golden retriever puppies for sale in michigan classifieds

FAQs Goldendoodles, as a breed, have been around since the s. The first dogs were a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever, known everywhere for their sweet, loyal temperament, and a standard poodle, known for their intelligence, affectionate personality and non-shedding coat. Who would have thought that two such wonderful dogs could be improved?! The first generation of this goldendoodle cross is called the F1, and for many years was the only available option. However, F1bs, F2s and multigens are now available from most breeders. As you research the goldendoodle breed, you will find numerous pictures of golden, peach and apricot colored puppies. However, as the successive generations become available, so do various colors and patterns. We love diversity at Hurricane Creek, and currently offer red and white goldendoodle breeds. Quality Breed In addition to the fun colors and patterns, a quick search on the internet will also show labels such as teddybear goldendoodles and English, cream, or English cream goldendoodles. These doodles are bred, not from the golden retriever we are most accustomed to seeing, but from a white golden retriever bred in Europe. There are numerous articles discussing the nomenclature of golden retrievers and whether the terms English and American should be used. However, while I care little about that debate, I do care about the health of our puppies. Golden retrievers are known, not only for their wonderful personalities, but also for the high incidence of cancer in their breed. For reasons not clearly understood, statistics show that the white, blockier golden retrievers with the squarer heads have a much lower incidence of cancer. For that reason, we have elected to not use any American Golden Retrievers in our breeding program unless specifically bred from lines that have been free from genetic cancers for multiple generations. Goldendoodles are family friendly and make terrible protection dogs. They can be watch dogs, because they know how to bark, but they cannot be relied upon for protection because they have no aggressiveness whatsoever. Additionally, they shed very little to none. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption.

My husband is a professional dog trainer, which means our 8-year-old hound mix, Rowdy, is truly living his best life. Not only is he gainfully employed as a trainer too being that the best model for an unstable dog is a stable one , he also frequently assists his mom, as official house recipe taster and product tester. All 12 were used for walking both a sedate dog Rowdy , as well as an exuberant one any number of his more high-spirited friends , at both short and long intervals. Leashes were judged on how comfortable they were to hold, how easy they were to use especially in regard to transmitting commands , how painless they were to store and clean, and the durability of their craftsmanship, with respect to potential pullers and biters. Durability is the most important factor when buying leashes—weak or faulty clasps and bolt snaps can cause it to pop right off the collar, with dangerous or deadly results. Before you hit the streets with your new leash, walk your pup around the house with it first, so you can both get used to how it feels. More Articles You Might Enjoy. Also available in black, blue pink or yellow. At the connecting end, we find a snap hook attachment that is rust and corrosion resistant that will match the long lifetime of the leash. This is a very strong and stylish leash, perfect for everyday use whether on a daily walk or training session. And not everyone will agree, but we think leather leashes are the perfect match and most suitable style-wise for the noble looking Labrador. The Leather is stitched with extra strong thread, is double riveted both ends and is fitted with a larger than most 1 inch bolt snap for easy attachment and removal from a collar. This leash truly will last a lifetime! For attachment and removal to a collar there is a nickel plated bolt-style clip which is rust-proof and stain resistant, so will remain remain tarnish free for the life of the leash. The main benefit of such a leash over leather leashes is there is absolutely no care or upkeep necessary to keep it in tip-top condition. Available in 10 different colors, with very good feedback from previous buyers, this is a perfect leash for every day use with medium to large dogs. This leash has a zinc plated reverse-gate snap attachment for attaching the leash to your pooches collar. It has strong bar-tack stitching which is very durable and long-lasting. In fact it comes with a manufacturer guarantee that it will last — even if chewed! Easy to use and soft on the hands, perfect for every day use. Nice and lightweight, yet certainly durable and strong, a nice sized hand loop made of non-abrasive rope, with a simple thumb operated snap-bolt clip all makes this leash a pleasure to use and safe for controlling your dog. Certainly recommended! This style of lead is very easy to use, I personally keep one near my front door to easily slip on and off my dog because we have him collar free while in the home. The leash gets tighter if pulled from either end so if your dog pulls, it will tighten around their neck and be very uncomfortable. However, if yours is a dog who frequently runs away, or you feel you simply cannot allow to run off leash, this is a nice compromise. They get more freedom than with a 6-foot leash, but still cannot bolt free. This particular ribbon style retractable leash gives up to .This happens more than you might think! Single hand-operated hand braking, locking mechanism and recoil system gives you full, easy and intuitive control. Available in Blue, Black and Red. It comes with an instruction leaflet detailing how to use it correctly with safety in mind for you, your dog and everybody else around. The last thing you want when training distance commands is your dog to wander off and start sniffing up trees or chasing squirrels and a long leash such as this makes sure you can keep their attention on you and the training session. Backed up with a life time guarantee and a huge number of positive feedback reviews on Amazon, these long leashes come highly recommended. 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. The critical difference is the degree of dressing up required. This is a moment of personal reflection: do you have a tough time getting out of the house to take your Labrador for a walk? Minimizing the effort required to take your dog walking will ensure that you actually take him out. If your Labrador pulls on his lead, the pressure can quickly start producing irreversible damage. Can Trouble Dogs Even the most humane collars can bother some Labradors. Most new puppies might have trouble accepting a heavy collar. Starting with a light collar at an early age can offset this disadvantage. Some dog trainers can lead-train dogs with collars by building on a foundation of familiarity set by owners who get their dogs to accept light collars early on. This means both products need to be able to cater to different sizes. Most harnesses can house a range of body sizes. But when it comes to collars, your Labrador might start choking on the collar without you realizing it. Adjustable collars can offset this problem. In my opinion, even if you have compassionately trained your Labrador to accept his collar and even go on long walks with the lead attached to the said collar, what happens when your dog gets over-excited? It is quite literally impossible to hold him in position without choking him. Verdict on Dog Collars Dog collars are great to indicate ownership and protect your Labrador from being assumed and treated as a stray. Apart from that, I see no advantage in collars, especially when walking on a lead. So a nuanced approach would be to use a light collar and use a harness whenever you use a lead so that you can sidestep the dangers of lead walking a puppy with a collar. More importantly, your Labrador can pull the lead without hurting himself. More Room for Error If your Labrador puppy wears a collar, you need to follow his growth closely lest the collar begins choking him. Above all, it is more noticeable when your puppy outgrows his harness compared to when he outgrows his collar. In the worst-case scenario, you get to hold back your Lab with sheer force without hurting him as much. Tugging on a collar when your Labrador is trying his best to get away is heartless. That said, you should note that dogs give in more easily when their collar is tugged compared to holding back a harness. The ease, however, is mutually exclusive with kindness in this instance as a submission comes through the pain with a collar. In other words, a harness is something you would want on your pup only on walks. Most well-trained Labradors can go without a harness for short walks, and the harness is left for lead walks. Your Dog Will Take Time to Get Used to It This is a size-driven disadvantage that seems like a logical tradeoff when compared to the burden it offsets. I believe removing cruelty from the equation is well worth the relatively long waiting period. Starting with a light harness with a young Lab puppy is a perfect way to normalize it. Both collars and harnesses are uncomfortable initially, and in the long run, your dog can get used to both. While some trainers make arguments for collars, they are almost exclusively positioned as okay for larger dogs with stronger necks. This makes a harness your only option when out walking. Should a Labrador Wear a Harness? We have already established that harnesses are gentler than collars on Labradors. So, this may have you wondering, should Labradors wear a harness? A Labrador should wear a harness so that you can control him when he gets over-excited on a walk. A harness also allows your dog to keeps his neck safe when you have him on a tight leash. Doing the same with a collar could cause choking, damage to the trachea, or nerve damage. Harness vs. Collar For a Labrador Puppy Harness Advantages Prevents injuries to the neck Allows a lost dog to be identified from a tag Allows more control Easier to wear for tracking Allows room for growth. Contact The Best Leashes for your Labrador One of the most important accessories you can have as a dog owner is a leash and collar. In most areas, they are required in public, and even at home, to ensure that your dog is well behaved. Here are some tips on finding the best leash and collar for your Labrador: Simple Leash and Collar A simple leash and collar, also known as a flat collar, will do just fine for dogs that are extremely well behaved, or even tempered. I also find that older dogs that are slower moving do well with the simple leashes and collars. You can tell if a simple leash and collar are the best choice by how your dog behaves in public. If he or she stays beside you the whole time without trying to get ahead, it means they know their place in the pack and they are a good candidate for these types of collars. Here are some good options to consider. You can also find a wide selection at your nearest pet supply store. Look for a collar that is adjustable and will grow with your dog. We recommend the flat collar over all others. Harness Veterinarians usually recommend a harness type of collar for those dogs who tend to be higher energy and require more effort when on the leash. The harness wraps around their bodies so not to choke them or crush their necks. These types of harnesses are ideal for younger dogs that are just being trained or are giving trouble with obedience. Some great options can be found here. Choke Collar The choke collar should be used as a last resort for very poorly behaved dogs. This collar actually works to keep the dog submissive towards his or her owner. There are some choke collars that are built with more safety features and you should do your research carefully to decide which one is best. This choke collar has some of those safety features built in, like rounded edges and dual rings. This rope leash held up well with minimal fraying during our durability test when rubbed against a knife, maintaining its structural integrity. While aiding in durability, the thickness of this leash was a bit cumbersome to our testers. The leash is stiff due to its thickness and is not as pliable as the other leashes tested. Also, the thick material makes it harder for those with smaller hands to hold when it's coiled up. Overall, we would recommend the ZippyPaws leash for someone who values a sturdy leash above all else. We found the rope of the ZippyPaws to be bulky, especially when coiled. We surveyed the available options for hours, comparing specs and including a wide range of leash types, before selecting the best models to test side by side. We created a structured and repeatable test plan to assess each leash across specific performance metrics. We attached each leash to stable structures and pulled with all our might, and used a knife blade as a friction test to imitate wear and tear. We also embarked on many walks, bike rides, and runs to assess the overall feel and comfort of the handles, which features are useful and which aren't, and how much each model helped increase our control over our pups. Our extensive lineup of human and canine testers helped us cover a wide range of dog personalities and leash uses, allowing our assessments to be comprehensive and useful to anyone looking for a new leash. This review was brought to you by Sarah Sherman. For nearly every year of her life, Sarah has owned a dog. She's had tuggers, chewers, sniffers, snappers, and mellow dogs, amounting to thousands of walks. She knows what differentiates a good leash from a great leash and can pick out things that may grow frustrating over time. Together with the help of her dog, Indy, and their friends both dog and human , she used her knowledge of dog walking and training and technical features to test each leash diligently. Each leash was put through an extensive testing process, used on both Indy and the dogs of friends. Leashes were then ranked based upon metrics such as feel control, tug, fit , durability, features, and style. We put each leash to the test, calling upon friends and their pups for additional opinions. The simple, compact handle of the Rida Retractable Leash is available in a number of colors. Testing the Fida and TUG extendable leashes side by side. Analysis and Test Results Through thorough, side-by-side testing of an array of different dog leashes, we were able to identify the best dog leashes for a multitude of purposes. While some leashes are basic by design, others go all out to provide all of the features you may need while taking your canine companion for a stroll. Below, we highlight which models did best in our specific performance metrics. Bear put up no fight when asked to increase his daily walk frequency to test out an array of leashes with us. Credit: Jason Peters Feel A leash's feel is determined by a couple of different factors: what does it feel like in your hand, and what kind of control does it give you when walking your dog? We tested each leash with feel in mind, having multiple people hold, wear when applicable , and use each leash, comparing the feel of the leash in their hands. Although the Knot-a-Leash is only 5ft in length as opposed to most dog leashes that are 6ft, we felt like we had more control and were able to manage the shorter length much better than anticipated. Credit: Bligh Gillies With three handles spaced along its length, the Max and Neo leash provides plenty of control, which our testers with larger, pulling dogs love. It's not a great option for small dogs, though, as there is just more material than necessary for little dog bodies. The PetSafe Nylon Leash also scored high in the feel category. While this leash is very simple in its design, that same simplicity gives the walker quick and easy control over their dog. This could be extremely beneficial for someone who is training a dog to walk on-leash, as it allows for corrections to be made without a fuss. We also favored the ease of use of the retractable models we tested. It's easier to handle the squirrel-driven impulses of Shasta, our Newfoundland, with the Max and Neo leash that has three handles spaced along the length of the leash for adjustable control. With two handles, each comfortable to hold, it gains points. It also has a long, very stretchy bungee that allows for elasticity when running or moving quickly, but also results in a loss of control when quick corrections to the dog's direction are necessary. These factors were taken into account, ultimately resulting in a slightly above-average "Feel" score for this leash. Holding to lower handle on the Roamer to increase control over Indy when crossing the street. Depending on the height of the parent and the pup, holding onto this lower handle, located right next to the collar buckle, might involve bending over. Credit: Sarah Sherman Features Not every leash is designed to have many features, which can be a positive thing — but certain features make a leash great for many pet parents. From accessory loops for attaching items like a poop bag dispenser to reflective stitching to bungees, additional handles, and more, each leash's features were utilized and critically assessed. The locking carabiner makes for an extra secure connection point and is very easy to use. Credit: Bligh Gillies The Ruffwear Roamer's primary handle can also turn into a waistband with a padded area in case your dog is a strong puller. It's a streamlined and unbulky option without many buckles or attachments. The adjustable handle on the Roamer makes it easy to strap the leash to poles, chairs when out for dinner, or one's waist when going for a run. Not only did testers appreciate the three different handles, which offer various options for handling their dog, but it also has an accessory ring and paddled handles. This accessory ring enables the walker to attach items like a poop bag holder or treat bag, and the padded handles provide extra comfort. All of these features combined resulted in a high score in this category. As dog owners, there are few things worse than being caught in public without a poop bag. Accessory loops like this one on the Primal Pet Gear Leash make it easy to always be prepared. Credit: Sarah Sherman Durability Durability is a necessity for every dog leash, both for the dog's safety and the safety of others. We took our durability testing seriously, doing all we could to simulate the wear and tear a leash may accumulate through years of use. The first test we performed was our tug test. This test was meant to find out how sturdy the clasp end of each leash was, by attaching it to a stable pillar and tugging as hard as possible multiple times on the leash. We followed this up with a car test, where each leash was closed into the trunk of a car and driven down the street, seeing how the leash held up to dragging along the pavement. Finally, each leash was sliced ten times in the same spot by a steak knife, testing its fabric's durability and noting how it frayed. To test the strength of each leash, we performed a number of hard tugs, inspecting the clasp afterward for sturdiness. These leashes showed very minimal signs of fraying from the knife and have functioning, sturdy clasps after tugging and dragging. We like that the TUG retractable leash comes with an attachment to reduce the risk of a serious chewer getting through the leash. The leash material itself is very thin, but the reinforced attachment provides a much more robust material close to the dog's mouth to increase the amount of time it would take for Fido to chomp through it. Our dog leash drag test to simulate months of dragging and abuse. Clasps of some of the leashes tested after our "drag" test. The Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash has a very secure carabiner attachment, but the rope is thin and could be chewed through quickly. We wish the BAAPET handle had more durability, as the foam handle was easy to chip away, but the leash itself is thick and should maintain its integrity for many walks. We found the external sheath of this rope leash weaker than others, but its inner core is more densely braided and stronger than its external cover. Overall, every leash we tested has pretty strong durability and should last several months to years. None had any unacceptable flaws in regards to durability. Fraying after our knife durability test. Credit: Sarah Sherman Style While it does not directly impact a leash's function, style can still play a role when picking a leash for you and your dog. To account for this, we ranked leashes based upon the variety of colors and designs available and the general look of each leash. We had all our dog parents in the test crew, as well as our friends and neighbors, weigh in with their thoughts on looks, too. The Knot-a-Leash is super lightweight, highly visible, and looks great for everyday walks or out on your next adventure. The pattern on the Embark Urban Dog Leash caught many eyes on the trail. Soaring to the top of this category with its unique, embroidered pattern, the Embark Urban gained compliments wherever it went. To top it off, Embark offers a wide variety of colors and patterns, giving many options to choose from to ensure their style and that of their dog is accounted for. The Ruffwear Knot-A-Leash also stands out as a stylish option in Lake Tahoe's mountain town neighborhoods, where most testing was conducted. We take our testing process seriously. The right leash can make a difference for your enjoyment and your dog's safety. Credit: Jason Peters Conclusion After countless walks, runs, specific tests, and taking the needs of both canine and homosapien into consideration, we bring you our comprehensive review of the best dog leashes available today. We hope you and your dog find the leash that will best meet your needs, whatever they may be.

