golden retriever puppies under $100

Caras At Doodle Me This Goldendoodles, we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to raising stunningly beautiful and healthy Goldendoodles. Nestled in the metro St. Louis area, our family-run and professionally managed ethical breeding program is conveniently located just a short 15 minutes from downtown St. In the south suburbs of St. Louis, we happily live our best lives, surrounded by plentiful dog parks and vibrant neighborhoods where kids are always eager to play. Doodle Me This Goldendoodles, is the heart and soul of a loving husband and wife team, raising these extraordinary companions alongside our own children and delightful grandkids. Our admiration for the Goldendoodle breed runs deep, as we witness the perfect blend of the Golden Retriever's sweet and gentle temperament with that of the non-shedding intellectual Poodle. One of the first ethically bred Goldendoodle breeders in Missouri, we introduced the incredibly endearing Teddy Bear Goldendoodle to our program, bringing joy and fulfillment to countless lives for over 5 years. Our Goldendoodles are of the F1B standard size, ensuring the perfect balance of charm and cuddliness. Every one of our adorable puppies has parents carefully selected from healthy Golden Retriever and Poodle bloodlines, which have undergone extensive health testing. We personally take the initiative to thoroughly evaluate the health of our dogs through DNA testing, as well as OFA examinations for their elbows, hips, heart and eyes. At Doodle Me This Goldendoodles, we combine the warmth of a loving family with our unwavering commitment to ethical breeding practices, resulting in the ultimate satisfaction for our cherished furry family. We're not just breeders, but a close-knit family raising puppies with unyielding love and dedication. Certifications It takes a lot of hard work, integrity, and expense to be a good breeder. It is our opinion that unless a breeder can provide you with all the testing set forth immediately upon request — and this includes us — you should find another breeder. Eyes CERF 3. Hearts — tested and certified by OFA4. Elbows OFA on all new certifications. Elbows have become a recent problem in the breed. Due to this, you may find many of the older tested dogs will not have elbow clearances. In order to continue to keep up with the research and the recommendations of the breed Assoc. Poodle parents should be cleared for.Skye is the founder of Doodle Me This Goldendoodles and extremely special to our family! Skye has a very calm demeanor and the majority of her puppies inherit this trait. Skye has many champions in her pedigree. Skye is wonderful around all people and children! Binny is just the absolute sweetest dog, a constant sidekick to our youngest daughter. Always willing to offer a lick on the cheek for those who allow. Max is absolutely stunning with his soft fleece semi curly coat. He has the perfect amount of lightening on his nose, and chest giving him that adorable teddy bear look. He has an amazing, and easy going temperament and he loves every person and dog he meets! Max produces puppies with the best temperament around! He is the total package in looks, health, and temperament, and we are so thrilled to have him in our program! Max is owned by Doodle Me This Goldendoodles. Max is now available for stud service to approved females with similar health testing. Embark Genetics Goldendoodle Disease Panel. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle 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! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Lake Saint Louis Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Due to the variation in traits inherited from its parents, the Goldendoodle can have different sizes and colors. The golden doodle is generally a loving and cuddly dog. They are very calm and loves to be around its owner, for the most part, does very well when shown affection by others. However, golden doodles are crossbreeds and so comes the varying traits of its parents. The golden doodle is quite the adventurous dog so it loves to move around and roam freely. A nice yard would suit the Goldendoodle where it can satisfy its exploratory tendencies. Due to its wandering nature, a fence would be ideal to give some boundaries. One of the main reasons for crossbreeding the golden retriever and the poodle was to get a breed with reduced shedding. However, the Goldendoodle should be brushed once a week and should be bathed only when it is physically obvious it needs one. This also includes when it starts smelling unpleasant. The nails are naturally trim when Goldendoodles exercise and move about. Their faces and ears should be wiped so as to avoid infection. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions 1. These pets make for excellent family pets and get along with children. Very sociable animals and thrives on interaction with its owner. Male or female, which Goldendoodle is better? Both male and female genders have their pros and cons so it is really up to the owner. Are Goldendoodles good watch dogs? Goldendoodles are not good watchdogs. What is the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle? Taking into account the health and size, on average the Goldendoodle has a life expectancy of about years. How much exercise does a Goldendoodle need? The Goldendoodle is a real homely and does not require much exercise, unlike many dogs. About 30mins a day would keep the Goldendoodle physically and mentally sound. How much does it cost to get a Goldendoodle? The Goldendoodle cost can vary. Contact us today for availability and costs 7. How much grooming does a Goldendoodle need? Goldendoodles generally are high maintenance dogs, especially in the grooming department. They require brushing almost every other day to separate loose hairs and distribute the coat evenly across the body. As is with most furry dogs, it is imperative to look after the coat to maintain the beauty of the doodle. Nails can be clipped every other month to avoid them getting too long. Are Goldendoodles hard to train? The Goldendoodle has a high affinity to its owner and so is usually very submissive and loving. That being said, training a Goldendoodle will require patience and reinforcement amongst necessary responsibilities such as health care, simple bonding activities such as playing catch, a good diet, and adequate exercise. Are Goldendoodles aggressive? Goldendoodles are hardly aggressive towards people or other animals for that matter. There may be a little apprehension towards a few characters it does not perceive as friendly, however, this does not last after periods of getting used to such individuals. Goldendoodles also get along with other pets. What are the challenging health issues Goldendoodles are likely to face? Considering health and age, generally, the Goldendoodle is not likely to have major health-threatening issues until the later years of its life. Some of the common complications could include hip dysplasia, ear infection, and torsion. A most vibrant dog, not many can compare in terms of friendliness and intelligence when it comes to the Goldendoodle. Are you interested in purchasing a Goldendoodle? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. They inherited their calm and gentle trait from their Golden Retriever father and their intelligent trait from their Miniature Poodle mother. This breed has grown in popularity and makes a perfect family pet who trains well and loves his family. The Miniature Goldendoodle has an affectionate, sweet, gentle, and happy personality. This breed enjoys the companionship of their family and other dogs in the household. They seek your attention and care and show it by giving the same back. They make marvelous family pets and adapt well to apartment-style and conventional style housing. With Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, both known for their amazing qualities, the Mini Goldendoodle is sure to fit right in with your family and other pets. A good routine to get into is a quick morning brush when he wakes up, a bi-weekly bath, and monthly nail clipping. This will allow your pup to look and feel great and is a great way to assure long-term health. This breed can be found in a variety of colors ranging from red, black, sable, tannish brown, and cream tones. Their beautiful colored coats tend to glisten and are certainly eye-catching. Miniature Goldendoodles should be fed twice a day at about the same time. Two to four total cups of food each day will help this dog stay fit and have ample energy. The actual amount of food will ultimately depend on his activity level, size, and age which means it will fluctuate throughout the years. Never forget the importance of routine teeth cleaning, which should occur three times weekly. Like anything, the more you do this, the easier it becomes for you and your pup. The average Miniature Goldendoodle stands between thirteen to twenty inches tall. This breed weighs fifteen to thirty-five pounds. Mini Goldendoodles have an average life expectancy of ten to fifteen years. Fact: This Miniature Goldendoodle is known for its ability to aid humans as service dogs and seeing-eye dogs. They have been of great assistance over the years for people that have Autism, PTSD, and anxiety issues. Fact: The Miniature Goldendoodle is a good swimmer and enjoys splashing in the pool with his family. They actually enjoy any outdoor activity time with their family and love playing with other dogs. Are you interested in purchasing a Miniature Goldendoodle? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Our extensive collection of stock images includes a wide variety of black poodle photos, illustrations, and vectors that are perfect for a range of applications. Whether you're designing a website, creating a brochure, or adding visuals to your social media, our black poodle images are sure to impress. Types of Black Poodle Images Our black poodle image collection includes a range of different types, including photographs, illustrations, and vectors. Photographs capture the natural beauty and charm of these adorable dogs in various settings, from playful shots to more formal portraits. Illustrations offer a more whimsical touch and can be used to enhance the visual appeal of any project. Vectors, on the other hand, are a great choice for those who want to customize the size and color of their images. Whatever your needs, we have a type of black poodle image that is sure to meet them. They can be used in a range of settings, including websites, social media platforms, print materials, and more. Their timeless appeal makes them suitable for a variety of industries, from pet stores to fashion and beyond. When using black poodle images, it's important to consider their placement and context. For example, a playful photograph of a black poodle would be a great fit for a pet store website or social media post, while a more formal portrait might work better for an upscale pet grooming business or fashion campaign. Choosing the Right Black Poodle Image Choosing the right black poodle image is key to making a visual impact with your projects. Consider your overall brand message and target audience when selecting your images. A playful and energetic image may be more appropriate for a younger audience, while a refined and elegant image may be a better fit for an upscale campaign or product. When selecting images, pay attention to the quality and resolution. Blurry or low-resolution images can negatively impact the overall look and feel of your project. Our black poodle images are high-quality and professionally captured, ensuring that you can use them with confidence. Wrap Up If you're looking for high-quality black poodle images for your projects, look no further. Our extensive collection includes a wide variety of black poodle photographs, illustrations, and vectors that are perfect for any project. Whether you're creating a website, designing a brochure, or adding visuals to your social media, our black poodle images will help you make a lasting impression. They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions!

