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These are just some habits you have to deal with as dog owners. But the worst may be that day you catch your dog eating his own feces poop. Gross, right? The idea of such an act is downright disgusting as a human. There are things to consider and actions steps to take to fix this. Dogs can eat their poop because of a deficiency of nutrients, malabsorption syndrome, parasites, natural instincts, anxiety, attention seeking, or even good smelling turd from eating too much good human foods. But why do adult dogs eat their own poop? That said, here are the most common reasons for coprophagia in adult dogs. Your dog may be lacking nutrients This main reason for coprophagia, in a nutshell, is animal instinct. When your dog is lacking sufficient nutrients from its daily food regimen, it will find other ways to get those nutrients. And yes, even if it means eating its own feces. In order to prevent this, make sure your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients daily. This means never missing any of their regular meals and giving them the recommended dog food portion. Not sure what the portion is? Consult with your vet. So, some healthy snacks in between meals is a good idea. Keep in mind, if you purchase any of the top brands of dog food, they should contain all the necessary nutrients. Note: Studies have shown that when dogs lack Vitamin B1 , they are more likely to develop Coprophagia. Looking for fruits and vegetables with Vitamin B1? Try feeding your dog some pineapples , cucumbers , tomatoes or cantaloupe. Malabsorption Syndrome is a medical condition where the dog does not fully absorb the nutrients of the food within their small intestine. Unfortunately, these dogs are exposed to all sorts of parasites, such as stomach worms, every time they go out for a walk. Consult with a veterinarian to see if this is a possibility for your dog with coprophagia. Good news: there are many ways to deal with intestinal parasites in dogs. Certain dog diseases will cause dogs to eat their feces There are certain dog diseases that may significantly increase the appetite of the dog. If your dog is showing any symptoms, in addition to coprophagia, you may want to get it checked out. Always consult with a veterinarian. Your dog may just be seeking your attention Have you ever heard about cases where the adolescent kid of neglectful parents act out and do terrible things, presumably to get the attention of their parents? Your dog could also be trying to get attention from their actions of consuming poop. Sure enough, eating poop generally elicits a reaction from the owner. The solution to this is simple. Your dog may be experiencing anxiety Like all humans, dogs can get anxiety from various things. But how does anxiety cause them to eat their own feces? In the early stages of house training, some owners can be a little too harsh with their puppy. Harsh punishments are not needed. Of course, owners are likely to give harsh punishments if they eat their poop, thus creating a vicious cycle that could continue into adulthood. Isolating your dog can lead to this behavior Research and studies have shown that when a dog is isolated from the rest of the humans and spends a significant amount of time in a kennel, they are more likely to eat their own poop. There is no conclusive evidence on exactly why this happens, but it could possibly be because they are seeking attention or from the intense stress of isolation. If a dog is confined in a restrictive space, they are also more likely to eat poop too. These are all stressful situations that could trigger a psychological problem, thus leading to coprophagia. Keep in mind that dogs are social creatures. They love to be around people and are generally happiest when their family is playing or interacting with them. There are certain stages in their lives where it is perfectly natural and beneficial to eat feces. For example, when a female dog becomes a mother, she will teach her puppies to clean up after themselves. For the first month, the mother dog will clean by licking the feces residue off the puppies. So in this case, it is not a psychological or physiological issue that is causing this temporary coprophagia. It is animal instincts inherited through all the years of evolution. As for the puppies, they will certainly pick up this habit because they are great students of other dogs or humans. The only thing to watch out for is the puppies getting too accustomed to the taste of their poop and possibly starting to eat the feces of other dogs. The behavior of puppies eating their own feces, also known as autocoprophagia , will disappear in 8 to 10 months in most cases. In , Dr. Benjamin Hart DVM and his team of researchers at UC Davis presented a survey study to 3, dog owners that found some initially alarming statistics. With that in mind, can we conclude that it is completely abnormal for canines to eat their own poop? Think about it. Many other species of animals, such as guinea pigs and rabbits also eat their own poop. In fact, it may be detrimental to their health to NOT consume the nutrients in their feces. Hart and his team concluded that eating stool is an innate predisposition stemmed from the past, when wild canines would need to protect the pack members from parasites in the feces. From our point of view, it is disgusting, but not so much from the canine perspective. How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop Now that you understand what environmental and behavioral factors cause coprophagia in dogs, you may be thinking how do i stop my dog from eating poop? There are many different ways to safely