Sometimes, supplements can do more harm than good. When should I start giving my German Shepherd puppy supplements? Most supplements can be given to your German Shepherd puppy as early as 12 weeks of age. The exception is calcium supplements, which you should never give to a puppy under 1 year old. Too much calcium can cause bones to develop too quickly, causing long term pain and joint damage. However, since German Shepherds are predisposed to developing joint issues, joint supplements are advised to be started as early as 3 months old. Keep in mind that giving supplements to your puppy could mask underlying health conditions, such as stomach problems, and make the issues hard to detect and treat. Does my German Shepherd puppy need a multivitamin? Yes, German Shepherd puppies 3 months and older need supplements, especially those for their hips, joints, stomach soothers, and improving their itchy skin and dry coats. Usually, dogs should get all the vitamins they need from a balanced diet. But in some cases, modern dog food manufacturing processes kill off essential nutrients. Multivitamin supplements, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 oils are generally safe for puppies 12 weeks of age and older. And almost all German Shepherd puppies should be given joint supporting supplements due to their predisposition for joint-related issues. This means that you must perform your own due diligence to make sure you select safe supplements. Each supplement has its own benefits and drawbacks, which you must also take into account. Too much is a bad thing When giving multiple supplements, beware of overdosing to avoid giving too much of a good thing. In fact, more than necessary could cause unwanted side effects. Watch out for imbalances The majority of German Shepherds react well to supplements. But when giving vitamins or minerals to puppies, extra caution should be taken. This is because these supplements can lead to a nutritional imbalance that can be harmful to growing puppies. Always talk to your vet Your vet is the best resource for advice on giving supplements to your German Shepherd. Too much calcium can cause excessive bone growth which damages their joints. This fast growth can also lead to long term pain, hip issues, and other growth disorders. Supplements made for humans contain higher doses of vitamins than your dog needs. You could accidentally give them serious complications by using human supplements. With high amounts of iron and calcium, prenatal vitamins could cause iron toxicity in puppies. This can lead to serious side effects. Other vitamins, such as vitamin D, can cause organ damage in dogs. An overdose of Vitamin D can cause kidney failure. Keep your German Shepherd puppy away from caffeine! It has antibacterial properties and is therefore also found in dental hygiene products, such as mouthwash or toothpaste. The amount of xylitol found in different products varies. But shockingly, even pieces of gum may be enough to cause toxic effects in a dog source! Always keep human food and hygiene products away from your puppy. You never know what ingredient might actually cause serious problems or even fatalities in your pup. Certain supplements can give your pup a healthier lifestyle, like:. What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs? There are several foods and supplements you can give your dog to increase its calcium intake. Many of these food sources are the same for humans. When determining which calcium-rich foods to feed your dog, you should talk to your vet to ensure your giving the best source for your dog. You want to feed your dog food that is rich in calcium because it is the principal element in skeletal mineralization during growth. You want to choose food sources that absorb well in the intestines. If you feed your dog low-calcium dog food, you may want to give them a supplement. Calcium pills for dogs take the guesswork out of giving your dog the right amount of calcium to boost its immune system and strengthen bones and teeth. It contains just one ingredient — a pure porcine bone meal. The supplement contains phosphorus, which is known for helping with calcium absorption. It works well for most dogs, including puppies, adults that need supplementation, and pregnant dogs. A single teaspoon of the calcium supplement includes about milligrams of this beneficial substance. In fact, it will provide your pregnant dog with the energy needed to maintain regular, strong contractions, speed up whelping , and prevent the need for a c-section. This supplement is made with a proprietary blend that helps ensure quick absorption and has no artificial additives. The milk calcium complex and calcium carbonate in this product boost the calcium your pup needs during and after giving birth. The added magnesium and vitamin D improve calcium absorption while antioxidants reduce stress levels in your pregnant dog. The manufacturer recommends giving your dog a dose when they start labor and another after every two puppies are born. It is sold in a syringe, clearly labeled with measurement marks to ensure you get the dosage right. Based on reviews, most dogs like the flavor, making it easy to administer. The biggest disadvantage of this calcium supplement is the syringe is sometimes challenging to operate. This ensures purity and bioavailability. The supplement is harvested from seabed found on the southwest coast of Ireland, which is considered some of the cleanest and purest waters in the world. Along with coming from a pure source, this supplement is easy to feed to almost any dog. Thanks to the high digestibility of the supplement, a very low amount are needed to provide the desired benefits. This helps your money stretch further, which is a plus for most pet parents. The powder is flavor-free and almost completely odorless, which helps reduce resistance when giving it to your dog. The calcified red seaweed is a good source of calcium and provides other essential nutrients, including magnesium, boron, and zinc. Due to the makeup and sourcing of this calcium supplement, it is one of the most environmentally sustainable options available today. Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus for Dogs Unlike some other calcium supplements for dogs available, Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus is an all-life stages formula. Each dose is provided in a compressed and easy-to-chew tablet, with milligrams of calcium and milligrams of phosphorus. The supplement is made in the U. There are no preservatives, flavors, or artificial colors, and the product is manufactured in an NSF-certified and FDA-registered facility. If your pup is pickier about what they eat, it may be challenging to convince them to eat the tablet. This supplement provides superior value, with 60 chewable tablets in a single bottle. Also, they are reported to work well and produce positive results. This supplement combines the perfect blend of essential amino acids, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. It is free of artificial ingredients and a smart option for large breed puppies who grow quickly. Other dogs that may benefit from this supplement include pregnant or nursing dogs and any dogs who require a calcium boost. If your dog is less than 10 pounds, half a tablet per day is the recommended dosage, while larger dogs require two tablets per day. Each tablet features a liver and roast beef flavor that most dogs enjoy. You can give your dog the tablet directly or crumble it in their food. Bone meal powder for dogs is a good calcium supplement. Before giving your dog a calcium supplement, talk to your vet. Most dog foods contain decent calcium. But some situations can require higher calcium intake. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, it may need additional calcium since pregnancy can deplete calcium. Also, if you feed your dog homemade meals instead of commercial dog food, you may want to talk to your vet about calcium supplements. This is generally because homemade meals are protein-rich with very few calcium-fortified options. No, you should not give your dog human calcium supplements to your dog because they are formulated for humans and a much higher weight class than a dog. Calcium supplements for humans can also contain harmful ingredients for dogs. Calcium supplements that are formulated for dogs are very effective in treating calcium deficiency. Talk to your vet about giving your dog calcium supplements because too much calcium can cause health problems too. The best natural sources of calcium for dogs are: 1. Yogurt Yogurt is the most significant source of calcium for dogs. Yogurt contains mg of calcium in 1 cup. Is yogurt good for dogs? Cheese Cheese is high in calcium because it is a dairy product. Hard cheeses, like cheddar or jack, contain mg of calcium for 1 ounce of cheese. Many dogs prefer cottage cheese, which has 65 mg of calcium in a half-cup. Is cheese bad for dogs? Cheese is safe for your dog to eat, but you need to be careful about the types of cheese you feed your dog. Be careful not to feed large portions of cheese because it can lead to weight gain. Chicken and Fish Chicken is an excellent protein source that contains an adequate amount of calcium. Salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines also have high calcium content from mg to mg. Because both proteins have sufficient calcium, these meats are often in many types of dog food. If you buy chicken or fish-infused dog food, you should check the label for calcium content. If not, you may want to switch to higher-calcium dog food that contains more chicken and fish. You can also supplement their diet with chicken and fish food scraps. Can dogs eat tuna? Yes, dogs can eat tuna in small amounts. Want an all-natural soft jerky treat for your dog? Shop KC Strips dog treats in tilapia, elk, buffalo, venison, beef, and chicken. Your dog will thank you. But with so many different dog food choices on the market, it can be challenging to decide which type of food is right for your dog. So, do German Shepherds need large breed food? German Shepherds need large breed food as it is made with balanced nutrition specifically designed for larger breeds. These foods include a higher amount of protein, lower amounts of calcium, phosphorus, fat, and the correct amount of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Is large breed food necessary for a German Shepherd puppy? What is the difference between large breed dog food and regular? Do adult German Shepherds also need large breed food? So, what exactly is a large breed dog? Well, the specifics will differ from source to source, but it mostly boils down to any dog weighing over 50 pounds when fully grown. Now let us take a look at the German Shepherd specifically, however as with any breed, there can be variation. German Shepherds typically grow to be anywhere between 22 and 26 inches tall — and that is pretty big. Weight-wise, you can expect your GSD to weigh well over 50 pounds. In fact, some bigger-sized male German Shepherds can be over 90 pounds and be taller. My female GSD is one big girl — she weighs 88lbs and stands 27 inches tall! My German Shepherd Willow — definitely a large breed dog! Therefore, you would be wise to purchase dog food specifically designed for larger breeds, whether your German Shepherd is a puppy or an adult. But why? You may think that large breed dog food is a sales gimmick. Giving your German Shepherd regular puppy food while growing can be somewhat dangerous to his health. Large breed dogs grow fast, sometimes too fast! However, large breed dog foods will typically feature whole proteins, such as protein from chicken, beef, or fish. These whole proteins come complete with all essential amino acids required for their development. Chicken is ideal as a whole protein as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial to joints. Omega 3 and Omega 6 These fatty acids are incredibly beneficial to your German Shepherd and are commonly seen in large-breed dog foods. These fats lead to healthy skin and hair for your furry best friend while also increasing their cardiovascular health. German Shepherds are known for being heavy shedders, and one way to help reduce year-round shedding is the inclusion of omega fatty acids in their diet. Fiber Large dogs may have a more significant challenge when it comes to regularity. That is why most large breed dog foods will contain extra fiber that comes from all-natural, plant-based ingredients, such as pumpkin or sweet potato. These ingredients will lead to a healthy digestive system, which also goes hand-in-hand with a healthy weight. Vitamin D Vitamin D is critical for your German Shepherd to regulate how much calcium and phosphorus he absorbs. Dogs get their vitamin D through their diet or by exposure to sunlight. This is why having a large-breed dog food with sufficient Vitamin D is essential to his health. Less Energy Density Now, this is where his health really comes into play. You see, when your German Shepherd is a puppy, he will have a higher capacity for nutrients than smaller breeds. And he can technically be a puppy for up to 2 years, so take that into consideration when thinking about adult food. Therefore, your German Shepherd must have a large-breed food as a puppy as it is formulated with fewer calories and fat content. It will simply allow him to grow at a slower, healthier rate that is optimum for his bone and joint health. Overfeeding can cause damage to these critical areas and can also lead to obesity. Less Calcium Aside from fewer calories and fat content, you may also notice that large breed dog foods have fewer calcium levels. This is simply because too much or even too little calcium can cause problems during growth. Your German Shepherd needs the correct calcium levels to help his bones grow properly, at the intended rate. This is especially important during their first few months of life. Less Phosphorus Phosphorus works hand-in-hand with calcium to ensure the skeletal system is growing correctly. Just as it is essential to have lower calcium levels, your German Shepherd also needs a lower amount of phosphorus and the correct ratio to calcium between and 1. That is why I highly recommend that you feed your German Shepherd large-breed dog food, especially during the growing stages. Now you know how important it is to make sure that you buy puppy food that is designed for larger breeds. Doing so will ensure that he grows at the rate he is supposed to, without becoming overweight. But what about when your German Shepherd is an adult? Is large breed dog food necessary then, too? Yes, large breed dog food is also important when your German Shepherd is an adult. The large breed dog food designed for adults will contain the proper nutrient balances, much like the puppy food, to ensure your dog stays in tip-top shape. This is because German Shepherds will continue to grow into their second year, much like other larger breeds. You do not want to switch him too early as the nutrient levels will be slightly altered to keep your adult dog healthy and strong during his adult life. Free-feeding of large breed puppies is also not recommended. This can also help prevent bloat GDV from which large breed dogs, especially deep-chested ones, are more prone. Pro Tip! This is because large breed dog foods are designed with specific nutrient benefits that help with their growth levels and bone and joint health. Related Posts You May Like:. The best, safest way to do this is to consult with a board certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dog receives the best feeding options. In general, the nutritionist will evaluate your pet, perform, or review lab work, create a recipe, and prescribe supplements specific to your pet. Most people feed a commercial diet. There are hundreds of dog food on the market and each one is fighting to capture your attention. Marketing trends play a huge role into how the nutritional value of dog food is perceived by owners, as well as their personal biases toward ingredients and manufacturers. Couple that with the needs of individual dogs and suddenly choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming. What works splendidly for one dog may result in digestive upset, itching, yeast, hot spots, and more for another. What to look for when feeding your German shepherd: When choosing a dog food, the first thing to look for is the AAFCO, Association of American Feed Control Officials, nutritional adequacy statement on the pet food label. This is a statement will tell you if the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance, or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. For nutritional purposes, dogs weighing 50 pounds, or more are generally considered large breed by many dog food manufactures. However, AAFCO defines a large breed puppies and dogs as any dog whose adult weight is expected to exceed 70 pounds. Since the breed standard for full grown male German shepherds is pounds and females are pounds, German shepherds are considered large breed dogs for nutritional purposes. Large breed pups eating balanced diets containing recommended amounts of calcium do not need calcium supplements. How much should you feed your large breed dog? After you weigh a portion, you can easily measure out in a cup for ease of daily feeding. However, they can suffer from muscle wasting, cognitive decline, pain, stiffness, arthritis and weakened immune systems that can lead to inflammation and disease. As dogs age, changes to their metabolic function, energy requirements, nutrient requirements fat, protein, carbohydrate, amino acids , and digestion take place. Yet, they continue to require high quality protein, usually with less fat. There are many great senior foods on the market that can provide health benefits to promote a healthy weight, immune system support, and even help improve cognitive function. We hope these tips help you find the right food for your large breed dog. As always, please feel free to share.