As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. You will notice that there is a range in both height and weight. Use the lighter weights for female Boxers and the heavier weights for male Boxers. This principle also applies to the variations in heights. Females tend to weigh less and be smaller in size than males. Between 6 — 12 months of age, Boxers are no longer considered puppies since they start to reach sexual maturity. Boxers are considered adolescents between 6 months to 24 months, and at 2 years old Boxers reach adulthood. They will continue to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. How long does it take for a Boxer to be fully grown? As a medium-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to reach their full size and weight than smaller dog breeds. On average, Boxers will grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. At 2 years old, Boxers are full-grown, reaching their full height and weight. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the breed standards. If your Boxer is less than two years old, he or she is likely still growing. Insider Tip: To estimate how big and heavy your Boxer will get, you can contact the breeder. Puppies rarely exceed their parents weight and height. Boxers above this average may be classed over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic dogs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. It is important to recognize if your Boxer adds extra weight so that you can adjust his or her lifestyle. After, you just need to deduct your weight to find out how the weight of your Boxer. However, the bigger they get, the trickier it gets for them to stand still on such a small scale. Measure at the withers shoulder whilst standing. Try it out below:. Puppies Boxer puppies are just adorable. Having a new boxer puppy at home is just overwhelming. But have you ever thought about the responsibilities you will have to handle and take care of? Besides, its not only about responsibility and taking care of your Boxer puppies, it about understanding their behavior in each development stages. Well, this article will help you in every way about Boxer puppies. The newborn puppies will only move to regulate their body temperature or when they are hungry. Newborn Boxer Puppy. Image Source — Blogspot. Newborn Boxers will not be able to hear, see or sense anything. Their eyes and ears will be closed until the end of week two. They will be unable to sense the human stimuli until they can see or hear. Neonatal stage is a very delicate stage for the puppies. Therefore, keep a close eye on Boxer puppies, whether they have been abandoned by its mother or littermates. If any puppy is abandoned, bottle feed them and keep them in a warm place. Or, it will die. Transitional Stage — 2 to 4 Weeks The transitional stage is a serious development stage. You can see your Boxer puppies opening their eyes and trying to wag their tails for the first time. Your Boxer puppies will also start walking a bit between two to three weeks. Image Source — Instagram. Baby Boxer will now want to explore the surroundings and will run around littermates jumping and growling. Socialization Stage — 4 to 12 Weeks Boxer puppies will start playing and running around the house with their littermates. They will be mischievous and may want your attention too. From the third and fourth weeks of their development, Boxer puppies will control their bowel movement as they move away from their whelping box. Many puppies will start having worms at this stage. And the mother Boxer may lose interest in cleaning her puppies excretion, having said that, you will have to take a step forward to clean the surroundings. This is the high time you socialize your puppy and give some basic training. By the eighth week, Boxer puppies will start being familiar with the surroundings and the people in the house as well. You should socialize the puppy with other animals as well as people around your neighborhood. A well-socialized puppy always defines a well-behaved dog. Otherwise, the Boxer puppies will try to dominate you. You should teach them the meaning of submission and dominance. From the starting of three months, your Boxer puppies will start feeling the independence and confidence in them. You should keep the training consistent as this is the very fragile time your Boxer puppy needs to learn. Furthermore, when they reach the age of four months old, you can send them to advance training classes. Adolescence — 6 to 18 Months Now your Boxer puppies are not puppies anymore, adolescence has now hit them. Your Boxer will now lose their puppy face completely and are now adult versions of themselves. Boxers will now lose their baby teeth and their second teething phase is likely to get started. During these months, your Boxers will grow stronger and more energetic. You should increase the training session according to their diet. Not a Puppy Anymore. The medium-sized breed tends to grow fast physically but their mind will still be a puppy until the end of the month. You should take care of their diet as well as their behavior. A well-trained puppy only grows as a well-behaved dog. Vaccination Chart For Boxers. This will be the age when Boxer newborn is fully weaned and ready to go to his new home. His world expands at this time. Some have a difficult adjustment leaving littermates and dam and transitioning to their new family. A planned introduction to the home will set a good foundation for introduction to other situations. Housebreaking should begin at this age. With an excellent plan and follow-through, expect it to take 4 to 6 weeks for your Boxer to be doing well in this regard. Command training simple commands can be worked in with housebreaking and other daily activities. For example a 2 month old Boxer puppy can learn to sit while his harness and leash is being put on and then learn that walking over to the designated chosen area equals a trip to the bathroom. Sleep may be erratic at this time and a Boxer puppy can sleep as little as 9 hours per day rare or up to 18 hours. Most will take quite a few naps during the day and then wake up 1 to 2 times per night. We've seen 2 month old little ones sleep right through the night, but it is rare - in these cases, the dog is able to enter deep REM sleep quickly and stay there, keeping the number of nap times to a minimum. This is the minimum age a dog must be in order to enter a dog show event. Many clubs, such as the AKC require a dog to be 6 months old; however if you truly want to show your Boxer, you may do so at 3 months with many other dog clubs. By this age, the pup has a good idea of his home environment and since the rounds of puppy shots are almost done, owners should plan on how they will proceed in regard to introduction to the world. To a dog, his world is as big as the owners choose. For some, it is just the neighborhood, for others it is the entire town! The reason that we say "plan" is because how a pup is introduced to other dogs, people and new environments affect how the dog reacts and responds. A planned transition to new elements is a huge part of Socialization Training. During this stage, some owners become a bit concerned if their Boxer is not barking ; however this is not a super vocal breed he makes lots of noises like groans and even some purrs, but doesn't typically bark at every little thing. A quiet puppy will often outgrown this and find their voice as they mature. It is at that time that a Boxer will bark when someone comes to the house, etc. By 1 year, if owners follow through, the Boxer is well trained, for both commands simple and complex and house training. Still, the dog has learned the basic workings of the world. He has been trained to know where his belongings are, who you consider to be friend or foe and is very used to his daily schedule. This is a great Boxer age, the dog looks young, still has the mentality of a puppy with playfulness, etc. You'll have a 40 to 55 pound 20 to 25 kg size puppy jumping on you and acting silly. Females will be on the lower end, males on the higher end. The body structure is slim, the chest is still relatively narrow. Over the course of this year, from the beginning of year 1 to the beginning of year 2, most will gain an additional 15 to 20 pounds 6. Height will increase. The most noticeable physical change will be the widening of the chest, a sure tell sign of a 2 year old adult. It is not uncommon for a Boxer dog to seem too skinny during a quick, temporary phase around this mark. Generally from 14 to 22 months old, a Boxer may have some visible ribs and appear too slim as he struggles to catch up to a quick growth spurt. For most, this is nothing to be concerned about. This is a huge milestone. At 2 years old, a Boxer is considered to be an adult. The dog will be at his adult weight and height. If you are offering commercial food, now is the time to switch to an adult formula. Temperament will gradually change. That playful puppy temperament will slowly turn more serious, but even older adults can have a sense of humor. That puppy that used to leap after butterflies in the field may change into the adult that stands proud and strong, scanning the yard for trespassers. The Boxer will now begin to age at a more steady rate. Still active, yet fully trained, this is a wonderful stage. By this age, status in the house if full established. Other family members may have come and gone kids off to college, a new roommate moves in, etc. However, if the dog was properly trained, he knew, throughout any changes, that his place was as Beta to his Alpha human leader. A Boxer dog is considered to be a senior at the age of 7 or 8 years old. Since there is no official age, it is the veterinarian who makes this declaration. Though, even if it has not been declared, with this breed typically living to a range of 9 to 12 years, 9 years is about as long as you can extend this before you dub your Boxer a senior. It is important to recognize this transition, so that geriatric care needs can be met. Regular visits will normally increase from 1 time per year to twice a year. Changes will happen once again to the diet, moving over to one that is a bit lower in fat, yet higher in fiber. This helps a less active dog maintain weight and fiber is one element that aids in digestion. A geriatric screening will check for kidney function. A Boxer dog with decreased kidney function should be fed a lower protein diet. The vitamin and mineral supplement will now switch to a senior formula as well. Don't let the senior age label fool you, Boxers at this age should still be taken for a daily walk for exercise , will enjoy outings to the beach, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that an older dog will sometimes have less tolerance for puppies and young children. It is a good idea to have a designated area for your senior Boxer to retreat to, should he desire.Older dogs still like to see the family and be aware of comings and goings, but will often want to retreat when youngsters or puppies are at play. Each dog has his own tolerance for the loud noises and commotion that accompanies younger humans and dogs. The average life span of a Boxer is years old. At this age, a senior dog most likely has lived through some health issues. A dog of this age will most likely have some arthritis. Movement may become difficult, it is suggested to have steps and ramps for the dog if he or she is used to climbing up onto your bed or the couch. The dog bed should be evaluated for comfort and support. An orthopedic bed is highly recommended. Any time after this age that your dog is still with you is a blessing. Some Boxers live late into their teens; however you should prepare yourself that your dog is nearing the end of his life cycle. Related: Oldest Boxer Dogs in the World - Though this breed generally lives 9 to 12 years, some Boxers have reached into their teens.

