golden retriever puppy is wild

The down command is the next natural step being very easy for both you as the trainer to teach, and for your dog to understand and do well with. Remember, we want to set our dogs up to win when training, we want to start gently with the very basics to build their confidence. Teaching the down command is one such way to do this. The down command is an incredibly useful tool providing a way to manage and control your Golden when necessary and will serve you both well throughout your life together. In this article I teach two highly effective yet simple to follow techniques you can use to train your Golden to get into a down position: Luring and capturing. Follow along and I can promise you will find success in no time…and have fun along the way. When Can It Be Used? There are many situations in every day life when you can use obedience commands and the down is possibly the most useful. Here are just a few of the reasons for which the down command is so useful: Massive safety benefits to nail them to the spot if a dangerous situation is forming. For instance if your dog is on the other side of a road, about to cross and a car is coming you can command a down until safe and then call or go to get them. For instance if your Golden is the type to chase a motorbike or squirrel, when in a sit they can explosively bolt in an instant. But they are calmer in a down, less poised for action and so it takes more to go from a down to a run, giving you greater opportunity to interrupt and correct them. A down is more relaxed than a sit and dogs will find it easier to hold a down for far longer than a sit. So if you need your dog to stay in one spot for any length of time, the down is the perfect command to use when you need them to stay put. If your Golden is getting too boisterous around children or other dogs, ask for a down and it will calm them and take the edge off their boisterous energy. Basically, the down position is overall calming. But more than anything, a dog in a down cannot run off, jump up on people, chase another animal or dart into traffic. Some Tips And Rules To Follow When Training The Down Command For the first few sessions when the down command is new to your dog, hold the training at home in a familiar room with no distractions to make it easy as possible for them to succeed. Sound friendly yet authoritative, not frightening. For the best results, train the down command after your Golden has enjoyed some exercise and before their dinner. You should train a release command. Please use different commands for each behavior, otherwise it can cause confusion, make them harder to learn and be less effective. Always be upbeat and happy when training, keeping it fun. And finish before your puppy gets bored so they enjoy the experience and look forward to your training sessions together. Just 5 or so minutes, 2 or 3 times per day is plenty for a puppy and you can increase the number of sessions and duration as they grow. We only have to make them do so on command. Our aim is to train our Golden Retriever to lie down completely when we ask, with their belly touching the floor and their front legs stretched ahead of them. No bum in the air, not merely crouched, but all the way down, belly to the floor. And then they should wait for us to release them. As with all training there are many techniques and methods you could use. In this article I will concentrate on the two most simple which are both kind, positive and highly effective: Luring and capturing. The whole movement of the lure is straight down, and then away from them, in an L-shape not a diagonal. To follow the treat your puppy will have to lower themself and they should drop into a down position. TIP: If starting from a standing position, some dogs will simply walk forward to follow the treat along the ground instead of getting into a down. If this happens, get them into a sit first so their bum is already on the floor, then lure them into a down. So we want to progress to training a hand signal to use from a standing position. After a few training sessions where you have the treat in your hand, lure them into the down position with an empty hand, using exactly the same motion, but with no treat. Still treat them, just not from your luring hand. Go down to an inch above for 2 training sessions. In time you will be able to use the signal while completely standing, not having to bend down at all. This is the internationally recognized hand signal for a down. All dogs will lie down at some point eventually, all you have to do is be there and watching to capture it. Remove all toys and anything of interest to encourage boredom and for your dog to lie down. Now you just wait. Step 2 With nothing exciting happening and nothing else to do, eventually your dog will lie down. Step 3 Your dog is now likely to offer different behaviors, attempting to get another reward. Just ignore them completely until they offer a down again. As soon as they do, mark the behavior again and throw another treat. Step 4 When they are offering the down regularly, you can start adding a cue. Physical coercion for a sit is both easy to do and very gentle if done as described. But forcing a dog into a down is not. I promise you will succeed with these methods plus a little patience and dedication. At first, use the command when your dog is already rising for a few training sessions, capturing them getting up. Then start to train the down command and when they start to rise, interrupt them and put them back into the down position. If they ignore the release word, you can easily lure them up with a treat. This will almost never fail. Try to go for longer and longer durations of a down before you release them as your training progresses. More on this a little later. Phasing Out Food Rewards As discussed in previous articles, you simply must phase out the food rewards and cannot treat them every time forever. As the first stage of phasing out food rewards, start to ask for more before you give a treat. Only treat the best downs. Then ask for a combination of behaviors before treating sit, down, sit then treat , and eventually treat just at random times, sometimes for a sequence of 3 behaviors and sometimes for 6. You can ask for a sequence of behaviors and give them a favorite toy, game of tug or literally anything your puppy likes. Your end goal is to make rewards truly random. Sometimes food, but often something else. Sometimes for one behavior, sometimes for a sequence of 6. Proofing And Generalizing The Down Command To make any new command or behavior reliably trained and useful, you have to proof and generalize it. Proof it by adding distance, duration and distractions, and generalize it by practicing the command in many different types of environment. The general rule is that you add one at a time of either duration, distance or distractions, otherwise it will be too hard and your dog may begin to fail. Once there, increase the duration by 5 seconds each session until you get to 5 minutes, then increase by 30 seconds, eventually working up to half an hour and beyond. You would do this while sat watching TV or other times you yourself are sat calmly. And it will take months of slow progression to work up to this level. After adding duration, you can start trying to add distance to the command. To do so, ask for a down and take a step away before releasing. Then two steps, three steps and so on. For distractions, you can have family members walking around, other dogs nearby, eat some food nearby and maybe even scatter food around them eventually — after lots of building up to it! For generalizing, practice all the above at home, in friends houses, down the park, in town, anywhere you can think of. The idea is that by increasing either distance, duration or distractions one at a time and in different situations, you slowly increase the difficulty and soon enough you will be able to have your dog reliably lie down and stay until you release them, in any real life situation. Conclusion Once properly trained, the down command is possibly the most useful of commands that offers you a lot of control to keep your Golden out of trouble and keep them safe when you need to. A dog in a down is a dog that cannot bolt, chase, jump up or get into trouble of any kind. You should train the down command as soon as you start obedience training, right after your Golden has learnt to sit. To achieve a well-mannered and obedient dog, you simply must be able to put them into a down until released, no matter the environment and distractions nearby. By applying the techniques described in this article, with patience and dedication you will accomplish this in no time. You May Also Like. In this adorable photo print, we witness the epitome of puppy cuteness as a golden retriever baby peacefully rests on blue gingham, donning a charming nightcap. With its eyes closed and tiny paws tucked under its fluffy body, this little furball exudes pure contentment. Captured on January 27th, , inside a cozy studio setting, the digital manipulation adds an extra touch of whimsy to the image. The striped nightcap perfectly complements the pup's soft golden fur and creates an endearing visual contrast against the blue background. As we gaze upon this sleepy canine companion, it's hard not to feel our own eyelids grow heavy with drowsiness. This wee Willie Winkie look-alike seems ready for dreamland after a day filled with playful adventures and endless tail wagging. Whether you're a dog lover or simply appreciate heart-melting moments captured in photographs, this print is sure to bring warmth and joy into any space. Hang it on your wall or place it on your desk - let this precious golden retriever puppy remind you that even in slumber, life can be incredibly cute! In Stock - Available Now! Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart. We're honored to be the host of these phenomenal moments," to which the original poster replied: "We will definitely be back. After all, they are a dog breed that has a lot of hair. This large amount of hair can cause them to get hotter quicker, but they may feel cool when their underside is exposed. Sleeping upside down. Stock Image. Golden Retrievers reportedly sleep upside down as it cools them off. This makes it easier for them to be submissive to those around them when golden retrievers sleep on their back. S in .It's not hard to see why when they are committed workers when hunting and doing field work, guides for the blind and handicapped , proficient in search and rescue scenarios, enjoy being obedient and competitive events, are relatively easy to train and are a joy to be around when not at work. User Tommy commented: "When the sun hits perfect and you feel safe. They don't stay little for long, so keep holding him as long as you can. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life newsweek. Read more.