Members Please email chaseh gmail. Estimate lbs, small-medium sized range multigeneration miniature gold and black labradoodles in Texas. Our family loves animals and they are treated like family, not just pets. We breed one or two litters per year because we love animals. All of our puppies are raised as veterinarian directed. Our breeding began 9. She is enjoying a pampered life. We also have a beautiful chocolate male named Rugby. All of our puppies are raised in our home, and are well socialized with our kids, their friends, our cats, and other dogs. Our previous litters were a huge success! Their forever families LOVE them like children as they are all wonderful, sweet, loving, smart, perfect family dogs. They were fun to watch grow and a joy to have in our home for the 8 weeks we get to enjoy them. We kept , Oakley, and we can not even begin to describe how much he means to our family, he is just so good! Through the years we have received messages about his sibling's from their families and all from that litter have the same GREAT personality! It is wonderful to have received many of their pictures though the over the 9. It means we made their families happy with their decision in choosing a puppy from us. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. A visually impaired woman in Hawaii was in need of an allergy friendly Guide Dog. This need sparked the initial breeding of the Labradoodle. Initially, there were 31 Royal Guide dogs bred, with 29 making it through as Guide Dogs. The Australian Labradoodle breed has developed into not only an allergy friendly guide dog, but also a popular pet with an easy going, friendly disposition paired with an allergy friendly and low to no shed coat. The breed is known to be easy to train, intuitive and loyal. They are sociable, smart and affectionate, leading the breed to be an excellent pet, as well as a therapy and service dog. Australian Labradoodles are moderately active and athletic, love to play, and enjoy daily mental stimulation. In addition to being a loving, allergy friendly pet, Labradoodle service roles include, but are not limited to, seizure alert, diabetic alert, service, and therapy work. The labradoodle is also a desirable dog for sporting and agility competitions. We breed minis and mediums. The heights and weights below are general expectations, but some pups can be outliers and end up a bit smaller or larger than what it listed. Coats are free flowing wavy or curly that does not shed like hair and is allergy friendly. Each individuals allergies are unique, so this should be tested. Fleece A fleece coat should be light and silky, similar to an Angora goat. It can range from loosely waved to a more curly wave. Fleece coats shed very little, if any. Labradoodles lose their puppy coat at approximately one year of age, and an identical coat will grow in. Wool Wool coats are denser to the touch and feel like a sheep's wool, with springy curls. Wool coats rarely shed. This coat requires more maintenance to keep it long and flowing, but also looks beautiful cut shorter, which is very easy to maintain this way. Coat Colors Australian Labradoodles have a variety of colors and include solid, mismatched, and parti two colors. Colors include black, chocolates, caramels, reds, and apricots, to name a few. Within these colors, there is a wider range of shading. This type of Labradoodle does not have a consistent coat. The coat type of this type of dog varies. This Labradoodle type may still shed and have size restrictions. Labradoodles or Multi-gen When a Labradoodle is three or more generations in to the breed, they are considered Multigeneration Labradoodles. This allows knowledgeable breeders to refine the personality, physical attributes, and coat types. The Multigeneration Labradoodles are allergy friendly and have a more desirable coat in texture and quality. Labradoodle Care and Maintenance Labradoodles require daily exercise and play time in order to be happy and healthy dogs. Dogs that are not provided with sufficient play and exercise time are likely to become bored and unhappy. Specific grooming needs of Labradoodles depends on the type of coat that the dog has. With the Labradoodles love of people, they do best living inside as a part of the family. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We're right outside of Austin. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, loving and devoted family companion who has a fantastic temperament and a low to non-shedding coat. Producing puppies with calm, sweet temperaments is a focus of our breeding program. We select our parent dogs with care to ensure that each litter born produces wonderful puppies that can be the pride and joy of those lucky enough to raise them. Bobbie is a certified BAB Puppy Evaluator and we temperament test our litters to help families find just the right puppy. We're also proud to have been accepted, with an Excellent rating, into the Good Breeder Program at gooddog. We learned about labradoodles several years ago. We were looking to add a dog to our family that had a great temperament and didn't shed much. We had previously owned a labrador that we loved to death, but we wanted to avoid fur covering every inch of our floor again. Our first labradoodle, Cooper, was so much more than we dared hope for and the reason we decided to go into breeding. He has a lab temperament. He's calm, sweet, devoted, patient, loving and loyal. And he doesn't shed at all. We were so in love with him, that we decided one labradoodle in our home was simply not enough. Why Australian Labradoodles? Because they are, in our view, the perfect dog. They are so sweet, love their humans so much, are so devoted and wonderful with children, and they are so smart. They are known for their beauty and looks, but the Australian Labradoodle's gorgeous coat is just the icing on a very delicious cake! We hope you take a few minutes to look around our site and get to know us and our dogs. We'd love to hear from you if you have any questions! Contact Us. This family owned business is committed to performing extensive health testing and temperament assessments on each female and male breeding Doodle before selecting them to produce our adorable puppies. We have a select number of litters each year, focusing individual attention to the development of each doodle puppy before it goes to its forever home. Whether you are looking to purchase your first Australian Labradoodle or your third, this will be a very exciting time for you and your family! To achieve this, we carefully select our breeding dogs based on extensive health examinations and temperament assessments. Our breeding moms and studs have been carefully examined and tested by local veterinarians here in Texas to ensure they are free of eye, hip, and elbow problems, cardiac issues, genetic diseases and coat issues. Eye testing is ongoing for the entire time the dog is actively breeding. Photo Right: Our reproductive veterinarian, Dr. Kirk Esmond Each and every breeding dog passes extensive health testing to provide the best opportunity for healthy puppies. I think we are getting ready to go to our forever homes! We specialize in medium size dogs, ranging from pounds. Needless to say, the precious puppies we raise are part of our family. Our breeding Australian Labradoodle dogs live in our home as our family pets or in Guardian Homes as a valued family member. Welcome to the world of a Legendary Labradoodle. People are talking about us. Not only do we have an adorable, healthy, hypoallergenic and non-shedding family companion, but Legendary Labradoodles goes to great lengths to assure the temperament of the puppy will thrive in your home environment. They are truly producing the best pups in temperament, coat, and health not to mention hands down the cutest faces and body shape. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Katy Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We value home socialization and offer a 3-year health guarantee for all Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles are multi-generational and are superior to F1 and F1b because their traits are established and dependable. Early generations of Labradoodles do not offer the consistency that multi-generational do. Our puppies have been proven for non-shedding hypoallergenic coats and temperament. Not all Labradoodles are created equal. Australian Labradoodles are a great choice for those seeking non-shedding and allergy-friendly dogs. Multi-gen Australian Labradoodles have been carefully bred over time and are consistent for coat, temperament, and conformation. Strenuous genetic testing has been done to ensure to give you the best pet possible. Australian Labradoodles are extremely loyal to their families and are known to have a sweet and gentle temperament. They are sensitive dogs with intuitive intelligence making them easy to train. These traits make them superior therapy and service dogs. What are the coats like on Australian Labradoodles? The small size of our program allows our Labradoodles and Sheepadoodles to be a part of our everyday home life and not be kept in kennels. It also provides an opportunity for puppies to socialize, be nurtured, and be loved. Our puppies are socialized with people, children, and other pets. Our diligent work with young puppies contributes to an easy transition into their forever homes. At Texas Australian Labradoodles, we keep the Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppy adoption experience as pleasant and comfortable for you as possible. When you adopt our puppy, you become a member of our program and a part of our Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle forever family. We want to share your joy. We love pictures! We place great importance on your satisfaction with your new Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle puppy. Guided by our experience, careful assessment of each puppy, and objective aptitude evaluations we can select the best puppy for your specific needs and lifestyle. At Texas Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles, we produce 4th generation Australian Labradoodles or later generations we do not have any of the early generation Labradoodles as their temperament, coat, and comfortation can be very unpredictable. Our Doodles are selectively bred for many generations to produce allergy-friendly, intelligent, easy to train puppies with gentle temperaments and exceptional beauty. Their coat is non-shedding and odor-free and works well with allergy sufferers. Our labradoodles are loved and well-socialized, which makes them perfect dogs for families with young children and homes that have other pets. Our Doodles are also perfect candidates for service, therapy, and companion dogs due to their intelligence as well as gentle and affectionate disposition. Our Australian Sheepadoodles are carefully bred by pairing our fabulous Old English Sheepdogs and extraordinary Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. We are the only breeders that have paired these incredible breeds to create astonishing puppies who consistently deliver allergy-friendly silky coats, calm temperaments, and overall great confirmation. Our Doodles are loved and well-socialized which makes them perfect dogs for families with young children, first time pet owners, and families with other pets. However, our small size ensures that we are able to pay close attention to each of our Doodle puppies to ensure that they get the stimulation and the attention to reach their developmental milestones. Simply put, there are no puppies left behind at Texas Australian Labradoodles and Australian Sheepadoodles. The public is slowly recognizing the value of smaller programs that do not mill their puppies and a handful of Australian Labradoodle Breeders in the US are following our footsteps and cutting the number of adult doodles in their program so that they do not have to be housed in kennels. Although all puppies are beautiful and can enrich the life of any family through their unique personality, we love the Australian Labradoodle and Australian Sheepadoodle puppies! We want to help and give your family a lifetime of sweet memories to warm your heart. If you are looking for kid-friendly, loyal, and easy to train pets or therapy dogs, please check out our therapy dogs for sale and our affordable puppies for sale!

Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. We pride ourselves on providing you with only the highest top Quality German Shepherd Puppies for sale. Our love and care goes into each and every German Shepherd Puppy that we help raise and bring into this world. It is our goal to provide you with a perfect companion from one of our litters. We strive to be the top German Shepherd Breeder in the country with our extremely high quality dogs, assuring you of a spectacularly beautiful and loving German Shepherd Puppy. While we raise spectacular show and breeding puppies, most of our puppies sold are for family pets and personal protection. They are wonderful, loving and gentle family pets, which is our largest market: People that want the Finest Purebred German Shepherd Dogs with spectacular pedigrees for their Family. We are one of very few German Shepherd Breeders in the country who have adopted and practice the proven early puppy neural and social development program that encourages high aptitude puppies. Every one of our puppies gets loving socialization daily from birth and advanced development stimulation. As they grow, they are in the house with us with constant socialization, they visit childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes for further socialization and community service. We have acreage on a beautiful lake front setting where our dogs are free to run and enjoy life. Visit any other kennel and then come visit us. The happiness and loving nature of our dogs speaks for itself. We genetically select the sire and dam of each litter for the best possible litter. While we have spectacularly well pedigreed males, we often search around the country for a German Shepherd male with the pedigree that will best serve our litter with a particular female. Vetting: spayed, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm negative and on heartworm prevention House trained: Yes Crate Trained: Yes Before FAR: I was found as a pregnant stray. Luckily for me the rescue took me in, helped me have my babies and got them all adopted. Now I'm waiting for my Furever home! Energy Level: Medium. Things that make me happy: Humans, being the center of attention and getting lots of love and cuddles, walks, any time food comes out. Things that make my humans happy: When I'm sweet and affectionate, when I run around in circles when food comes out or when it's time to go on a walk. Working on: Laying down on command I know sit stay, shake and high five already! Older children or no children at all would be best I do love all kids though! Because I tend to be reactive round other dogs I don't know or that also have dominant personalities, I need someone that is able to help me learn how to stay calm in these situations. I love my humans and am very loyal to them so would love to find a family that is the same with me! I'm ready to meet you and find my Furever home! If you are interested in giving Sheba a forever home, please visit the link below to fill out an application! We have experienced some problems when applications have been submitted using a mobile device. We review them on a first come first served basis. If your application is approved, we will contact you and allow you the opportunity to adopt. If you choose not to adopt, we will contact the next approved applicant. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact us and we will be glad to help!

Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. When Do Goldendoodles Calm Down? These cute pups are known for their energy and excitable nature, this is a perfect addition to your family, but you need to know how to manage the excitable moods. Like most breeds of puppies, as they age, they will become calmer. Most Goldendoodles will start to calm around months of age. People can sometimes feel confused as puppy teeth are lost at months, but you can still expect excitable behavior for months after this. When doodles are less than a year old, they generally have surplus energy, leading to intense periods of play and longer naps. So, if your doodle is larger, their puppy behavior can be harder to deal with as they have more strength; this can be difficult for an owner. Three Stages Of Aging There is a general three-stage experience that most Goldendoodles progress through. This will occur in most Goldendoodles but can vary. Do note that if your Goldendoodle is quiet and tired, this could signal something is wrong; always consult a professional opinion if this is the case. Puppy stage expect constantly high energy Adult stage still high energy, but gradually lessening Senior stage more restful These dogs tend to spend most of their lives in the second adult phase, but the most energetic stage is the first one. If you are looking for what size crate to get for your goldendoodle, click HERE Tips And Tricks Even though crazy energy is expected from your pup, you may want to find some resources or games that can help manage this behavior. Over excitement is expected from Goldendoodles, so these tips will not get rid of it. These are great ways to stop the energy from becoming undesirable behavior, though. In the early stage puppyhood , diversion and prevention are the best ways to minimize overexcitement. Most dog breeds need a healthy walk or play daily to tire themselves out; in this case, Goldendoodles have so much energy that this is one of the most important aspects of caring for one. If your doodle is overactive, it can help to take an hour of walk time daily to burn some of that energy. However, you may see an energy spike from just one missed session. A bonus tip for a good walk is to go somewhere where they can run around off-leash; this is great for an energy-filled doodle. Getting your dog active is the first step to take if you want to manage their behavior. Toys Can Be Helpful Playing fetch with sticks is a classic game and can help with overactive doodles, but consider investing in some specialized toys. If doodles are bored, they can become excited when something unusual happens, resulting in a crazy episode. Mental stimulation through toys can result in fewer overreactions and seemingly calmer behavior. Even a simple chew toy can help relieve stress, helping to reduce barking and overstressed out behaviors. Indoor dog games and toys are great, allowing doodles to play without the hassle of scheduling outside time. Good toys are rubber chew toys, tennis balls, stuffed animals, flavored toys, ropes, treat dispensers, puzzles, and squeaky toys. Note that squeaky toys are a favorite — so if you buy one, you will be putting up with additional noise! Scent Training Scent training or nose work is a simple pastime for Goldendoodles and can wear them out mentally and physically. This is also a great indoor activity. Inability to focus and lack of concentration are standard crazy doodle behavior. Scent training can be done at home to engage their attention and promote calmness. Good hides for Goldendoodles are boiled chicken, dried liver snacks, or even grated cheese; see what your dog reacts best with. Once your dog has found the hide, reward them with an extra set of treats. As you play, progressively make each hide more challenging to engage them. This could be done by placing hides in a plastic container that makes an interesting noise, getting your dog to reach into boxes with their nose, or reducing the number of hides but putting out extra boxes to search through. The increase in difficulty will help boost self-assuredness; while doodles often have self-confidence, this is still an excellent exercise for them. Sniffing is mentally and physically tiring for a Goldendoodle, which can help use up their crazy energy. However, it can help assess how you and your family react to their bouts of energy. This can reinforce the behavior, and the cycle repeats. Some even suggest practicing bringing the energy level down during playtimes. Try playing for a couple of minutes and then being calm for one. This shows your doodle the difference between play and calm and can help them get used to both. We can all be so busy with work and our lives, so scheduling in walkies can be difficult. Dog walkers are easy to find these days; thanks to the internet, try some helpful dog-walking apps, such as Rover, to connect with trusted walkers. This can take some of the pressure off of you and can keep your doodle active. A bonus to getting some help with walking is that if your doodle is extra active, you also have extra energy to play with them if someone has helped you walk them! Remember To Be Calm Sometimes if we are stressed, dogs can sense this and become anxious too. This can then lead to over-excitement, and undesirable behavior, which in turn stresses us again, and the cycle keeps escalating. Calm yourself and then calm your dog; practice just relaxing sitting around your dog. This is a great way to teach them patience and to help you not react to their energy. When your doodle sits calmly, remember to praise them for being good. Practicing a sit command is always a good way to train your dog; it helps create patience and be easy going about things that excite them. Overactive Behavior When A Goldendoodle Is Older Once the puppy stage is over, a reduction in energy levels and manic behavior is expected. Goldendoodles are fun and excitable for life! Excessive Barking Sometimes learned behaviors from puppyhood will continue later on in their lives, for example, problem chewing or excessive barking. This needs to be dealt with earlier to nip them in the bud. There are strategies and training to curb this problem, and it can be linked to learned puppy behaviors. Strategies include playing tricks and babying the doodle; you may also have to block out windows to stop excessive barking. If this action becomes painful, biting, or continues after 12 months of age, it can be time to seek advice from a professional or start at-home training. Play biting should stop significantly when the puppy teeth have been replaced; this should be at approx 8 months of age. However, the general rule of thumb is that by 3 years of age, they should not be hyper or crazy anymore. The key to addressing crazy doodles is to redirect the problem behaviors and to use positive reinforcement. Tackle each problem e. Key activities to help Goldendoodles are: Exercise daily; make sure to tire them out. His guardians set up a puppy training session with me to stop his nipping, address his resource guarding, potty training and basic obedience. Skye was a little subdued when I arrived for the session. His guardians told me this was better behavior than he normally exhibited. Sometimes dogs with lower confidence will act shy or reserved in new situations. A great way to help dogs or puppies with this problem is to teach them new tricks or commands. I also strongly recommended that the guardians look for socialization opportunities. Getting Skye around other dogs of a similar size, maturity and energy level will help boost his confidence in many areas. I got a firsthand look at some of his rambunctious behavior when the families son arrived home from school. Many puppies get mouthy and nippy when they are overtired. I think a lack of naps may be contributing here. I also recommended that the guardians consider setting up a puppy playpen that is attached to a kennel. This way they have a place that they can put the puppy any time that he starts get overly rambunctious. By putting him in a room and closing the door, we can help the puppy practice being alone for short periods and also influence him to take a nap. Because the puppy play area is gated off, we know that the puppy is safe. You can read about the puppy playpen that I set up for my dalmatian puppy quest by using this link. Because Skye has already started to climb up out of a smaller play pen the family sets up on occasion, they may also need to take a look at this link. A lot of this is a result of Skye having playful puppy energy and not being very socially experienced. Fortunately Skye will start a puppy socialization class tomorrow hosted by myself and a couple of my apprentices. Because he is getting off to a late start, it may be a slower process than if they had started introducing him to other puppies earlier, but he is absolutely young enough to rebound. By introducing a command word and associating it with the act of elimination and the reward at the right times, we can help Skye learn that there is a benefit to eliminating outside. Potty training is all about repetition, careful observation and rewarding the dog at the right time. After we wrapped up the potty training discussion, we moved into the living room so that we could practice having the dog come to us on command. A couple of minutes into this exercise, Skye wandered off on his own. When we came back inside, we finished with the recall exercise, sort of. He was doing some snacking earlier and Skye was more interested in looking for any food he may have dropped. By sitting in a circle on the floor a few feet away from one another and using hand motions, the command word at the right times and promptly rewarding Skye when he came on command, his family will be able to train their dog to come. I recommended that the family practice this recall exercise several times a day for the next week or so to really instill a solid recall command into their dog. I recommended that they keep these practice session short; 1 to 2 minutes in length. This is how other dogs communicate a bite was too much. He had been growling when they approached him with one and had started going under the couch to chew it. I pulled out a rawhide so that I could see how Skye reacted when I tried to take it away from him. Usually puppies at this age are simply growling as a reflex when anyone gets near them when they have what they consider a high-value object. Many people mistakenly think that resource guarding is a sign of aggression. It is not. I have worked with many dogs who are well-trained and very well behaved that still developed a resource guarding habit. I demonstrated how the guardians can practice holding onto an object that they allow Skye to chew on. This will give him the ability to maintain control of the object and mitigate skies resource guarding. The idea is to desensitize the dog to the touch or presence of humans around or near his mouth when he has what he considers to be a high-value item. I recommended that the guardians practice this exercise multiple times a day until they no longer receive a response from Skye. It will be important that they practice this activity several times a day for the next week. Resource guarding can be a scary thing to witness and can be dangerous once a dog matures. If the guardians are not seeing a difference in a week, I asked them to let me know so I can share some additional tips to eliminate this behavior. By the end of the session, Skye seemed to be mellowing out. He was no longer play-attacking or mouthing the families son in a playful way, and was easily redirected when someone came to the door. Many of these unwanted behaviors are things that he will grow out of or learn or unacceptable and puppy socialization class. Share this:. Goldendoodles are one of the dog breeds with the most excess energy. As smart, active dogs, goldendoodles require lots of exercise, mental stimulation and positive reinforcement. Continue reading to learn more about how to identify and calm down a hyper goldendoodle. They love nothing more than snuggling up with you after a long day and will always be over the moon to see you. However, doodles are naturally energetic dogs with boundless enthusiasm and zest for life. Your pet might whine and bark as a way of letting you know it needs attention and exercise. Add more exercise and playtime to its routine to prevent this from happening. As you can tell, the main reason for a hyper doodle is a mixture of natural temperament and lack of exercise. That said, all goldendoodle owners should expect the first three years to be jam-packed with playtime and high-energy behavior. Even after your doodle loses its puppy teeth at around six to eight months old, puppy-like behavior is likely to continue. Generally speaking, doodles are most hyper during the early stage of life, then become a little more docile at three years old and calm down a lot by the time they reach .Want a Calm Dog? Dogs are very sensitive animals and naturally match your energy levels to please you and fit into your environment. Stress, anxiety and anger are very distressing for dogs and might cause them to act out. Regularly getting into a frenzy of love and fuss can also be detrimental. If you get super-excited every time you come home and see your pet, you teach it that overexcitement is acceptable. Likewise, if you speak loudly and get very animated, you teach it that this behavior is normal. The answer is a resounding yes! However, proper training and a health-promoting daily routine are essential for bringing out the best in your pet. Below are the key components for evening out the energy levels of a hyper doodle. Early Training Methods Prevent Too Much Energy in a Goldendoodle Puppy Issues such as play biting, excessive licking, chewing, mouthing, tugging and wrestling are common among goldendoodle puppies. Regular Exercise For a goldendoodle, exercise is paramount. What constitutes enough exercise? For most doodles, daily exercise split into two walks around your local area or a dog park is ideal. Dog parks are great because they provide opportunities for socialization and training, which can help your dog learn how to maintain a calm demeanor. Keep in mind that the above timeframes are for outdoor walks — time in the backyard or indoors playing should be separate. Scent Training Scent training is one of the most effective ways to occupy a goldendoodle and keep it happy. Playing fetch offers physical stimulation, and providing toys offers mental stimulation, but nose work combines both. Reward your dog every time it finds a hidden treat. Increase the difficulty of the hiding places gradually over time. They help your dog relax, unwind and de-stress. Some ideas for toys include: Squeaky toys. Many Goldendoodles can be described as crazy. They are energetic and spirited, having an obvious love for life. They often bounce off the walls, trying to get anyone they can to play with them. They are rarely relaxed, and many owners wonder when they have time to sleep with all that playing. It is one of the reasons why people fall in love with them, given their fun-loving personalities. However, it can also be difficult to deal with at times. Goldendoodles have constant energy, making it nearly impossible to keep up with them. Like all Dog Breeds, Goldendoodles Vary in Energy Levels While it is common for Goldendoodles to be crazy, they do not all share the same spirited personality. Many Goldendoodles can actually be described as calm , which many doodle owners would be shocked about. These calm doodles are not hard to come by, as many are quite relaxed. However, unless you are adopting an older doodle, it is difficult to tell which ones are going to be hyper and which ones are going to be calm. In the book Goldendoodle, by Kathryn Lee , she mentions how it is difficult to decide which doodle puppies will be the relaxed ones. Many owners have difficulty taking care of puppies, as they are already high maintenance, so they do not want one overactive. She said that a Goldendoodle before the age of eight weeks would likely change in terms of temperament, so it is impractical to try and get the calmest puppy from the litter, as this calm puppy may become energetic with age. Goldendoodles are a mixture of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. These breeds had to learn how to fetch and retrieve during hunting season. They were primarily used to retrieve waterfowl. The same can be said of a breed comprised of the two. Goldendoodles are often intelligent. They require mental stimulation to be happy. Establish a routine and good habits to help your dog feel secure and calm. Prevent unwanted behaviors through training and supervision instead of being reactive. Consistently reinforce good behavior to establish good habits to establish good habits. Crate training: Goldendoodles are known to enjoy the comfort of their crate as a safe haven, so when your dog is acting crazy teach them to be a calm dog in the crate. Scents: Introduce different scents around the house and yard and reward them for finding them to keep them entertained and curious. Use scent training to train them to identify and follow different scents as a fun game. Dog toys: Provide a variety of dog toys to keep them engaged and active. Dog training: Consistently train and reinforce good behavior to establish good habits. Consider hiring a professional dog trainer to teach them new tricks and commands. Use small pieces of chicken as a high-value treat during training. Use a harness for walks to prevent them from getting away and a collar with identification tags for safety purposes. Dog park: Take them to the dog park to socialize and play with other dogs. Allow them to run around and get their zoomies out with some playtime. Kong: Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter or other treats to keep them busy. Coming home to ruined furniture, toys, shoes, and other valuables is never pleasant. Chewing is fun. It keeps their minds active and allows them to clean their teeth. You can help alleviate boredom—and save your furniture—by providing toys for your Goldendoodle to chew. That might be anything from a bone to an actual chew toy. Another sign that your Goldendoodle is bored is if