This is true for all dog behaviors, including when dogs refuse to eat food but not their treats. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. These nine reasons for canines sticking the tips of their tongues out will help you know the steps to take. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage, and trauma. Genetics in small and brachycephalic short-nosed breeds also increases susceptibility. This is because these dogs are more likely to have tongues too large for the oral cavity, or have severe underbites or overbites that can cause the tongue to hang out. This means you often see hanging tongue syndrome in small dogs like Chihuahuas or Pugs just because their tongue is a bit too big for their mouth. Dental disease causing partial or complete tooth loss is one of the biggest causes of this syndrome. Dogs with this condition may have difficulty eating and drinking, and they may drool excessively. Blepping Blepping is a behavior where a dog sticks out the tip of their tongue for no reason for a brief moment and then retracts it back into their mouth. This behavior is usually harmless and can occur when a dog is relaxed or content. Some dogs may also blep when they smell something interesting or when they are concentrating. Check out this cute pup sticking out her tongue for no reason: Flehmen Response The Flehmen Response is a behavior where a dog curls their upper lip and sticks out their tongue to get a better sense of a particular scent. This behavior allows them to transfer the scent to the vomeronasal organ located in the roof of their mouth. This organ helps dogs to detect pheromones and other chemical signals that can provide valuable information about other animals in their environment. Brachycephalic Dogs Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, have short snouts and flat faces that can make it difficult for them to breathe, causing lots of wheezing. As a result, they may pant more frequently and stick their tongues out to help regulate their body temperature. A study also showed that macroglossia enlarged tongue is one of the soft tissue conditions affecting short-snouted breeds. This is why almost every Frenchie or Bulldog you picture has a tongue sticking out. This is because when dogs lose their teeth, the jaw shrinks to fill in the space left, causing less room for the tongue. If a dog is sticking their tongue out excessively or for extended periods, it is essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Neurological Issues Rarely, certain neurological conditions can lead to tongue protrusion, but this is generally associated with more severe symptoms. For example, several dogs experiencing a seizure are seen sticking their tongue out, or flicking their tongue like a snake. This is called an epileptic focal seizure. Sleeping Dogs are known to stick their tongues out while sleeping, and this behavior is quite common in dogs of all breeds and sizes. The reason for this behavior is not fully understood, but there are a few theories that can help explain it. This happens because the mouth relaxes when a dog is asleep, and their long tongues inevitably stick out. The tongue-tip protruding during rest is almost always harmless. Other things dogs do include whimpering in their sleep. Breed-Specific Traits Certain dog breeds have unique physical characteristics that may cause them to stick their tongues out more often than others. For example, brachycephalic breeds with their abnormal jaw structures and longer tongues. Other breeds, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Afghan Hounds, have longer snouts and narrower mouths that may make it more challenging to keep their tongues inside their mouths. Additionally, some breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Pekingese, have smaller mouths and shorter tongues, which may cause their tongues to protrude slightly. Using the Tongue to Communicate During playtime, some dogs might stick out their tongues as part of their playful expression. This occurs with other body language cues like a relaxed posture, a wagging tail, and a relaxed mouth. This dog is sticking out his tongue in playful anticipation of the ball: Note that dogs can also stick out their tongue when stressed and anxious. Now when a dog sticks their tongue all the way out to lick their nose, it is what we call an ambivalent signal. It means a dog is unsure about something and experiencing conflicting feelings. Why does my dog stick the tip of his tongue out while sleeping? One theory is that when dogs sleep, their mouth is relaxed, allowing the tongue to poke out, especially in small dogs or dogs with short noses. This is because the tongue is a large muscle that takes up a lot of space in the mouth, and when the mouth is relaxed, it can easily slip out. Another theory is that sticking the tongue out while sleeping allows dogs to cool down. Dogs do not sweat like humans do, so they rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. By sticking their tongue out, dogs can increase the surface area of their mouth, allowing them to release more heat and cool down more efficiently. It is also possible that sticking the tongue out while sleeping is simply a comfortable position for some dogs. Just like humans, dogs have their own unique sleeping positions and preferences, and sticking the tongue out may be a way for some dogs to feel more comfortable and relaxed while sleeping. What is it called when a dog sticks his tongue out There are different terms used to describe this behavior. These include, Blepping Blepping is a term used to describe when a dog sticks his tongue out slightly and leaves it there. Flehmen Response The Flehmen response is a behavior in which a dog curls his upper lip and inhales through his nose. This behavior helps them detect pheromones, which are chemical signals that animals use to communicate with each other. Various factors, including dental problems, neurological issues, or breed-specific traits, can cause it. Panting Panting is a normal behavior that dogs use to regulate their body temperature. It involves rapid, shallow breathing with their tongue hanging out. If your dog is panting excessively, it could be a sign of heat stroke, anxiety, or other health issues. Licking Motions to Communicate Dogs also use licking motions to communicate with their owners or other dogs. Dogs use their tongue to communicate in various ways. One of the most common ways is through licking. Licking can be a sign of affection, a way to show submission, and a method for temperature regulation. Lip licking is a common sign of stress and discomfort in dogs. It is often accompanied by yawning and can be an early sign that a dog may escalate to aggressive behavior. Nose licking is another form of communication that dogs use when they are showing ambivalence or inner conflict. The Chihuahua below is sticking their tongue out in a clear signal of discomfort and stress. We can tell this by the fact that the ears are pinned back and the gaze is slipping down. A clear indication of stress or anxiety is when a dog sticks their tongue out to lick, and also averts their gaze. Dogs do not sweat like humans do, so they use their tongues to pant and release heat. This is why dogs often stick their tongue out when they are hot or after exercise. Licking can also be a sign of affection. Face licking or licking your nose is typically an affectionate gesture that dogs use to make friends. It is a way for dogs to show that they are not a threat and want to be friends. When to Consult a Veterinarian About Your Dog Sticking Their Tongue Out While sticking their tongue out is normal behavior for dogs, there are certain situations where it may be a cause for concern. If your dog is sticking their tongue out excessively or in an unusual manner, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some signs that you should consult a veterinarian: Breathing difficulties: If your dog is panting excessively and has difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of a respiratory problem. This can cause your dog to stick their tongue out in an effort to catch their breath. Excessive drooling: If your dog is drooling excessively and sticking their tongue out, it may be a sign of dental problems or gastrointestinal issues. Changes in behavior: If your dog is sticking their tongue out and showing other signs of discomfort, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting, it may indicate a more serious health issue. Foreign object ingestion: If your dog is sticking their tongue out and pawing at their mouth, it may indicate that they have ingested a foreign object that is causing discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination and diagnose any underlying health issues that may be causing your dog to stick their tongue out. Frequently Asked Questions Why does my senior dog stick his tongue out? Senior dogs may stick their tongues out due to dental, neurological, or respiratory problems. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Why does my dog stick his tongue in and out like a snake? Dogs may stick their tongues in and out like a snake as a way to cool down. This behavior is known as panting and is a normal physiological response to regulate body temperature. Why does my dog repeatedly stick his tongue out? Repetitive tongue sticking may indicate anxiety, stress, or discomfort. Why does my sick dog have his tongue hanging out? A sick dog may have his tongue hanging out due to dehydration, respiratory distress, or fever. It is crucial to seek veterinary attention to diagnose and treat the underlying illness. Why does my newborn puppy have his tongue sticking out? Newborn puppies may have their tongues sticking out due to underdeveloped muscles and nerves in the mouth. This is a normal developmental stage, and the tongue should retract as the puppy grows. Why does my dog keep sticking his tongue out and swallowing? Frequent tongue sticking and swallowing may indicate nausea, acid reflux, or respiratory issues. It is necessary to consult with a veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Final Thoughts Dogs stick their tongue tips out for various reasons, including playfulness, hanging tongue syndrome, resting, and medical issues. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Your pooch uses their tongue to eat and drink , to help cool down their body , and, of course, to give you tons of slobbery kisses. Some dogs — maybe even your own — have a bizarre but adorable trait of sticking their tongues out all of the time. While this can be a harmless, endearing trait, it can also be a signal of underlying health issues. Sometimes a tongue hanging out for long periods of time — but not indefinitely — is a sign of pure relaxation. When dogs get warm, they pant. Both of these responses cool down the body, and the way they work is actually the same — they both lead to evaporation. The short, shallow breaths that happen when your dog pants help water evaporate from their tongue and upper respiratory tract. That evaporation helps your dog cool down. If your dog is panting a lot, try to keep them in a cool place and reduce physical activity for a little while. Make sure they have plenty of water. If panting continues for a long time even after your dog appears to have cooled down, it may be time for a trip to the vet, just to be on the safe side. If your dog is on new medication and is exhibiting this symptom or any other new symptoms or habits, consult with your vet to make sure this is the right medication for your dog or if you should change tactics. If your dog has an overbite or underbite, they may develop this condition, especially as they age. Severe dental disease can lead to the rotting of the lower teeth. When these diseased teeth fall out or are extracted, there is no support for the tongue, so it simply pops out and hangs out to either the side or out the front. Fortunately, most dogs with this syndrome can enjoy a full, happy, healthy life without many severe issues. Are there any problems with Hanging Tongue Syndrome? The main issue from Hanging Tongue Syndrome is an incredibly dried-out tongue. Now imagine that feeling but on the tip of your tongue. All of the time. This is what dogs with this condition may have to deal with. If your dog has this condition, keep an eye out for any swelling, bleeding, or cracking of the tongue, and seek vet help if you notice them. If your dog has Hanging Tongue Syndrome, make sure they have access to plenty of water and that the color of their tongue and gums stays the same, as dogs with this syndrome are also prone to infections and even frostbite on their tongues in colder climates. Discoloration of the tongue and gums is a sign of infection, so contact your vet immediately. A sudden appearance of this syndrome combined with odd behavior could be a sign of neurological problems. If this is happening with your dog, consult your vet ASAP to make sure nothing