A close up face image of Labradoodle puppy Max The price depends on many factors and can vary from breeder to breeder. While this might seem like a hefty price to pay for a puppy, the low prices that you find on social media or other ads are usually from puppy mills that try to over-breed these beloved animals in inappropriate and unethical ways. Low-quality living conditions notwithstanding, puppies from such places have a high probability of suffering from ailments and issues caused by genetic mutations occurring from rapid breeding. Labradoodle costs around the world In Australia the average prices for non-shedding Labradoodles ranged from AUD. There were some niche breeders that charged much more. Depending on how unique the coat color is, the price will vary. Parti-colored Labradoodles like Tuxedo Labradoodle or Phantom Labradoodle cost significantly more than a solid-colored cream, black, or gold Labradoodle. Sometimes, depending on your location, you may have to shell out extra dollars if you specifically want a multi-colored Labradoodle. Coat texture is another influencing factor. Shiny, sleek coats are more attractive and an indication of a superior bloodline. Hence, they are going to cost more. Curly and wavy-haired Labradoodles will be more expensive than straight-haired ones as they are almost non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Blue-eyed Labradoodles can be even more expensive, owing to their rarity and beauty. Labradoodle Size As they are crossbred, there are no specific breeding standards for Labradoodles. Most breeders classify Labradoodle puppy sizes as standard, medium, and miniature. Toy, teacup, miniature, and maxi are some other terms used to describe the size of Labradoodle dogs. The smaller the puppy size, the higher its price. This is because of the increased demand for smaller-sized dogs. Some breeders have their own standards and classifications when it comes to dog size and weight. While some breeders consider pound dogs as petite, others see them as miniature. Micro and petit are other terms that are used, both interchangeably and independently by different breeders. Usually, petit dogs fall in the pounds range, and micro dogs under 10 pounds. Age Typically, most people prefer buying a young puppy rather than a full-grown dog. Hence, prices are higher for puppies than dogs. For instance, a 6-month-old puppy is going to cost less than a 6-week-old one. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Generation Type Another determining factor is the percentage of each parent breed in the Labradoodle puppy. F1B generations have a purebred Poodle and an F1 generation Labradoodle as their parents. While this is a rarer generation, they are cheaper as their chances of being hypoallergenic is lesser than that of others. Generally, F1B Labradoodles are the most expensive generation as they have the highest chance of being hypoallergenic. Location and Demand The Labradoodle breed is one of the most popular crossbreed dogs, a close second to the Goldendoodles. This has significantly increased their value and demand. Dog breeders of bigger cities will have a large client pool and higher earnings. They usually have a hard time keeping up with the demands and hence have to increase their price. Breeders from rural areas have comparatively lower demand and charge less for their puppies. Nevertheless, the demand for low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs is high everywhere, regardless of the size and popularity of a place. While it might be cheaper to buy your Labradoodle puppy from a rural breeder, you might still have to beat your budget to travel the extra distance or to have the puppy transferred to you. Although the low prices advertised at puppy mills might be tempting, getting a Labradoodle puppy from a reputed breeder is always a better option. Besides being spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, puppies from reputed breeders will also be appropriately socialized. This will make it easier for them to adapt to their new home. Most reputable breeders establish their prices based on their experience, investment, knowledge, credentials, and reputation with previous customers. Some breeders even incorporate training from a young age, and some puppies are potty trained at just eight weeks old. Reputed breeders also have health certificates and genetic records of both parent dogs in place. These certificates are proof that your Labradoodle is in the best of health and hygiene. Other Costs Associated With Labradoodles The preliminary cost of a Labradoodle will be substantially less than the total expenses involved throughout its life. Additionally, you might have to spend more on training foods and treats. Grooming The grooming needs of Labradoodles may vary depending on the type and length of their coat. Although Labradoodles are almost hypoallergenic, they need regular brushing and bathing. Medical Costs Most crossbreed dogs are usually less prone to ailments and diseases. Their larger gene pool also reduces their risk of inheriting diseases. One of the most common health issues with Labradoodle is hip dysplasia. And the surgical procedure to fix this is expensive, which is especially necessary for older Labradoodles. Besides this, there are other health care costs like vaccinations and regular veterinarian check-ups Ohio State Veterinary School source. It safeguards you against any unforeseen situations that may arise in the future with regard to its health. Training and Boarding Costs Although Labradoodles are very intelligent and highly trainable, it is advisable to enroll them in a professional training program to ensure their all-round development. It also helps address their excessive barking and jumping, which is common in Labradoodles. Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that can turn destructive when left alone for a long time. So whenever you go on trips, you will have to leave them at a doggie care center. Can Labradoodles smile? Ideally, you should purchase an adjustable crate whose length you can adjust as and when your puppy grows. Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs who need toys to maintain their mental stimulation and to keep them from getting destructive due to boredom. You might also have to make a one-time investment on a good quality bed as they often tend to chew and scratch at it. Labradoodle Adoption Price While you may want to get your Labradoodle puppy from a shelter, the chances are slim as Labradoodles are highly sought-after breeds that are usually kept in tight breeding groups. This is usually done to cover the cost of medical and maintenance care. Adopting a puppy from a rescue shelter is a noble idea, but you must also prepare to deal with any possible future problems with their health and temperament, as rescue dogs usually have health and behavior problems. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish rain coat Avoiding Disreputable Breeders The pet business has now emerged as one of the biggest industries worldwide. Unfortunately, this has also birthed unethical puppy mills, backyard breeders, and online pet stores, who have little to no knowledge about raising and nurturing puppies. Often, unsuspecting pet lovers trying to save some money fall prey to these tricks and end up with an unhealthy puppy with health and temperamental issues. This leads to them spending a lot of money on the treatment and maintenance of these puppies down the road. So, is there a way to distinguish between good and bad breeders and avoid paying exorbitant prices by accidentally supporting these puppy mills? Start by doing plenty of research on the breeder and consciously avoid backyard breeders, pet stores, and online stores. Additionally, look out for these red flags: Unusually low-priced puppies. The breeder refuses to show the living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Adult dogs are kept in harsh conditions and small cages. Puppies seem reserved, edgy, and nervous around people. The breeder has no health certificates of puppies and its parent dogs. Breeder refuses to provide any paperwork. Here are some standards and conventions practiced by trustworthy breeders: They breed puppies indoors and will take equal care of the parent dogs. They offer ample space and freedom to their puppies and dogs to run, play, sleep, and do everything they desire. They periodically clean and groom the dogs. They promote a healthy bonding of puppies with their mother and littermates. They try to gauge if you are capable of raising a particular dog breed. They offer tips and tricks on puppy care and maintenance. They have health and vaccination certificates from a licensed veterinarian. They offer proper legal protection like providing a guarantee for puppy replacement after around 1. Going through previous testimonials and customer reviews is another way of determining the credibility of a breeder. Find out how long the breeder has been in the business. Have a proper conversation with them and get all your puppy-related questions answered before you decide to get your puppy from them. With their love and affection, these bundles of joy can not only turn your bad days into wonderful ones, their high intelligence and alert minds also make them great guard dogs. Before purchasing a Labradoodle puppy, make sure to research the breeder and never get puppies from breeders who cannot provide health certificates for the puppies and their parents. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are thinking that a Labradoodle might be a perfect addition to your family, you are right. They are friendly and intelligent dogs, and many have a low-shedding coat, which means they can be a good choice for families dealing with allergies or asthma. But exactly how much will it cost you to bring a Labradoodle home? The cost of a Labradoodle actually varies significantly depending on the specific dog and where you get it. We will go through all the things you are likely to have to pay for within the first six months of bringing the puppy home, and what you can expect to spend on the care and upkeep of your Labradoodle throughout their lives. The Cost Of Adopting A Labradoodle How much it will cost you to bring a Labradoodle into your household will vary significantly depending on where you get the puppy from. Whether you are looking for a standard Labradoodle or one of the small breeds that are the result of breeding a Labrador retriever with a miniature or toy poodle, also makes a difference, with the smaller dogs being more expensive. Why Are Labradoodles So Expensive? Labradoodles tend to be expensive because they are such desirable dogs. They are a mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle, designed to be the perfect service dogs. Labrador retrievers have long been known as excellent working dogs because they are intelligent and motivated, which means they can be trained to complete the required tasks, and they also have a friendly and loving personality, so they know how to behave in public. This is essential when service dogs are able to enter public spaces that will be full of people, children, and other animals. However, the problem with Labradors is that they shed a lot. This means not only that they can be challenging to clean up after at home, but that they can be a health hazard in restaurants and places that need to maintain sanitary conditions, such as hospitals. Enter the poodle. Instead, the hair gets caught up in their coat and needs to be brushed out regularly. They are also highly intelligent, even more so than Labradors, which means they have a great ability to learn new tasks. They are also very loving, having been bred as companions, though they are a bit more wary of strangers than Labradors are. So the idea is that you combine a Labrador retriever and a poodle to get a Labradoodle, which has all the characteristics to work as a service dog and also has a low-shedding coat. But, since breeders are often catering to a specialist market, they do need to be careful to control for the characteristics they want. They need to be very careful to breed for the low-shedding coat since a Labradoodle naturally has an equal chance of inheriting a high-shedding Labrador coat and a friendly personality, as well as intelligence and an ability to learn. This is a lot of work for the breeder, so they charge more. The smaller pups cost even more because they are harder to breed due to the size difference between Labradors and small poodles. However, if you do come across a Labradoodle that does have the high-shedding coat of a Labrador, you might be able to get them a bit cheaper, as they will be harder to sell as service dogs. But be warned! It is almost impossible to tell whether a Labradoodle will have a