they just lay around and do nothing. You may even hear a few huffs or puffs from them. These are dogs with nothing to do. Because Goldendoodles have a lot of energy, you need to give them opportunities to release their energy and stave off their boredom. A great way to keep them active and entertained is to take them for a walk. Even a few minutes outside can make a real difference for them. Regular walks can also make them excited. Finding your dog digging in the yard can cause you quite a headache. Like chewing, your dog will start digging holes to entertain themselves. Regular exercise can help keep them calm and from destroying your yard. Dogs tend to exhibit certain behaviors because they know they will get a response. This is why training can be difficult. If you only give your dog attention now and then, it can reinforce bad behavior. An example is barking. If your Goldendoodle wants your attention, then they might bark excessively. You respond to them, usually telling them to stop, and it gives them what they want. A negative behavioral trait is born. Any time the Goldendoodle wants your attention in the future, all they have to do is bark a lot. Once all other reasons have been eliminated, if your dog starts to bark excessively, you can ignore them. Another way your dog may beg for your attention is by laying on you. They might lay their head or their entire body on you. They want to be close to you, but they also want your attention. This can sometimes make your Goldendoodle appear quite silly or crazy. They may appear desperate to be near you. Giving your dog plenty of attention can make them appear less crazy in this manner, too. Most young dogs have a lot of energy. Goldendoodles have even more energy. The Golden Retriever and Poodle have a lot of energy because of their use in sports. They need enough energy to hunt waterfowl down, swim to it, and then take it back to their owners. Because of their high levels of energy, your Goldendoodle will also have a lot of energy. This stage of their life can last up to 18 months. There are a few things you can do to help release some of their energy to keep them from acting crazy. One of the first tips is to be mindful of rewarding energetic behavior. One common trait dogs possess is expressing excitement when you return home. Your natural instinct may be to coo at the dog or be as excited as they are. This rewards their zany behavior. That can lead to other problematic behaviors like pining, wetting the floor, and barking. A better option is to ignore them. When the overexcitement transitions into happy greetings, you can start greeting your dog in return. Another great method to keep your puppy in control is to tire them out. The best way to do this is by exercising them. You may want to try teaching them new games like fetch and nose games. Goldendoodles will likely naturally pick up how to play fetch. Their instincts have been honed to retrieve objects for centuries. Even something like a short walk can be enough to tire them out. Puppies need shorter walks than adult dogs, surprisingly. They may seem like they have more energy, but it really only comes in bursts. You can play games with them indoors. Some Goldendoodles will love playing Tug-of-War or chasing a soft ball through the hallways. By playing with your Goldendoodle, you can give them the attention they need and tire them out. For many owners, that age is around years old. If your Goldendoodle is still acting crazy beyond four years of age, then it may mean you have a very active dog on your hands. As long as you tire them out and keep them mentally stimulated, everyone should be happy. It might also mean that you reinforced bad behaviors. Training your dog or going through professional obedience training can help undo those behaviors. How to Relax a Goldendoodle Thankfully, there are ways to calm a Goldendoodle down. They can be relaxed, even if it may not seem possible at the moment. Below are the three most common ways of calming a doodle down: Exercise The first way to relax a crazy Goldendoodle is to increase the amount of exercise it receives. A Goldendoodle needs a minimum of two hours of exercise daily, however, they enjoy getting even more. A doodle needs more than just a daily morning walk. They need to be active throughout the duration of the day, getting ample amounts of movement. Depending on the age and temperament of your dog, you may need to take your doodle on multiple walks throughout the day. Stimulation The second way to relax a crazy Goldendoodle is to provide it with enough stimulation. Goldendoodles can get bored easily, due to their high intelligence and hyper personality. This means that they need stimulation often. Whether it be through socialization or purposeful playtime, your doodle will appreciate it. If your doodle starts to run out of new stimulants, you may notice that they get themselves into trouble or even become lethargic. This can be easily fixed, however, by working on a new trick or purchasing new toys. Training The third way to relax a crazy Goldendoodle is to train them. Training is pivotal for any dog, and the doodle is no exception. In order to combat their sometimes fanaticism, the owner needs to teach them appropriate behavior. This is most easily done through rewarding their good behavior. Their dog may be perfectly calm in the home. The second a stranger visits or they encounter another animal, however, the dog goes crazy. Socialized means that the dog was allowed to visit other people and dogs. They became used to meeting new people to the point that it no longer phases them. It should be noted that even socialized dogs may be a little excited when new people show up or a new dog crosses their path. The key difference is that a socialized dog will lose interest. To keep your dog calm, you need to socialize them early. Allow them to go to the park and hang around other dogs. Invite your friends and family over to the house. Even older dogs can be socialized if you continue to take them to the park. Socializing your dog can keep them from acting crazy. Closing Thoughts Goldendoodles may seem crazy, but they just have a lot of energy and zeal for life. You can calm them down by regularly exercising them, giving them lots of attention, and providing mentally-stimulating toys and chews. Many Goldendoodles can be described as crazy because of their high energy levels, but not all of them are hyperactive. To keep a Goldendoodle calm, you need to provide mental and physical stimulation to help alleviate boredom. Goldendoodles require regular exercise to release their energy. Chewing, digging in the yard, or excessive licking can indicate boredom. They may bark excessively or exhibit other behaviors to get attention. For example, if your dog jumps to get your attention, simply turn the other way and completely ignore your pup. Herding breeds such an Aussiedoodle or Sheepadoodle are very intelligent and trainable but can also present an extra discipline challenge simply because of their high drive and energy. Returning to the case of unwanted jumping, a more stubborn or even more zealous dog may continue jumping over and over again despite being ignored. In this case you may need to up the ante by moving your dog to a different room or otherwise physically separating yourself from him until he settles, and you can try again. It will also likely take more than one try! But be consistent. If you firmly separate your dog each and every time he jumps on you, even the most stubborn pup will learn that he can only be with you when he has all four paws on the ground! While we mentioned a few broad breed differences, each individual dog has their own personality so pay attention to his cues and body language more so than breed description. We always recommend starting with the most gentle form of correction. If you have tried a gentle verbal correction a few times and it seems to be having no effect, then it makes sense to move on to other stronger forms of discipline. Recent research has shown dogs live in the present moment and as such a quick, gentle correction in the moment will be significantly more effective than a harsher punishment after the fact. When it comes to house training, it is very important that you catch your dog right as he or she begins to squat in the house. Finding the accident even a minute later is too late for your pup to make the clear connection to the unwanted behavior. Yelling or screaming at your dog is unnecessary. As mentioned previously, some more sensitive dogs will respond to any type of negative verbal command. But if your doodle is a little more resistant, then a louder correction may be helpful. If your dog cowers, then the correction was too strong. Catching your dog in the moment is highly effective. Even better is anticipating his next move! Take counter-surfing as an example. Even if you catch your dog right as he jumps up, you may actually be a hair too late. If you have a doodle with a counter-surfing problem, carefully watching him for the moment right as he eyes the counter just before jumping is actually the prime time to correct him. Finally, it is important to not only correct, but also to redirect your doodle. Always remember that dogs act on instinct and simply do what comes naturally to them. Your dog may realize you are not fond of him jumping on you, but unless you give him another task to perform, he may not know what to do with his excited energy! The same is true when it comes to other unwanted behaviors such as play-biting, chewing and barking. For example if your dog is barking at a cat out the window—yelling at him will not do much good- he may not even hear you anyways. A better tactic would be to get in front of him, physically blocking his view of the cat or other stimulus as much as possible while attempting to redirect his attention to you. This ensures that he can be easily redirected even on walks or other extra-exciting situations. In conclusion, we recommend knowing your individual dog and starting with gentle, but consistent corrections. Some dogs respond well to simply ignoring negative behaviors and rewarding positive ones. Other dogs may need a firmer correction that grabs their attention. And finally, redirect your dog by giving him a positive behavior he can perform to replace the misbehavior. We hope these tips help get you off on the right track with your new pup! If you're looking to take in a pre-trained doodle , we offer 4-week, 8-week and week training programs.

Similarities Between a Male Labrador and a Female Labrador Some of the biggest similarities between male and female Labrador retrievers are listed below. Lifespan — Compared to other dog breeds, Labrador retrievers have a long lifetime. They live an average of 12 years. In unusual situations, labs can survive for almost twenty years. Temperament — Labrador Retrievers are friendly, active, and outgoing either male or female. Both like affection and care. Shedding — There will undoubtedly be a fair quantity of hair in your house, on your sofa, in your car, and pretty much anywhere else your Lab travels, no matter male or female. Because Labrador retrievers usually shed their hair. What is Better about a Male Labrador? Males tend to be more fun and goofier, more attention-seeking, and more sociable with humans and other animals. Some guys could be more driven to win over their masters. Males are more likely to defend their families or their territories. What is Better about a Female Labrador? However, females may be less overt in their shows of affection, and they may assert their authority by pushing or prodding others. While female Labs are normally calm and gentle, they occasionally bite, especially when the other females are young and little. They are easy to train and mature faster than males. Who Should Get a Male Labrador? Males tend to be beefier and heavier, and because of this, their features and muscles are more attractive. People who like competing in dog shows might choose a male if the dog meets the qualifications. But be aware that they are hard to come by. The greatest dogs for first-time dog owners are male Labradors that live in homes with yards. They should always be able to engage with someone due to their ongoing desire for attention and assurance. Males require a lot of space to roam around since they often have larger bodies and a silly, enthusiastic disposition. Who Should Get a Female Labrador? Females are better for guardianship responsibilities and single people, but they also make wonderful family members. They can manage to live in a space as tiny as an apartment as long as they receive lots of daily walks and exercise. Additionally, their delicate features and modest build perform well in dog show contests. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. When I was adopting my puppy, I specifically wanted a female because male dogs like to pee on objects and mark their territory. I knew for myself, I only wanted a female dog. Maybe they want to adopt a Labrador that should match their lifestyle and nature. If you want a lab to get trained easily and in a quick manner, then a female Labrador is the right choice. While on the other hand, if you want a goofy, playful, and highly social companion, go ahead with a male Labrador. Picking up a specific dog breed is easy but selecting between the sexes is something very tricky. Knowing about the pros and cons of both gender will make it easier for you to decide between them. Labrador Male vs Female: Pros and Cons Despite their similarities, one gender may have some advantages over the other. Pros and cons of male Labrador Before adopting a male Labrador, you must know about all of the disadvantages and advantages. Pros Giving love and attention to his owner is their priority. More protective in nature and they love to take responsibility for the territory. Male Labrador is safe to adopt when you have kids at home. He always behaves well with female dogs. Cons Male Labrador gives you a tough time in training sessions. If you want to adopt a guarding dog , then a male Labrador is not the right one. Due to its social and friendly nature, it never alarms you if strangers are entering your home. Pros and cons of female Labrador Knowing about the pros and cons of gender is highly recommended by dog experts. You can analyze whether the lab suits your lifestyle or not. Pros Female Labrador is active and loves to play around you. Relatively easy to train because of its energetic and observing nature. More protective than male Labradors and becomes easily suspicious of strangers. She is independent, which is loved by dog parents. She needs less maintenance. Female Labrador is less social. She does not show much affection and love to dog parents. She never puts effort into pleasing the owner. More caution is needed when she is around kids. Can have a high-pitched bark in most situations. Labrador may act stubborn and less motivated for food. If you want a great companion who is showering unconditional love on you, then you must go ahead with a male Labrador. However, if you are willing to adopt a guarding dog with a moody and independent nature, never asking for love, you must select a female Labrador. Differences between Male and Female Labradors 1. Size Size is a significant difference between male and female labs. Nothing new, male labs are slightly larger as compared to female dogs. If you want a giant and bossy Labrador , then adopt a male one. While on the other hand, if you want a normal-sized, independent, and self-caring pup, go ahead with a female Labrador. Gender is the only factor that directly affects the size of labs. Features Due to hormonal differences, gender shows changes in features. Male dogs are somehow rough when compared to female Labradors. Trainability Most experts say that female puppies are easy to train compared to male Labradors. In addition, female Labradors are more attentive so they learn each new behavior fast. People who are willing to raise a guarding dog are more biased toward female Labradors. Behavior Despite their cool and calm nature, male labs are aggressive when compared to female Labradors. As mentioned above, female labs are independent, and they are more independent. While on the other hand, male Labradors love to please their parents more than they care about themselves. Male Labradors keep demanding the lap of their owners while female Labradors never mind playing alone without asking for attention. So, by keeping all the behavioral facts in mind, select your Labrador accordingly. Reproduction behavior Last but not least, reproduction and the heat cycle behavior is another significant difference in male and female Labradors. As a result, both genders behave differently in their breeding season. Most female Labradors are attracted to male dogs when they are in the heat cycle. Female Lab secretes a liquid, which becomes the source to attract mates , and in the case of the indoor dog, she may feel pain. While on the other hand, the males run behind the female dogs and chase them whenever they want. Even some male labs do not wait for the breeding season to get attracted to the lady lab. Males and females both show aggression toward the other dogs soon after getting neutered. Proper training can make your lab behave well in this situation. Showing affection Male dogs are highly expressive and like to show their love and care for their parents. While on the other hand, the female lab likes to be left alone. Female Labrador loves their parents as males do, but females are less expressive than male labs. Treat you as if you should earn her love. Tend to show less affection. Will be happy for her human to come to her. More cautious around kids. Gets along well with male dogs. Tends to be less playful all the time. Slightly less food motivated except when pregnant. The male Labrador Retrievers tend to be more energetic and affectionate to their humans. They are slightly more dependent on their owners in comparison to their female counterparts. Male Labs are easier to please as they seem to be content just having family members around them. Meanwhile, the female Lab is deemed more independent and is less attached to their human owners. This is not to say that female