too serious is happening. Occasionally, hanging tongue is attributed to factors unrelated to genetics. One prevalent factor is advanced dental disease, which can result in the absence of lower canine teeth. When there is no support for the tongue, it may protrude to the side. Moreover, injuries to the jaw, tongue, or head can cause nerve damage or tongue scarring, further contributing to this condition. DogTime Editors. Why do Bulldogs keep their Tongues Out? English Bulldogs belong to the brachycephalic breed of dog. The short facial anatomical features make them have difficult breathing patterns. Moreover, they have a long tongue compared to their mouth, which may be the reason for their habit of sticking out their tongue. Here you will find the satisfactory answer—Keep calm. Dogs usually show panting behavior just like other mammals. This mechanism is exhibited by having a typical mouth posture in which the tongue hangs. Dogs are well known for panting. Panting makes the dogs cool down their body temperature and brings it to be normal. You will better know the other conditions later. French Bulldog Tongue Out? For this purpose, you should call a veterinarian to get updates immediately after observing the abnormal tongue protruding. Some of them need immediate veterinary check-ups, while in other cases, you need not worry. In general, the following are the conditions that will let English Bulldog hangs its tongue out. Brachycephalic breeds of dogs, particularly Bulldog and Pug mostly prone to such conditions. Their small oral cavity cannot fit the large tongue; thus, the tongue keeps on hanging. In other cases, the overbite and underbite may lead to hanging tongue syndrome. Besides, teeth rotting may happen in severe dental diseases that lead to the extraction of diseased teeth the tongue pops out. Administration of New Medication Dogs are in the habit of hanging their tongue out whenever they get new medication orally. This condition is the clear symptom of having the administration of some wrong medicines or dose rate etc. Such cases must need proper veterinary check-ups to avoid serious health issues. The vet will better understand the condition that causes such complications. Panting Pant is the same mechanism used by dogs as sweat to humans. Especially in hot summers, when excessive heat production in bulldog happens, it moves towards eliminating the excessive heat by opening the mouth and increasing the breathing pattern to cool down the body. There might be mouth cancer or some severe inflammation that causes the tongue to hangs. You need to seek advice from a vet to diagnose the condition properly whenever you observe abnormal symptoms. Relaxed state The good news for dog owners is that tongue hanging is not always show some problematic condition. Sometimes, when dogs are in a different relaxed state, they tend to hang their tongue to relax their glossal muscles. Have you ever observed your bulldog sleeping with tongue hanging out? Do you ever get worried about why he is behaving like this? Either it is normal or not? Some dogs stick their tongues out and pull them back in immediately. There may be certain reasons for it. These variations depend upon the type of breeds as well as environmental conditions imposing on them. Unless there is no injury or infection of the or mouth present, worry not and enjoy the company of your English Bulldog. Bulldogs sleep on their back for a purpose related to cool down body temperature, especially in hot. As it is obvious, the downside of the belly bears the least amount of fur. It provides an easy way to exchange heat when they feel hot during sleep. This may happen to expose the maximum fragile area along with paws that could help them heat exchange. The main drawback of this sleeping posture is the complete exposure of vital organs at the risk of getting harmed. French Bulldogs, just like other dogs, tends to stick their tongue out while sleeping. There could be different reasons for exhibiting such symptoms , like having spicy food, treatment with a new medication, hanging tongue syndrome, and mouth-related inflammation. The inflammation might result from the trauma of the buccal cavity. In such a case, the dog feels pain due to swollen mucosal linings. The swelling may result from secondary bacterial infection after trauma or imperfect oral surgery. Moreover, your cute and lovely short dog may search for one way or another to get rid of this pain. Some pet dog owners complain about having their dog sticking his tongue like a lizard. This may result from several dental diseases like; Stomatitis in dogs results from the inflammation of the oral cavity Glossitis in English Bulldog is the inflammation of the tongue Gingivitis in bulldogs results from the inflammation of the gum Cheilitis in dogs is the inflammation of the lips. There are chances of other types of inflammation in bulldogs that cause the sticking of the tongues. These may result from; Viral and bacterial infections Diseases result from metabolic disorders Immune diseases Exposure to toxins and poisons Nutritional disorders Why Does my English Bulldog keep Sticking his Tongue out and Swallowing? English Bulldog keeps on licking and swallowing, which may indicate a serious health problem. Along with sticking out the tongue and swallowing can be some medical abnormality symptoms like neurological abnormality or abnormal behavior. Moreover, tongue sticking and swallowing can be exhibited by a dog as a communication tool and breathing. Whereas it may be due to certain reasons related to different breeds, according to some posts. The medical disorders include; Nausea. Why do dogs stick out their tongues? This is everything you need to know about bleps and what they mean. How about a mlem? Besides being one of the most popular terms used in pet-related social media, a blep refers to when an animal sticks their tongue out of its mouth only slightly. Recommended Videos Of course, not every incident of tongue-sicking-out is considered a blep. Most reasons for a dog blepping are totally harmless! Still, Dr. Holly Ahlgrim of DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital told The Dodo that a veterinary examination may be a good idea if this is a new behavior for your pup. Needless to say, you should also seek support if your buddy seems at all uncomfortable. Hydration is key for blepping pups! Having the tongue resting outside of the mouth can lead to immense dryness at times, so investing in a water fountain for your pet might be a smart idea. As Dr. Luckily, these tend to be the times when it also causes no discomfort — like with hanging tongue syndrome. It just might! While stress panting is a thing, if you spot your dog doing a blep, mlem, or acting overall derpy, it could indicate their inner joy. This could happen during sleep or a cuddle session. You also might spot your pup holding their tongue out after just getting a treat, perhaps savoring the taste of their favorite snack. As you can probably guess, these different situations have different causes! Neuropathy and other neurological issues can also contribute. Dental issues can also be a cause of tongue protrusion Of all the non-genetic causes of hanging tongue syndrome, or even regular blepping, dental problems are the most common. Wilson explained that, when a dog is missing teeth or even just support in the lower jaw, the tongue can roll or hang out of the mouth. Then you can snap as many photos as possible! Editors' Recommendations.

Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, and intelligent. Australian Retriever Appearance Depending on which genes they inherit these pups can look more like either the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd. This will impact their size with those with more Golden Retriever being larger. Most of the time these dogs will be well-muscled with a bushy tail and friendly alert eyes. These dogs are one of the most popular breeds for a reason — they are not only friendly but stunning dogs. They have powerful and athletic builds that make them good for hunting, obedience, and guide dogs. Height and Weight These dogs are a medium to large breed that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. They should stand between 19 to 23 inches — which is the perfect height to pet them! Colors and Coat You can expect these dogs to come in a variety of colors including black, brown, white, and golden. They can also come in merle, speckled, and spotted variations of many different colors. Your pup will have a waterproof double coat that is flowing and wavy. Many Australian Shepherd and Golden Retrievers are used as guide dogs to help the visually impaired. These dogs make great watchdogs since they are protective over their people. These dogs would be great as farmhands and herding dogs because of their high herding and protective drive. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Personality and Temperament Since these are mixed breed dogs they tend to have personality traits from both parents. They are very even-tempered and loving dogs that truly want to please their owners. These dogs are best known for their gentle disposition — they are outgoing, confident, and trustworthy dogs that make a great addition to the family. The Australian Shepherd is known for their intelligence, determination, and energy. They are dogs that need a job and have a high impulse to herd and a strong work drive that will need attention. Australian Retrievers have personality traits from both of these breeds which means they should be loyal, affectionate, eager to please, and energetic. Since these are an intelligent breed they are going to need a lot of exercise and training to keep them motivated. They have high energy levels and remain puppy-like throughout their lives. If their energy is not directed in the correct ways or they are not stimulated enough they will find a way to keep themselves entertained. This means that they can have some destructive behavior if not properly trained. They can be protective over certain items in the house so they will need to be properly socialized. Overall they will want to be with their owner every part of the day and love to be loved. They are amazing dogs that are ready to do whatever you want especially if that means outdoor activities. Australian Retriever make great family dogs — they love children and form close bonds with their human family. These dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and some grooming to keep them happy. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes need to be socialized from a young age and like to be with their owners most of the day. They are an amazing addition to an adventurous and outgoing family that have the right amount of time and energy that these dogs need. Exercise Requirements This breed needs a lot of exercise. They are always ready and waiting for the next fun adventure to go on. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mixes need at least an hour of exercise a day whether that is through long walks, a game of fetch, or running around outside. A great way to help these dogs get exercise would be a game of fetch or as a running partner. While running with your dog you could also have them heal next to you for some extra obedience training — this would be a good way to keep them mentally stimulated as well. They enjoy being outside as much as possible, so weekly hikes with your dog will help. Number of Walks Per Day: .During the seasonal changes they will need to be brushed daily. As these dogs love to be outside they will most likely come back in dirtier than they left. Giving baths once a month and brushing them to get excess dirt out of their fur will help to keep them clean. Checking their ears for dirt is a must as well. Make sure to also check their paws for damage that could have happened while playing outdoors. Feeding and Diet Looking for food that is specific for their size, stage in life, and exercise level is a must for these dogs. Their energy needs will change throughout their lives so finding food perfect for these different stages is important. Sticking to food that avoids fillers and concentrates more on high protein since these dogs can be prone to overeating and gaining some unwanted pounds. The high protein diet also helps to keep up their caloric intake for their high energy needs. They should be fed 2 times a day with equally weighted meals. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder that has checked their dogs for these traits is a good idea. The Golden Retriever is known for certain health issues such as cancer. This can also be a problem for the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The most common health problems include: Eye cataracts. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Australian Retriever Highlights Australian Retrievers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever parents. The main colors that the coat of the Australian Retriever comes in are black, brown, and white. Some can be more golden like their Retriever parent. The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. Ideally, this will be split up into two separate sessions. The Australian Retriever is a great fit with kids. You should still supervise all play time between kids and dogs. In general, Australian Retrievers are also fine around other household pets, although they can show herding instincts. Breeders continued to produce these mixed breed dogs as demand climbed. Turning attention to the parent breeds, the Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland, where they very quickly became in-demand pups due to their very high intelligence and impressive ability to carry out agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Australian Shepherd, this is a breed that was actually developed in the United States. Despite their unfortunate start as a designer breed, some Australian Retrievers end up in rescues and shelters. Look out for them and adopt if you decide this is the right dog for you. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 25 to 60 pounds and range in height from 19 to 23 inches. Female Australian Retrievers are sometimes smaller than their male counterparts. The dog will bond strongly and quickly with you and your children and will desire to be part of your daily life. This mixed breed requires a lot of energetic exercise and playtime, and will also benefit from regular training sessions to help stimulate their natural smarts. Australian Retriever Health Australian Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever face. Some of the more common health problems Australian Retrievers suffer from include: Bloat Hip Dysplasia Australian Retriever Care The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. When out and about, your Australian Retriever will flourish in safe off-leash conditions, especially if they can break out into long runs or take a swim. Ideally, the dog will live in a situation that features a fenced-in yard. Also, adding fetch and retrieve games to the daily exercise routine is imperative with this mixed breed. Australian Retriever Feeding An ideal Australian Retriever diet should be formulated for a large dog with high energy. In terms of climate, the Australian Retriever is quite an adaptable dog that can live happily in most weather conditions. But remember to dress your pooch in a dog coat if it gets very cold outside, and always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes. So be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down properly. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Australian Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Australian Retriever Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Australian Retrievers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This dog is naturally healthy, and thus free from genetic-based illnesses. However, there are also reports of this kind of breed getting cancer, hyperthyroid, allergies, and many more. The best way to avoid these scenarios is by getting a breeder. With that, we recommend brushing it on a daily basis if you want to maintain its luscious and shiny coat. Otherwise, cleaning the coat at least once or twice a week will do. It is known to have moderate shedding periods as well, but there are two seasons where they drop more hair than usual. With that, you might also want to invest in a vacuum. Not only will this make your dog cleaner, but it will also save you the trouble of doubling your cleaning chore from time to time. In line with that, you need to create hygienic routines for the dog. As much as possible, give it a bath once a day. Not only that, but you also need to trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush its teeth on a daily basis. Ears that are in this position are more prone to acquiring infection due to the absorption of moisture. If not cleaned and treated properly your dog might be prone to ear mites and other infections. You can also rent grooming services. If you do this, you will only have to take your Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd breed for a bath when it is visibly dirty. For more information regarding this, it would be best to discuss it with your dog breeder. This is due to the flexibility and genetic variety of this particular breed. Reports have shown that the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is also capable of acquiring diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, deafness, allergies, and epilepsy. Aside from that, some dogs of this kind are also known to be sensitive to drugs. But among all the illnesses this dog is prone to having, the ones you need to watch out for are pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Overall, however, you can expect your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd to be a healthy and athletic dog. A Golden Retriever can live from years. An Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of years. With these numbers in mind, you can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever to live for about years. A dog nutritionist will tell you to engage your dog in routine meals on a daily basis. This will provide it with the standard amount of energy and nutrients to rejuvenate the ones that it lost running around and playing in your house. Meanwhile, here are our top suggestions for dog food. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Seventy percent of this dog food is made out of meant nutrients, which can help build lean muscles. With this dog food, you can also be sure that your pup eats corn, soy, and wheat free. You might also be thrilled to know that the company is known to be a manufacturer of locally produced dog food, which crosses out the possibility of some ingredients coming from China. One of the best features of this dog food is its 34 percent crude protein paired with 16 percent crude fat. Its top ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, and peas. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage This is probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever crossbreed while he is still in his puppy stage. Earthborn has been known to produce one of the best dog foods for adult dogs, but the company recently released one variety that was specially made for Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race puppies. This dog food aims to give your pup a healthy brain and good eye development. Your doggo deserves to have the best care and nutrition you can give them. If you come across some of the worst dry dog food in the market, just keep going. Puppies should get food that will give them enough proteins, which you can find among best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas should get only the best senior dry dog food to make them feel young and strong. Also, if you stumble upon best dry dog food brands for Pugs give it a go these pups have refined taste buds and your doggo might, too. Your cutie carries the genes of super-unique and distinctive parents, so you can always opt for best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements Many dog owners are disappointed with having dogs contribute to mischief around the house. Little do they know that this mischievousness is just a result of high energy levels. Such is the case with the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race. The dog is quite energetic. In line with that, if they do not get sufficient amount of exercise, it will try to release their energy through other means. This is why some owners find their Mix of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd chewing and biting their shirt, slippers, or socks. You can schedule a session where the dogs can socialize with each other. Despite being a crossbreed, this dog also needs to socialize with its kind because it has a natural desire to be part of a herd. Socializing with other dogs of its kind will teach your puppy how to play nice with other animals. Still, these two things are done separately. The first thing you need to do is let the dog become acquainted with the environment since these types of dogs have hunting instincts. If you have other pets at home, it would be best to let your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd mingle with them. Let them play with each other. This will give the animals sufficient time to get to know each other. You might even want to walk your dog around the neighborhood. The reason for this is to familiarize your dog not only with the surroundings but also your neighbors so that when someone visits your home, your puppy will not think of them as trespassers. Once you have done that, you should invest your time in teaching these simple training tricks: Walk. By this age his freckles were starting to show more and his dark fur is just starting to lighten up a bit. Also, the pink on his nose started to become blacker. He liked to lie there because it was cooler than all the carpet everywhere, plus there was wood to chew on! He was always lying on brick, or linoleum, or any surface that was slightly cooler than others. He had just been digging, as you can probably tell. He is about 13 weeks here. I had about 4 or 5 random people stop me and ask if they could take a picture of my dog. Of course, I said yes. He weighs about 75 pounds, and the top of his head stands about 28 - 30 inches from the ground give or take an inch His mom was the Golden and his father was Aussie. He is such a wonderful dog! He's very smart and loyal. He definitely has the herding instinct, but isn't too annoying with it. He also loves to swim, run and play with other dogs, but doesn't mind lying at my side while I read. He is quite a joy to have. He is extremely social. I've met a few other of the same mixes, and they all look so different, but all very good looking. Absolutely great combo and I would love to have more of them. His coat is a bit wavy on his back, and a bit crimped looking behind his ears. In fact, someone once asked me if I crimped his hair? I just looked at them like they were crazy. But, for all I know that is normal in some dogs. More freckles seem to pop up here and there still, and he has almost no pink on his nose anymore, just a spot right on the top in the middle, and a spot on the left side too. Also, he got huge! What happened to my little puppy? He loves sticks. I've bred Golden Retrievers since and in recent years decided to get an Australian Shepherd to help out with my cattle. What I discovered was the black tricolored male Australian Shepherd was a wonderful and very intelligent companion. In late December , I got the first litter: 2 black and white or black bicolored and 2 black tricolored. The other two litters came in January .They were wonderful! I've never had puppies learn so easily! At 4 weeks old the puppies were using a spring loaded doggie door by themselves. I couldn't believe it and thought the mother was helping them through the door so I sat and observed and found out that they didn't need assistance from mom! Word got around that I had designed a new hybrid and completed all the paperwork to register them with ACHC and soon I was sending the puppies to new homes. The response on this new hybrid was astonishing! Some of the comments were "super easy to housetrain," "very obedient," "pleasant," "calm," etc. I've found the Australian Retrievers are not super demanding of one's attention and are comfortable just being close by. Also they are very attentive of what their "people" are doing and seem to notice any changes or anything different on the property. Like the Goldens, the Australian Retrievers love everyone! The breed listed as a mix between two purebreds. One Golden Retriever , the other Australian Shepherd. I'd previously had a purebred Aussie who was a GREAT companion, but was very high strung, nipped at heels and had a bad case of separation anxiety. Because I needed a calmer dog as a service dog I purposefully looked for a mix. Cheyenne was mostly black with white and a small amount of brown didn't look like a blue, however , with brown eyes a mostly black nose mostly pink as a pup with a heart-shaped pink area near it's base. With careful training, enlisting my kids as helpers, Cheyenne was a HUGE help, learned fast and very easygoing. Even during illness he still performed light duties flipping lights, retrieving items without fail. So glad I found him! He holds my heart with wonderful memories. Spotted Golden Retriever Aussie Mix Temperament There is no exact way of predicting the personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, and the same is true for Australian shepherds. Intelligent As soon as you bring an Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix home, you will notice they are an exceptionally intelligent dog. Needless to say, this mix is very easy to train and will pass potty training and obedience training with