turkey and duck. Every piece only contains 3 calories and is available in various flavors that most dogs love. These include chicken, rabbit, duck, salmon, peanut butter, and oats. A vitamin and citrus blend is also used as a natural preservative. The treats come in small bits, which means you can use them depending on how you deem fit while training. These are also safe and soft enough for both puppies and seniors. These are absolutely one of the 10 best treats for pugs must haves. Best Treats for Pug Puppies Now that you know the 10 best treats for Pugs, here are some of your options for the best treats for Pug puppies. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats These soft moist training treats from Blue Buffalo are very tempting that even the unruliest pup will surely behave before you even know it. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits use real beef as its first ingredient. The treats offer Pug puppies the real nutrition they need. The treats also contain DHA which can encourage the healthier brain development of your pup. However, although the treats are great snacks for dogs, they contain some cane sugar. It means you need to limit the amount that you give to your pup. But of course, these still work perfectly as special occasion treats. The product is also free from corn, wheat, and soy. These are also enriched with omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids just like other Blue Buffalo treats. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Puppy Biscuits One of the biggest benefits of dry treats is that they can clean the teeth of your Pug puppies. Old Mother Hubbard treats contain chicken protein. These are small but extremely crunchy biscuits that all puppies will love. Aside from chicken, these treats also contain apples, oatmeal, carrots, and a selection of added vitamins and minerals that can support the optimal growth of your puppy. Be sure to have some of these treats handy every time you play and interact with your pup to reward good behavior and manners. One of the best things about these treats from the Pupford brand is the fact that they are very healthy. These treats are made from simple freeze-dried beef liver, making them a great source of protein for canines. These treats are free of fillers and sugar. These snacks for puppies also have low-calorie content, with each treat only containing one calorie. Nutrient-rich and tasty treats that are low in calories like these are ideal for training, specifically for breeds such as Pugs that are at risk of weight issues. Dogs are known to be big fans of lamb and its taste. Salmon is also a great addition to the already rich flavor of these treats. Puppies love chewy treats, and these soft puppy bites are great options for them. These treats are made up of all-natural ingredients. Aside from pure salmon and lamb, they also contain other healthy ingredients like blueberries and sweet potatoes. Antioxidants are also added to further enrich these puppy treats. Fruits and Vegetables as Treats for Pugs Pugs are among the small dog breeds that are prone to weight gain because of their short snouts and legs which make exercise less appealing and tougher for them. Excess fat in their diet may worsen their breathing problems and even shorten their lifespan. The extra weight can also put additional stress on their tiny backs, legs and hearts. To prevent weight gain, it is important to take your Pug on regular walks and avoid overfeeding. One of the easiest ways to train and treat your Pugs without putting their health at risk is by using fruits and vegetables as treats. Listed below are some of your best options. Just make sure to consult with your vet first before you let your Pug munch on these treats: Apples.


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german shepherd puppies walking - I almost bought the long hairbrush for him because the longest part on his back is two inches but I ended up going with the short hair one and it works great!! Shocking how much hair it even gets off of his actual legs! A water bottle that acts as a bowl so your lab can drink water easily while adventuring wherever you go. Because of that, she needs a drink fairly often and this bottle is absolutely perfect. Being a bit finicky in general we were worried she may not like it. Not the case though. She took to it right away. We love it and so does Minka. A slow feeder dog bowl for when your lab just can't seem to slow down. This bowl can help prevent bloating and indigestion for even the fastest eaters. Learned about these type of bowls to help slow my black lab down. He was confused at first but after some encouragement and tapping the bowl he was just fine. Took him at least four minutes to eat his food. That's an eternity compared to before. A no-pull pet harness because no one likes a pup who pulls on their leash even when it looks cute! Not today, Spot! Gentle lead, easy walk, thunder leash, pinch collars.I like that we can clip on the front and back. When it's clipped to the front it really helps my one-year-old. Lab not to pull! The handle on the back is great if she wants to chase bunnies so I can just hang right onto it. A nail trimmer that will safely and pretty quietly grind your lab's nails down so he can continue frolicking without leaving scratches on your wood floors. Amazon, amazon. Since she just barely cooperates with my trimming her nails, a grinder that is quiet, quick, and easily manipulated is essential, and this one checks all three of those boxes. This grinder is much quieter and smaller than my previous tool. Was able to get all four paws done in about ten minutes and with enough battery remaining to do the other dog without having to recharge in between. A ball launcher to get any pent-up energy out of your lab. This gadget will launch a ball further than your arms can throw, giving your pup more distance to run and you time to catch your breath. We have a 6-month-old black lab puppy and he absolutely loves chasing tennis balls! Getting my dog his daily exercise has never been easier! It is so nice that the regular size tennis balls work with this and they don't require their own special size ball. Such a simple toy that produces endless fun for both dog and owner! A car seat cover so your lab can be the coziest on all of your road trips. It was a nine-hour trip and I wanted my chocolate lab to be comfy instead of just riding in the back seat. It was easy to install. It was a perfect fit for him. Loved it. A container of ear wipes , because labs are known to develop mites and infections in their ears. These wipes will help keep that at bay and your pup happy. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly, but too much moisture is a bad thing. I feel like these are the perfect dampness, are not drying, and are thin so I can get in there deep enough to clean without introducing more liquid. I use weekly and highly recommend. An orthopedic sofa so your lab can have their own little designated bed to lounge in near you. The L-shaped design even promotes a safe and secure feeling for them. There is room to spare and he really likes using the pillow. The bed is 4 inches thick and the pillow area is 7 inches thick. The stone gray color is beautiful. Very nice-looking bed! My dog moves the bed around the house depending on where I am. A pack of Pill Pockets dog treats that you can use to hide all of your lab's medications and they'll be none the wiser. We use it to give her daily allergy med and she doesn't hesitate with it at all. She gets excited when we get the bag out. Holds a long pill great. A two-pack of dog doorbells so you can train your pup to tell you when they want to go outside. It'll probably be ringing all day. We showed her how to ring the bell, let her out each time we rang the bell, and gave her a treat when she rang the bell. After a while, we only gave her a treat when she pooped, and now going outside is the reward for ringing the bell. No accidents since we started using them. Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. These sprays are safe for your dog, and the bitter taste discourages chewing. In many cases, chewing can be kept under control with training, positive reinforcement, and mental and physical stimulation. However, some puppies and dogs will try to chew no matter what, making these products quite useful. Conclusion The list of products that could be useful to your life with a Labrador could go on all day, but these products are some of the most important. Keep in mind that any new pet needs a checkup with your veterinarian to verify they are healthy and up to date on things like vaccines, heartworm testing, and dewormers. One pet supply that you may not have thought of is pet insurance. With a balanced, personalized plan like Spot Pet Insurance offers, you may be able to manage your pet's vet costs and avoid surprises. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. This is the guide I wish I had when choosing the best puppy supplies for our Labrador Retriever, Kona. The dog you grew up with was much different from this one because your parents did most of the raising. It sure would have been nice to have had more honest and relevant guidance when determining what supplies I should get for my new puppy. It seems like everyone I know has recently become a dog parent and is raising a new puppy. I realized I know a thing or two about this topic after going through it all myself with our Labrador Retriever, Kona. I love sharing my experience with other dog parents and decided I may as well start sharing it here. Hopefully, others find my advice useful, regardless of whether you are the new owner of a Labrador Retriever or some other breed! I am all about being cost-effective when it comes to purchasing dog and puppy supplies. So, most of the products I recommend below are within that category, all are great quality and very reasonably priced. There are countless options when it comes to purchasing puppy supplies, so Kona and I rounded up a list of our favorite Labrador Retriever puppy products and explain them each below! Kona is a Labrador Retriever, and as a result, many of these recommendations are based on the experience with that dog breed. Yet much of this advice is relevant to any large breed puppies. So, getting him on the right food for a Labrador was a task I did not anticipate. We did 2-month dog food subscriptions on both of these products in lb bags and it made our lives so much easier compared to going out and purchasing the food at a physical location. The heavy bags of dog food were always delivered right to our door! They are not grazers like some dogs. I kept hearing about these special dog bowls that help Labradors eat slower and digest better, so decided to try one out. THIS feeder bowl is amazing! I bought the teal style and size small. We also never had to upgrade to the bigger size because the small still works for him as an adult. Food Mat While the bowl has some sticky rubber on the bottom that prevents the bowl from moving around while Kona eats, the floor around the bowl still gets dirty. It can get especially messy around the water bowl, so I used to put a kitchen towel underneath both bowls to limit the grime. I wish I had purchased it sooner because it would have saved me a bunch of time cleaning! Dog Crate Getting a dog crate was the smartest decision we made. They are actually a positive safe space for your puppy and it also does wonders for potty training. Kona took to his crate right away, and now almost 2 years old, he still loves it! We find that he tends to get the best rest if he sleeps in his crate at night. I did a lot of research on what crate to buy. Crates come in so many different shapes, sizes, and styles and finding the right one for your dog and your home is key. With a large breed dog, you should be looking at a big crate. But while it may seem oversized and ugly right now, this crate will be their home, so you want it to be comfortable for them. Getting a large crate now, that will grow with your puppy will make your life so much easier in the long run, and much easier for a puppy to adapt to. We got the inch double door with divider. We did this to help make it more private and cozy for him, and he absolutely loved it. It was also a great way to prevent him from waking us up super early or if we wanted to sleep in because the crate stayed dark for him. However, Kona would also goof around with the blanket cover in and out of his crate. He also loved climbing on top of it from the couch… This was all a bit frustrating, yet all a part of the silly puppy age. But let me tell you, this crate cover is a thousand times better than a blanket! I really wish I had purchased one earlier because this thing is totally worth it. The cover fits the crate perfectly and the best part is that it has flap openings for all areas include both door openings, a mesh window, and the top. It has zippers and velcro and is super durable. Dog Crate Pad When Kona was a young puppy we had no idea what we should put on the bottom of his crate to make it comfortable. We also knew that it was possible he could have accidents, so it was necessary to have something easy to wash. Initially, we tried a large soft folded blanket, but it ended up being too big and awkward. We decided to hold out from buying any bed or pad for a while. Instead, we folded a towel or blanket and placed it in the crate for him. Usually, Kona would nest it up on his own to make it comfy. This worked just fine for him, especially with the divider panel in the crate, which would have made fitting a full-size bed in there difficult. Kona voluntarily sleeping in his large dog crate as a young puppy. He loves this plush material and now cozies up with anything similar to it. The pad is totally washable and maintains shape well. It has an anti-slip bottom so it stays in place better than most dog beds. I hardly ever have to get down and adjust the mat myself. Looking back, I wish I had gotten one of these sooner because I think Kona would have loved it as a little guy and been even more comfortable! I will note, however, that Kona used to enjoy taking his bed out of the crate, prancing around with it, and laying on it outside the crate. Dog Bed When Kona was a young puppy, I purchased a separate dog bed that he could lay on in our living room. This was a bad idea because Kona saw the bed as something to play with and he actually relieved himself on it more than once. We go for a value pack so we never worry about running out. But rather than them chewing the wrong things and destroying your home, you can get them to chew the right things! Also, he preferred peanut butter and bacon flavors. We got the Medium size version when he was a puppy so it would last as he grew into it. Often, dog chew toys will have tiny flecks or pieces that come off but then pass through just fine if ingested. We tried our best to avoid those, and never experienced that with these particular bones. Better to play it safe in my opinion. These dog chew toys kept Kona entertained for some time, and he still enjoys them as an adult! Getting a hollow bone gave me the flexibility to fill it on my own or leave it empty. Tip: the pumpkin can spill out, so I recommend giving it to your puppy outside or on a towel or something. I think the bone holds onto some flavors. Initially, I boiled this bone with some chicken broth and let it cool. I think this gave it some extra long-lasting flavor. Believe it or not, they are also very inexpensive. Often, I give him healthy bits and treats that he loves like banana, greek yogurt, kale, and other vegetable pieces. But on occasion, I will give Kona one of these goodies called Bully Sticks. THESE are the best ones by far! I waited until he was about 3 or 4 months old to give him these. I honestly only give them to him maybe a couple of times a month now. However, being new dog parents, we got Kona one before realizing this. As a puppy, there was a plush toy that Kona especially liked, and it held up for a good while. THIS moose toy was his absolute favorite! He loved sneaking up, pouncing on, and shaking it as a little pup. Moose had soft insides and a squeaker. Kona loved Moose while he lasted. We originally got the toy in size Medium. Kona and his Kong Cozie, Marvin the Moose, a plush dog toy. I read early on that one way to help break bad habits with accidents was to use a good cleaner as a training aid. Using a safe and effective cleaner is the key to avoid this issue, as well as any other organic stains and odors. Not to mention, it will help keep your house smelling nice. It smells nice gets rid of that funk smell completely rather than just covering the scent. I think it even works as a good normal house cleaner. The spray bottle is the easiest to use, but when we run out we just order THIS pour version and fill up the original spray bottle. Kona enjoyed ripping apart and trying to eat the puppy pee pads. He liked laying on them, but I was also shocked to learn that he also associated those with a good place to have an accident. I would much rather he had an accident on one of those towels than anywhere else in the house because it made it much easier to clean up and launder. He totally destroyed that thing, all just from normal daily use. Kona loved chewing his leash on walks and it was a really tough habit to break. But always buying a new leash that would soon be chewed seemed like such a waste. We love the honu sea turtle print on it, especially being in Hawaii. They also have many other prints and designs to choose from! Dog Name Tag While Kona was microchipped, we also wanted him to have a name tag on his collar. If he got lost, the tag would have his name and our contact info. I got him THIS simple tag in the bone shape. This tag has had all kinds of action, it gets wet with saltwater and sandy at the beach all the time, yet it still looks great! There you have it, those are our best product recommendations for raising a Labrador Retriever puppy!