Labs are not affectionate. If they are smothered with love, they will definitely reciprocate. Females, however, have a slight advantage when it comes to intelligence and trainability. Some studies show that female Labs mature earlier than male Labs and can be trained as early as seven months. Affection Scale All dogs, regardless of their breed, are capable of showing affection and attention to their humans. No one in the world who can welcome you home at the end of the day, the way a dog would. With that said, Labrador Retrievers are known to be extremely mushy when it comes to showing their love. Males The Male Labrador is typically considered more affectionate than the females. However, the difference can be so subtle that owners might not even notice. The males tend to cling to their owners for affection and will likely display their exuberance when rewarded with treats. They just show their love a little differently. Since females tend to be more independent, some people might mistake it as being aloof. But in reality, they are more than happy to have their humans near them. Aggressiveness and Dominance One of the many reasons why Labrador Retrievers are a favorite among other breeds of dogs is because of their gentle demeanor. They also never show any sign of dominance. In some cases, your Lab might accidentally push past you through the door or take up space on the couch. This can be mistaken as a sign of dominance by first time Lab owners. However, these are associated with behavioral issues and have nothing to do with them being dominant. In some very rare instances, your Lab might show some signs of aggression or dominance, but this has more to do with their upbringing and environment. The male Lab might show signs of aggressiveness when he is protective of their things, such as his toys, bed, food, and owners. Meanwhile, if a male Lab is feeling dominant, he will likely hold his tail stiff, wagging back and forth. He will make a bold stance, his ears will be up, and his neck will appear bigger. Females Like their male counterparts, female Labs are not usually aggressive or dominant; however, they will only show their aggressiveness toward other female dogs. Because of this trait, they are often picked to become hunting, service, guide, and K-9 dogs. Males Because of their big and jolly personality, the male Lab can be more challenging to train in comparison to female Labs. They are easily distracted, especially during mating season when a female dog is around. They tend to hump, mark, and chase female dogs, resulting in a slower training pace. Females This is where the female Labs get the spotlight. Females mature faster during the puppy stage, which makes them learn tricks quicker. But also bear in mind that regardless of what breed of dog you choose to own, they will not learn on their own. Pet parents need to have the patience and dedication to teach their dogs how to behave properly. Male vs. Are Labrador Retrievers too friendly by nature to become guard dogs? The majority of Labs fail at being guard dogs because of their warm and happy personalities. But for those who are wondering, can they be trained to be guard dogs? Generally speaking, any dog, if trained properly, could. Guard dogs do more than just bark. Sometimes it comes naturally depending on the breed, but oftentimes, dogs have to be trained to become one. Their purpose is to protect properties or their owners in case a threat presents itself. Guard dogs will be ready to attack and bite when necessary. Meanwhile, watchdogs are simply dogs that watch. A good watchdog keeps an eye out for any intruders around. Sometimes, all you really need is a loud bark from a large dog to scare an intruder away. But in the end, will the male Lab be better at the job? Or will the female ace it? Males Males have a natural tendency to protect their territory, which means they will make good watchdogs. However, they have lesser control over their aggression. The challenge will be to train the male Lab to stop barking on command. Females The female Lab is protective by nature due to their maternal instinct. She will have no problem watching over those who are important to her. The advantage of the female Lab when it comes to being watchdogs is their level of trainability. As mentioned earlier, female Labs are easier to train than males. They are more manageable to control and would calm down easily when they are told. This means your male or female dog will be infertile. But if you want your dog to have offspring, then leave them intact. There are a few differences between an intact and a neutered dog. But when it comes to male and female Labs, will these differences matter? Males The process of neutering among male dogs is called castration, which is the process of removing its testicles. Some people believe that neutering their male Labs will fix behavioral issues like humping and marking. However, some studies show that neutering male Labs pose more problems than keeping them intact. Regarding physical effects, the difference in intact and neutered male Labs is quite apparent. Your neutered Labrador will have no testicles. Those who are neutered before they reach sexual maturity will look more feminine because of their smaller head. An intact male Lab will also be a little taller compared to ones that have been neutered. Females When it comes to female Labrador Retrievers, owners often decide to spay them because of convenience and health reasons. Spaying female dogs require major abdominal surgery wherein their reproductive organs are removed. It takes about two weeks for your dog to recover from this traditional procedure fully. A less invasive option is the laparoscopic spay. During this procedure, a small incision is made to remove only the ovaries. Similar to males, female intact Labs are taller compared to those that have been spayed. Some owners spay their females, especially if they have male dogs around the house. Others do it for health reasons. Studies have shown that spaying your female Lab decreases the risk of developing diseases in the future like mammary cancer and pyometra. In doing so, this will give you a better perspective on how to care for them and make sure they are in tip-top shape. Just like other breeds, Labrador Retrievers have specific health risks they might be prone to. For instance, they could develop hip problems if left unfit and inactive because of their large build. While these are general health problems specific to the breed, some health issues are only particular to males and females. Males The male Labrador Retriever is prone to perineal tumor and hernia, especially in old age. Females Female Labradors are vulnerable to developing urinary tract infections because of how they urinate. They tend to crouch down lower, which puts them at risk of contracting bacteria found on the ground. It is advisable to walk your Lab for at least one hour every day to avoid muscle degeneration, obesity, and joint problems. Hormonal Differences It takes years for humans to reach their adolescent years while it only takes a couple of months for dogs before they begin to flirt around other dogs. Most dog breeds reach sexual maturity around 6 to 7 months, which is usually when owners decide to spay or neuter them. When it comes to Labs, females are also ahead in this category as they reach hormonal maturity faster than the males. Males There are some important things to consider before deciding to neuter your male Labrador. Most experts recommend waiting until they are two years of age since premature neutering can lead to certain physical and hormonal implications. Male Labs tend to reach their fertility peak between their 12th and 15th month. They can also be sexually charged all year round. Some telltale signs that your male Lab is in heat is when they start marking properties and start humping furniture and toys. Owners also need to be informed about the difference between vasectomies and castration. Vasectomies do not stop the male hormones that cause some undesirable behaviors. During the surgery, the dog will be under anesthesia. You may notice that his attraction to females, his humping, and mounting will be lessened. Females Similar to the male Labrador, spaying your female Lab should ideally wait until she reaches two years old. However, this can be a little tricky since they first start entering heat between 7 and 12 months. This becomes harder when you have an unneutered male around the house. A female dog in heat will be moody and needy. Her nipples will be swollen, and she might be sensitive to touch. Some people believe that spaying their female dogs will eliminate negative behavioral issues. While this breed is friendly by nature, there are still some differences between how a male and a female Lab will interact when exposed to other animals. Males The male Lab will likely be competitive when it comes to their food and territory. Their interaction with cats and other types of animals is a different story. However, they might get too excited about playing and cause a ruckus or injure smaller animals. Females As mentioned earlier, the female Lab can have a hard time getting along with other female dogs. They are generally aggressive towards other female dogs due to their competitive nature, and because of this, they tend to take ownership of their food, their owners, and their territory against other females. Experts advise getting female dogs as puppies if you intend to have them live together. This way, they can grow up and be familiar with each other. While they are aggressive towards females, they can tolerate other animals like cats. This is due to their nurturing and protective instincts. With Children This is what most families want to know when they are getting ready to introduce a dog to their home. The good news is that Labrador Retrievers are great with children. But the same question remains, who gets along with children better? Males The male Lab is an ultimate attention seeker. They will love the attention given to them by children. However, parents still need to keep a close watch and be cautious when they start playing. Similar to what was said earlier, smaller children may get hurt when male Labs get too excited playing. This is the reason why female Labradors are preferred for families with small kids. Also, if you want your Lab to have stronger features, then you might want to get a male. But if you want your dog to have softer features, then you should choose the female. Labs do get along with most breeds but bear in mind that females tend to dislike female dogs if they did not grow up together. Lifestyle: Do you leave the house a lot? Do you have the time and patience to clean up her mess that will probably last two or more weeks? The male Lab is a lot less work regarding this particular subject. Children: Do you have children? How old are they? They tend to be more patient and tolerable towards toddlers. Meanwhile, the male Lab will see children as playmates. In order to avoid accidents while playing, male Labs should be paired with children much older and bigger so that they can handle them better. Some Fun Facts About the Labrador Retriever Regardless of their gender, Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular breeds known to most people worldwide. There are also some fun facts behind Labs that you might not be familiar with until now. Fishing Dogs: Labrador Retrievers were originally meant to be the perfect water dogs. Fishermen used them to pull ropes, recover fishes, and bring nets. Their webbed toes also make them speedy swimmers. Labs are fit and athletic dogs if exercised regularly. Perfect Partners: A Lab Retriever is the most commonly picked choice for guide dogs. Get All Three: If you want all colors from the Lab spectrum, the good news is that you can get all three from one litter. Male Labrador Retrievers will also get along well with older kids who can run and play with them. Meanwhile, if you want an independent but equally loving furry companion, then the female Lab would be a perfect choice. In fact, they might even prefer it. Regardless of their gender, the fact remains that Labrador Retrievers are the friendliest of dogs and having them in your home is a priceless experience you and your family ought to enjoy. Your decision will eventually boil down to the little differences they possess and whether one fits better with your lifestyle. And remember, when you give them love, they reciprocate that affection tenfold. So, whether you have chosen a male or a female Lab, show them all the love that they so rightfully deserve! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. We recently acquired a yellow Lab that was found abandoned and given to us by some friends. She has been spayed and chipped. She seems more aggressive when it comes to strangers than our previous male Lab. She seems very protective. Is it because of her maternal instincts? Average height adult : .Initially bred as water retrievers, this unique and lovable working breed quickly captured the hearts of many and became a widely owned and beloved family pet. Unlike some may believe, coat color does not play a role in personality traits. To this day, the Labrador is used for hunting and retrieving, as well as maintaining its spot as one of the most popular dog breeds among families around the globe. This breed is exceptionally intelligent, outgoing, enthusiastic, and good-natured. They are typically great with children and other pets and make wonderful house pets if their exercise needs are met. Like any dog, they should be kept up to date with regular veterinary checkups, preventative care, and parasite preventatives. They should also be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate to their age, size, and activity level. Labradors have a unique double coat that will shed all year round, so frequent brushing can help reduce excess shedding. Males are typically eager to please and tend to attach to their humans more. They love social interaction and will go out of their way to get some much-needed attention. They tend to be goofy, fun-loving, and have the potential to be more territorial and protective than females. Image Credit: mferman24, Pixabay Training Labradors are very intelligent dogs that tend to be easy to train. They do display more of a desire to please their owners, so getting started at a young age is very beneficial, as with any dog. Positive reinforcement goes a long way, and your male Labrador will undoubtedly enjoy any time spent with their people. For males, getting them neutered can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer which has a higher chance of occurrence later in life when left unaltered. Image Credit: SG SHOT, Shutterstock Breeding Breeding should only be done by reputable breeders under veterinary supervision to ensure the dogs pass all necessary health checks to ensure only top-quality genetics are being passed along. Male Labradors left intact for breeding purposes may display some unwanted behaviors that are natural for mature males like marking territory and mounting other pets, people, or even objects. Males are also more prone to roaming because of their instinct to find a mate. If you do not plan on breeding your male Labrador, discuss neutering with your veterinarian to see when the best time would be to complete the procedure. Neutering helps eliminate unwanted behaviors, and the risk of unwanted litters, and even has some health benefits. Tim Baker Male vs. Labradors are an easy choice for a new family pet due to their friendly, affectionate, and loving nature. However, it can be difficult trying to decide between a male or female Lab. How are male and female Labradors different? Female Labradors tend to be more independent while males are usually more attached to their humans. Most differences are not large but can make a difference when deciding which to have in your home. While many new dog owners do not give it much thought and generally base their choice of puppy on appearance or personality traits, others understand that the gender they choose plays a role in how well the new pet will fit in with their family and existing pets. The biggest differences between male and female Labradors seems to be their attachment style and independence. In this article, we will take a look at some of the differences between male and female Labs for new owners to expect. Read on to learn more! Social Biases in Popularity Before getting your own Lab, you might wonder which gender is already preferred by Labrador owners. Every home is different so it is important to choose a Labrador that fits in with your current lifestyle and living situation. Below we explore some Myths and Facts about male and female Labradors. Female Labradors are just as affectionate and in need of the same amount of attention as the male Lab — they just do not always show it in the same way. Females are more guarded with their affection, but males will shower you with unconditional love regardless of whether or not you approach them for affection on a regular basis. One could look at this difference in behavior and decide from it that female Labradors are more emotionally mature and secure than male Labradors. This is a myth. To a certain extent, it is true that males are generally bigger than females, but there are many cases where females are larger than males. It all depends on their particular genetics. They are so much more difficult than females are! Females are sometimes considered easier to control because males have a reputation for humping, marking, and chasing females in heat while out on a stroll. These behaviors are not a true reflection of all male Labradors. Many of these undesirable behavior traits can be remedied quite easily by neutering your pet. They are just natural urges that can be controlled with a bit of training or strategic distraction. While males can sometimes be slower to train, they are certainly very intelligent and by no means difficult to train at all. Fact: Unspayed Female Labs Can Be Moody Female Labradors that are not spayed can actually become quite moody and bad-tempered, especially when they are in heat. This is obviously less noticeable than humping, marking, and chasing, but can still be