flying colors. Keep in mind that, as such an intelligent canine, your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix will probably outsmart you more than once. Highly Energetic The Golden Aussie is a highly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise , playtime, and training sessions to stay on top of his game both mentally and physically. If you have a more active lifestyle, this mix will fit right in with your schedule and be a great jogging, hiking, or swimming companion. However, if you are more of a couch potato, your Golden Aussie will behave a bit like a drill sergeant with a goal to get you in shape! Your Aussie retriever mix will need at least an hour of exercise every day ideally spread out over several play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated. If not provided with an appropriate outlet for their energy, your golden retriever Aussie mix will use destructive chewing, barking, and digging to prevent boredom. The Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix bonds strongly with its family and seeks out human companionship at all hours of the day and night. This mixed breed loves to be close to its people and is always in the mood for cuddles or petting sessions. Your Golden Aussie will have a strong desire to be close by and involved in everything you are doing and might feel unwanted if ignored or left alone. Thus, consider how much time you have to spend cuddling and interacting with your dog before you bring your Golden Aussie home. Hard-Working Since both Australian shepherds and golden retrievers are working dogs, their offspring tend to inherit a strong work ethic and be the happiest when they have a job to do. Depending on how much your mix takes after its Aussie parent, they might try to herd and nip at your family members, children, and smaller pets. This sort of behavior will work in your favor if you live on a farm; otherwise, you should discourage it with training. You can use these working skills while training and exercising your mix, like having him or her fetch and retrieve balls and freebies. This way, your pooch will feel like they are doing important work and get a workout at the same time. However, this mix is prone to certain health problems that are often seen in Australian shepherds and golden retrievers. The most common health problems seen in this mix are: Hip dysplasia Cancer Bloat The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix from a reputable dog breeder. You should also meet both parents and ask the breeder to show you their hip, elbow, and eye scores, as well as any other tests that he has had done. Compared to other dogs of their size, Aussie retrievers have a fairly long life span and on average live from 12 to 15 years. Be prepared for a long-term commitment and at least a few vet bills down the road before you ultimately decide to bring this mix into your home. Feeding An Aussie Golden Mix The ideal diet for the Australian retriever is one that consists of a lot of protein, fat, healthy carbs, and all other essential vitamins and minerals. Your mix should primarily eat dog food formulated especially for large dogs with high energy. Since they are prone to bloat , you should feed your Australian retriever two equally spaced smaller meals, once at the beginning of the day and another in the evening, and avoid free-feeding your dog. As a puppy, your mix will need calorie-dense puppy food suitable for large breed dogs and have to eat four small, evenly spaced out meals per day. To start, you should continue using the same dog food the breeder was feeding them and wait a month to slowly transition your pup to a different formula. To stay on top of all of that loose hair, you should brush your mix two to three times a week. The coat will shed to some extent all year round, and your mix will go through a heavy shed every spring, at which time you might need to brush your dog every day, using a dog brush that fits its coat best. Bathing once every other month will suffice unless your mix likes to roll in the mud and has to be bathed more often. After reading through our complete description of the Aussie retriever, you might still be unsure whether this wonderful crossbreed is right for you and your lifestyle. We suggest that you ask the following questions to help you decide. These dogs are both large and energetic, which means they thrive when they have a bit of extra space to exercise. An apartment will feel both feel small and confining to them and be inconvenient for you when such a big dog is wandering around in it. Even a small outdoor area that they can play around in will make a big difference to their overall health and happiness. Aussie retrievers love companionship and always want to be in the thick of things. If they are left at home on their own for several hours a day, perhaps when everyone is at work, they are likely to develop anxiety and depression. Not only is this bad for them, but it also often manifests in destructive behaviors like chewing, scratching, and digging. These dogs do best in households when there is generally someone around most of the time. How Energetic Are You? These dogs need lots of exercise. As well as at least an hour a day, they thrive when taken on regular weekend adventures like hiking, camping, or swimming. In addition, their daily exercise needs to be more than just a casual walk. Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have lots of energy that they will need to burn off daily to stay happy and healthy. Will this suit your lifestyle? Are you going to be able to keep up with this dog? If not, this particular breed might not be the right choice for you. Are You Experienced With Dogs? These lovely crossbreeds are highly trainable and very personable, so even first-time owners should be able to teach them the necessary commands. However, bear in mind that they are also large dogs, and they respond best to a strong alpha. How Old Are Your Children? If you have young children at home, you might want to wait until they are a bit older to bring home one of these dogs. Not only do Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have a tendency to herd younger children, but their size and energy can also be overwhelming for smaller kids. They will want to play quite energetically and confidently with your kids, who might be too small to control the situation. Also, these dogs are quite a lot of work, and you might not want to be running around after one of them while also running around after a toddler. Older kids, however, will find it rewarding to help you care for this personable pup. As with most designer pups, their cost varies greatly depending on where you are in the country and the subsequent supply and demand. You may also find some of these desirable pups looking for homes in a local shelter, so be sure to call around these shelters as your first option. Can Australian retrievers be golden? Australian retrievers can inherit the gold coats of their golden retriever parent, but a pure golden coat is relatively rare, as they usually have a mix of color markings like their Australian shepherd parent. Wrapping Up… It should be no surprise that golden retriever Aussie mixes are quickly becoming very desirable dogs, as they combine two of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are a stable crossbreed, as their parents have similar temperaments. They are both friendly and intelligent, which means their offspring are sure to be the same, no matter how their characteristics mix. Overall, these dogs are: Best suited to having constant company around the house Highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation The Golden Aussie is ideal for active families who have lots of time to spend with their pup and enjoy getting active with them. While they need lots of love and attention, the unconditional loyalty and affection that they offer in return make them well worth the investment. Do you have experience with Golden Aussie mixes? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Current Litter Why us? Doodles for Colorado has been raising quality Goldendoodles in Boulder County since .Our puppies are socialized in a family setting with plenty of love and attention, raised with children and also cats and bunnies. We breed for temperament and quality of genetics. All of our dogs are OFA certified for hips, eyes and heart. Our 3 children love to socialize the puppies as much as they can during those first 8 weeks of life. This is so important in shaping a confident and calm puppy. Since we are a small scale operation, only 2 litters per year, each puppy gets lots of loving! Our goal is to produce a healthy dog with a great temperament and we have been very successful in meeting that goal. Our puppies are raised as part of our family with alot of love and attention and are nurtured in a safe environment. They grow up with plenty of sunshine and lots and lots of visitors. They also learn over the last few weeks how to use a dog door and get very competent at using it. We also crate train the puppies for 1 week prior to going to their new homes. This makes the transition to their new homes much easier. We also try to expose them to animals, sounds, smells, different surfaces to walk on and people of all sizes. We are very selective in our dogs that we use for breeding. We strive to produce puppies that are physically and genetically excellent as well as mellow and sweet in their personalities. We back up our breeding practices with a 2 year health guarantee and a puppy purchase agreement to protect you as a buyer and ensure the health of our puppies. Goldendoodles make great service dogs!! Are you considering being a part of our guardian home opportunity? See Guardian tab on boulderpuppies. We breed F1 and F1B crosses of Goldendoodle puppies. I began by taking little Raffles to our local dog-friendly coffee shop, where he could sit on my lap on his blanket with one of his toys while I had a coffee. Of course, the cute puppy attracted plenty of attention, and lots of people stopped to pet him. The next stop was our local squash club bar. There was plenty going on there, with a pool competition in full swing, several vaccinated dogs, and some little kids, too. At first, my puppy was quite shy, hiding his head in my arms and sleeping through most of the excitement. But by his second week with me, Raffles was loving the attention. By the time the little guy could go down on the ground and meet other dogs, he was a confident, friendly puppy who loved to meet and greet people, including children. At first, when we met another dog at the park, my puppy hid behind me or tried to climb up my legs, crying so that I would pick him up. But once a few pups had been encountered, the crying stopped, and all Raffles wanted to do was play with every dog he met! So, Mr. Confident started barking back! I firmly believe that most dogs are made the way they are through the experiences they have had in their formative years. In Conclusion Did you enjoy our list of the 7 best Goldendoodle breeders in Colorado? If you did, please share! To ensure that you buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy, always buy from a reputable breeder, such as those included in our list. Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Vandenbark Doodles Finding a Responsible Goldendoodle Breeder With the Doodle star on the rise, these pups often sell for quite a bit of money. You need to keep an eye out for fake advertisements. These people will direct you to send them a hefty deposit for a pup and then quickly disappear. Fraudsters, on the other hand, breed poor-quality dogs in puppy mills. GANA offers breeder accreditation at different levels dependent on the facility in question, demonstrating specific breeding criteria, including reliability in coat, type, health, and temperament. A GANA membership demonstrates quality in a breeding facility but do make sure you double-check that they really are registered before purchasing a pup from them. Ensure Appropriate Health Checks Genetic testing and wellness check-ups are a crucial part of breeding. Then they need to make sure that any puppies born are in the best possible health. It can be pretty tricky for a novice owner to know exactly what to be on the lookout for when determining whether Goldendoodle puppies are healthy or not. However, the breeder should be very open with this information, happy to discuss their dogs with you and provide evidence of their suitability for breeding. For a quick overview of conditions common to Doodles, check out our dedicated article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Look For a Health Guarantee One of the best indicators that a breeder has true faith in the quality and health of their puppies is if they provide a health guarantee. This generally says something along the lines that they will issue a full refund if certain genetic health conditions become apparent in one of their puppies within a specific amount of time usually 24 months. The breeder will usually ask you to take your pup for an initial health check with your vet as soon as you bring them home on top of the check they do before the puppy leaves their facility to make sure everything is okay from the get-go. Seek Recommendations from A Trusted Source These days there are plenty of expert sites such as this one offering advice and recommendations based on research and user reviews. This is a good place to start your search for a breeder, but make sure to do some research on top of this, too. Breeder status can change quickly — especially when under new management. Read Online Reviews Online reviews are probably the best place to get up-to-date info on breeders in your local area. Social media is an excellent place for this. Generally, the more reviews a breeder has, the more confident you can be that the reviews are genuine. For more top tips on picking the perfect pup from the very best facility, check out How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. They specialize in all sizes of the Goldendoodle — from the largest Standard Goldendoodles to the tiniest Toy Goldendoodle variety. Selah Mountain Dogs is an in-home breeding program, where the whole family takes part in raising the pups. Their breeding mamas and papas are all very much loved family pets, either living with the breeder or in carefully chosen guardian families. They oppose keeping their dogs in kennels or outdoor enclosures, and each of their breeding dogs is a pet first and foremost. Their puppies grow up in a safe and loving home environment around playful children, friendly neighbors, adult dogs, and other pets like cats, horses, and chickens. This breeding facility focuses on creating sound and mellow-tempered Goldendoodles, with health being the most crucial consideration. To get their puppies started on the right foot, they follow the Puppy Culture program along with many other enrichment techniques. What Makes This Breeder Unique? This demonstrates their commitment to breeding the best dogs around. They follow the strictest health testing requirements as necessary for this level. Moreover, they conduct temperament testing on all of their puppies at 7 weeks of age to match each of them to the most suitable forever home. They also come with a microchip and a free day pet insurance plan. Waitlist: Yes. Goldendoodle via imgoldenyoona How To Find A Reputable Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

Puppies , older dogs and larger breeds tend to need more sleep, while smaller breed dogs or working dogs need less. Even when they're awake, dogs spend around 30 percent of their time lying around and chilling, but nap time is crucial for a healthy hound. Just like humans, sleep is when dogs rest and recuperate, but it's also important for memory and learning. The Sleep Foundation says there are things you can do to help your dog get the best sleep possible. Just like humans, canines' circadian rhythms are influenced by light, which is why it's important to make their sleeping space as dark as possible. Noise control is also vital, to ensure their sleep isn't disrupted. If your dog is struggling to wind down, the Sleep Foundation says a regular sleep schedule can help them to relax. Regular exercise can also help dogs to doze off at night, while relaxation breaks throughout the day can help canines to get the physical and mental rest they need. A stock photo of a golden retriever puppy napping on a bed. TikTok users could empathize with the drowsy dog's reaction to being woken up slightly early. Nadiia Borodai Although many dogs like to snooze with their humans , having their own bed is key for quality sleep. Whether owners realize it or not, their movement may be disturbing their pet's sleep, making a crate or a dog bed a better place to slumber. In the video captions, Cali's owner explains that she woke the retriever up seven minutes early that morning. As anyone familiar with the snooze button will tell you, losing even seven minutes of sleep is a painful experience. Clearly struggling to stay awake, 1-year-old Cali wobbles slightly from side to side as her eyes flutter open and closed. Speaking from her pet's perspective, Cali's owner says in the clip: "The light is way too bright for my eyes. You might be feeding it the wrong foods or the wrong amount. This would be especially likely if it started being lazier when you started feeding it differently. It would help to consult with your vet when you see them next on the diet it is getting and whether or not you are feeding it the right foods and in the correct quantities. It would also help to make sure that no one else has been feeding it. You can take a look here to see everything that you need to know about what you should be feeding your Golden Retriever puppy. It has depression It is possible for dogs to get depression, like humans can, and it could be the reason why your Golden Retriever puppy has been acting lazy. Depression would be unlikely to be the reason for a healthy Golden Retriever puppy being lazy in a healthy environment. However, it would be more likely if it has not always been so lazy. It would also be more likely if it suddenly became lazy after something happened such as if it lost a friend, you moved home or a family member moved away. Nature Golden Retriever puppies naturally sleep a lot and it is normal for them to sleep for between 15 and 20 hours per day source. This is because they are growing fast when they are puppies and they grow while they are sleeping. Illness or injury Illness or injury could be what has been causing it to be lazy. This would be more likely if it has become fatigued suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill or injured such as being fatigued when awake or vomiting. If it does seem like illness could be the cause the best option would be to take it to a vet. Hot weather If your Golden Retriever puppy has suddenly started being lazier since the weather has become hotter, it could be because of the weather. This would be more likely if it is lazier when it is hot outside. In this case, it would be important to give it lots of access to shade, water and a cool room. It would also help to exercise it in the mornings or evenings when it is cooler and the sun is not directly overhead. Not enough exercise Golden Retrievers are a breed that is meant to get a lot of exercise on a daily basis. If your Golden Retriever puppy is not getting much exercise it could be causing it to behave abnormally. It is normally recommended for them to get at least an hour of exercise per day as healthy adults. It is debated that, as puppies, the amount of exercise they should be getting should be limited since they are still growing. It is generally recommended for them to get around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice daily source. Things to consider Below are some things to consider about your Golden Retriever puppy being lazy. If it has always been lazy If your Golden Retriever puppy has suddenly started being lazy, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it did start being lazy suddenly it would make it more likely to be due to things such as a change in its diet, becoming ill or the weather getting too hot for it. Whereas, if it has not started doing it suddenly it would be more likely to be due to its nature especially if it is not lazy when it is awake but it just sleeps a lot which would be normal. However, it could also be that you have always been feeding it incorrectly or that there is a more serious issue. When it becomes less lazy It would also help to consider the timing of when it becomes lazy since the timing could also have something to do with it. How to get your Golden Retriever puppy to be less lazy Below are some options you have when trying to get your Golden Retriever puppy to be less lazy. Make sure its diet is right As mentioned above, It might be the case that it has been doing it due to an issue with its diet. If you want to get your Golden Retriever puppy to be less lazy and for it to be as healthy as possible it is important to make sure that it is eating correctly. You can look here to see what you should be feeding it. Take it to a vet If it is fatigued while it is awake, it has been showing signs of illness or it has become lazy suddenly the best option would be to take it to a vet. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular Golden Retriever and to rule out medical causes. Keep it cool If your Golden Retriever puppy has started being lazy as the weather has gotten hotter it would be important to help keep it cool. You can do this by giving it access to lots of shade, water and cool areas. It would also be important to avoid letting it be out in direct sunlight for extended periods since it could cause it to get heatstroke. Give it toys to play with In addition to the above, you could also give it things to play with to help keep it stimulated. Things that you could give it would include toys or puzzle games designed for dogs. Allow it to sleep It is natural for Golden Retriever puppies to sleep a lot when they are puppies because they are growing fast and they need sleep to support their growth. As a result, it is important to let it sleep whenever it feels the need to sleep. Are Golden Retrievers High-energy? Golden Retrievers are considered high-energy dogs. They thrive in active households where someone is around during the daytime to look after them and play with them. Golden Retrievers do not do well when left home alone for extended periods of time. If you work during the day, you may need to hire a dog sitter or take your dog to a doggy daycare where they can get the socialization they need while you are gone. Golden Retrievers do get bored easily. The good news is that there are many ways to solve this problem. If you have enough space, have two dogs. Your Golden Retriever will love having someone to play with when you are not available. Golden Retrievers are active dogs that love games. Playing games with your Golden Retriever is an easy way to keep them from getting bored. If you work during the day, have a dog sitter or walker come and play with them or take them to the dog park. Some of their favorite games are: Water games Golden Retrievers love playing in the water. If you have a backyard, you can play all kinds of water games with your dog. If you have a pool or kid pool, your golden retriever will enjoy splashing around in the pool. If you have a sprinkler, your golden retriever will enjoy running through it, trying to catch the water, or playing tag with it. Golden retrievers will really love it if you run through the sprinkler with them. You can even turn a bath into a game by bathing them outside with a hose. Turn it into a game of tag where you are spraying your dog as they run around. Hide and Seek Golden Retrievers are also fans of hide and seek. You can play this game in a number of ways. The most traditional way is where you hide and your dog has to find you. Lastly, you can play hide and seek with toys. They then go around the house finding toys and bringing them to you. Frisbee Frisbee or catch is another popular game for Golden Retrievers. Golden retrievers love to chase, catch, and bring back toys to you. This type of game is great outdoors. Fetch Fetch like frisbee and catch is a chasing game. Golden Retrievers love chasing balls, sticks, and toys. You can also train your dog to fetch items, like the newspaper. Make sure your Golden Retriever knows different words for each item. They are smart dogs and can learn to recognize commands. Tug of War Golden Retrievers love playing tug of war. Make sure to get them a rope that is safe for their teeth. There are many different kinds of toys designed to be tug of war ropes or toys. Tug of war can be played between two friendly dogs, a dog and their person, or even just the dog. For the single-player version, you need a dog rope that is attached to something like a bungee cord. Attach that to something immovable and unbreakable and watch your dog tug and tug at their toy. It is simple and helpful. An alternative to this game is to teach your dog to clean up other things. Make sure that whatever they are cleaning up will not be damaged by being picked up in their mouth. In addition, make sure that whatever they are picking up will not make them sick. Stairway Dash This game is simple and requires no materials, just stairs. Golden Retrievers love running. Race them to the stairs. Next, have them sit and wait while you go up. You can then repeat this and have them come down the stairs. And more! There are many more fun games you can play with your smart Golden Retriever. You can set up an obstacle course outside, in your garage, or in a specific room in your house. Golden Retrievers also love chasing bubbles, so get the non-toxic kind and blow away. There are many causes for laziness in a dog. The key is that none of them are natural. While dogs do sleep a lot more than humans in most cases, they are rarely lazy. If your dog is lazy and lethargic, it is often a sign of an underlying problem. The best option if your dog becomes lethargic fairly quickly or suddenly is to take them to the vet to find out what is wrong. Infections or viruses Just like with humans, if a dog is sick due to an infection or a virus, it will be more tired than normal. Talk to your vet about ways to help your dog. Heart Problems Heart problems can also cause your dog to slow down and become lethargic or lazy. Your vet will be able to help you decide if your dog needs medicine, surgery or if they simply need loving at the end of their life. Liver Problems Liver problems can also cause your dog to appear lazy or lethargic. If you notice that lethargy is paired with a loss of weight, appetite loss, diarrhea, or increased thirst, tell your vet as these are all signs that the liver might be the cause. Diabetes Diabetes is another health problem that may cause dogs to be more tired than usual. Other symptoms include an increased need for water and potty breaks, an increased appetite, and weight loss. If your dog has these symptoms see your vet about treatment options. Anemia Anemia can also cause dogs to slow down and sleep more often. Anemia can also be the result of even more serious health problems. Go to the vet immediately if you notice the following symptoms: bloody bowel movements, blood in vomit, whiteish or pale pink gums, or quick and easy bruising. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia can also cause dogs to become lethargic. Lethargy is one of the beginning signs and is followed by lack of coordination, trembling or weakness in the limbs, uncontrolled muscle twitching, seizures, and discoloration of the gums. Take your dog to the vet immediately if they show any of these signs. Medications Medications can also cause dogs to be lazy or lethargic. Sometimes it is a common side effect, and your vet will let you know about it. Other times it could be a sign that your dog is having a bad reaction to the medication. Food Poisoning If your dog starts acting tired or lethargic right after eating something, it may be a sign that they ate something their body does not agree with or food poisoning. If this is the case, take them to the emergency animal hospital immediately. Pain It is often hard to tell if a dog is in pain. However, if they are having trouble moving and seem extra tired, it may be because they are in pain. If you think this may be the cause, you can take your dog to the vet for some tests to determine what kind of pain and how to treat it. If it is a broken bone, the vet will likely recommend you let your dog rest and relax until it heals. Tumors Tumors can also cause a dog to act lazy or lethargic. If your dog is older than 10 and you think they might have cancer, you should take them to the vet for testing and treatment. It can cause tiredness and a lack of energy. Other symptoms include obesity, unexplained or unexpected weight gain, and an intolerance for the cold. Depression Depression can cause a dog to act lazy and uninterested. Depression can be caused by the loss of a loved family member, abandonment, mistreatment, or not having their needs met. Talk to your vet about ways to help your dog deal with depression. Narcolepsy If your dog suffers from Narcolepsy, it may collapse or fall asleep rapidly. If it is a rare, occurring thing, your vet will ask you to keep an eye on it. If it starts happening more frequently, interventions and treatment may be needed. Insomnia Insomnia can cause lethargy and laziness. If your dog is not getting enough sleep at night, it will seem lazier and sleepier during the day. Insomnia is often a sign of an underlying health condition. If you notice that your dog is having trouble sleeping, take them to the vet to get checked. Sleep Apnea Mild sleep apnea may cause your dog to be sleepier during the day. If your dog is especially active while sleeping, it may suffer from a lack of deep sleep. This will cause them to be more tired during the day. There is not much you can do except to safely try and wake them up so they can try and sleep more peacefully. First off, puppies always need more sleep than adult dogs. You may notice your puppy suffers from Narcolepsy and falls asleep instantly at times. This is completely normal. However, puppies, just like adult dogs, can suffer from the above illnesses. They may be less likely to have some of the long-term illnesses, but it can happen. Your vet can run tests if you think your puppy may have health problems. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Your puppy should be equal parts sleepy and energetic. Puppies often take this to the extreme. They can be super energetic and playful one minute and then tired and sleepy the next. Do Dogs Sleep When Bored? Yes, dogs do sleep when bored. If this becomes a habit, it can cause health problems, including weight gain, which will lead to other health problems, and depression. Conclusion Golden Retrievers may seem lazy because they sleep so much, but 12 hours of sleep is natural for them. If they sleep while we sleep, they will get hours of sleep. They will still need another hours of sleep during the daytime. They are not lazy dogs. They are high-energy and love to play. In the end, the choice is yours. Are you active and around the home during the day? Can you provide a good home for an energetic Golden Retriever? Related Posts:. Ruling out health issues should always be the first course of action when a behavior change is sudden and out of the norm. Possible causes for extreme lethargy could be infections, and metabolic disorders e. If a Golden Retriever is on a prescription for a health issue, that could be causing its lethargy and laziness. Your Golden Retriever may also be suffering from an injury. While signs of pain can often be agitation or restlessness, equally as likely is withdrawing or lethargy. Look for constant licking of a body part or if the dog favors one side or body position over another. You can try examining your Golden but be wary that a painful injury could result in aggressive behavior due to the pain. I wrote an article on some of the most serious and costly health issues that Golden Retriever can be afflicted with. There is no sense guessing, be sure. Let your vet rule out any issues. If on medications, check the drug for a common side effect that includes decreased energy as the cause. Age As a Golden Retriever gets up in age, it will naturally begin to slow down and become less active. A decline in activity with age is normal and expected. Ensure your home is senior-friendly e. Too Much Exercise Yes, it can happen. Just like after a challenging workout, you feel a little rundown; this can happen to a dog too. Or suppose your Golden is a lower energy dog and has a natural inclination for less activity. In that case, he may not need the same level of activity as a more high-energy Golden. If your Golden has been over-exercised, it may be resistant to activities, become lethargic, and develop mobility issues. Be alert to any potential issues. Instead, increase the amount of activity gradually over time so your Golden can adapt. Suggested Actions: If you think you have over-exercised your Golden, give him adequate time to recover. The breed is known to need a high level of activity. Often, owners are too busy with work, kids, and life in general, to give a high energy Golden the physical and mental outlet it needs. The Golden Retriever is one of the smartest dogs and needs to have mental stimulation and physical exercise. Mental stimulation comes in the form of play, training, and games. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can result in boredom for your dog. While boredom usually takes the form of mischievous behaviors, a Golden Retriever may also become withdrawn and unenergetic, i. You can play some tug in the house or get your Golden some puzzle game to challenge its mind. Consider enrolling your Golden in rally, agility, obedience, or other canine sports games. In addition to helping your Golden relieve boredom, it gives you an activity you can bond over together. Ensure your Golden has lots of chew and play toys available at all times. Weight Issues Golden Retrievers always seem to be hungry. To say their food motivated can be an understatement. But, unfortunately, that food drive is a double edge sword. While a high food drive makes reward-based training more effortless, it also makes a Golden more prone to weight gain. This is because your Golden has to carry around that extra weight and may tire more quickly or lack the motivation to exercise at all. Excess weight can also increase stress on joints and muscles, making it more difficult for your Golden to exercise. Suggested Actions: If your Golden Retriever is overweight or underweight, talk to your vet on how best to proceed. Avoid table feeding your Golden and watch the treats. Increase exercise duration gradually over time to avoid over-exercising your Golden Retriever. Diet Often a change in the brand of dog food or amount being fed may be at the heart of changes in energy levels. High-quality dog foods are designed for dogs based on their age and size. Your Golden needs to have the right type of food to ensure its nutritional requirements are met. As discussed above, overfeeding your Golden can cause weight gain and a decreased ability or desire to be as active. But, underfeeding your dog or not providing high-quality dog food can have the same outcome. Without the necessary calories and energy, your Golden may not have the fuel to be active. As a result, your Golden Retriever can also become underweight or too skinny and thereby affecting its energy levels. I wrote an article on identifying if your Golden Retriever is too skinny, including possible causes and solutions. Signs to Look For. While much rarer, a Golden Retriever may also be a picky eater. Most often, that is due to table feeding and acquiring a taste for human food. While most dogs will not starve if there is food available, their diet may not have the necessary macro and micronutrients if they are being fed a diet that is proportionately table scraps and human treats. Also, be mindful of feeding your Golden Retriever fruits and vegetables. While some can be a healthy snack full of vitamins and minerals, some can be harmful or even deadly. Suggested Actions: Make sure your brand of dog food is high quality and your Golden nutritional needs are being met. Ensure your Golden is getting the right amount of food. Check the food table on the back of the bag to ensure it is getting the appropriate amount. Monitor the weight of your dog and adjust food and exercise accordingly. Enlist the guidance of your vet if you feel your dog is under or overweight. Emotional Distress Golden Retrievers are one of the most emotionally sensitive dog breeds. As a result, Golden Retrievers become very attached to their families and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. Goldens can become fearful and withdrawn if physical or loud verbal corrections are used. Moreover, they need to have their mental, physical, and socialization needs to be met to ensure they are well-balanced and healthy. Emotional distress can manifest itself in various symptoms, including becoming withdrawn, lethargic, and even depressed. The withdrawn behavior can easily be mistaken for laziness. Utilize positive-reward-based training and a lot of love and attention. Socialization is essential for a dog. Look into playdates for your dog or consider a puppy daycare. Weather When temperature and humidity levels begin to rise, a Golden can become overheated. Heat exhaustion or overheating can manifest in an unwillingness to exercise or be active. In fact, it is not uncommon for a Golden Retriever to be lazier during the day when temperatures become very hot in the summer. In the article, I also discuss signs of heatstroke and what to do if you suspect your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion. Conversely, when temperatures drop, a Golden can become frostbitten, and its nose and paws are especially susceptible. The cold can make a Golden uncomfortable. It may also fatigue more quickly due to the effect of cold on muscles. Just like we prefer to be indoors on a cold day, snuggled up on the couch, a Golden may naturally migrate to the warmth of the home over the cold outdoors. Suggest Actions: Avoid exercising your Golden Retriever when the weather is too hot. Instead, opt for early morning or evening sessions and bring water for your Golden during outdoor activities. In winter, keep exercise sessions shorter and utilize booties and a coat if extremely cold.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 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. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you.