solve the coprophagia problem, and i hear a lot of mixed results on which works best. Feel free to try these methods until one works successfully for your dog. Also, if a specific treatment worked for you, please leave a comment in the section below! The Pineapple Treatment Not only can dogs eat pineapples , but they are also very nutritious for them as well. A little known secret of pineapples is that it can actually be used as a treatment for coprophagia in dogs! Chop up a few small pieces of pineapples for your dogs to consume and observe over time. First, you want to make sure there is no allergic reaction and if your dog has a change in stool habit diarrhea or constipation , stop immediately and try another treatment. Coprophagia Deterrent Soft Chews These soft chews have the same goals as in the pineapple treatment — change the taste of stool and hope the dog loses its appetite for feces. I have a lot mixed reviews for this one. You check it out at Amazon. Habanero Sauce on Feces? This method may sound a bit crazy, but it can and has worked with dogs. Cesar Millan recommends that you find stool either in the yard, on the pee pad, or wherever your dog does its business, and cover it in habanero sauce. After the initial bite or two, they will certainly be deterred and may not think eating stool is worth it at the cost of a burning mouth. Vitamin Supplements for Dogs The theory that dogs eat feces due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in their diet makes this method an obvious choice. In fact, the prime suspect is the lack of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1. You can either add some supplement pills into their diets, or do it with fruits that contain thiamine, such as bananas , pineapples or apples. All of which, are dog-friendly and safe to eat. Use a Meat Tenderizer The theory is that the modern dog diet contains a much higher percentage of carbohydrates and lower percentage of fats and meat-based proteins, when compared to the diet of their ancestors. Cesar Millan has suggested using a meat tenderizer that contains a special enzyme called papain. Posts you may like:. Reasons Dogs Eat Poop Nutritional Deficiencies A dog may eat poop because they are missing important nutrients in their own diet or they are not properly absorbing certain nutrients in their food during digestion called malabsorption. One study found that dogs whose diets were deficient in thiamine vitamin B1 developed coprophagia. If your veterinarian suspects deficiencies, they will run specific tests not included in a usual wellness blood panel. Nutritional deficiencies are not common for dogs fed commercial diets, and are instead more common in dogs fed raw or homemade diets. Underlying Medical Issues If a dog suddenly begins to eat feces, it may be a sign of health conditions that cause increased appetite, such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or any gastrointestinal disease that causes malabsorption. Diseases that can lead to pica eating inappropriate things , such as liver disease and anemia, can result in coprophagia. Canine cognitive dysfunction "doggie dementia" can also contribute to this behavior. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms, "steal" nutrients from your dog's diet, which can cause inflammation and malabsorption. That can then can lead to coprophagia. Anxiety Stool eating may be a symptom of underlying anxiety or stress in a dog. This may be separation anxiety or isolation distress, or a dog who is seeking to avoid punishment during potty training hiding the evidence! Hunger Eating stool may be a sign that a dog is simply hungry and seeking more calories. Dogs who are taking steroidal treatments, such as prednisone, often have a larger appetite and may begin to eat poop. Cleaning the "Den" When raising a litter of puppies, for the first few weeks after birth, a mother dog will lick the puppies' rears to stimulate bowel movements and then eat the puppies' feces. This is completely normal and expected behavior and is believed to happen due to their desire to keep the den area clean and protect against predators who may smell the poop and therefore find the den location. It Just Tastes Good! While we may automatically wrinkle our noses at the idea that our dogs just find poop tasty, it just may be that they like the taste. Feces is simply digested food. And if your dog is eating other dog or cat feces, to them, it's just another protein source! If they prefer horse or rabbit poop, perhaps they like the taste of digested plants. Inappropriate Association with Food This is related to the prior point about dogs liking the taste of feces. In some cases, a dog may associate poop with food because their eating area was located too close to their potty area during critical development phases. This can happen with dogs who spent a lot of time in confinement without a separate potty area, such as in puppy mills or an overcrowded shelter. Attention Seeking or Boredom Dogs learn quickly that eating poop is a surefire way of getting your attention, as when we see it happen, we tend to immediately respond by shouting and running after them. They may start repeating this behavior to get your attention and can even see it as a fun game to play when you're around. If a dog is bored, they may seek out things to indulge in, including finding and eating feces in the yard or taking on the challenge of accessing the cat's litter box for a snack. When eating poop, your dog has an increased risk for certain diseases, such as E. Consumption can increase their risks of intestinal parasite infection as well. There are even documented cases, albeit not common, of pets