low-shedding or high-shedding coat until they are at least 12 weeks old. With so much variation in the price of Labradoodles, it can be hard to know whether you are getting a good deal, or if you are being ripped off. Below are the main factors that affect the individual prices of Labradoodles and will push the price above or below the standard. These factors should help you determine whether a Labradoodle is being priced appropriately. Location Yes, just as housing costs more or less depending on where you live, the same is true of Labradoodles and all other dogs. Size As we have already said, size makes a big difference, and small Labradoodles that are the result of breeding between a Labrador retriever and either a miniature or toy poodle are significantly more expensive. This is because they are harder to breed, and they are also highly desirable pups. A mini Labradoodle can cost twice as much as a standard-sized version. Coat Type Labradoodles have three different coat types, which are classified as flat, wavy, or curly. Flat coats are most like the high-shedding coats of the Labrador, while curly coats are most like the low-shedding coats of poodles. Wavy coats fall somewhere in between. It will be no surprise to learn that curly coats are the most popular, and that dogs with these coats are more expensive. You might get a Labradoodle with a flat coat at a discount because they are shedders. This is easier to predict if you are breeding two Labradoodles that both already have the desired coat characteristics, but is very difficult to determine with first-generation Labradoodles. Coat Color Labradoodles come in a much wider range of colors than Labrador retrievers, and many of the more exotic coat colors are highly prized. Dogs like the Phantom Labradoodle and the Tuxedo Labradoodle are very coveted, and this can add significantly to the price of the dog. Breeder Reputation The fact of the matter is, when you are buying a dog from a breeder, you are putting a lot of faith into the assumption that everything they are telling you is true. They are the ones telling you that the parent pups have undergone extensive health screenings and that they have controlled for desirable characteristics. For this reason, reputation is very important among breeders, and you should always do a little bit of research on your breeder before purchasing. If you do find a good breeder with a reputation for producing happy and healthy pups, you can expect to pay more. They are at the top of the market, so they can afford to demand more money. Plus, good practice is usually more expensive to deliver. Additional Expenses When Buying A Labradoodle Puppy There are other expenses related to bringing a new puppy home beyond the price of the puppy itself. When you but a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable breeder, the price usually includes: Initial vaccination shots. However, some pups exchange hands for even more, if they have something which makes them especially desirable examples of what that might be coming up! You may also see Labradoodle puppies advertised for far less. This should be a red flag. A good breeder spends a great deal of money to produce a healthy litter. The costs of breeding a healthy litter include: Health screening for the parents. Travel and accommodation to meet a suitable stud dog. Veterinary costs for mom and her litter. Extra food. Whelping supplies, such as a whelping box, heat mats, and bedding. Time off work to look after mom, and start socializing her puppies. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and online sellers may offer puppies at bargain prices, but only by cutting their own costs first. So their puppies are more likely to leave home with inherited health problems that require expensive treatment later. Or with behavioral problems like separation anxiety or stranger-directed aggression, which are difficult or impossible to overcome. Lots of people are overwhelmed by the upfront cost of a well bred puppy. Adopting a dog from a shelter is one way to find a dog for less, but without supporting unethical breeding practices. And some regions even have dedicated rescue organizations which specialize in rehoming Labradoodles and other Poodle crosses. This is a much less expensive route and adoption fees often cover things like initial vaccinations and microchipping. Such as whether they carry any late-onset inherited diseases, or are reactive to certain triggers. What Factors Determine Labradoodle Cost? There are a number of factors which may make people willing to pay more for a Labradoodle. Breeder Good breeders are rarely in it for the money. Even if they sell their puppies for a more money than they spent on them, the profit divided by the number of hours they spent caring the dam and her litter works out in cents! All breeders have their own personal philosophy on pricing pups. They might have a reputation and a waiting list which means they can charge more than the competition. They might also charge highly to deter people from buying their puppies on impulse. Provided you ask politely, a reputable breeder will be happy to explain how they arrived at the cost of their puppies. But a breeder who refuses to discuss how they set their price at all may be attempting to cover up the fact that their puppies have been very poorly raised and are not worth the asking price. Breeding Stock Breeders who invest in meticulous health screening of their sire and dam may pass the cost of that onto their buyers, and they have every right to do so. Puppies from thoroughly health tested parents cost more upfront, but they are likely to cost less in lifetime veterinary fees. Labradoodle puppies from parents with show or field titles may also be advertised at higher prices. The puppies of Labradoodles that have been backcrossed with a purebred Poodle will have a greater chance of inheriting the Poodle coat. Other factors There are other things which might affect Labradoodle costs too. For example, in cities and urban areas, miniature Labradoodles might command higher prices than standard Labradoodles. Some factors have nothing to do with the dog at all. For example, many reputable breeders avoid producing litters around Christmas time to avoid buyers passing them on as gifts to other people, or buying them on impulse without really thinking it through. Low quality breeders on the other hand, tend to push their prices up at this time of year. The Cost of Owning a Labradoodle in the First Year Whether you go a shelter or a breeder, adoption fees and purchase price are only the beginning of what it costs to own a Labradoodle. The first year will typically be the most expensive because this is when most major expenses occur. Such as Having the dog spay or neutered. Training classes. Accessories like a crate, bedding, toys, collar and leash. Labradoodles have a high frequency of joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which may require expensive monthly prescriptions to manage. Bringing a puppy into your life comes with the responsibility to keep him healthy and happy. From food to medical costs, from toys to grooming, there a number of regular expenses that come with owning a dog. Food is such an essential part of ensuring your dog is healthy and there is a wide range of commercial dog foods available. You can spend tens, or hundred of dollars per month! Always choose a good quality food that lists animal protein as the first ingredient and avoid brands that include meat by-products, fillers, and artificial ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions. This article on feeding a Labradoodle puppy can guide you. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and ensuring an active dog like the Labradoodle gets enough exercise will go a long way to reducing medical costs. However, any dog can develop health issues that require treatment that can run into thousands of dollars. Health problems that the Labradoodle can be susceptible to include: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Our New Puppy Checklist gives you an easy way to keep track of items you already have and ones you still need to pick up. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Everything that goes into making a good breeder adds value and factors into the price you pay. We recommend working with a quality breeder when getting a Labradoodle. We explain ways to identify reputable breeders and questions to ask in this article. Caring for the Puppies This goes beyond simply making sure the puppy has food and water. What kind of food are the puppies being fed? A good breeder will be able and willing to tell you this it also helps you prepare for bringing your puppy home. Puppies are like human babies — they are prone to getting sick early on. Smell the puppies! The puppies smelled clean and freshly bathed. Are the puppies receiving the proper vaccinations when they should be? Puppies have a schedule of preventive vaccination and immunizations they should be getting in the first year of their life. What about once you take the puppy home? Socialization and Stimulation Dr. This is so true! And it starts early on. From birth, the puppy should handled and all of their body parts touched paws, mouth, tail, stomach, ears, arms, and legs. This includes laying them on their back. Once a few weeks old, they should be getting exposed to people in a controlled environment our breeder has three kids, which are great puppy socializers. They should be exposed to different surfaces, noises, and encouraged to explore their surroundings, while not startling them too much or endangering them. Giving them this foundation makes training your puppy easier down the road and also makes them a much more adaptable pup. Be sure to head over to this article for valuable tips on continuing socialization after you bring your puppy home. Responsible Breeding Practices A quality breeder puts the overall well-being of their puppies far beyond the money they make from breeding. Get ready to fill out some paperwork! This goes back to their commitment to the overall well-being of the dogs they home. Visit this page to find a Labradoodle breeder near you. Quality Of The Breeding Stock Determining the quality of the breeder is pretty easy, while understanding the quality and genetics of the breeding stock takes a bit more research. Breeding Stock Genetics This part is expensive but is critical to the breeding process for Labradoodles, because certain health conditions often appear within the breed. If a breeder starts with a sire father and dam mother with poor genetics or disease and health problems, what effect will this have on their litter? This part is usually overlooked or neglected by non-reputable breeders because it involves costly genetic testing and screening done by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals source. Our breeder offered an month replacement guarantee, which was really great see below. We checked the social media accounts of different breeders we were considering to see what others were saying. Talk to the breeder in advance. See how knowledgeable they are about the breed. Come with some good questions that you know the answers to, and compare their responses. Ask the breeder what all goes into the cost of their Labradoodles. Ask them what they do with the puppies regarding socialization. Related Questions: Should I visit breeders before making my decision to purchase a Labradoodle? We highly recommend that you schedule a visit to see any and all breeders you are considering getting a Labradoodle from. Will the breeder require a deposit for the puppy? They may also ask you to pay another portion of the total cost once the puppy is born, to help with costs of caring for them. Why are Labradoodles such a popular breed? Labradoodles are popular and highly regarded for many reasons, including their great personalities , family and allergy-friendly nature, and their low-to-no shed coats. After all, they do become part of the family, right? Grab your copy today! Related Posts:. View All Articles in Labradoodle Breeders Location Depending on your geographical location, you can expect to pay more money in certain areas. Naturally, the Labradoodle price is usually tied to the overall cost of living in that area. Of course, you might be tempted to adopt a puppy from a different state. Any of those can add a few hundred dollars to your total Labradoodle price. Breeder Stock Another factor that influences the Labradoodle cost is breeding stock. Breeding different generations of Labradoodles requires a certain set of parent dogs. For example, F1 or first-generation Labradoodles are often less expensive than F1b or F1bb Labradoodles. See Also: Click the image Demand Needless to say, the high demand can also hike up the price of Labradoodles, especially in more populated areas like major cities. The best reputable breeders have waiting lists that filled 6 months in advance, sometimes even up to a year or two. This in turn means that breeders will charge higher rates to keep up with the demand while not overbreeding the mama dogs. Size, Color, and Coat Type Another thing you should keep in mind is that certain sizes, colors, and coat types can cost you some extra money. For instance, some breeders charge more for Mini Labradoodles compared to Standard Labradoodles. Usually, the most hypoallergenic Labradoodles are found in F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb generations, which also require more genetic testing to achieve. See Also: Click the image Breeder Reputation Lastly, reputable breeders also charge premium rates for their Labradoodle puppies. Ethical, reputable breeders put a lot of time, money, and effort into breeding and raising healthy and well-rounded pups. All of this reflects in the Labradoodle price. Professional breeders have learned all about health and genetic testing. See Also: Click the image In addition to that, reputable breeders know the importance of early socialization , training, and other enrichment methods. Ethical breeders also follow breeding guidelines set by established organizations we mentioned above. Many of them are also affiliated with the organizations and continuously keep educating themselves on the best breeding practices. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting a puppy from a professional, ethical breeder? Of course, there are many backyard breeders who have the best intentions in mind and only want to share the joy of this adorable crossbreed. However, oftentimes, these breeders might not conduct all the necessary health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Nor can they provide proper health guarantees for their puppies. Additionally, many backyard breeders do not choose new homes for the puppies as carefully as professional breeders. When a litter is born, they just sell all the puppies on a first come first serve basis. How much are Labradoodles when adopting from a backyard breeder? Puppy Mills Finally, we have the worst of the bunch — puppy mills. Unfortunately, these breeders only work for their own financial gain. More often than not, they neglect the wellbeing of their breeding dogs and puppies. Beware of pet stores, as well, as they often source their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills usually overbreed their mama dogs and keep them on tight schedules to produce more and more puppies. Meanwhile, the dogs and puppies are kept in unsafe and unclean environments, often in small cages and kennels. Moreover, these pups often come with serious health conditions. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting from a puppy mill? Above all, we urge you to avoid these breeders at all costs. As a general rule of thumb, larger, Standard Labradoodles require more calories per day compared to smaller, Mini and Medium Labradoodles. All of them are tried, tested, and recommended by Doodle owners. Training Training and early socialization both play a key role in raising well-rounded Labradoodles. Vet Visits One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is taking your pup to regular vet visits and wellness checks. And to be prepared for those unexpected vet visits, we recommend you choose a trustworthy pet insurance company. During the first year, you should make sure that your puppy is up to date with all of its vaccinations and preventative care for worms, fleas, ticks , and heartworm. Grooming You might already know that Labradoodles are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care. Time Investment Like any other pet, Labradoodles require a lot of time and effort from your part. Other Costs In addition to all the Labradoodle costs we mentioned above, there are other everyday items that your dog will need. These include food and water bowls, dog beds, dog crate, a collar and a leash, toys and chew toys, and poop bags. So, you know with absolute certainty that the Labradoodle is the right pup for you. But how can you find quality Labradoodle breeders? As fellow Doodle owners, we know how difficult it can be to find ethical, reputable breeders in your area. Why Are Labradoodles Expensive? Ethical Labradoodle breeders charge higher prices for their pups, as they carefully screen the breeding dogs through extensive health and genetic testing. In addition to that, they provide their clients with genetic health guarantees and implement various forms of enrichment methods when rearing the puppies. How Much Does A Labradoodle Cost: Final Thoughts Adopting a dog is not just a huge emotional commitment, but also requires you to think whether or not your finances allow you to take care of another living being. Hopefully, this article has managed to answer all of your questions about the Labradoodle cost of adoption and the ongoing costs throughout their lifetime. Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Dlfly on Jul 19, Great puppy food Started our golden puppy on a name brand puppy food that he was on from the breeder. Puppy within a couple of weeks started having loose stools to explosive diarrhea when we brought him home. After visit to vets and antibiotics vet recommended we switched to this food slowly with a bland diet. Doing fabulous on this food and he is growing appropriately. Kibbles are a great size. Using the food also as training treats. Chewy was awesome to work with to get his previous full bag of food donated to a no kill shelter. Only food we recommend to our buyers and also to others. They love this kibble so much, they are growing big and strong. As a dog family, we are very Impressed with Royal Canin as a brand; their older sister is on a Prescription Diet with Royal Canin as well so we have switched all of our food over to them. Cannot recommend them enough! I have always fed our Dogs Royal Canin and they did great. Had a German Shepherd that lived to almost 15 years old which I attribute to good food, exercise and love. Our puppy is thriving now. She eats every single feeding, no more diarrhea and she is growing well. My puppy loves it and prefers it over the Purina Pro Plan puppy lamb that his breeder started him on, I've been making the transition and he really likes it. Royal Canin always smells fresh and like real food when you open the bag! A good sign! I have a new puppy and she was having soft stools on the food the breeder was using. I switched her to this and fixed the problem. It took me forever to pick a food, but happy I picked this one. I use it for training treats also. How could I not give this puppy food 5 stars? Breeder started our puppy on this food and then gave us the other option of Purina Pro Plan. My thought was to gradually switch to the Purina based on the cost difference. I tried but even with mixing half and half, we had diarrhea all over in a puppy that was already housebroken. I donated the huge bag of Purina and switched back to Royal Canin and the problem was resolved. Lesson learned and the extra cost is totally worth it. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your dog's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

The breed actually originated in and around Nottingham, England, which was the center of lace making. This small bulldog was a companion to the lace makers and ratter-in-chief. As the Industrial Revolution took hold in England, cottage industries such as lace making were threatened by mechanization, and many lace makers relocated to France. Toulouse-Lautrec even put a Frenchie in several of his paintings. French Bulldogs are surprisingly good watchdogs. City dwellers love Frenchies. Besides snoring, they make all sorts of snorts, grunts, yips, and other odd noises. If only Rosetta Stone taught Frenchie-language! French Bulldogs can be very stubborn and hard-headed. However, even after they learn a trick or behavior, they may do their own interpretation of it. They may circle the coffee table or jump on and off the furniture, and it will always be exuberant. French Bulldogs have a huge celebrity following just like Toy Poodles for sale. French Bulldogs are sensitive just like Dachshunds for sale. With a mischievous sense of humor, Frenchies are enormously entertain .Of course, children need to be taught how to play with a dog, regardless of breed. Plan on buying lots of toys; a Frenchie is a toy terminator, and enjoys ripping out stuffing and squeakers. Be careful what toys you choose for him and avoid ones that could be choking hazards. Their personalities are as large as their big bat ears. Adaptable, loving, smart, and mischievous, the French Bulldog is pretty much irresistible! We were reluctant to put a deposit because we almost got scammed before and the sell was so trustworthy he held our puppy for us. And when we were ready, he shipped the puppy over as he promised. Thank you guys for everything and making our family complete Ann Belcher Here is a picture of our Heavenly Deja, the day she was delivered to our home from Lovely home French Bulldogs by Thomas. Look no further! Browse our website and embark on the exciting journey of finding your perfect furry friend. Our platform connects you with a wide range of affordable French bulldog puppies, each one waiting to become your loyal and loving companion. With our dedication to affordable prices and reputable breeders, you can find the perfect Frenchie for your budget and create a lifetime of memories together. Unveiling the History of French Bulldog Puppies The history of French bulldog puppies is a captivating tale that dates back to the s. Originally bred in England as companion dogs, these adorable canines quickly gained popularity across Europe. French bulldogs eventually made their way to the United States, captivating the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Understanding the Temperament and Health of French Bulldogs Frenchies are known for their unique temperament and distinctive personalities. These affectionate and sociable dogs make fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. They are known to be friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them a great fit for various lifestyles. How much do frenchies cost About Daisy Hi there! My name is Daisy. I have just met you, and I love you. My current family has raised me to be the most amazing, little puppy you will ever meet. I love to play, take naps, and give kisses. I am a great puppy and will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checks. I am in search for stuffed animals and toys; will you help me find them? I love to play with everyone. Will you be my new family? Sex: Female.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. As the name implies, it has been scientifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for puppies. Features Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs Check price on Amazon. You want to be able to see visible chunks of meat in the food. It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy. However, larger companies generally have more resources for stringent quality control protocols. They can employ expert nutritionists and food scientists, and are more eager to enrich our collective nutrition knowledge through research. On the contrary, smaller manufacturers may have less control over ingredient quality, perform less laboratory testing, and are less likely to employ veterinary nutritionists. On top of that, there are still some basic rules you can follow. And we will walk you through things you will need to consider in this article. Every pet is unique and the goal is to find the best diet for the individual pet. Is real food good for German Shepherd puppies? Real food contains whole ingredients that are cooked to aid in digestion. Whole real foods are a great option for adult GSDs, it might be best to keep the puppy food dry or wet. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition does not recommend feeding dogs less than one year old a homemade diet as they can be lacking in calcium and phosphorous, which can have serious implications down the line for GSDs. Best homemade food for German Shepherd puppies If you insist on feeding your GSD puppy a homemade diet, the best way to go about it is to get recipes specifically formulated for them by a veterinary nutritionist. This will ensure all of their needs macro — and micronutrient needs are met, particularly their calcium and phosphorous requirements. This is very important to prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint and bone issues as an adult GSD. A typical homemade food recipe: Chicken. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.