an unpleasant characteristic. Spaying a female fixes the moodiness and temper quite effectively, so it is not to say that a female Lab is a bad choice because of her potential mood swings. Fact: Female Labs Can Be Easier to Train Than Males Some believe that all Labradors are very easy to train, and while this is true, it must be noted that the females tend to mature faster than the males and therefore learn quite a bit quicker during their puppy phase. Males can lag behind a bit, but will still be well ahead of other dogs in the training class. This is true of most litters and something that many breeders and trainers have noticed. Sorry boys — the girls have got this one! Differences in Official Breed Standards Of course, some Lab owners are more interested in the breeding standard differences between female and male Labradors than they are in their personality and temperament differences. If you are one of those people, here is a bit of information that might interest you. Do not panic if your pet does not seem to match up to these standards. These are guidelines for show dogs. Pets that do not fall within the AKC breed standard range can still be great family pets. However, non-compliance means that Labs cannot compete in AKC conformation classes and should not be used for breeding. If you are not competing and your Labrador is healthy and happy, there is no reason to stress about these standards and differences. The standard expects male Labradors to grow to a height of between .Female Labradors are typically a little shorter, with most growing to a height of between .Of course, this is just the expected norm and is not the case with all Labradors. According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, a full-grown male Labrador is typically heavier than a full-grown female Labrador. Often pet owners with small children or living with the elderly will choose a dog under a certain weight because they fear accidents when a dog becomes boisterous and potentially knocks someone over. That being said, females are typically chosen because they are considered to be lighter, smaller, and easier to physically handle than male Labradors. A fully grown adult female Labrador is expected to weigh between 55 lbs and 70 lbs. A full-grown adult male Labrador is expected to weigh between 65 lbs and 80 lbs. The average lifespan of both male and female Labradors is between 12 and .However, it is said that chocolate Labradors may have shorter life expectancies at around just 10 years. The National Geographic mentions in an article published in that it is not the color of the chocolate Lab that affects its shorter lifespan, but more the fact that harmful genes were introduced to the breed in order to achieve the Chocolate color. In , studies conducted in the UK uncovered some interesting statistics that took into account more than 30 Labradors. The outcome was that the median longevity of Labradors is typically 12 years. In fact, the Telegraph released an article that featured a male Labrador called Butch, who died at the age of 29 years in .A number of factors can affect how long or short your Labrador lives. How you care for and treat your Labrador can make all of the difference. Gender has very little to do with it. There are two main aspects that really impact how long your Labrador will live. The first is the inherited genetics from the parents. While you cannot control this, you can ask to take a look at the health and medical history of the parents, if you are buying your Labrador pup from a breeder. The second aspect is what happens to your Labrador during its life such as accidents, illnesses, injury, dietary issues and so on. Male vs Female Labradors: Differences in Personality If personality plays an important role in your decision-making, then understanding what sets the male and female apart in terms of attachment styles, affection, aggression, dominance, and independence is a good start to making the right choice. How Male and Female Labradors Attach to Humans Attachment is something that both male and female Labs are particularly comfortable with — they just do it differently. Both male and female Labradors love their human family members endlessly, but there is a definite difference between how they attach to them or at least, how they show it. While both need and give love, females tend to be more independent. They are not as attached or needy as the males tend to be. The male Labrador will swoon and show undying love whereas the female Labrador may treat you as if you should earn it. However, she is not really aloof by nature and if love and affection are freely shown to her, you will find that she will freely reciprocate. Male Labradors may seem easier to please as they will happily lie at your feet, satisfied just to be in your company, while female Labradors will need the experience to be a little more rewarding in order for them to give you their undivided attention. These are attachment style differences one might only be able to pick up on if they have a male and female Lab to compare. If you had one or the other, the difference in attachment or what is expected would not be particularly obvious. How Male and Female Labradors Show Affection Differently While both genders are affectionate, there is a difference in the level of affection given and required. Male Labradors are typically more affectionate than female Labradors, although the females will not shy away from affection. The difference is subtle and more seen as independence in the females. The male dogs tend to come to their humans for affection whereas the female will be happy for her humans to come to her. Treats can also impact on how affectionate the male Labrador is. Males tend to show more exuberance and, in general, can be more affectionate when there are treats at hand. Females are just as prone to loving treats, but they will not be particularly more affectionate for a treat. One might be surprised to hear if someone says that their Labrador is showing aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it is male or female. Both male and female Labradors are non-aggressive types of dogs and this is one of many reasons why they are such a popular family, child-friendly pet. Male Labradors only really get aggressive when they are feeling protective of their things toys, bed, space, food, humans. Female Labradors typically only show aggression to other female dogs. If your Labrador pushes past you through the door, takes up residence on your favorite couch, or accidentally pushes you down that is more a behavioral problem than a dominance issue. It is very rare for any Lab, male or female, to pin other dogs down or bully their owners. If they do get into a little scrape with another dog in the pack, it is usually over and done with quickly and very easily forgotten. With the correct puppy training from day one, neither male nor female Labradors display signs of dominance issues. That being said, it is never a good idea to believe that dominance issues will never arise. Some Labradors have shown dominant behavior. The male Labrador that is feeling dominant will generally hold his tail very high and stiff while wagging it bag and forth in a very obvious purposeful manner. This shows that your Labrador is feeling very confident and he is trying to communicate that he will not back down. He will also balance his weight on all legs and acquire a tense stance while making himself look a bit larger. Neck and head will be raised, ears will up and eyes will be forward and staring intently. Male Labradors showing dominant behavior will not bare their teeth or show any other signs of aggression. Female Labradors show dominance in a more independent and intellectual manner. Males can also show similar patterns of dominant behavior though it is rarer for them to do so. Independence is one of the biggest differences noted between male and female Labradors. Generally speaking, both male and female Labradors do not like to be alone for long periods of time without their humans. They need daily interaction and stimulation. Males are more prone to following their humans from room to room whereas females are happy to play, sleep or do their own thing as long as their humans are close at hand. While humans take years and years to reach maturity, it seems as if dogs are puppies for a blink of the eye and suddenly they are adolescents and causing a ruckus. Of course, sexual maturity varies from one breed to the next and from one individual dog to another. Most breeds reach sexual maturity around 6 to 9 months, which is when most people choose to neuter or spay them. Hormonally, male and female Labradors have distinct differences. Females reach hormonal maturity before males. Studies have shown that such early neutering of male Labs has shown an increase in the number of cases featuring cranial cruciate ligament ruptures and elbow dysplasia. While 6 months is generally an acceptable time to neuter a male Labrador, some vets will advise that owners wait until at least 2 years before doing so. Males do not go into heat but are considered at the very peak of their fertility between 12 and 15 months of age. Due to their hormonal physiology, they can be sexually active all year. A tell-tale sign that your male Labrador is mature sexually is when he starts to mark property and hump furniture and other pets. Many people believe that neutering a male Labrador will calm him down — this is not particularly true. However, neutering a male Labrador can eliminate undesirable behavior such as humping, marking, and roaming. Vasectomies are not carried out on male Labradors, but rather castration. This is because a vasectomy does not stop male hormone production which is what causes the undesirable behavior in dogs. Both testicles are removed through the scrotal sack via a small incision. Most male Labradors will show changes in the following after castration: attraction to female dogs, urinating marking , mounting or humping, roaming, and aggressive behavior. Labrador owners who get a male dog and do not plan to breed him should definitely consider the hormonal benefits of castration. Medically, castration is beneficial to the male Labrador as it is known to reduce the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease, as well as reduce the chance of the dog developing a perianal tumor or hernia. Females will go into heat at least twice each year. When this happens, you will notice a very obvious change in your dog. Tell-tale signs that a female Labrador is in heat include swollen breasts, thirst, neediness or clinginess, frequent urination, and tail-flagging. Male dogs might also start following the female Lab around. If your male dog is also not neutered, you may want to pay careful attention or you might end up with a litter of puppies in the near future. Females in heat can be a messy business too, so they are not easier to tend to in terms of hormonal changes. There are 4 stages to expect during a heat cycle: Proestrus, Estrus, Diestrus, and Anestrus. The first stage is called Proestrus, which is when the vulva swells and produces a vaginal discharge. This is quite noticeable to dog owners — you might see it on bedding, furniture, flooring and of course, your pet. A female Labrador is the most fertile for 9 to 13 days after the active heat period starts and this period of high fertility typically lasts for around 5 days. Anestrus is the phase of sexual inactivity that lasts between the last active heat period and the next Proestrus period. The Anestrus period usually lasts between and days. If you find that your female Labrador falls pregnant during the Estrus stage, then the Diestrus stage activates and lasts until she births the puppies. Birth usually takes place around 67 days after conception, but can happen a week or so earlier. In terms of hormonal behavior problems, spaying has been considered a viable solution. Many people think that spaying a female Labrador will calm her down — this is not actually true, although it can have some positive effects on the female Labrador. When will a female Labrador stop going into heat? Most dogs experience a decline in ovary activity during their 6th year. This means that most female Labradors can no longer conceive when they are 7 years or older. If a female Labrador is not spayed by this time, most do not worry too much about getting it done. If you are wondering what the difference is between a male and female Labrador and which gender is best suited to your home and lifestyle, it can be difficult to specify. Generally speaking, if you want a dog that is a trusty companion that follows you around, a male Lab is a good choice. If you want a trusty companion that is happy to show a little independence, a female Lab is a good choice. Either way, male and female Labradors are both an excellent choice and most owners do not regret their decision either way. As someone who owns both a male and a female Lab, I can say they are both loving, affectionate dogs that make great family pets. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Male vs Female Dog? Which one is right for you? There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a new dog for you and your home. What size dog should you get? What breed? What gender? Is a male or a female dog better for you? There are almost no differences between male and female dogs of the same breed that have been neutered. In dogs that have not been neutered, gender differences are pretty much limited exclusively to sexual behavior. Male dogs of the breed tend to be slightly bigger than female dogs of the same breed. So, if you are hoping for a pooch at the smaller end of the breed spectrum, you may be better off with a girl. Gender is only one of several factors that influence the size of a dog. The best thing you can actually do is look at the size of the parents to predict the size of the pup. Features Because of hormonal differences, male dogs do tend to have rougher, more masculine features than their female counterparts. But if you are looking for a masculine looking version of your preferred dog breed, bear in mind that neutering puppies before maturity may also mean that they never develop these rougher features. Trainability Common wisdom suggests that female puppies mature faster than male puppies, and therefore, they have better attention spans and are easier to train. However, it seems highly likely that this is a human projection, projecting this characteristic that we see in human children onto dogs. Research conducted by Patricia McConnell by speaking to hundreds of dog trainers actually suggests that there is no difference. About half of all the trainers she spoke to suggested that male dogs were easier to train, and the other half female dogs. The one thing that they all agreed on was that it made little difference. Behavior Another study on genetics and the social behavior of dogs found that male dogs were six times more likely to bite than their female counterparts. But the conclusion of this study was not that male dogs were naturally more aggressive than female dogs, but rather that owners treat and train male and female dogs differently, resulting in different behavior. This is another example of human projection, this time causing a difference between male and female pups. What do you imagine is the effect of being called Butch versus being called Cupcake? Not on the dog itself, for whom their name is just a recognizable sound, but on how they are treated by their owners and families. If you are planning on breeding your dog, you need to know whether you want a male or a female. The sexual behavior of non-neutered dogs is also different. Female dogs generally only go into heat twice a year, and it is at this time that they will be searching around for a mate. She will secrete a liquid that is designed to attract a mate and this can also be a pain to clean up if they are indoor dogs, so that is something to consider. Taking them out for walks during this period can also be challenging, as they will attract significant attention from any non-neutered male dogs that are passing. Male dogs that have not been neutered are sexually active throughout the year. This means that they will be those dogs that are sniffing around female dogs out on the street during their heat cycle. They can also have a tendency to mount people and inanimate objects in order to satisfy their need to reproduce. Intact male dogs are also significantly more likely to indulge in marking activities, peeing on everything so that other dogs can scent their territory. Having to deal with the different sexual behaviors of male and female dogs that have not been neutered is certainly a consideration, but once a dog has been neutered, these behaviors pretty much disappear, again rendering the gender difference between dogs negligible. However, it is worth noting that female dogs tend to be a bit more expensive to neuter than male dogs. One of the few significant behavioral differences that has been noted between male and female dogs is that all dogs tend to get on better with dogs of the opposite gender. So, male dogs seem to get on better with female dogs and vice versa. This can be worth considering if you already have a dog at home. Difference Between Intact And Neutered Dogs Neutering is when the sexual organs of a dog are removed, preventing their ability to reproduce, and cutting off the hormones that can cause certain behaviors such as those listed above. In female dogs, the process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves abdominal surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus. For male dogs, the process involves removing the testes. After being neutered, male dogs are less likely to hump people, other dogs, and inanimate objects, but if they have already picked up this behavior, it can continue. They are also less likely to urinate in order to mark their territory. Both males and females are less likely to display aggression towards other dogs after being neutered, as they do not have the same instinct to compete to reproduce. But training plays a more important role in limiting this behavior than neutering. Both genders also tend to be a little bit lazier and have less energy after they have been neutered, though this is not always the case. It is important that owners keep a closer eye on the diets of neutered dogs, as their appetites increase and they can have a tendency to develop weight problems. While our overall verdict is that gender is a fairly insignificant factor when it comes to choosing a new pup, when you are down to the line and need to choose between a girl and a boy pup, what are the most important things? Existing Family Dogs. One of the few behavioral differences that can be noted between male and female dogs is that both tend to get on better with the opposite gender. So, if you already have a dog at home, it is worth making sure your next pooch is of the opposite gender. Male dogs tend to have rougher features, and female dogs lighter features. If particular features of a breed appeal to you, this can be a factor. But if you choose a male dog, remember that neutering can also affect their look. Mating Behavior. In non-neutered dogs, female heat cycles can be on the messy side, and it may require keeping your femme fatale under house arrest for a few weeks to avoid her getting impregnated. It is a matter of choosing which of these behaviors you find most manageable. Other than this, you may have personal preferences. Perhaps if you are looking at a Maltese, you are keen on a female puppy that you can dress up in cute outfits and spend hours brushing their hair. If you have an eye on a Rottweiler, perhaps you have a male in mind, so that you can give them a spiky collar and call them Butch. They are human cultural constructs that we project onto our animals as we anthropomorphize them as a member of the family. This is down to training and treatment. As you might have thought mostly Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. In our experience we love both genders and have noticed individually every dog is different. For example Charlie ended up being one of the smallest from his litter and never lifted his leg to mark. The gender of a dog makes relatively little difference to their behavior and temperament. It is then how they are trained and treated that will determine their important personality traits. If you are planning on having your dog neutered, you can pretty much choose any puppy from the litter and it will make little difference. If you plan to keep your new pooch intact, just look out for the different sexual behaviors of female and male dogs. Save to Pinterest Male vs Female Dogs? Which one is better for you? 