absorbing certain undigested medications from consuming poop. If your dog consumes their own or another household pet's poop but all are parasite-free, make sure they are on year-round preventatives and have regular fecal exams to ensure their continued health. Staying up-to-date on preventatives is also extremely important if your dog eats other dogs' feces at dog parks or on walks. You'll also want to consider that your dog puts their mouth on quite a lot of things in your home — not to mention that they probably lick your face or hands. If they eat poop, you're then also at risk of illness and disease transmission such as Salmonella and giardia. Speak with your veterinarian about your dog's poop-eating behavior. Ask them if they have recommendations on food or supplements to add to their diet. They may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for further testing and treatment. The Solution: Prevent Poop Eating With Management The most effective thing you can do, no matter the reason your dog is eating poop, is to remove access to it. If they can't get to it, they can't eat it! How you do this depends on whose poop they are eating. Pick up Poop Right Away. For my dog, he prefers my older female dog's poop, but not his own. This means that I must be very quick to immediately bag up her poop when she goes. But I have more leeway when it comes to scooping his poop in the yard. Whenever we go out for a potty break in the yard, I make sure to have a bag ready in my pocket and keep a close eye on her to make sure I don't miss any droppings. Be prepared with your poop scooper or poo bags whenever you take your dogs outside. Keep Your Dog Out of the Litterbox. Block your dog's access to the cat's litterbox. Use gates or strategic locations for the litter box, and make sure to clean it regularly. Dogs are scavengers by nature, and "training" this out of them is a big ask. In some cases, managing their environment and using anti-scavenging tools solves the problem. But for extreme cases, while you work on teaching your dog to leave poop alone, invest in these tools to prevent them from practicing this unwanted behavior. Anti-scavenging muzzles. I recommend muzzle training for all dogs , but it's particularly useful for dogs who like to grab and eat feces. Choose a basket muzzle that is designed with a front guard, like this Baskerville Anti-Scavenge muzzle. The JAFCO muzzle is also a good option, or if you have a basket muzzle custom-made, make sure to choose a tightly woven front design. While a basket muzzle will still allow a dog to shove their snout into a pile of poo, ideally it will block actual ingestion. Just be ready with sani wipes and clean your muzzle after each use. For more tips on finding the right muzzle for your dog, check out my tips in "Choosing and Fitting a Basket Muzzle. An alternative to a basket muzzle, a product like the Outfox Field Guard prevents your dog from ingesting feces they find. However, just like a muzzle, your dog may still decide to smear poo all over it. But this product is especially useful if you live in an area where foxtails are prevalent. Use a head collar on walks. If your dog likes to treat your walk like a poop buffet, grazing on found poop along the way, walking them on a head collar, such as a Halti , can give you better control over where their nose goes. Using this walking gear, you can keep their nose up from the ground and prevent scavenging. This is usually my last recommendation, as sniffing is an essential activity for your dog to engage in every day. However, using a head collar for leash walking in areas where there is a lot of wildlife poop and then allowing them the freedom to sniff in "free-of-poop" areas is a good compromise. I only recommend using a head collar, if you can commit to spending lots of time conditioning your dog to wear it comfortably first. I do not recommend head collars for small dogs or dogs who pull or lunge on the leash, as the sudden torque on the neck can cause injury. To function properly, dogs need a balanced diet containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that match their life stage. You want to feed a diet that is meat-based listed in the first two to three ingredients , but that also has a balance of carbohydrates vegetables, quality grains, and fruits. Feed Your Dog More Often Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently throughout the day may help reduce hunger and scavenging behavior, which could be contributing to their coprophagia. Be aware that if you're still working on your dog's potty training, changing their meal frequency may affect how many times and the time they need to go 2 every day. Increase Mental Enrichment To reduce boredom and decrease stress, give your dog more brain games and mental enrichment. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are especially helpful for decompression and reducing anxiety. The easiest way to enrich your dog's life is to make every meal a brain or foraging activity. You can do this with a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder. There are tons of ways to increase enrichment, many of which don't involve more food. One thing to think about here is that typically we have to be present to say "leave it" for our dogs to actually be successful with this. Combine leave it practice with management and prevention techniques for true success. You can take the regular leave it cue to the next level by teaching an automatic leave it. This skill is difficult and takes quite a bit of practice! It can be done, but be aware that you are competing with a dog's natural instinct to scavenge. To introduce an automatic leave it, you'll want to make the presence of poo the cue for your dog, not your verbal "leave it. Approach a pile of poo, but don't allow your dog close enough to eat it. When they notice it, simply wait. When they turn their head away from or step away from the poop, say "yes! Repeat, repeat, repeat. This process takes time and lots of repetitions. It's best to work with a certified trainer on this skill, as this is what we consider a "college level" skill, and training needs to be tailored to each individual dog for the best success. In some cases, we may install a cue transfer, where we teach the dog to recall when they find poop or do an automatic check-in. It depends on the dog's foundational skills and the context that usually ends with poop eating. Poop Eating Deterrent Products There are a few different products available that claim to stop poop eating in dogs. Unfortunately, over-the-counter poop-eating deterrent products simply don't deliver on their promises. According to this study , there were "no successful results in treating coprophagy with any of the commercial products. First: speak with your veterinarian about what they may recommend and what, if any, ingredients may interact with any medications your dog is taking. I recommend first trying natural diet additives to balance your dog's gastrointestinal system prior to exploring commercial products. Natural Poop Eating Deterrents Pre and Probiotics: Providing your dog with a pre and probiotic enhances their digestion, nutrient absorption, and boosts their immune system. Use a multi-strain product with a high CFU per dose. See our veterinarian's top picks for probiotics here. Digestive enzymes: Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog needs digestive enzymes, which are typically only available by prescription. They can help improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients resulting in less palatable poop. Vitamin B Supplements: If your pet is diagnosed with a malabsorption issue or Vitamin B deficiency, your veterinarian may recommend B-complex injections. This increases fiber content and may make feces less appealing to eat. Note: Only use pure pumpkin — avoid pumpkin pie filling. Green Veggies: Add vegetables high in fiber to your dog's diet, such as spinach, kale, green beans, or broccoli. Pineapple: There are no scientific studies to support this, but an old legend suggests that feeding your dog small pieces of fresh pineapple never canned will make the taste of their poop unappealing. Meat tenderizer: Both myself and Preventive Vet's team veterinarian are wary to recommend adding meat tenderizer to a dog's diet to prevent coprophagia. Well, many meat tenderizers have other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as high sodium, onion, and garlic. Bromelain, the actual "tenderizer" in these products, is present in fresh pineapple, so you're better off trying that before adding meat tenderizer to your dog's food. But just like with pineapple, there are no studies that show this is effective. There are quite a few recommendations that will pop up on Google when you search for home remedies for stopping poop eating. Be very careful what you try with your dog, and it's always a good idea to ask your veterinarian first. As mentioned above with meat tenderizers, there may be additional ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. For example, one suggestion I found is to sprinkle crushed breath mints on a dog's food, but many sugar-free breath mints contain the sugar substitute xylitol — which is extremely dangerous to dogs. I actually stopped using the product after just two days because my veterinarian informed me that it has high sodium content that she didn't recommend for my senior dog to take — the second ingredient is MSG monosodium glutamate. MSG can be toxic for dogs in high amounts or with long-term consumption. However, if only used for a short period of time, the benefits may outweigh any risks. MSG only has one-third of the sodium content of regular table salt. Some dogs do get vomiting and diarrhea. Speak to your veterinarian first before use, especially if your dog has heart or kidney issues. Does your dog eat poop? We'd love to hear about what you've tried to stop it — take this short 2-minute survey to share your experience! With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Prevention Back to Top The reasons why some dogs eat feces are not entirely known, but we understand how frustrating it can be for dog owners. If you find that your pup is often eating poop, don't fret—coprophagia, or the act of eating feces, is relatively common in dogs. It's also treatable in several ways, such as keeping your yard free of dog droppings and understanding why your dog is doing this in the first place. Why Dogs Eat Poop The reasons why some dogs eat feces are not entirely known, but there are a few theories. It's possible that dogs eat stool for reasons like instinct, hunger, stress, or illness. Instinct Mother dogs instinctively lick their pups clean, which includes ingesting the puppies' feces. This normal maternal behavior keeps the pups and their environment clean. Many puppies will begin to eat feces at a young age. Some pups grow out of this normal behavior while others continue this into adulthood. Eating the feces of other species is also considered natural behavior. If you have a cat, you may notice that your dog cannot stay away from the litter box. Most dogs love the taste of cat poop. Perhaps this is because of the high-protein diets of cats. Hunger and Food Obsession A dog suffering from starvation or severe malnutrition might eat anything it can find. Some dogs, though well-nourished, are