We will go over all of the methods on how to clean English Bulldog ears and French Bulldog ears in just a second, but before we do, let's understand more about bulldogs in general, and dog ear cleaning as well. Dogs are kind, lovable, and gentle. They are some of the best companions anyone could ask for. While there are many breeds of dogs, bulldogs are one of the most favorites of pet parents. These cute, wrinkled, and grumpy fellows draw love and admiration for their sweet and caring demeanor. These animated personalities make them one of the most popular pet dogs. However, bulldogs are prone to various health issues, such as breathing problems, infections, and allergies. How to clean bulldog ears - Ear Infection in Bulldogs When bulldogs develop allergies, their ears take the defensive position and excrete allergens to fight the offenders. Dog ear yeast can eventually leads to a serious ear infection. Ear wax serves as a protection shield against infection. Cleaning the ear too much can strip away the ear wax, thereby damaging the healthy barrier Leaving the ear dirty allows the bacteria buildup in ear canals; this can also lead to infection. Rather, use special pet cleansers for Bulldogs ear cleaning. Since these pet cleansers dry quickly, they prevent wax or moisture buildup. How to Clean English Bulldog Ears While there are many adorable types of bulldogs, in this post, we will focus on English and French bulldogs. English bulldogs or the British bulldogs have a short build with trademark wrinkled skin. They have folded rose-shaped ears. Healthy dogs have a pinkish-gray odorless ear. In both cases, moisture can easily accumulate in the ear leading to infection. How to clean bulldog ears step by step Step 1: Comfort Your Dog Your champ may not like the activity and put up a fight when cleaning the ear. Step 2: Position the dog for a cleaning session Hold the dog from the collar with one hand; use the other hand to lift the ear flap gently. Pull the flap upwards in a manner that exposes and straightens the ear canal. Step 3: Pour the Cleanser Solution and Massage In the next step, squeeze a few drops of pet ear cleanser solution into the ear canal of your bulldog. It helps to break up the debris inside the ear canal. Shaking the head helps to get rid of the excess solution. Vets recommend using a dry cotton ball or dry paper towel to wipe around the inner ear. Make sure to fully dry the ear as wetness may lead to fungus, bacteria, and ear infection. However, French bulldogs have large pointed bat-like ears. Due to the pointy ears, these dogs tend to collect more debris than other breeds. For this reason, French bulldog ear infections become a common issue and more attention is needed when it comes to hygiene, particularly ear cleaning. To wipe out the outer areas of your French bulldog, follow these simple steps. Sit on the floor with your French bulldog on your lap. Hold its collar with one hand and clean its ears with the other hand. You may ask someone to assist you in the ear-cleaning session. Use a clean towel paper to clean the visible outer parts of the ear. Wet the paper with an ear cleansing solution before using it for wiping. You may also use a cotton ball for wiping the ear. It can rupture the eardrum. Dry the ears completely with a clean towel paper. The easiest way to protect your dogs from an ear infection is to keep them clean. It is important to know that dogs with floppy ears, such as bulldogs, are more likely to have dog ear yeast problems and catch infections. The hair obstructs the flow of air in the ear canal. Quick links. Positioning your dog in a corner and using your body to keep your dog still will help to make the process easier on both of you. Sit on the other side of your dog to help keep it still while you clean its ears. Ask a friend to help you by holding your dog steady! This will free up both of your hands to clean your dog's ears. Grasp the earflap near the top of the ear you will be cleaning first. Pull it upwards gently to help open up the ear canal. Hold the ear in this position with 1 hand while you clean the ear with your other hand. If your dog shows signs of pain when you do this, such as whining or yelping, then stop and take it to see a veterinarian. Your dog may have an ear infection. Keep squirting in ear cleaning solution until the ear canal is full. Otherwise, the solution may become contaminated with yeast and bacteria. This will move the solution around and help to break up and debris in the ear. Your dog will probably not like this part. Good job! Let go of your dog and let it shake out the solution for a few minutes. Keep in mind that this is how dogs normally clean out their ears in the wild. Your dog will shake for as long as it needs to get the solution out. Repeat the process for the other ear after you finish cleaning the first ear. Give them some treats or cuddles to help them relax. Be careful not to insert the applicator tip too deeply. Massage the base of the ear for 20—30 seconds— gently massage the base of the ear for about seconds. This will help the solution break up any dirt, wax or debris in the ear. This is normal and will help remove any loosened debris. Wipe away any excess debris or ear cleaning solution— use a cotton ball or pad to gently wipe away any excess debris or ear cleaning solution from the ear. Repeat for the other ear— repeat the process for the other ear, using a new cotton ball or pad and fresh cleaning solution. French Bulldog Ear Timeline weeks— French Bulldog puppies are born with their ears closed and flat against their heads. Bat Ears These are the typical Frenchie ears that we all know and love. The AKC says they have to be set up high on the head, but not too close together. The AKC states… Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Other than bat ears is a disqualification. Algae Mites Additionally, since French Bulldogs tend to have weak immune systems, they can be extra susceptible to things like yeast infections. Yeast grows in dark, moist places, so the Frenchie ears are just asking for trouble. It can also smell moldy, musty, cheesy or yeasty. Another possibility is that their ears are just dirty. Common culprits are dirt, hair, pollen, earwax, and dead skin cells. It can result in a noticeable smell when the gunk starts to congeal. A bit of earwax is actually normal and healthy for dogs, but if you let it accumulate, it can cause pain, discomfort, odors and more. One of the tell-tale signs is if your Frenchie is shaking his or her head a lot. Yeast infections can cause brown or reddish-brown discharge. So can fungal infections and conditions like otitis externa. Ear mites. Are French Bulldogs prone to ear infections? Part of the reason is their anatomy. They have flat, compressed skulls with big ears that stand upright, so their ear canals are quite deep. Have you noticed that your Frenchie is especially vulnerable to ear problems after a bath or a swim? Another reason is their genetic predisposition to allergies. French Bulldog allergies can result in itchy skin and ears. If your Frenchie scratches their ears over and over again, they can bleed and cause infections. Over time, you might even compact it. This will cause even more problems for your poor pup. Remember the golden rule. Moisture is one of the most common causes of ear infections since it encourages the production of bacteria and fungus. Give your Frenchie a reason to smile their big, slobbery smile! The ear will be odorless, clean, and not infected or inflamed if they are clean. Yeast In dogs, yeast overgrowth is the most common cause of ear infections. These fungi are usually harmless but tend to grow faster than usual when conditions in the body become unbalanced. Bacterial Bacterial infections are most typically caused by moisture or wax accumulation in the ear. Bacteria growth can occur with moisture in the ear canal, resulting in a bacterial infection. Getting Rid Of Ear Mites If your dog has ear mites , you need to clean them to help get rid of the mites. As the dog scratches to relieve the itching, it can lead to infection. At least once a month, clean the inside of their ears. If you suspect any issue, contact your veterinarian. It is possible your pooch might need antibiotics to clear any infection. It is somewhat more manageable if you start them out young. To keep them distracted, giving small treats as you go helps. First, you want to get all the needed supplies together. Cotton Balls: Do not use q-tips or cotton swabs as these can push dirt and debris further into the ear canal. It makes your dog susceptible to infection because it causes the skin to soften and swell. Also, avoid cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. You can purchase dog ear cleaning solution from your vet or pet stores. Step 1: Cleaning the Outer Ear: Take a cotton ball and wet it with the ear cleaner. Wring it out so the cotton ball is just damp, not saturated. Repeat with a new cotton ball until all dirt is removed. Step 2: Cleaning the Ear Canal: Squirt the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Keep the tip of the bottle away from the ear. If it does touch the ear, wipe it off with an alcohol pad to help prevent contamination. Keep in mind that your dog will want to shake their head. This is okay and is just part of the process. For about seconds, gently massage the base of the ear gently. Any excess buildup will be loosened by doing this. Release your dog, and he will more than likely shake his head to rid the ear canal of any solution. After your dog has finished shaking its ears out, use as many dry cotton balls as needed and start drying the visible portion of the ear. Other Articles. Johnny Health 0Comments Are you the proud owner of a lovable Frenchie? You know how much love, attention, and care they demand if you are. Furthermore, we will share tips and methods to make the experience stress-free and joyful for you and your pet. Continue reading to find out! French Bulldogs are adorable, loyal, and friendly puppies who have won the hearts of many dog owners. But, as much as we love our pets, they require great care and attention, particularly regarding their health and daily routines. So, why is it necessary to clean the ears of French Bulldogs? The lovely pointy ears of French Bulldogs are prone to gathering dirt, wax, and moisture. This can result in the accumulation of bacteria, yeast, and other dangerous microbes, resulting in ear infections, itching, and pain. We are sure that you have had at least once in your life a problem with ear wax or, in general, with your ears, so you surely understand how