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. Female Labrador Overview Whether chocolate, black, or yellow, Labradors have a friendly and loving nature that makes them a popular choice for families. Is one better than the other? Is there any significant difference? The differences between a male and female Lab may be minor, but they could have a big influence on your decision. Find out what you should consider when choosing the sex of your Labrador. The breed originated in the UK and was developed from Canadian fishing dogs as a gundog, meaning that it was bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. These medium-to-large dogs are gentle giants with a dense, hard coat that can be a deep black, rich chocolate, or vibrant yellow. One of the best features of the Lab is its eyes, however, which radiate calmness and intelligence. Labs tend to get along with all family members—human and animal alike—and enjoy energetic activities like swimming, fetch, and hunting. Of the few differences in the sexes, males are usually more playful and goofier, more attention-seeking, and more social with people and other pets. Some males may have a higher drive to please their owners. Males tend to be more protective of the family or the territory. Training Labs are easy to train compared to other breeds, but male Labs get distracted easily and may be harder to train than females. Males also need more maintenance and consistency in reinforcing training behaviors. Males may also experience perianal tumors and hernias in old age. Be sure to speak to your vet about the best time to neuter your Lab to reduce the risk of these conditions. At that time, the male may relentlessly seek a female for mating, which may include humping furniture, toys, and people. Intact males may also display sexually-based aggression or marking behaviors to establish and protect their territory. Also, be aware that both male and female dogs can undergo a significant change in temperament after being neutered or spayed. Male Labs The Positives: Fun-loving: Male dogs often see humans, and especially children, as playmates. Less Sensitive: Being less sensitive can sound like a negative, but it comes in handy when training, since you can usually correct them without getting their feelings hurt. Neutering: Interestingly, once a male dog is neutered, most or all of the negative characteristics disappear. Neutering a male is also less invasive and less costly than spaying a female. The Negatives: Wandering: Some male dogs are wanderers. This is more true of intact males, since their sense of smell leads them to seek out females in heat. Aggressive: Male Labs can be outgoing, assertive and demanding of attention in an unintentionally clumsy manner. This seems to be fine for most adult human companions, but could be seen as a negative around children, because a larger male dog can accidentally knock over small children. Thankfully, neutering can greatly reduce this habit. Female Labs The Positives: Gentle: Females often want to be in closer contact with their owner and seek his or her approval. Nurturing: Almost any dog can be a loving companion for a child. Nevertheless, some believe female dogs make a better choice for children because they may be more naturally nurturing and protective of young ones, even if they are from another species. They can also be better in agility and stronger in stamina, making them a great choice for a hunting dog in the upland field. We often find that women or especially gentle, patient men train female dogs more easily. Many owners prefer this, because they want a more compact dog that will fit into cars, offices, or smaller homes. Female Labs also tend to have narrower heads, smaller chests, and longer, slimmer noses. They also tend to be more hostile toward other females at any time, depending on their mood, but especially when they are protecting their pups or competing for food. Some female dogs can be more cranky than males for no apparent reason, but it is usually due to hormonal fluctuations. Touchy: Some females are more physically sensitive and environmentally aware than males. This is especially true of unspayed females during breeding, when they are not ready or willing to be with a mate. They have been known to bite and growl at any male dog that comes near them. Humans should beware during these times, as they can be the brunt of cranky growls and bared teeth. Females can also be very easily angered when they are caring for or guarding their pups. Growls and barks are not uncommon, and some have even been known to bite. Many female dogs cannot withstand loud noises or a raised voice. In some cases, too much of an angry voice in disciplining a female dog can damage her feelings long-term and make her far more difficult to train. When in need of correction, female dogs often require a soft, gentle voice. Impatient dog owners might be tempted to give up and quit training or they indulge their dog too much, giving in to her desires instead of maintaining the fact that they are the trainer and in charge. Consequently, when a female urinates on a lawn, it creates unsightly brown, burned-looking spots. Spaying: Spaying a female also tends to neutralize most negative behaviors, causing her to be less moody, cranky and touchy. It also seems to make her less aggressive which is usually only with other female dogs. However, spaying a female is more invasive and more costly than neutering a male. When it comes to buying a dog, Pete always says to choose the dog that best fits the type of trainer you are. That said, he has some male dogs that are more sensitive, so he has to lighten up with them and be a little more sympathetic. On the other hand, he trains some female dogs that are just as hard-charging and hard-headed as some males. So, that about sums it up. Male and female dogs are different in ways that can be strikingly similar to humans. Bear in mind that there can also be temperamental differences that have nothing to do with gender. One dog may be more independent and not enjoy being pet, where another dog will crumple and roll over on his belly the second you pet him. One dog may be very people-focused; another may be more excited about retrieving and hunting. One dog may be high in energy; another may be more calm and laid back. And feel free to ask us questions. Just like humans, our canine daughters tend to resemble their mothers in appearance; the sons tend to resemble their fathers. Marble Mountain Kennels.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our dogs are a part of our family, where they receive lots of love and attention. Our love for the Spaniel and poodle both highly intelligent, and loyal dogs brought us to our new passion of breeding a pet with both the amazing traits of Spaniels and Poodles together. Our dogs are our family companions, we care very much about their health and wellbeing. We believe that a puppy's training begins from the time that they are born, and some of the most important experiences they will have begin in the first few weeks of their lives. We feed our dogs and puppies a combination of high quality dog food and supplements to ensure that they have everything they need during this crucial development stage. Our puppies will be introduced to basic training, potty training, and are socialized, cuddled, played with and loved until they are ready to meet their new families. It is our goal that the transition into our puppies forever home is a smooth and happy one. It is very important to us that the puppies are adopted to the best homes possible. They will be up to date on their deworming, vaccinations and will have been vet checked by a licenced veterinarian. They are an easy going, clever breed. They are great for first time puppy owners due to the fact that they are fast learners and love to please. These dogs do not like to be alone and need companionship. These loveable little dogs will soak up any attention, praise and will always be up for snuggling on your lap. They will have wavy to loose curls with a soft coat that will need to be brushed and groomed regularly. Although they are part poodle expect some shedding, this will vary between each individual puppy, those with tighter curls will generally shed less than those with a straighter coat. These dogs are moderately active and enjoy playing games and socializing with people. They are suitable for all living arrangements including city and apartment living as they are most happy wherever you are. Cavapoos will mature to be between 14 - 18 lbs. These little darlings are friendly people oriented dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train. The Cockapoo loves to please and has a loyal, cheerful temperament. They are always eager to learn new tricks or spend time cuddling on your lap. They will have lower shedding than their cousin the Cavapoo. These puppies will make the perfect companion for you to share your life with. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We thought we would tell you a little bit about ourselves. We live on an acreage just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, where our pets have extensive room to run and play. Our parent pets spend their time inside with us, they also get to enjoy the outdoors as we have playgrounds set up for them. All our parent pets are health checked yearly. Our Doodles are raised in our home with our family surrounded by lots of love and attention. We spend extra time socializing your puppy in our home. We do sensory touches with paws ears belly and mouth. We brush our puppies so that they get used to grooming. As well as spend time playing with their feet to help them get used to getting their nails clipped. Our puppies get to spend time playing with us and their puppy pack learning new things and exploring. While your puppy is here with us we try to offer your puppy a great life experience, until they come to join your family. We want this to be an exciting and enjoyable experience for you and your family. Now we are excited to raise our own Cockapoo puppies and continue this adventure as a family. These little teddy bear puppies are so amazing. They are great couch companions who love cuddles, but also like to go for walks and play. They are quick learners and have a warm disposition. Cockapoos cherish every moment with their family. Our Cockapoos grow up to be between 8 and 20 pounds. We really care about these little ones, and love what we are able to provide as breeders and care takers of these animals. Thank you so much for looking at our puppies, we hope to hear from you. Showing 1 - 40 of resultsPage 1 - results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Border collies and poodles are the smartest dog breeds in the world - this cross is exceptional. These are.Please Contact Gorgeous Standard Aussiedoodles Edmonton These gorgeous puppies are raised in our home with loving care. We utilize many components of the puppy culture in our breeding program. These puppies are lovingly family raised and have fantastic temperaments. If you are looking for a loving family pet you have found one here!!! They are great with.Albert F1bb Goldendoodles for sale. These puppies are old sold but there will be another litter born early October. We can put you on wait list if you like. Mom is Goldendoodle and dad is a Moyen poodle. The Cotondoodle is a rare, extremely adorable and sweet natured breed. They care about their people and are known to act clownish and.We've gotten to know Moana to be a bundle of happiness and curiosity! Quick to jump in and tag along in any activity. They will grow to be around 6 to 10lbs. Hypoallergenic coat. Doxiepoos are affectionate, Urgent F2 Goldendoodles - Ready now! Calgary Born on June 27th and ready for new homes now. Litter of 8: 1 boy available. All puppies have been socialized with people, other dogs and our family cat. Both are our pets with excellent health and personalities. They can be rehomed as soon as sept 11th. There temperaments are all differents, but still so cute to.See below gorgeous puppies for you to pick from! Dad is a purebred miniature poodle, and Mom is a Shih-tzu yorkie Shorkie. They are both our pets, we are not.They were born on August 1st and will be available to rehome on Sept 26th. Both parents are standard poodles 2 Females 5 Males Poodles have a very.Albert 9 week old doodles looking for their furever homes they have been socialized around humans of all sizes kids included , have been raised around cats, cows, and mom and dad are both available to see.Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy.There is 1 male and 3 females, each with individual markings and characteristics. Mom is a purebred tan Goldendoodle and Dad is a.We had an absolutely beautiful litter of cockapoo puppies for sale. There are 6 boys and 2 girls 3 left. They are super cute fluffy little puppies that will be sure.Miniature poodle is known to be one of the sweetest and most.This breed is non-shedding, hypoallergenic and intelligent. They are lap dogs, small breed and not the barker type which makes.These are 2 of the smartest breeds that make them easy to train and have a real desire to please you. With their.He has had his first and second Puppy shots and.I am updating as pups find their new families If their picture is up they are available 4 boys 2 girls First 4 pictures boys Then 2 girls All remaining pup Puppies at.These adorable pups are waiting for their forever homes! These beauties will come to you prespoiled well socialized , vet checked healthy with their vaccination record. Not ready to go to their new homes till 16 September .Vet checked, dewormed, first set of puppy vaccines. Purebred poodles looking for new homes, We adore these little ones, lots of time spent with them only looking for homes that can love and provide for them! Only 3 left! I only have four littles who are waiting for their forever families. Puppies have been vet checked and.We have been raising high quality family pets for 17 years. We do all genetic testing and our dogs have lives.Dad is a 30lb moyen poodle full of fun and personality. He is.We will deliver to the city free of charge. These little guys are F1b - Mom is a 10 lb Cavapoo and dad is a 10 lb toy poodle. They are.Cavalier x Poodle Boys and a girl are ready to go to a new home. The puppies will come with vet checked, dewormed, first shots and welcome package. For more information.Boys and a girl are available. Cavalier x Poodle The puppies will come with vet checked, dewormed, first set of shots and welcome package. Female bernedoodle, born May 18th, .Mom Kitty -F1 bernedoodle,

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported Description About the Book "Expert pet author Terry Albert, veterinarian Deb Eldredge, and breeder Alan Gunther team up to cover each stage your golden retriever puppy will go through, detailing everything you need to be aware of and do during each phase. Book Synopsis Your Golden Retriever Puppy Month by Month provides new pet owners with everything you need to know and do at each stage of development to make sure your playful, energetic puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion. About the Author Terry Albert has been working with dogs for more than 25 years as a pet sitter, trainer, and foster parent. Many of her boarding clients are Golden Retrievers she has cared for from puppyhood through adulthood and into their senior years. Debra Eldredge, DVM, graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award, a prize given by the clinical faculty for the best patient care. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: 0. Return details This item can be returned to any Target store or Target. This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun!