german shepherd white and black puppies

They have over meals to choose from depending on the many factors that make your pooches individuality. That being said, the retail line of the meals is broken into two sections. You can pick recipes based on size or breed. It goes without saying that many pure-breed pet parents chose the breed side of the site, as it will provide their pet with all the specific nutrients, supplements, and vitamins their dog needs to remain healthy and strong. As German Shepherds are a popular pet to have, it is no wonder it is one of their more popular breed formulas. Royal Canin is a brand that was created in France by a veterinarian by the name of Jean Cathary. As a dog owner, Cathary wanted to build a brand of pet foods that would be based on scientific research that showed what was nutritious for animals versus what we thought sounded good. Since the s, the world of pet care has advanced and along with it so has Royal Canin. It has changed hands a few times over the decades, as well, but it has been firmly in the care of Mars for quite some time. It has also been a part of the USA pet industry since , when they set up their manufacturing facility in Missouri. Besides the United States, Royal Canin has manufacturing plants throughout each continent except Antarctica. The ingredients are responsibly sourced around the globe, and they go through a rigorous testing phase before adding the items to their formulas. The German Shepherd line is available in either dry or canned recipes. It is designed to suit the dietary and health needs of purebred dogs. You can also choose a dish within a specific age range. For example, the puppy formula is available for those dogs who are between 8 weeks and 15 months old. The adult formula, on the other hand, is designed for German Shepherds that are 15 months and older. Based on the nutritional needs of this breed, there is no senior option. Take a look at the benefits below for your furry-friend: Kibble size: In both the adult and puppy food, the kibble is designed in such a way to promote chewing. German Shepherds have strong teeth that need to be nurtured to prevent tartar build-up and eventual decay. Digestive help: Another important aspect of this formula is the digestible proteins and fiber content that promotes a healthy digestive system in adult and young pups. Immune support: the meal contains antioxidants for immune support and building, specifically in the puppy formula. Bone and joint health: Unfortunately, this breed can develop joint issues as they age. Ingredients such as Glucosamine and chondroitin are great for relieving pain. It is added to both the adult and puppy recipes as it can also help prevent arthritis. Other Details Outside of the basic functions, ingredients, and nutritional value of this dog food, there are a few other details you should be aware of. First, this food is reasonably priced and can be found on pet store shelves, through the Royal Canin website, and on pet sites such as Chewmy. Speaking of the website, that is another issue that should be addressed as it leaves a lot to be desired. It can be confusing to navigate, and the customer service typically takes a long time to get back to their customers. Finally, as we mentioned, this food is available in either wet or dry, however, only the adult formula comes in a canned option. A post shared by Royal Canin USA royalcaninus Nutritional Value Before we hop into the ingredients of this product, we wanted to give a brief overview of the nutritional value of each recipe available in the German Shepherd line. That being said, some of the values we found in the recipes were not where they should be. Take a look at the three options: Wet. I really realized this when for the second time I ran out went to a local store for dog food and had to put him on another dog food. His diarrhea instantly resolved twice. Not sure if the company is cutting costs or what but the quality isn't there and it's overpriced. With previous dogs, I tried different food and ended with all kinds of health issues. So far, this is the best food, and I know it is expensive and sometimes outstock. Dog is like a human. You have to feed them good food. After much time and trying so many things I looked into Royal Canin and realized they make breed specific foods. Yay they also have one for German Shepard puppies so I figured it was also for the specific needs etc. I will change to the full grown when he is bigger. My Vet is very happy with this food also. We didn't know there was a German Shepherd Puppy specific food. Mazey is 7 months now and has been on this food for a few months now. She eats it up with no problem and her tummy issues have been resolved. I just wish it were a little less costly. Dog likes it, it arrived on time! She takes approximately two healthy poops per day Now if we could just keep our other dogs away from her bowl, 0 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Debbie on Oct 22, Royal Canin for German Shepard Good price for the size the dog the four legged vacuum loves it wish it came in a bigger bag 1 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Cheyenne on Jun 16, Perfect for dogs who are not food motivated First of all, I love that my puppy has to chew the kibble before swallowing. He is not at all food motivated, but I can tell that he absolutely without a doubt loves this kibble. The breeder had us take home the kibble that he was feeding the puppies, but our puppy would not touch it no matter what we did. Luckily we already had this kibble available and we tried to transition safely, but he would only eat Royal Canin instead. Thankfully it did not upset his stomach! As for us our German shepherd has more of a sensitive stomach like many GS. This not only put her right in her stomach but its a great food for her too. My German Shepherd didn't really seem to like the taste of this food. So, I gave it to my neighbor for their dogs. In all fairness, this is a decent dog food because my neighbor stated his dogs loved it and started purchasing it for his dogs. I'm not sure why my dog didn't like it. He barely ate half a cup of this each day for a whole week. I had to buy him another brand of dog food as he began to start loosing some weight. Quality of Ingredients I bought this because it looked to have good ingredients and it was on sale at an online store I buy some of my dog food and cat food. I also bought this because it's supposed to help slow digestion and it's made specifically for German Shepherds. The kibble is made cross-shaped that slows the rate of food ingestion. Since my dog didn't eat this very well, he digested it slowly anyway. I do feel this would be a great dog food, if your dog would eat it. It's perfect for large breeds like German Shepherds. I recommend it if your dog has problems with digestion. It's not the best dog food I've purchased where quality ingredients are concerned, but it's still better than a lot of brands out there. The first ingredient in this food is rice, which is really easy to digest. So, this is actually good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Flavor Selection My dog didn't seem to enjoy the taste of this dog food. He barely touched it and I even tried to mix a little cat food in with it because he loves cat food. He ate through the cat food and left half the dog food in his dish. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

Buy Now American bulldog I'm selling 8 week old American bulldogs with first set of shots. View Detail American bulldogs These puppies are 8 weeks old and have there first shots. If you're interested my phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx. Mother on Dad on site. Temperment very mild loving family dogs. But very good as guard or hunting. Energetic and working is there thing. She is growing fast and has a great appetite. She enjoys eating , running and playing outside. She is very healthy and happy and will be a great addition to your family. If there is a need for shipping or delivery, I will be glad to discuss and answer any of your questions directly. Very friendly. .Owner of the Mom and Dad American Bullies! We have total of 7 puppie Born on Christmas day! Awesome Puppies! She enjoys playing outside, she will rough play but gets annoyed pretty quickly. She also doesnt need alot of outside time, maybe min at most and she will let you know when its time to go because she will walk turtle slow if not already on leash. Didnt plan this. .They need good loving homes View Detail Registered Puppy This beautiful four month old male puppy will make a great member to any family. He is white with brown patches thoughout body. Very friendly and playful. I am myriad things, but we will start with the simple, despite as magnificent as I most certainly am. So, I am Kermit the Dog, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I was found in a vacant lot outside of Austin by a kind stranger. I could not lift myself, could not walk, was nothing more than a big, ponderously lopsided head atop a skeleton with drum taught skin. The kind fellow took me to Austin Animal Center, where I was bathed and fed, where I met a foster family that were volunteering that day, a foster family who had spent ten minutes that morning in their automobile promising one another that they would not go home with another dog. I am Kermit the rosy-minded promise breaker, the one that makes a beautiful liar of you. On the way to their home I slept with my head on her lap as he drove me to meet my foster brothers and sister. I am Kermit the Picasso. My snout is somewhere between Pyrenees and Pug, I have one half of an ear on the right side of my head, a broken and drooping ear on the left side, and my tail is bent in so many places that when it wags as it does often, because I am Kermit the Happy it looks like a question mark fluttering in the wind. I am Kermit the Indefatigable. I try not to think of my life before this, but at some point I was discarded. Which makes me Kermit, the Most Magnificent Trash. I am Kermit the Curious. Where are you going? I will lie by your feet. The bedroom? I will lay my body across your head. Have I also mentioned that I am Kermit the Flatulent? Funny noises come from my body, and will happily share them with you. Are you going outside into the world? I will go with you and we can both bark at the dogs that we do not know and lovingly nuzzle the ones that we do know. Are you at your desk? I, Kermit the Accountant, will do your taxes. Fair warning. I am Kermit of either Chaos or Cuddles. As I have recently discovered what it is to be a puppy I have those moments each day. It is Psycho or Sleep. You can read my soft tan eyes, which go a bit cross to one another, as I decide whether to wreak havoc upon our world or cuddle in your lap. More often the latter rather than the former, but the former will most certainly make you laugh. I am Kermit the Court Jester. Kermit the Clown Prince. At cheappuppiesforsale. These lovable puppies are perfect for anyone looking for an affordable family pet. English Bulldogs are small, fun dogs that require minimal training. They are known for their clownish personalities and love of cuddles. History of English bulldog puppies English bulldog puppies are a completely man-made breed. The national dog of England, their strong heads, loose skin and short legs give them a very distinctive, amusing appearance. Bulldogs are generally gentle, affectionate dogs that love to be around their families. They are excellent with children and have a medium-low activity level that makes them great for apartment or city living. These loveable dogs are loyal to a fault and are sure to make you smile. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. Unlike other breeders, We choose parents not based on champion bloodlines and registry, but on health, temperament, and looks. As a result, cheappuppiesforsale. From this breed of dogs and others,We and our staff offer a variety of healthy, attractive pups 8 weeks of age and older, all of whom are ready for a loving family and home. As a leading national seller of bulldogs, cheappuppiesforsale. The website maintains an extensive FAQ section, where Howard fields questions about the breed regarding health, fitness, care, and maintenance. Look at this adorable face! She is a real charmer so you will not be able to say no to her. This English Bulldog puppy is raised with children, friendly, fun-loving and ready to meet her new family. This baby is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Make this cutie your cuddle buddy and she will be the perfect addition that you have been searching for! Sex: Female. I'm Dixie Rae, it's nice to meet you! My foster mom says I'm the goo- rope! Is that a rope? I love ropes. Anyways, my foster mom says I'm the bounciest, goodest girl ever, even though I'm a bit easily distracted. How can you not be distracted by all of the fun things in the world?! Like ropes, and tennis balls and toys full of stuffing! Toys are my favorite, especially ones that I can pull all the stuffing out I don't eat, just toss it aside and ropes that I can play tug of war with. My foster brother and I can play tug ALL. We also like to wrestle. My two footed friends call me a helper dog because I'm really good at reading the body language of my doggy friends. I can bring my timid furriends out of their shells and back off when my furriends need a break. I make friends everywhere I go.I'm not really a fan of the cat type four footers. I learned my name super fast, and as long as there's not something better, I come when you call me. I know how to sit when you tell me, and I'm learning 'place'.Are you ready for me to move in? For more information, you can email adopt dallaspetsalive. September 14, , pm.

While it is our goal on this website to only include listings of responsible and ethical breeders of purebred dogs, and there is certain criteria that must be met in order to be listed, we can only rely on the honesty of those submitting the request. Therefore, we cannot recommend, nor do we endorse or support any one of these listings. If you are looking to purchase a puppy, it is your responsibility to do your research in learning what to look for in a breeder. In addition to the Breeders listed here, the Breed Clubs generally include listings of member Breeders on their web sites and, if not, then a listing can usually be obtained either by e-mail or telephone. We do not randomly add Breeders to any listing. All Breeders listed have requested to be included either via a general link or paid advertising. If a young pup is not an absolute requirement for you, then considering the adoption of a dog from a rescue organization or shelter is strongly recommended. In addition, Breeders occasionally have young adults available and many also take in rescued dogs. This section includes several articles and general information along with listings of shelters and rescue organizations that are not breed specific from across Canada. The purchase or sale of any dog is strictly between the buyer and seller. Accuracy of information for all advertisements is the sole responsiblity of the advertiser and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. Quick Links. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Rocky Mountain English Bulldogs would first like to thank you for your interest in our beautiful bullies. Where do I start? Well we first fell in love with the breed over 6 years ago when we adopted our first pet girl Shorty and from there on there was no turning back! We have a small family run breeding program and we strive to produce high quality, well tempered and healthy English Bulldogs and that is why we health test for CMR1, HUU, DM and most of our puppies will be CKC and optional AKC registered, vet checked, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, come with a one year health guarantee and go home with one month free trial of puppy insurance if you live in Canada. Rocky Mountain English Bulldogs strive to correct the breed and only selects the best Bullies in our program. Our Bully pups are raised in our home and get loads of love, attention and are socialized with other animals. You can check out our in home nursery and kennel album to see where out babies are raised. All of our Bullies sleep with us in our bed or if we run out of room only have a king size bed beside us in their beds. They come everywhere with us, camping, to the store, walks twice a day, kayaking, where we go they go, their are our kids. You can check out each album to get to know each of our bullies and if their babies, watch them grow. Their also very very loving and adapt to your life style. English Bulldogs are a one of a kind breed and I know if you have one you will always have them in your life!!! All Videos.

Be mindful of the first few days The next thing would be to prepare yourself for the next few days. Remember, all young dogs form a bond with their family and a previous owner. Thus, separating a two-month-old Frenchie can be stressful not only to you but primarily to your pet. Whatever the breed, they still pack animals, meaning they need their parents to survive in the first few months. The separation from their parents can mean danger. Thus, it would be best to prepare yourself for nights of whining, howling, squealing, and restlessness. The first few nights might be truly tough. Still, try your best to hold on and put the puppy in a place where it will not feel alone. It would also be best if you make a schedule with your family for the first few days. You can decide who among your family will play with the puppy. Giving the pup plenty of attention will relieve the separation anxiety and make the housebreaking process much more efficient. Make the ride home comfy If you took your Frenchie home through a car ride, it would be best to make it as comfortable as possible. In short, it would be best to have someone to accompany your pet instead of leaving it in a crate or alone in the backseat. Getting a health check If possible, it would be best to have your vet examine the puppy while still with the breeder. This way, you can make sure the pup is healthy. For this reason, always make sure you remember and follow all instructions. This way, you can take care of your pet easier. Choosing a Good French Bulldog Seller and Breeder While all French Bulldog pups are excellent pets, you can still go wrong if you choose the wrong breeder. If you want the best care and support for your pup, you also need to find a reputable breeder. In general, you can take these things as your guide in finding the right breeder: A reputable breeder will show all paperwork A reputable breeder would be proud to show all the paperwork it has for your pup. It includes the pedigree and health clearances. Thus, it will ask all kinds of questions. Thus, it breeds pups but not much and lets the parents rest and not mate all the time. A reputable breeder will provide you with feedback from other customers A reputable breeder would be proud to show the feedback and experiences of other customers. In fact, he or she will even show a connection to other breeders and vets. A reputable breeder would show his or her breeding experience. A reputable breeder would show the dogs in recognized confirmation shows. Further, he or she should have strong connections with other breeders. A reputable breeder only breeds a single type A reputable breeder shows its expertise if they focus only on a single breed and not multiple ones. Other states. Dog Rescue Facilities Sheltering French Bulldog Puppies We need to expand our search beyond breeders for breeds that fall well outside our target range for the average price. One such source, dog rescue facilities, is an excellent option for finding expensive breeds to join your family for a low cost. This is possible because the rescue facilities are often c 3 Non-Profit Organizations. Therefore, they charge nothing but a small fee, which they use to provide food, shelter, and medical care to animals in need. That is, assuming you are up for the challenge and have the homing requirements of raising a puppy who may have additional special needs. You see, to get a puppy from one of these shelters, you have to pass a rigorous test of sorts — a large set of questions are asked to every would-be family. For a small example, they may ask you things like: Do you Rent? How many people live in the house? Are there any existing animals within the home? Are there any young children living in the home? And many others. These questions determine the likelihood that the animal fits into the family dynamics.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Grand Rapids Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Grand Rapids? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Grand Rapids? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Give me some fun facts about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Grand Rapids! Golden Retrievers are well-known for being friendly, intelligent, and loyal family dogs. They are an active breed that requires lots of exercise and can become bored if left inside all day. A Golden Retriever can be trained to do just about anything, and they excel at activities that involve following commands. They have a sharp instinct for hunting and retrieving, which is why they are sought after for their retrieving abilities. While they do shed, their coats are water resistant and protect them from cold temperatures. Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Grand Rapids hypoallergenic? Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic, meaning they are not recommended for those with allergies. They are considered to be among the top three breeds that release the most allergens in the air. As a result, those with allergies should take extra precautions around a Golden Retriever by limiting contact or providing antihistamines before interactions. Furthermore, it is recommended that those with allergies bathe a Golden Retriever weekly to reduce their allergens that are released in the air. What's the best dog food for Grand Rapids Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Golden Retrievers are loyal and intelligent companions that often need a specific diet to stay healthy and happy. When it comes to choosing the right food, there are many options available that will provide your pup with the necessary nutrition. While there isn't a single "best" option, here are a few things to consider when selecting the right food for your Golden Retriever. First, look for foods that have a balance of animal-based proteins and carbohydrates to promote optimal growth and development. Additionally, the food you choose should be appropriate for the age and size of your dog. Do Golden Retriever puppies in Grand Rapids have any kind of special requirements? Golden Retrievers are an energetic and friendly breed of dog that require a lot of exercise and interaction to remain healthy and happy. While they do not have any specific exercise requirements, they enjoy an active lifestyle with plenty of daily physical and mental stimulation. They also need to be groomed routinely to keep their coats and skin healthy. Additionally, Golden Retrievers tend to be social animals and benefit from regular interaction with other animals and humans. It is also important to provide adequate nutrition to ensure optimal health, as they are prone to gaining weight. How fast do Golden Retrievers for sale in Grand Rapids grow? Ultimately, the size of your Golden Retriever puppy when fully grown will depend on a range of factors, such as its sex and its genetics. Generally speaking, males will be larger than females, and can reach a height anywhere from .Females, meanwhile, typically grow to between 20 and .Your puppy's eventual size may also be affected by its diet, overall health, and the amount of exercise it gets. Golden Retrievers have a great energy level that can make them great running companions. Taking your Golden Retriever on a jog can be a great way for you two to get in some quality bonding time together. That said, it's important to make sure that your pup is healthy and not too young before obtaining your vet's approval to do so. This is especially true if you live in areas with hot or humid climates. Once you have the greenlight from your vet, be sure to start out slowly. Do Golden Retrievers in Grand Rapids make good family dogs? Golden Retrievers are renowned for being loyal, gentle, and intelligent making them the ideal companion for families of all sizes and ages. They're excellent family dogs, due to their laid-back and calm temperament. Golden Retrievers are social creatures that love to romp around with kids and are happy to relax and nap in the sun during the day. They also form extremely strong bonds with their owners and are eager to please them. Furthermore, they're relatively easy to train, as their loyal and devoted personality allows them to pick up commands quickly. Are Grand Rapids Golden Retrievers for sale considered smart dogs? Golden Retrievers are known for being intelligent dogs with high trainability and eagerness to please. They are ranked 4th in terms of intelligence, alongside Labradors, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Papillons. Golden Retrievers demonstrate a great capacity to learn commands, remember faces, and be loyal and loving pets. They are eager to please and enjoy mental stimulation for play and obedience training. They are often used in jobs like search and rescue, detection, and obedience competitions. These traits make them great pets for families and individuals alike. Home We have English Type Goldens ranging in color from very light cream to medium gold. Our focus is always on health, longevity and loving temperament so that you will have a great addition to your family. We also specialize in service and therapy dogs. We are located just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. We love to talk Goldens! Welcome to VanGoghldens! If a dog does not pass hips, elbows, eyes or heart it will not stay in our breeding program. All puppies come with copies of their parents health clearances. Our puppies always come with a health guarantee, shots, have been de-wormed, vet checked and microchipped. They are socialized with kids, cats and dogs and raised in our home with countless hours of love and attention. Always do your research! In dogs you often get what you pay for. A relationship with your breeder should be for the life of your dog and often beyond. I grew up with dogs all of my life but my parents only wanted smaller dogs. So at 18 I bought a house with the main purpose of finally being able to get my dream dog, a Golden Retriever. We love Goldens of all types and colors and have been blessed to have amazing Goldens from the US and overseas. Over the years our breeding program has evolved and we are now breeding English type Goldens. I have my degree in animal behaviorism so temperament is of paramount importance to me. Any dog that is food aggressive, overly shy, or any extreme from the breed standard will not make it in our breeding program. Our dogs are our pets first and foremost. We have four young daughters and the dogs live in our home with us, our kids and our cats. We do not own a kennel and our dogs are our family. When you get a puppy from us you can be assured that it is very well socialized with kids, cats, and dogs. One of our cats actually sleeps in the whelping box with the puppies so they grow up thinking of cats as friends and siblings. My very first pet Golden came from English lines. He lived to be 16 years old. Meanwhile my show lines were not seeing that kind of longevity. With incidences of cancer increasing and longevity not being where I wanted to see it I started looking closer at import pedigrees. The facts are you love your dog no matter if it sees 6 years or 16 years and I for one want the most I can get out of my dogs. We like to show our dogs. That being said our dogs come from some of the top show lines worldwide. Golden Retrievers are our passion. We breed for the betterment of the breed. We do everything in our power to improve the breed while producing the best temperament, health and beauty we can. We are members in good standing of the Golden Retriever Club of America and strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics set forth by the national club. He has a very solid even temperament. That being said he is incredible temperament wise. He is doing really well with housebreaking. Like all of our puppies he has been socialized with kids of all ages, adults, cats both friendly and not so friendly ones , goats, dogs both big and small dogs even a parrot. He would make a wonderful family pet or therapy dog prospect. If you are interested in this puppy please take our questionnaire. Then shoot us a text. His pedigree looks like this. Videos available after interview. At this time our puppies are reserved before birth. We are however doing some breedings for puppies that will be available in if you are interested. If you are interested in reserving a puppy from this litter or a future litter the first step is to take our questionnaire. If you do not hear from us after submitting your questionnaire please feel free to call or text us. We often have the option with our co-ownership program with one of our existing girls or future pick puppies. Click the link to learn more. If you are looking for an older puppy or adult please go here. Wondering about puppy pricing and reservations? Phone: call or text.

Do Golden Retrievers Shed? According to the American Kennel Club , these gorgeous, golden-locked good boys and girls are friendly, loyal, intelligent, kid-friendly, and intelligent. Golden Retrievers typically shed the most during the fall and the spring, as their coats thin and thicken for summer and winter, respectively. How Badly, You Ask? Short answer: yes. Long answer: Good heavens, yes. Yes, Golden Retrievers shed with the absolute best of them. Double coats consist of a top coat and an undercoat and are commonly found among waterfowl dogs. In addition, their outer coat keeps snow and ice off of their skin, helping to prevent frostbite and other cold-related health issues. While managing the Golden Retriever's shedding may seem daunting, understanding the root cause can help a lot. Here's something that often pops up when the topic is how bad do Golden Retrievers shed. Meanwhile, in the spring and summer months, the double coat does an excellent job of keeping your pet cool and safe from the heat. How is that possible if their double coat keeps them cool while also keeping them warm in the winter? That's the beauty of the double coat! The undercoat traps cool air and keeps it close to the body while the outer coat wards off the potentially dangerous effects of UV overexposure. However, all that hair has to go somewhere once it eventually stops growing, and all of that protective hair is exactly what makes your furry best friend such an iconic shedder. Carving out this time to care for your pup is vital to minimizing excess shedding and avoiding a house completely covered in dog hair. Brushing your dogs helps prevent painful mats by removing dead hair and skin cell build up. It also helps to distribute natural oils across their fur for a healthy, shiny coat! Plus, once your dog grows to enjoy their daily brush, it becomes a beautiful bonding moment that you can look forward to each and every day! A bath is not only a basic and important part of maintaining proper hygiene. Baths help to wash away fur that would otherwise end up shed across your furniture, your bed, and your clothes. The massaging action of working your pet-friendly shampoo into their coat helps to dislodge any fur that is already loose or close to falling out, which lets you keep one step ahead of their shedding! Bathing a pup too frequently removes the natural, healthy oils from their fur and skin, oils that are required for a healthy coat and a happy pup! An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure! Stress Management: An Unexpected Solution to Golden Retriever Shedding Our pets get stressed, just like we do, and dogs especially are quite sensitive to our moods. The more stressed your Golden Retriever is, the more they are likely to shed. Our dogs rely on us to provide, so managing their stress is just another vital part of pet ownership. So, when do Golden Retrievers shed? The shedding is typically cyclical, with peak shedding seasons in the spring and fall. However, they can also shed sporadically throughout the year. This understanding can help you prepare for the shedding onslaught, equipping you with the right tools and patience when the time comes. Make sure to keep lint rollers on hand and spaced around your home for a quick spruce up of your clothing or furniture. For the eco-conscious among us, consider picking up reusable lint and pet hair removers, like the ChomChom or the Uproot Cleaner Pro! You do now! Your pup requires a diet rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain optimal health, and when they are getting the nutrients they need, it shows in their coat. A strong, shiny coat that sheds less even marginally less, in the case of our friend the Golden is a sure sign that their diet is healthy and free of allergens. Loose pet hair is part of owning this glorious breed and with the tips listed above, you can be sure to get ahead of their shedding before their golden locks overwhelm your home. Another important aspect of managing your Golden Retriever's shedding is grooming. Regular grooming sessions, involving both brushing and professional grooming, can significantly help to manage the shedding. A groomer can effectively remove loose fur from the undercoat, which is where most of the shedding comes from. Remember, grooming isn't just for aesthetics; it's crucial for your Golden Retriever's overall health and comfort. We would love to hear them! Send an email to marketing cuddleclones. Your tip may even make it into a future blog post right here on CuddleClones. Top Selling Products. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Your clothes, the floor, your furniture… If you have a Golden Retriever, expect everything in your home to be covered in Golden fluff. Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They shed year-round, but especially in spring and fall when they blow their coats. To keep the loose fur in your house to a minimum, brush them regularly. Golden Retrievers have a double coat that is made of a soft, fluffy undercoat and a long and smooth outer coat. The undercoat protects them from both hot and cold temperatures, while the outer coat is waterproof and protects them from dirt and other debris. They range from house cleaning tips to dog cleaning tips and everything in between. This gets the dead fur off of your dog and onto the brush, instead of off of the dog and onto the floor. I brush my Golden, Oliver, outside so any extra fur that comes off of him goes into the yard and not the house. Learn more about the best brushes for Golden Retrievers here. After you brush your dog, there will likely be lots of loose fur stuck to their coat. When I would take Oliver inside, he would shake himself and I would watch all of this loose fur float into the air. Thankfully, this fur now ends up in the yard instead of the house. Tip 3: Bathe Them Every Months Running water and your fingers through their fur gets even more dead fur out from their coat. Plus, it keeps their coat clean. Excessive bathing can reduce their natural oils and dry out their skin. Be sure to rinse them properly. They have a lot of fur and it can be easy for soap to hide in it without getting washed out which can damage their skin. Be sure to dry them off properly. Golden Retrievers are susceptible to hot spots, which can be caused by moisture trapped in their fur. The best case is that it dries out their skin and leaves it flaky, while the worst case is that it exposes them to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Make sure to use a shampoo that is made especially for dogs when bathing your Golden. And just like when giving them a bath, be sure to dry them off properly to keep their skin healthy. They can help trim your Golden appropriately and give them a good bath and brush, not to mention help take care of their nails, paws, ears , and more. Healthy skin and fur shed at a normal rate, while unhealthy skin and fur can increase the rate of shedding. Keep their stress levels low by: Feeding them regularly Giving them adequate time to rest and sleep Playing and bonding with them Keeping your stress levels low Tip 9: Watch Your Golden Retriever For Allergies Food and environmental allergies can cause skin irritations, rashes, itchiness, and excessive shedding. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian about possible issues and solutions. Tip Watch Your Dog For Infestations According to PetMD , infestations like fleas, ticks, mites , or other parasites can also cause skin irritations, rashes, itchiness, and excessive shedding. Your dog should be on medication to prevent these parasites, but talk to your veterinarian about it if you think this is a problem. Talk to your veterinarian to see if this is a good choice for your Golden, but many people give fish oil supplements to their pups and rave about the effects it has on their coats. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training faster and easier! Tip Vacuum The House Often No matter how often you brush, bathe, and swim with your Golden, fur will get in your house. Many Golden Retriever owners have a punch of the Roomba and a cordless Dyson. See the best vacuums for Golden Retriever hair here. In the first section, we talked about the importance of their double coat, and shaving or cutting this off robs them of their natural protection. Having fur everywhere is par for the course for Golden Retriever owners. Extreme shedding is a small price to pay for the soft, beautiful, fluffy coats you get to snuggle with and pet every day. Living With Golden Retriver Shedding Although Golden Retrievers shed a lot, the above ways can help you keep the shedding under control and your clothes and house clean. Which of these tips will you try? Do you have any tips for controlling shedding that I left out? Let me know in the comments below! And if you liked this article, check out this post about the best brushes for Golden Retrievers. Related articles:. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? How Much? Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: If you have Golden Retrievers or any other dog for that matter sharing your home, you will be aware of the excess fur on the floor, on your furniture and on your clothes. This shedding of hair occurs when your furry friend loses dead fur to make room for new fur to grow. They do research on the different pet vacuums available and that work with ease on hardwood floors, carpets and tiles. Of course, not all dog breeds are the same — some have short hair, others medium length fur and others have long hair The way your dog sheds will depend on its breed and other factors. A dog that spends much of their time outdoors will have thicker fur compared to indoor dogs. There are also genetic and seasonal variations. The hair helps the Golden to maintain temperature all year around in hot and cold weather. As the Golden Retriever matures it will have longer feathered hair around the neck, belly area, legs and tail. These areas are all prone to matting and will need to be brushed. Read about the best brushes for your golden retriever here. When Do Golden Retrievers Shed? The Golden Retriever is such an awesome family dog and his gorgeous golden coat is his trademark. If you have owned a Golden Retriever you will know that these beautiful, social, energetic, intelligent dogs shed the entire year round and that their shedding can be described as moderate to fairly heavy. Grooming your Golden Retriever is key to keeping him healthy. You do, however, need the right grooming tools for shedding. This can be done with different kinds of brushes and also an undercoat rake. You can keep on top of Golden Retriever shedding by brushing with special grooming equipment on a regular basis. They start shedding at 6 months of age An undercoat also emerges which thickens as the dog matures. Your Golden Retriever puppy will shed his coat when he is about 6 months old. Once he starts shedding his puppy coat it will take a year or so to grow in. Some Goldens are already 18 months old before the entire double coat growing process is completed. Shedding for the Golden Retriever is at its heaviest during the late Spring when the weather starts to warm. Your Golden gets rid of his winter undercoat to make way for the lighter undercoat. The Golden Retriever develops a double coat. Goldens also get feathers over the stomach and around the legs. Shedding Triggers For Golden Retrievers Diet Take a good look at his diet to ensure he is getting the best nutrition possible for a healthy, silky coat. Shedding, grooming and nutrition go hand in hand. A healthy coat is always soft, smooth and shiny and not greasy with odor. A dog with an unhealthy coat usually has dry, brittle hair with plenty of loose hair. Signs of an unhealthy coat include bare spots. Shedding is perfectly natural, but dog owners can still do one or two things to help their dogs shed just a little less. Shedding can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. Of course, grooming is essential but there are dog foods specifically formulated to reduce dog shedding because of the right mix of nutrients a canine needs. Omega 3 fatty acids With a Golden Retriever puppy, a food allergy can cause unnatural hair loss. Controlling allergies will stop your pet from ongoing scratching at their skin. Lots of scratching can increase the amount of hair your pet sheds, so make sure your Golden is being treated for fleas. Some foods such as tuna have essential nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acid. Coconut oil added into food can keep the skin hydrated. It is also great for reducing dandruff and preventing fleas. Flaxseed oil can help improve the skin and fur of your Golden. Ensure your Golden has constant access to fresh, cool water. Make sure the water bowl is always clean. Some people buy a dog water fountain as the fun aspect of splashing his snout around in the water encourages more water intake. Bathing While bathing your dog is a way to get rid of excessive loose fur on your Golden, you have to be careful about bathing your dog too often as the situation with troublesome, itchy skin can backfire. The natural oils of your Golden Retriever help to keep his coat dirt resistant and water-repellant. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing, but very occasionally, say every 6 weeks or so. You have to look at the lifestyle of your dog. If you live on a large farm-type property and your Golden is constantly plunging into the farm dam, this frequent swimming can lead to a dirty coat and an unpleasant smell. Stress This makes perfect sense as just like humans lose their hair under stressful conditions, so do dogs. Your Golden is such a happy, amicable dog with a non-stop wagging tail. Keep him that way by keeping stress at bay. This is done by means of — Regular exercise Providing a constant supply of fresh cool water Feeding him a regular, nutritious diet Providing him with loving attention Providing him with a warm, dry, peaceful sleeping area Getting him to the vet when he shows signs of illness Shedding increases with spaying and neutering When humans are under par, their immune system suffers and their hair is lank and unhealthy. Spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever is similar. It can be a setback for their system. Hormonal changes can alter his shedding. You may see more shedding than normal. Give your beloved pet time to recover after the op, spoil him or her with nutritional treats and soon they will recover as they enter a new season of their lives. Golden Retrievers are just sheer joy but there is that one downside — their shedding. So apart from the tips mentioned above, what else can you do to make the best of their shedding? Make sure that you buy your Golden Retriever puppy from a responsible breeder. With a poor breeder you always get unpredictability and poor qualities in your dog. Responsible breeders always take the trouble to find good homes for every dog they breed. They also take great care to produce healthy puppies with the right temperament — and the normal amount of shedding. Not all dog breeders are ethical and you may spend a fortune in specialized dog products and vet fees to try and treat the problems you see in an il-bred puppy. As a Golden Retriever owner, educate yourself on shedding, learn how to buy a puppy that gives you less problems and how to take the right steps to keep this natural process under control. These slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that remove tangles and smooth the fur for a shiny coat. They are great for heavy shedders. They are great for shampooing your dog and for massaging while simultaneously removing loose hair. At the same time they stimulate blood flow to encourage a healthy shine. After you have brushed your pet, take him outside and comb his hair with your hands in the same direction that his fur lies. Undercoat rakes These shedding tools are a must-have for a Golden as they get to the thick bottom layer to remove excess loose fur. They make you work hard, so choose one with a well designed, ergonomic handle to prevent you from having an aching wrist. Some of the best undercoat rakes have a double row of stainless steel pins that loosen dead hair but which are soothing for your dog. There are also medicated shampoos for treating the likes of fleas. There he will get a good bath, a good brush and rub down and the groomer will check his nails, and inside his ears. Hair Dryer Air drying can take quite a time and by then the damp hair has attracted new dust and dirt. A doggy doggy blow dryer gets the job done chop-chop and at the same time it blows out all loose hair. Rather invest in a doggy hair dryer that has been designed specifically for dogs. They can be ordered easily online at Amazon. Of course there are going to be factors to consider when it comes to choosing a canine family member for your home. You have to first of all take into account the size of your property and what size dog would suit your surroundings. These are large, active gun dogs that require plenty of activity and exercise. As a dog owner, you have a responsibility towards your dog. He depends on you for his daily food, your love, shelter and care. A dog like the Golden Retriever with his longer silky coat will shed more than a dog with a short, sleek coat. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. However, Goldens do shed a lot. If you have a Golden at home, chances are you find yourself vacuuming often and peeling blonde hairs off your black clothing. Of course, the companionship your Golden brings you is worth all the shedding in the world — but you might still be wondering why these dogs shed so much. Golden Retrievers are unique because they have double coats. Most dogs breeds have double coats that shed. These double coats consist of a waterproof topcoat and a warm, soft undercoat. Each coat has a purpose: Image Source Topcoat: The waterproof outer coat is made of medium to long hairs that protect the dog from the elements. These shorter hairs help regulate body temperature by keeping the body warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Not only do these two coats work together to keep Goldens protected and comfortable, but they also go through shedding cycles — and this is why Golden Retrievers shed quite a bit. When Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Like all dogs with double coats, Goldens are moderate shedders for most of the year. They shed more during these two transitional seasons because their bodies are adapting to the changing climate. In fall, their coats thicken up as they get rid of the lighter summer coat. Here are some things you can try to reduce shedding. Option 1: Brush Frequently with a Comb or Blade The key to controlling excessive shedding is frequent brushing. With regular brushing, you can get to the fur before it spreads around your home. For your Golden, you should use a combination of these brushes at least three to five times a week: A metal comb for the feathers A slicker brush for the topcoat An undercoat rake for the undercoat Not only does regular brushing remove loose fur and prevent excess shedding, but it also helps distribute natural oils. It stimulates the surface of the skin and removes dead cells and dry skin as well — which can lead to a healthier and shinier coat. Plus, brushing sessions can help you form a closer bond, and your pup will look forward to your one-on-one time together! Option 2: Visit a Professional Groomer When it comes to long-haired dogs like Golden Retrievers, visits to a professional groomer help keep your pet healthy and properly groomed. Professional groomers have experience with double coats, and they know precisely how to ensure that your dog always looks and feels its best. Your groomer is able to provide a good time frame for recurring appointments to prevent excessive shedding in between. Since Golden Retrievers are a medium-large breed, the price might be higher than average. That way, you can buy high-quality food with the proper nutrients. Biotin: This vitamin is excellent for maintaining healthy skin, fur, and nails. It also helps with growth, digestion, and muscle formation. Vitamin E: It protects skin cells and prevents inflammation. Flaxseed oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease arthritis, lower blood pressure, improve kidney function, and maintain healthy skin and coat. You can also add nourishing foods. Just be sure to feed your Golden Retriever the right balance of protein , fat, and carbs. You can also feed your puppy small amounts of honey to help strengthen his immune system against common outdoor allergies like pollen. Salmon: This fatty fish is rich in good fats, amino acids, vitamins, and protein. Chicken: An excellent source of lean protein, omega 6, omega 3, and vitamin B. Pumpkin: Provides loads of beta-carotene, minerals, and fiber. Apples: Excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Blueberries: These berries are rich in antioxidants. Cantaloupe: This tasty melon is packed with nutrients but low in calories, making it a healthy treat. Carrots: Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene. Celery: This veggie is a crunchy snack that provides vitamins A, B, and C. Green beans: These veggies are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and fiber. Peaches: This stone fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber, and it can help fight infections. Pears: These tasty fruits are rich in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Watermelon: Another good melon for dogs, watermelon is packed with vitamins A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. If your dog has a skin allergy, this can become even more problematic. The best defense against these small pests is to keep your dog on a year-round flea and tick preventive medication. In most cases, veterinarians will recommend a monthly medication to help prevent dogs from developing a flea or tick problem. However, every month might not be necessary, depending on where you live. Snowy Pines is located in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, where flea and tick season lasts between February and December. However, other states like Connecticut only experience flea and tick season from April to December. Jerry Klein. Learn more about how much water your Golden Retriever should be drinking every day. You should never shave your Golden Retriever because doing so can damage his coat. Remember that Golden Retrievers have a double coat to protect them during harsh conditions. How to Recognize Unusual Golden Retriever Shedding While shedding in Goldens is entirely normal, there are signs of unusual shedding you should look out for. They could be symptoms of a more serious underlying issue. If you notice that your Golden is dealing with any of the following, your pup may be shedding more than normal: Dry or brittle hair Irritated skin or bald patches Disliking being touched or pet It can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of abnormal shedding, but here are three of the most common: Problem 1: Unbalanced Diet Like people, Goldens need high-quality food, plenty of water, and proper nutrition to stay healthy. Ensuring your pup has a balanced diet with healthy proteins, fats, and carbs is the best way to improve their coat. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Updated: June 26th, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. How Much do Golden Retrievers Shed? In a word: lots. These beautiful dogs shed hair moderately throughout the year. For many golden retrievers, this shedding ramps up twice a year during the spring and fall seasons. If you want to research a broader range of pet vacuums check out the best vacuum cleaners as tested by ModernCastle. You should expect a lot of hair to escape from your golden at this time as they blow their coats, ready to grow in entirely new ones for summer and winter, respectively. Why do Golden Retrievers Shed? Golden retrievers are one of a few dog breeds that are equipped with a double coat, composed of a thick, downy undercoat and an oily, waterproof outer coat. This amazing duality is what makes the golden retriever so resilient to different weather types and able to spend lots of time outdoors and in the water. The undercoat adapts to the weather and the temperature needs of your dog — during the cold winter months, they will grow an extra thick undercoat, before shedding much of it during the spring. This is why shedding is so heavy during spring and fall: in spring, your golden is getting rid of their thick winter coat, and in fall getting rid of their lighter summer coat to make way for the cold winter coat growth. As a general rule, the hotter the place you live, the more your golden retriever will shed as they need less hair to stay warm. Most shedding in golden retrievers is entirely normal and natural, although there are a few health reasons that can contribute to heavier shedding than normal. Another issue that can cause increased shedding is parasites — particularly fleas and ticks. Make sure that your golden retriever is up to date with their flea and tick prevention treatment and consider investing in some anti-parasite cleaning sprays and shampoos. Stress can also cause increased shedding in golden retrievers — for instance, moving home or a change in the family dynamics. Although golden retrievers will always shed some hair thanks to their double coat, there are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure that the shedding is minimal and manageable. Firstly, you should commit to a daily brushing schedule. This will allow for you to remove the dead hair straight from your dog before it falls off and becomes entangled in your carpets and furniture. It will also reduce any matting and tangles. That means feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding anything that they could be allergic to, or low-quality dog food that is stuffed with filler instead of nutrients. As well as reducing shedding, it will also reduce the opportunity for matts and painful tangles. Absolutely not! This will leave your dog at risk of sunburn and heatstroke and will affect the way that their hair grows back. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? How Much? A Little? A Lot? Sep 24, May 5, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers are such great family dogs. And their beautiful coats are legendary. So, when asked do golden retrievers shed? A lot. Of course all dogs shed. But goldens shed more than many other dogs. You may find their hair everywhere. Golden hair tumbleweeds are not unheard of. There are measures you can take to help manage the problem. Although goldens shed year-round, there are periods when they shed more than others. Golden retrievers have a double coat. Their long, smooth outer coat is oily and waterproof and protects them from the elements, dirt, and other debris. Their undercoat is thick, soft, and fluffy and helps regulate their temperature and protect them from the heat and cold. There are measures you can take to help manage the amount of excess hair clinging to and floating in your world. And you should take into consideration whether there are medical reasons or other causes why your golden may be shedding excessively. If there are, a vet visit and treating any medical conditions may help get the excessive shedding under control. It stimulates his skin. It also removes excess hair. Experts recommend brushing him at least three times per week. Or daily if you can—especially during shedding season. You want to make sure to use the proper grooming tools. Many recommend an undercoat rake to remove excess undercoat. And a slicker brush to help remove excess hair. Some people recommend using the Furminator to help remove excessive undercoat. Massaging your golden after brushing can help remove loose hair that was removed by brushing. Run your fingers down their coats in the same direction as their fur grows to help remove excess hair. His coat is meant to regulate his body temperature and protect him from the elements. Some golden experts say to bathe him every one to two months. They tend to get hot spots, and wet areas under his coat could make him more susceptible. Make sure to use a high-quality shampoo. Lint Rollers You can also purchase lint-type rollers to remove hair from your clothing and your furniture. Spaying or Neutering Goldens may shed more often when their hormonal balance changes after spaying or neutering. And a diet with fillers and low-quality ingredients can adversely affect his health, potentially leading to dry, unhealthy skin and a poor coat. Some goldens benefit from the addition of Omega 3 fatty acids to their diet. Allergies can cause skin irritations, rashes, and excessive shedding. Parasites Fleas and ticks can cause skin problems and excessive shedding. And follow a prevention plan that your vet recommends. Just like us, stress affects the body and can even lead to excessive hair loss. So do all you can to help him not be too stressed. Maintain a regular schedule for him as much as possible. Feed him at regular times each day. Make sure he has a sufficient amount of regular exercise for his age and health. And meet his need for play and attention. Goldens are attention magnets and wither if not given enough contact with their beloved family. He cherishes your bond as much—if not more than—you do! So keeping our stress levels low can benefit you and your dog. And make sure that he has enough rest and sleep each day. There are some vacuums that claim they are exceptional at picking up pet hair. If yours loves to swim, it can help remove excess hair. Beds and Throws Provide a comfy dog bed for your golden. It will help keep your furniture hair-free. They even make orthopedic ones that your dog will love. Get one with a removable, washable cover to keep him and your house clean. If you let your canine family member on your furniture, you can have it covered by washable throws made for that purpose. My dogs are allowed on the family-room furniture. I just have washable throw covers that are made to cover the sofa and the recliner on them. It also helps him regulate his temperature in both hot and cold weather. And it helps protect him from getting sunburned. At worst, they may have chemicals that can be harmful to your beloved golden. And two times a year they have an excessive amount of shedding when they blow their coats in spring and fall. Fortunately, there are many ways we can manage and deal with their shedding. Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Related Article:. That said, piles of their golden mane can create a hairy situation—especially if your work pants get in the way. Weekly brushing will help you mitigate hairy couches and unsightly pant bottoms and give you an opportunity to bond with your pup. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing golden retrievers before bath time. During their youth, golden retrievers are often bundles of energy. Pay attention to age — When your dog is a puppy, use a soft brush until their full double coat has grown in. Then, you can start to use a slick shedding-specific brush that can rake their undercoat. We recommend: A large pin brush — Most of your brushing on a golden retriever should be done with a pin brush. The wide and sturdy bristles of a pin brush are essential for raking out debris your golden retriever probably gets into some messes! Getting a golden retriever into the tub can sometimes be an adventure all on its own. These dogs were bred to fetch ducks from lakes, so they have evolved coats that are highly water resistant. Step 3: Rinse twice — Once again, golden retrievers have really thick coats! Just go with it. Step 5: Towel them dry — For a bit of extra pampering, you might also try a canine blow dryer. Suggestion: Try a Foaming Shampoo Bath time with a golden retriever can sometimes turn into a wrestling match. While that kind of sounds like fun, there are times when we all wish shampooing the pooch was a little easier. And as you now know, healthy coats lead to less shedding. Tumbleweed-like furballs are what you signed up for when you adopted a golden retriever. We also know that it can be hard to keep your golden retriever off the furniture and out of your bed. These buddies just want to be around their humans. However, golden retrievers are super smart, love positive reinforcement and, like all dogs, are happy to have their own space. By training your golden retriever to sleep in a dog bed instead of on the furniture , you can keep most of their shedding in a designated area. When Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Double-coated dogs will shed some fur year-round, but there are two particular times of the year when their shedding is at the most extreme. In the spring — During the spring, your golden retriever will shed their thick, winterized undercoat in order to make way for a lighter weight summer coat. Just in time for allergy season! In the fall — Just as summer starts to fade, your golden retriever will get rid of that lighter undercoat in order to replace it with a thicker winter coat. Of course, this timeline can change depending on your local climate. That means that dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors will have more pronounced shedding cycles, whereas homebody indoor dogs can end up shedding consistently throughout the year. If you notice heavy shedding, especially out of the golden retriever shedding season, or that their fur appears to be thinning, that could be a sign of golden retriever skin issues or any other health concern. As such, consult your veterinarian if you notice irregular pet hair loss. The shampoo sprays on, foams instantly, and rinses fast—which makes cleaning up almost as fun as getting dirty. With storefronts on Amazon , Chewy , and Petco , Vetericyn is now easier to find than ever. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: American Kennel Club. Golden Retriever Coat Care. Why do dogs shed?

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Whether you're a new or seasoned Lab owner, one of the most important parts of keeping your pup healthy is regular exercise. Because a Labrador Retriever is a working dog, these dogs need even more exercise than most types of dogs. No matter the age or size of your dog, daily exercise of some kind is crucial for their health. So how much exercise does an adult Lab need? And how much exercise for a puppy? First, let's look at why exercise is so important for your Lab. They've been bred to be working dogs, specifically retrieving game for their owners in hunting. Because they're retrievers, their muscular build and thick coat prepare them to trudge through mud, snow, water, heat, and many other kinds of conditions. They're very active dogs, so unless you take them hunting every day, you must prepare to give them opportunities to get all this energy out with both rigorous and mild exercise. Without sufficient exercise, your Lab will have pent-up energy that could lead to bad behaviors, like chewing on your furniture, digging in your carpet, or running away when left outside. Labs will generally be less controllable and well-behaved if they don't have enough activity throughout the day. But they can also experience health problems without proper exercise, including issues with their hips and joints, weight gain, and heart disease. Dogs can also lose muscle mass if they're not getting enough exercise, which makes them weaker. Exercise for Lab puppies So, how much exercise does a puppy need? Lab puppies will have a ton of energy, so you may think that puppies require more exercise than adult Labs. But, when they're really small, they often wear out easily just from normal play around the house or yard. Puppies need a lot of rest, so don't overdo the playtime or over-exert them during the first few months. After they're about three months old, your puppy will start to need more exercise, so gradually increase playtime and outdoor time. In addition to regular playing, start to introduce dedicated exercise time, starting at 15 minutes and increasing slowly until the dog is full grown. Pay attention to your Lab's energy level and don't overdo it. But get him or her used to daily exercise. Exercise for adult Labs The exact amount of exercise a Lab needs will vary depending on your dog's health, size, and energy level. All Labs are different, and some need to expel more energy than others. However, make sure you're giving your dog about an hour of exercise every day, with less energetic dogs needing 30 to45 minutes, and more energetic dogs needing 1. You'll have to adjust your exercise regimen for elderly Labs. Many Labs, unfortunately, develop health and mobility problems as they near10 years old, so talk to your vet about how much exercise your dog should be getting if he or she develops arthritis or other issues. Swimming is a great form of exercise for any Lab, but especially for elderly dogs, since it's gentler on their bodies than running. It's important not to strain your dog, so pay attention. If they're in pain, don't push them. Ideas for apartment or small-space living Giving Labs the exercise they need can especially be challenging for city dwellers or those with small living spaces. This is when it's time to get creative to meet your dog's needs. Ideas for exercise in these cases include: Going to a nearby park to play with a ball or chasing games try this HyperPet ball launcher from Amazon Taking your dog on a run or bike ride Going to a dog beach where you can let your dog off-leash Lab training programs Socializing your Lab with other dogs in a dog park Longer, more rigorous walks with your Lab at least an hour Think of ways that your Lab can actually sprint. It's important for their heart health and muscle strength. Ideas for exercise during inclement weather Another challenge for Lab owners is knowing what to do when the weather conditions are rough outside. This is when you can think about how to challenge your dog both mentally and physically in your home. Indoor games work well. Try playing with a ball, hide and seek, or hiding a treat inside a toy like a KONG toy or this treat ball toy from Pet Zone IQ , where they have to really work to get it out. Hiding food or treats is a great way to keep your dog stimulated indoors. Another indoor game could be to play tug of war with your dog. Try this Chuckit! These can keep your dog active and entertained for a while. For Labs, another good idea is to get a dog treadmill, like the dogPACER treadmill , especially if you live in a place where the weather is bad a large part of the year. You can also check out dog classes or programs in your area where you can let your dog exercise indoors in a safe place. But remember that even in the snow and rain, Labs thrive outdoors. They have thick, double-layered coats that keep them warm and dry, and they're not deterred by bad weather. Invest in dog shoes for your Lab when there's ice and salt on the ground, and they'll be good to go get that energy out. Just like humans need regular exercise to stay fit, strong, and healthy, so do Labs. Make sure you're providing daily exercise for your dog, while challenging their mind as well. Your dog will live longer, become stronger and happier, and show better behavior when properly exercised. Otherwise, all that pent-up energy can lead to both behavior and health problems. Ideas for owners with busy schedules Unfortunately, we have found one of the biggest reasons that Labs don't typically get the proper amount of exercise is that their owners simply do not have the time that they expected they would have when they brought their Lab into their family. One of the best ways to combat that is to provide your Lab with the independence to get the exercise they need on their own. Simply installing a doggy-door large enough to accommodate your Lab will be one of the most rewarding decisions an owner can make. There are generally two main types; one that requires cutting through your interior and exterior walls here is one of those available on Amazon and the other can be fit into a sliding glass door like this one from Amazon that doesn't require any permanent modifications to your home. You will obviously want to check the measurements to make sure that it will work for your setup. Of course, allowing your Lab to self-serve and get outdoors on their own is just the start of it! You'll want to make sure there's always plenty of toys available to help keep them occupied! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. At this time we do not have any new litter please check back next spring! We breed fawn and brindle babies. Our dams and sires have been health tested. We provide a unique experience with your puppy! All future puppy parents are encouraged to come visit before purchasing. We do not ship our dogs. Rare exotic colors. Akc traditional color Pugs. Akc Stud Available. Short cobby body. Flat face. Also, Pink stud Available We currently have 1 pink male left. Beautiful wrinkles, Great quality. Serious inquires only please. Our Planned Litters are Healthy and Happy! Raised in the sunroom of our house where lots of spoiling and attention results in personable pups. I have been breeding pugs for over 18 years. My goal is to breed only the best in health, temperament and beauty. Pugs are the most loveable pet that you will ever own. The Pug House. New litter expected in a few weeks. Mother is xraying July 14 th for puppy count and wellness check. We have 3 beautiful fawn girls born May 22nd. Puppies come with CKC registration, first shots, micro-chipped and 1 yr health guarantee. Visit our site for more info. Too Cute Pugs.

Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Weaning GSD puppies usually begins around 3 - 4 weeks of age. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. A well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent puppies. However, if the litter is unusually large, you may wish to start weaning puppies a little earlier than normal in order to ensure that the bitch is not overly fatigued from feeding all her puppies. You want to begin weaning GSD puppies at the appropriate time but don't start too early. Easy indicators to watch for are when the pups begin showing an avid interest in the mother's food and when the mother starts showing an aversion to feeding the German Shepherd puppies, or stops feeding them for as long or as often as she did in the beginning. Usually this happens naturally at around weeks of age those puppy teeth are sharp - I don't blame her. If your bitch shows no interest in starting to wean her puppies on her own especially if she is a first time mom or an overly protective mom , help her begin the weaning process around this time. Weaning GSD puppies is a natural process that is necessary for both the mom and the puppies in future development. The process I will outline below assumes that you are not hand feeding an orphaned puppy as this is an entirely different undertaking in itself and that you are weaning a healthy litter of German Shepherd puppies, or another larger breed puppy - 1 or more in a litter. Weaning puppy food formulas vary from breeder to breeder but I will offer you here the formula I use whenever weaning my own German Shepherd puppies - a formula that has worked well for me and my puppies for several years now and has resulted in many healthy, happy German Shepherds puppies, and then later, GSD adults. It works in stages as I don't feed my babies the same thing the entire weaning process. Weaning Alsatian puppies occurs over a series of a few weeks from mothers milk to a porridge like food, and eventually to a solid, and dry food in my weaning plan. Stage 1. Here I use a mixture of vanilla or unflavored plain yogurt, warmed lightly puppies will not eat cold food at this time , with just a little bit of good quality puppy food thrown in. This must be mixed up well and mashed up enough so that all the solid puppy food is mixed in well. Remember, there should be no lumps in the mixture to make this as easy as possible for the puppies to lap up - make the consistency as close to a thin milk shake as you can. Remember also to keep it luke warm, but not too hot. Warm water may need to be added to achieve just the right consistency for lapping up by the puppies. A flat dish such as a pie pan or one of the "flying saucer" shaped puppy dishes is a good choice to place the food in so that all the puppies have an equal chance to get at the food. Since the puppies are used to suckling warm milk from their mother you may need to encourage each puppy individually to take this new food by placing some on the end of your finger and then allowing them to lick or suck it off. If the puppies resist this new food, and many may, just keep on trying. You may have to do this several times before the puppy gets the idea that this is food. Soon they will associate the smell of the food with eating and eat it with no help from you. Start cutting back on the mom's food just a bit as well during this time to help her milk start drying up. By the way, expect a mess. Once the weaning German Shepherd puppies are established on the porridge mixture, and are eating it readily, you can gradually swap them over to Step 2. Step Two. This food is simply fantastic and I also use it with my adults GSD's - especially in training. They simply love it. You can find it at Kroger, Publix, Petsmart and Petco. Mix this well and keep the mixture as creamy and slightly lumpy as possible in the beginning. As the puppies mature you can increase the amount of lumps in the food a bit with each 2nd step meal as long as the weaning GSD puppies can eat it easily and have no problems swallowing the new food. Remember you are working the weaning GSD puppies toward eating a meal of solid foods. This stage lasts about a week. Step three. I still give Bil-Jac for a while as well to give the weaning GSD puppies the best start possible however I eventually phase that out as well and work towards feeding the puppies a commercially available dry food only. This is my final goal in weaning GSD puppies - to get those German Shepherd puppies to happily eat dry puppy food only on a daily basis. As the German Shepherd puppies consume more and more solid foods, and as long as they are healthy, you should gradually increase the periods that your bitch spends away from her pups, so that by the time they are about 6 - 7 weeks of age she may be moved away from them completely. Remember that, during this weaning period, your bitch's intake of food should have been gradually reduced while the weaning GSD puppies new food intake has been increased to help her milk supply dry up gradually over time. Once your bitch is completely away from her GSD puppies, adding some chopped fresh parsley to your bitch's food may help to reduce the risk of mastitis if she is still producing milk. However if her milk production is excessive, and her mammary glands become red, hot or inflamed, do not hesitate to seek immediate veterinary treatment, as mastitis can build up very quickly and should be taken care of immediately and is considered a medical emergency. Please use the suggested feeding quantities on the bagged foods as a guideline only. The required amounts will vary with the age of the weaning GSD puppies, the individual breed and level of activity of each puppy. Also, ensure that a plentiful supply of fresh, clean water is available at all times to your weaning puppies and adult dogs as well. You want this transition from mothers milk to solid foods to be as stress free as possible for both the mother and puppies and a well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent German Shepherd Dog puppies. Bernard coming in through the cat door. Time Zones puppy feeding schedule and recomendation Prior to weaning our German shepherd puppies, they would have obtain most of their nutritional needs from their mother's milk. By the time our puppies are ready to move into their new home, they will be fully weaned on to solid foods. The puppy is then entirely dependent on his new owner, to provide a fully balanced diet that will meet all of his nutritional requirements. All puppies thrive on the same basic nutrients as adult dogs, but due to their rapid growth rate, these nutrients are needed in proportionately larger quantities. Similar to human babies, puppies have small stomachs, so they need to be fed little portions but often. German shepherd puppies grow very rapidly in the early stages of their development. A German shepherd dog will reach about half their adult weight by five or six months of age. However, there is a wide variation in adult body weight between different breeds, and dogs mature at different rates, since this article is focus on the German shepherd puppy, we will focus at that. German shepherd puppies, in particular, which are most affected by the feeding regimen - as they are growing rapidly, these puppies are prone to disturbances in their skeletal development. It is unwise to overfeed such dogs at this stage in an attempt to obtain the maximum possible rate of growth. A puppy needs between two and four times as much energy as an adult of the same size - growing is an energetic business! They must have more protein than adults - this must contain all the right building blocks of the protein amino acids for growth, and they need just the right amount of minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Puppies therefore have to eat large amounts of food in relation to their body weight, but their stomachs have only a small capacity. To compensate for this, a puppy needs to be fed several small meals a day. It also helps if his diet is designed to meet a number of useful criteria: the food should be concentrated to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients before his stomach is full; The food should be easily digested to maximize its nutritive value; the diet must be balanced to provide the right amount of nutrients to meet the puppy's particular needs; and it should also be tasty so that he will eat it. Devising an acceptable nutritionally balanced diet for growth is thus a very complex exercise. Fortunately, feeding your puppy need not be as complicated as it sounds. Diets, which are specially formulated for growth, take all the guesswork out of rearing a healthy puppy and provide a balanced and concentrated diet, which he will enjoy and thrive. For a normal, healthy German shepherd puppy there is no need to use supplements. In some ways this could be harmful. If you do decide to use a supplement please consult your veterinarian. The feeding schedule of your puppy will depend greatly on his age and individual characteristics, until they are about four months old. Feeding can then be reduced to two times a day until six months of age. You can offer your puppy his daily food allowance in two separate meals. You can feed an adult diet from 14 months of age Since all puppies are individuals, some may need more and some less than the indicated amounts. Your puppy's condition is the best guide of whether you are feeding the correct amount. By recording his weight on a regular basis you will be able to check his growing at a healthy rate, appropriate to his breed. You can then make adjustments to avoid him becoming under - or overweight. Generally, a puppy should be allowed 10 to 15 minutes to eat at each mealtime. After then discard any uneaten food. Your puppy should have his own feeding and water bowls and should be kept clean, separate from the family's dishes. Provide fresh water daily If you notice that your puppy is excessively thirsty and often, you should consult your veterinarian. Note: When puppies come from a kennel environment "outside living", to a family house, most often they will show signs of panting and thirst. This is normal because they will be hot with-in. In few days they should adjust in being indoors. The "puppy" feeding schedule is a guideline for our German shepherd puppies. A puppy should be kept lean during 4 to 8 months of age rapid growth phase , BUT they should not appear thin. You should be able to feel the rib cage and the back bone, but not see them. Looking down on the dog, there should be a slight indentation between the end of the rib cage and the hip bones. If you have questions or comments that you would like to share, please EMAIL US Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. If they cling to a nipple, suck enthusiastically and fall asleep, fed up and satisfied, we can be sure that the bitch gives them a maximum level of nutrition. On the other hand, if they move frantically from one nipple to another, sucking and searching, and their stomachs are not filled, this will indicate that the dog does not provide enough milk for their growth and well-being. Often, when a dog has a small litter of one or two puppies, her milk will begin to disappear much sooner than if she had a large litter to feed. Also, if the mother has been covered too often without enjoying a break, her milk may be lacking earlier than it should. If we have initiated a supplementary feeding regime at the right time, this attitude on the part of the bitch will rarely occur. Starting the weaning process To start the weaning process we must use any of the preparations suggested in the previous chapter for orphaned puppies. We pour part of this liquid mixture into a shallow pan after heating it to body temperature and use only enough of the milk mixture to cover the bottom of the pan. Release the GSD head immediately,let him lick with his lips and he will like the taste of the liquid in them. Speak gently and in a tone of encouragement each time we repeat the process. Sometimes, there will be a puppy that will start to lick the milk from the pan after the first contact, other times it will be necessary to repeat the operation until the desired result is achieved. Repeat the process with each puppy until all have begun to lick on their own initiative, should emphasize that although it will be necessary to keep the pan at the level of the chin during the first times that they are given food in this way, the pan can be deposited on the floor as soon as they acquire practice in eating, or licking, inside it. Of course they will pile up and go inside the pot, staining and staining their littermates with their contents, but they will also become more expert in the process of eating in a container, which, after all, is the ultimate goal pursued. We will administer the mixture twice a day during the first two and, at the end of this period, we will have that the act of eating in a saucepan will have become a conditioned routine. Adding soild to your puppies diet Now is the time to add some fat and solid matter to your diet but, considering that they still cannot chew, any matter of this type that is added should be shredded into very small pieces to form a mixture of creamy consistency when administer with food. Puppies grow better when they follow diets composed of milk, meat, fat and cereals. Growth is achieved mainly through proteins, but these differ, which is why puppies fed diets based on plant proteins do not grow or develop as well as those that receive animal proteins. Vitamins E and K are essential for the welfare of the puppy and must be present in adequate amounts in the diet. Remember also that 70 percent of the energy of the puppies comes from the ingestion of fats, so this food element must be added generously to the ration. In experiments carried out, puppies given diets lacking fat have developed symptoms of deficiency characterized by anemia, weight loss, dull hair, reduced vitality and, finally, death. Fat, however, can not by itself cure the advanced manifestation of this condition, Fat also acts as a vehicle for vitamins A, D, K and E and, in addition, not only slows down the digestion and makes the animal get as much nutrition as possible from its food but helps in many other ways to maintain the puppy, or the dog fully developed, healthy and vigorous. For our puppy to enjoy all the virtues present in fat, it is necessary to incorporate it in 20 or 30 percent to your diet. Practically every breeder with which we stumble has its own diet for weaning and the subsequent phase, but the basic element necessary in any of them is the balance, and a properly balanced food must be that which results in growth, health and vitality. Puppies exist in the market, excellent commercial foods in the form of grain, to which it is only necessary to add milk and fat. The author uses a mixture of ground oats and wheat as a staple cereal. To this, while it is cooked, add a cup of corn flour reinforced with vitamins, dried and powdered eggs, melted fat beef, pork, butter, chicken, Crisco, etc. After this mixture has been cooked and cooled, a small amount of flour with vitamins and minerals is added to it, thoroughly stirred and the resulting dough is distributed in cans of appropriate size and stored in the refrigerator. To have it ready for immediate use, place the necessary amount in the saucepan of the food, add raw meat and properly chopped fat heart, tongue, intestine and a small amount of ox liver to increase the volume administered. This mixture of milk and water is preheated and, when added to the solids, all this reaches the appropriate temperature. After proceeding to the mixture, the food has the consistency of a very thick cream, which must be gradually converted into something more dense and viscous, similar to a stew, until the puppies arrive at 4 weeks. When the bait is 5 weeks old, a food for puppies based on finely ground grain is progressively introduced into the basic diet. We must be very careful, however, not to exaggerate the administration of any supplementary dietary oil because we can provoke exactly the kind in appearance of bone problem rickets that we try to avoid with its use. Two portions of the basic diet and two of warm milk reinforced with a little fat should be administered every day. When the puppy is fully weaned, three basic and two milk rations should be administered, and it should be noted that it is only necessary to administer three meals a day during the period between 3 and 6 months. During all the time that we are busy with weaning and feeding the puppies we must not forget that there are other tasks that also need to be carried out. Your nails should be kept short, using manicure scissors so that they do not scratch the eyes of your littermates during their games. Their eyes will open when they have a week to 12 days according to the ovulation period of the dog and will be blue until they later change to their true chestnut color. If they are infested with worms, we will have to fight them immediately, and if as a consequence they have become puny, we should not try to grow them without first releasing them from the parasites. After the worms have been eliminated, the pups will quickly recover a normal level of health and growth. Currently there is a new serum against distemper serum against human smallpox that can be given to puppies at a very young age, even when they are still being breastfed. This new vaccine is effective until the puppy has passed all the important phases of its early growth and, when it is approximately six months old, the normal immunization vaccine against distemper can be administered. Incidentally we have that the worms that most puppies suffer from are round type currents. To combat them we have Piperazine, which is less toxic than most earthworm medicines and offers the advantage that the puppy can be fed normally, so it can be recommended for roundworms, whose larvae in the bloodstream of The mother often crosses the placenta to infect the puppy before birth. Most people worry about whether their puppy gains enough weight. One way to determine it is by observing its general state, its complexion and its vitality. Another way is by weighing them and keeping notes of the various increases. From six months of age until full development, an average and satisfactory weight gain per week, for a healthy and fast-growing puppy of German shepherd dog, is about 1, to 1, kilos. Remember, also, to make known to our puppy, at an early age, water as a drink. At first they do not seem to see it or know what it is, but they soon they learn to lick it, just as they do with milk and other foods mixed with it, and in this regard it is worth bearing in mind that it is a valuable and mineral-rich complement to your diet See more.