unpleasant it can be. To best explain how to clean your Frenchie ears, we will start with what you need for these processes. It is vital to use an ear-cleaning solution formulated exclusively for dogs and suggested by your veterinarian. Now that you have all the essential equipment, you can begin cleaning your Frenchie ears. Damp Cloth Technique This procedure is excellent for cleaning the outer ear of your French puppy. Also, avoid entering too deep into the ear canal, which might result in injury or pain. Many veterinarians, blogs, and forums recommend this method. To utilize this approach, follow these quick steps: Step one is to soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the ear-cleaning solution. Finally, using a cotton ball or gauze pad, wipe away any excess ear-cleaning solution and debris. Last but not least important step is to praise your dog for excellent behavior with his favorite treat or deserved cuddle! Veterinarians, just like pet owners, have an indescribable love for animals. Slow and gentle moves are recommended not to hurt your loved one. Step 3: After a few minutes, wipe away the softened wax and dirt using a cotton ball or gauze pad. Do not wait too long; we are sure you and your dear friend want this treatment completed as soon as possible. Just a few minutes will be enough. Step 4: Wipe away any extra ear drops and debris with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad for the best effects. Step 5: Praise your dog for excellent behavior with a treat! This step is just as important as any previous step. If you want to teach your pup to be calm during ear cleaning, it is necessary to reward him at the end of each treatment. Whether the reward is a warm hug and kiss, his favorite piece of pup candy, or hours of cuddles, it will have an excellent effect on your buddy. While this may appear to be a minor activity, it may go a long way toward preventing ear infections and other ear-related health concerns in the future. When not writing, he enjoys hiking and time in nature with his pets.

Our puppies are all over the world and would be happy to make you part of our puppy family. Thank you for visiting South Florida Australian Labradoodles. .We are the first multigenerational registered Australian Labradoodle in South Florida. We started in with our first mini Australian Labradoodle and fell in love with the temperament of this breed. Since then, we have held back mostly our own puppies and created the amazing lines we have today. We have generation after generation of our same lines, so our puppies temperaments are very predictable. We have since grown to our wonderful puppies being all over the world. We specialize in Mini Australian Labradoodles and know how important it is to know you are getting an Authentic Australian Labradoodle that is healthy, sound temperament, correct structure and amazing coats. All of our breeding dogs are registered and health tested to the standards of the ALAA. We adhere to a strict code of ethics, breed standard and strive to do everything with the highest integrity. All of our puppies are raised in our home and receive endless kisses by the time they go home. If you did not receive a response please check your junk mail. We are proud to be a member and abide by the ethics of this organization. These certifications help ensure that your new Australian Labradoodle puppy is the real deal. Our dogs are carefully selected so their puppies will have wonderful dispositions, amazing conformation, and hypoallergenic coats for which the breed was developed and is sought after. Our goal is to provide allergy friendly Australian Labradoodle puppies that are healthy, smart, and people oriented as family pets as well as therapy and service dogs. Our foundation dogs were chosen specifically because they were the best examples of the breed standards set forth by WALA. With each and every litter we produce we are striving to produce a better puppy that lives a full and happy healthy life. This ensures that our dogs are as healthy as possible before breeding. We use temperament testing and conformation evaluation to help us breed for for calm, confident, and people focused puppies with correct structure. We also use the temperament test results to help place puppies in the right homes. These breeding practices help ensure that you get the best possible Australian Labradoodle puppy available for your family or service dog. We feel that every family should own one of these wonderful Australian Labradoodle puppies for a joyful addition to your family. See why we belong to WALA in this video below.Sunrise Australian Labradoodles. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Miami Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Only senses of taste and touch are present; puppies rely totally on their mother. Stage Two: Transitional weeks Puppies will develop their senses and grow teeth. They will also begin to interact with the world and develop personality. Stage Three: Socialization weeks Puppies will begin interacting with things more frequently and do most of their learning. Stage Four: Testing months Puppies begin testing boundaries and determining what they are allowed to do. Stage Five: Adolescence months During this time, your puppy will be transitioning to adulthood. Keep training your puppy through this period to reduce negative behaviors, and allow them to get plenty of exercise. You should wait until at least Stage Three to take your puppy to the groomers , but it may be best to wait until Stage Four when their personality has developed and you will know how they may react to an unfamiliar situation. They will also be more receptive to changes in routine at this age. Miniature red Poodle playing on a vibrant green lawn. Grooming and hygiene are vital parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy. You can reduce the risk of infections, scratches from excess itching, and bacteria buildup by making sure your puppy is groomed often. A Poodle puppy will have fast-growing hair, which may mean a trip to the groomers as often as once every month unless you groom them at home. Teaching your puppy to be calm around grooming tools may take time and practice, but can significantly reduce the risk of a negative experience with fleas or other pests. Grooming your puppy will also assist in potty training and ensuring that they remain clean after relieving themselves. A white Poodle is not feeling well lying on the floor. Training your Poodle puppy for grooming means getting them comfortable with the tools and keeping them calm. Your puppy must feel entirely comfortable with you to participate in the grooming training process. Ensure your scissors are closed and let your dog sniff them while they remain in your palm. Make sure your clippers and blow dryer are unplugged and allow your dog to sniff those, as well. When your puppy gets used to these tools, you can turn on the clippers and blow dryer, one at a time. The sound may be loud or jarring to your puppy, so allow them some time to adjust before you bring the devices closer. Repeat this introductory process several times over two weeks to give them time to understand the tools and their noises. Reward them with treats and praise for good behavior, which will associate grooming tools with positive reinforcement. A white Poodle puppy sits and seems like it needs grooming. These tools include nail trimmers, nail files, hair clippers, scissors, blow dryers, and towels for bathing. You may also use a puppy wash or dog shampoo and conditioner. To learn tips and tricks, a book on grooming is a worthwhile resource to have on hand. However, you may want to bring training treats to help your puppy understand what you expect of them and what you want them to do. This can also give them something familiar in the room and remind them of the positive reinforcement they received earlier. It is cost-effective to groom your dogs at home with your own grooming tools. Your Poodle will need frequent baths as a puppy, especially if they are messy eaters. However, as they get older, your Poodle will become more aware of how they eat, what they need, and how to potty without making a mess on themselves. Puppies should be bathed once a week at a minimum to keep them clean, parasite-free, and healthy. When your puppy is fully potty-trained or around six months old, you can increase the time between baths. An adult Poodle may only require a bath every other week, depending on what environment you keep your Poodle in. However, many signs can clue you in that it may be time for a trim, clip, or cut. Grooming them can make them more comfortable and lively again. Can Poodles live outside? Your Poodle puppy may be scared of the clippers or other tools you use, which can make trimming your Poodle difficult. Additionally, your Poodle puppy may need grooming more often than you can handle. A groomer holding the Poodle ears. Professional groomers see dozens of dogs every day and your Poodle is only one of many anxious dogs who walk in. Seek out a professional groomer if you struggle to train your Poodle to accept grooming sessions or are too busy to get it done yourself. Using a professional grooming service can help your Poodle remain calm during grooming, as the groomers have special training in keeping dogs calm and making the grooming process as easy and painless as possible. Final Thoughts There is plenty of information you should know as a Poodle-owner. You can keep your Poodle puppy looking their best by helping them get comfortable with grooming and bathing as soon as possible. While it may be fun to keep them fluffy, heat can make a thick coat dangerous for a Poodle. They might not like having lots of hair, so a good grooming session is essential to keep your Poodle looking and feeling their best! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? But the many challenges of Poodle grooming have redirected more than a few aspiring owners to choose a lower maintenance dog breed. The truth is, keeping that lush, curly coat free of tangles and mats can be a big job. As of today, the dog breed known as the Poodle is bred in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard, and is currently ranked as the 7th most popular dog nationwide. And their coats get a lot of attention, especially when they match a certain style. But beyond it all, there is still just one purebred Poodle dog breed. The basic Poodle grooming guidelines you will read about here apply equally to all purebred Poodle dogs. Poodle Hair Basics Poodles are smart, active, agile, easy to train, eager to learn, outgoing and people-pleasers. They are also as close to being a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog as any dog gets. In theory, Poodles are the type of pet dog everyone wants! The answer is simple: their high-maintenance coat. Poodle hair is notoriously grooming-intensive. Puppies have very soft hair that often grows in wavy instead of curly. Poodle hair transitions from puppy hair to adult Poodle hair somewhere between 9 and 18 months of age. Instead, this shed hair develops into mats and tangles unless continuously groomed. Professional grooming at least every 3 to 6 weeks is highly recommended for adult dogs. Otherwise, the same show and daily hair clips and grooming basics apply equally for standard Poodle grooming, miniature Poodle grooming and toy Poodle grooming. Luckily, in addition to these two ornate show styles, you also have plenty of other Poodle grooming styles to choose from. Poodle Clips There are several different clips you might like to try on your dog: Puppy clip Poodles aged 12 months or younger often wear this clip, with face, feet and tail shaved and the remainder scissor-clipped. A topknot is optional. Lamb clip All fur is clipped to the same short length, leaving the Poodle looking like he is wearing a warm fuzzy bathrobe…. Teddy bear clip As the name suggests, this clip leaves your Poodle looking less like a Poodle and more like a classic teddy bear, with hair evenly clipped throughout. Town and country clip The belly, face, neck and feet are shaved. The remaining fur is left long. You can opt for an easier-to-maintain, straightforward clip that you can learn to do yourself, such as one of those described in the previous section here. The same basic grooming tools are used for standard, miniature and toy Poodle grooming styles. In the same way, learning how to groom a Miniature Poodle uses the same basic set of steps as learning to groom a toy or standard Poodle. We are big fans of the hertzko slicker brush, but you can find lots more options in the slicker brush section below too. Best Brush for Poodles Choosing the best brush for Poodle hair requires at least two different kinds of poodle brush, a bristle brush and a slicker brush for Poodles. The slicker brush is used first, to remove mats, tangles and shed-out hair. After all the tangles and mats are worked out, the bristle brush is then used to brush out de-tangled and de-matted hair. The neatest aspect of this brush is the self-cleaning button: one push and hair is ejected for fast clean up. The manufacturer includes a free e-book on grooming and a 5-year warranty. It includes 40 percent more pins and is designed to help penetrate the deepest layers of thick, curly coats and then help shape and style the chosen clip. Bristle brush for Poodles Bristle brushes are another great choice. The handle is made of no-slip silicone for a comfy customized fit. The bristles have rounded ends to ensure safety while grooming. It works well to make the coat soft and smooth. They gently work their way down to the lowest level of the curly, thick Poodle coat. Those sharp, shiny gizmos and gadgets, some of which make super-loud noises and move in strange ways, can strike terror into even the staunchest puppy heart. Especially when operated near sensitive areas such as eyes and ears. By helping your puppy get used to the feeling of having his ears, eyes, nails, tail and teeth examined and worked on up close. You can also make a visit or two to the groomer before your puppy is actually ready to be groomed for the first time. This way, your puppy gets used to the sounds, sights and smells of the grooming experience. Be sure to bring plenty of treats so your puppy associates groomer visits with tasty snacks! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Some final words There is a little bit of leeway in their feeding schedule as all standard poodles are not the same. Each individual dog will require different amounts of food at different times of the day. The following information is a guideline as there is no set rule on when or how much to feed your pet each day. Before they are 6 months of age, you can feed your little pet up to 4 to 5 times. After they reach the age of 6 months, you can lower that total to 3 times every day. Just because you serve them multiple times throughout the day, it does not mean their serving size is huge. You are looking at feeding your puppy about 2 cups of dog food each day. This serving size can be equally measured out so that your little feller or gal gets enough food at each meal. It will take a little research to find the perfect food for your pet. If you are in doubt, you can always ask your vet what is the best type of dog food to use. The key to feeding your dog its food is that you cannot change it from week to week or day to day. You must pick one and stick with that brand. Changing the food often and without mixing it with their old dog food will upset their stomachs and cause accidents to happen. If you are worried about the number of calories your puppy is eating, those are listed on the side of the package under the heading kcal. Just look at the number next to that box to get the actual number of calories your dog is receiving. Also, the amount of food you feed your pet depends on how active they are. If they are not very active you can cut their portions down a little bit. This will help avoid your pet from becoming overweight. If he or she is very active, then you should feed them a little bit more food than the recommended amount. Puppy Food Tips There are some guidelines to help you find the right pet food for your puppy. Here are a few of those guidelines to direct your search: 1. Try to Avoid Fillers and Additives- Look for those options that contain more meat and vegetables 2. Grains are Good- Unless your vet recommends against it. Grains help your pet have more energy. Be Heavy on Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These ingredients will help your pet if it has a family history of dysplasia or joint problems. Make Sure the First Ingredient is Meat- The first ingredient tells you that it is the dominant ingredient and the more meat the better for your puppy. Look for Vegetables as Well- These ingredients provide needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy. Provide a Mix- A little wet food on the dry dog food will help your picky eater build their teeth and get needed nutrients. Wet food alone will not do this but it does help with dry dog food consumption. What Foods Not to Feed Your Poodle There are some ingredients you should avoid so that your puppy gets the healthiest meal possible. MSG- It is not good for humans, and it is not good for pets. In fact, not only can it give you a UTI, it can do the same for your dog. Artificial Colors and Preservatives- These are hard to avoid but try if you can. Foods with Animal By-Products- The reason to avoid this ingredient is that you do not know where those by-products came from. Some final words Be careful when you feed your pet. There is always the danger of over-feeding them. If they act like they are always hungry, give them something else to do. They could have just arrived in your home, have a toothache, upset stomach , or they do not like the taste of the food. When you give your pet a bone, there is always a chance that bacteria may be on it. So be careful when raw feeding your pet any food item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some Final Words After you decide on a toy poodle and the gender, you still have to decide on the type of food you will feed him or her. Plus, you have to learn how much to feed your little puppy. Once you make all the decisions, the rest should be easy. To learn how to feed your toy poodle and what food you should use, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that your little fell or gal will be healthy for years to come. Take a few minutes to see how important this information is. You do not want to feed too much to your little pet. It is easy for a dog to gain weight and become too fat. Then you have the difficult task of getting them to slim down. That may be harder than it is for you to stick to a diet. You can feed them a little less if you want to but not too much less. Their growing bodies need the nourishment of nutritious dog food. Many dogs may whine if they are only fed once a day and the reason for that is that they are probably hungry. However, you do not want to serve them large meals each time you feed them. Split the amount up over the number of times they eat so that they get the same amount of food. Also, you may give more food if your dog is a little more active than average. While you do not want to over-feed your pet, you also do not want to underfeed them either. For the most part, this will be up to you. Many people like to feed their dogs only once a day. But if their day is active, your pet may be hungry again in the evening or at night. It is not cruel to feed a dog once a day but if your pet is hungry, you should make allowances in the schedule to make sure they are getting their full nourishment share each day. To add a little variety to their diet, you can mix in some human food. The type of human food you give your toy poodle should be healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. For specific foods to share with him or her, talk to your vet. A lot of times, poodles and other dogs will decide which human food they like. While some people recommend up to three times a day, there is a risk of over-feeding your pet and giving them too much food. Of course, if your pet is very active, then you may give them some extra meals or snacks but not too much. The risk of over-feeding your poodle is great and your treasured friend may develop different diseases if you overdo the feeding portion of their day. There are some foods that your pet should not or cannot eat. Some of those food items are chocolate, xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts, raisins, or drink alcohol. While these items may make your dog beg for some, resist their puppy dog eyes, and say no. Every dog owner and vet have their own personal favorites. You can choose any one of the top brands on the market today be wary of the cheap off-brand varieties. Those cheaper foods may fit your budget, but they are not as healthy as the top brands are. They do not have the very best or healthiest ingredients in them. Some Final Words Feeding your pet is a bit of trial and error. With every dog being different, you have to find the right amount of food and the right number of feeding times for your dog. Make food adjustments as you monitor their weight and their growth. Taking care of your pet means making sure they are getting the proper diet and exercise as well as the right amount of food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For dogs under the age of 7 years, visit your vet every year. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat your dog for parasites and worms. Dogs that are over the age of 7 years should visit the vet every 6 months. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat for parasites and worms. Responsible dog owners get their pets vaccinated regularly, wormed, and treated for parasites such as fleas. Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost. One of the health problems that toy poodles are prone to in later life is diabetes mellitus sugar diabetes. The hormones associated with estrous heat in the female can trigger diabetes. Therefore, it is wise to get your female toy poodle spayed. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Small but resilient, toy poodles often live well into double figures. They do however tend to suffer from health issues as they age. Diabetes, poor teeth and heart disease are most common. These issues, once identified, can often be managed in order to help your pet live a long and active life. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Raw or cooked homemade meals When you bring home a new puppy, you might want to switch her food to a brand you prefer. Wait until your dog has been with you for at least a few weeks. This is a time of big changes for your puppy, and you should minimize the trauma coming all at once. Plan to make the dog food switch over the course of a week or so, and watch for signs of digestive upset. Poodle Puppy Diets Many diets today are age- or stage of life-specific, even breed-specific. But does this really matter, or is it marketing? The truth is, it actually does. Brands that make dog foods pay attention to research to formulate the best nutrition for different stages of life and for different sizes of dog. A good puppy formula will include extra nutrients, such as calcium, and extra calories per pound of body weight. It will also have the right number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats for the right amount of growth. The right amount actually includes the restriction of certain nutrients. Having too much of a good thing can actually be bad for dogs. In large breeds like the Standard Poodle, the ingestion of excessive amounts of energy and calcium as puppies can lead to a higher likelihood of developmental orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia. Poodles are genetically prone to joint problems like this, so diet here is very important. For kibble, you can even dish up the daily meals at the start of the day. Personally, I always make one extra bowl to use as training treats. Allowing me to reward my pup for good behavior throughout the day without messing with my ratios. Over the first couple of months, I feed four meals so I make up five bowls first thing in the day. Spread the formal meals evenly throughout the day time, making sure the last one is at least two hours before you want to go to bed. This will save you getting back up again to let your puppy out to open their bowels! An adult dog food should have less protein, calcium, fat, and omega-3 acids than the puppy version. Once your Poodle gets to about 80 percent of his expected adult size, feel free to switch to the adult brand. Every dog is different in terms of metabolism and body type. In that case, it might be time to switch to the adult corollary. Look for meat-based protein sources in the first few ingredients listed on the package. Be sure to start off with apuppy formula if your dog is under 12 months old. Feeding a Poodle Puppy Wet Food Many canned dog food options are digestible and full of balanced nutrition. Not all wet foods offer a balanced diet, so make sure to read labels. If your dog needs better hydration or has problems with her teeth, wet food might be a good option. Canned food often has 75 percent moisture content compared with percent for dry. Canned food has more fat and protein and fewer carbs, along with more animal products. Also, do your research! Learn about safe handling and storage of meats. This works because some foods provide more nutrition and taste better! Others are better raw. So this diet can be more flexible and easier to deal with than the raw diet. And you can avoid some of the pitfalls of uncooked meat, too. However, some of the same nutritional issues must be addressed. Weigh your puppy frequently and use a Poodle growth chart, then adjust food amounts as needed. If you can see them without having to feel for them, your dog may need more food. Look for other symptoms of problematic weight, such as exhaustion and difficulty turning around, or bowel and gas issues. Poodles are prone to obesity, and obesity comes with plenty of health issues you do not want to deal with, such as metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease, and joint problems. Instead, find ways of helping your pup eat slower, or feel full faster. A slow-feeder bowl can help reduce the rate at which your dog scarfs down his meal, for example. A puzzle feeder or other toys may also help. Play with her to distract her, or take her out! If you really think you need to adjust food amounts, talk to your veterinarian and get professional advice. Poodles tend to be a slower-maturing breed. The different sizes of Poodle mature at different rates. Smaller dogs mature more quickly. Miniature poodles will be fully grown between months but may take a bit longer to fill out. Standard poodles may take up to 2 years to mature. You can start feeding Miniature and Toy Poodles adult foods at around months. Since most of the Poodles are small in size standard Poodles are of medium size , a slight deviation in their weight will make them look thin or fat. There are various elements related to the feeding of poodle which pet owners often want to know. The present article has tried to answer such questions of pet owners related to the feeding of this sweet and playful dog breed. Start with the basics: Since this dog has a small mouth, it is advised to serve him in a shallow dish. The dog may have a hard time eating from a narrow and deep bowl. Also, make sure that the edges of the bowl are not sharp as it may hurt the dog. Stainless steel bowl should be preferred over plastic bowl. Switching the food: Making a quick change in the diet of poodle will result in health problems in your dog. It is advised to discuss with the breeder about the food he was giving to poodle. The process may take about a month. The amount of food required by a dog depends on various factors such as his age, metabolism and activity level. However, the range of recommended daily amount for poodles is given below: Standard Poodle: 1. Meal frequency: The following table illustrates the meal frequency for standard, toy and miniature poodles: Age No. Wash the dish properly and change the food every day. Also, provide your dog a regular supply of fresh water. Commercial Vs Homemade Vs Raw Food: All three types of foods have their own importance and it is up to you what you want to feed your poodle. Commercial dog food is easily available in market and you can read label to know how much nutrients you are offering to the dog. Homemade food will cost you less but you have to consult vet about the amount of food which you should feed. Nutrition Profile: Quality animal protein should be in the list of nutrients which your dog is consuming. Healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals will follow. If your dog is lacking a particular nutrient, supplementation can be provided. Category : Puppies When you take your puppy home usually around weeks of age they will need to eat 3 or 4 times a day. At 8 weeks old we feed small meals 4 times a day at 7 am, 11 am, 2 pm and then at 5 pm. We allow them free access to water until 7 pm in the evening. An alternative is to feed 3 times a day at 7 am, 12 noon and at 5 pm. If your puppy is hungry split the meals to 4 times a day. By the time they are 10 weeks old they can go to 3 meals a day. If your puppy feels thin you can feel all the ribs and backbone easily increase the amount of food. If your puppy feels fat you should be able to feel some of the ribs reduce the amount of food. Some puppies are very active and burn up every calorie they eat, some are prone to being a little rounder and their food intake needs to be carefully monitored. Research has shown that dogs that are not overfeed have a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia. Keep your puppy thin and healthy. We do not recommend free feeding of puppies as this makes it more difficult to housebreak your poodle and regulate their diet. Better to move to free feeding after housebreaking if you choose to. It is harder to monitor how much food they eat when free feeding and a glutunous puppy may quickly become fat. Remember a thin puppy is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. We strongly encourage you to keep your puppy on the same food we provide for the first month. Both coccidia and giardia may live in the gut of a healthy poodle and they never have an outbreak. When their bodies are stressed they are more likely to develop an unhealthy balance and the result may be a sick puppy. Moving to a new home, leaving their Mother and siblings and diet changes are all stressful. We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your puppies diet the first month. Changing to a different dog food — go slowly. It may take a month or longer to switch foods. If at any point your puppy develops an upset stomach go back to the level of food mix that they were doing well on. Should your puppy develop bloody diarrhea take them to the veterinarian, they have most likely developed gastroenteritis and may need some medication or possibly fluids. Go slowly, new protein sources require time for the stomach to adjust. This is true not only in puppies but also adults. We continue to feed our puppies 3 meals a day until they are 6 months old. Our belief is that in keeping food moving through the puppy it allows for better consistent growth and health. At 6 months of age we start to feed 2 times a day with snacks throughout the day. We continue to feed our dogs 2 times a day throughout their life. We feed snacks several times a day to both puppies and adults which may be carrots, green beans, eggs or chicken or pieces of their kibble. We feed our poodles both kibble and home cooked food. Bully sticks are given occasionally for chewing. No Comments.