hungry all the time this may be a sign of illness or simply the personality of the dog. Many dogs are completely obsessed with food and will ingest anything that tastes good to them. Unfortunately, many dogs seem to like the taste of feces. Some people believe that dogs eat feces when they are lacking something in their diets. Most veterinarians say that this is actually not the cause of coprophagia. Anxiety, Fear, and Stress A dog in fear or under a great deal of stress may eat his own stool. In some cases, this could be a kind of self-soothing mechanism. However, if a dog is punished for inappropriate defecation or other action related to feces, he may associate the punishment with the presence of feces. By eating the feces, he is removing the "evidence" to avoid punishment. Illness Certain diseases and illnesses can cause a dog to eat feces. A symptom of some diseases is increased appetite or ingestion of inappropriate items called pica. An illness that changes the consistency or smell of the stool might encourage a dog to eat his own stool. Sudden onset of coprophagia calls for a veterinary exam. Some dogs with dementia and other brain diseases have been known to start eating stool. This may be due to the confusion and disorientation caused by the disease. It generally poses little danger for a dog to eat his own stool. However, bacteria and parasites from that stool can possibly be transmitted to the dog and therefore to humans and other animals through contact with the dog's mouth, saliva or feces. When a dog eats the feces of another animal especially another dog or a cat , he is at risk for ingesting the eggs of intestinal parasites and potentially harmful bacteria that can easily lead to illness. A dog that is known to eat the feces of other animals should have frequent fecal analyses by a veterinarian. Perhaps the worst effect of a dog eating poop is the foul breath you have to smell. Home dental care can help the breath, but it's best to prevent stool-eating altogether. Once you have ruled out medical problems as a cause for the coprophagia, you are left with addressing the behavior. Because stool-eating is considered a self-rewarding behavior, it can be difficult to reverse. First, make sure your yard is kept free of animal waste. Pick up your dog's stool as soon as possible after defecation. Be on high alert if your dog tends to eat his own feces during or immediately after defecation. Keep your dog on the leash when defecating. If his attention goes to the feces, immediately turn his attention to you try teaching the "look" command. Reward him for paying attention to you with a tasty treat, then immediately pick up the feces and discard it. Another helpful command to use at this time is to say " leave it. These products will not work for all dogs, but they will generally not harm your dog to try as long as your dog is not allergic to any of the ingredients. Be sure to choose a product that is labeled for dogs, such as "For-Bid" or "Deter. No, this is a myth. Feeding dogs pineapple does not make them stop eating poop. Why is my dog eating rabbit poop? Because it's there? Dogs like to eat poop, they are especially interested in poop that comes from other animals, like rabbits, because it has an unfamiliar aroma. Why does my dog eat cat poop? Your dog eats cat poop because it has a strong and unfamiliar smell. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Hart, Benjamin L et al. The paradox of canine conspecific coprophagy. Veterinary medicine and science vol. Veterinary Partner, .More from The Spruce Pets.
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View Detail English bull dog puppy ready for a new home English bull puppy with a playful nature. This sharp pup can be registered with the AKC and comes with a health guarantee provided by the breeder. He is vet checked and up to date on shots and wormer. Sidney is well socialized and is ready for his forever home. His mother is the family pet and is available to meet. To find out more about this friendly pup, please contact Jonas todayphone calls and SMS any time -- xxx xxx-xxx7 thank you and have a great day. We have 4 show quality puppies for sale 3 females and 1 male all are deep red with a little bit of white. Pups are bred to the new breed standard which consists of straight bone, straight tails. Straight teeth, open nostrils, split nose roll, clear eyes, rose ears. Puppies will come with AKC paperwork, insurance, first vaccination, health check certificate, microchiped, food, puppy pack and a life time full of help and advice. We have 4 girls and 1 boy. Mum to pups is our lovely red and white bitch Lola. Dad is a beautiful blue tri stud, Tank. Dad is double AT so all pups will carry AT. Mum and Dad can be viewed upon request. All pups come with their KC papers, microchip, both injections, 4 weeks free insurance, bowls, collar, lead, toys, blanket, puppy food pack and will be wormed, flead and fully vet checked up to date. There were 2 males and 1 females. We have 1 males available still. They are raised around my two children as well as other animals so will do great with kids and other pets. Good with kids and other pets been wormed and deflected vet checked 1 female 1 male. He is the grandson of champions with many, many more in his pedigree. He is a rolly polly at its finest. He will arrive healthy with a full nose-to-tail vet check, deworming and vaccination schedule. Don't miss out. We are bulldog breeders that focus on quality english bulldogs. Our bulldogs conform to the AKC Standard and are built like bullies should be. Not all bullies are created equal. If you want a short, stocky , wrinkly bully with a loving attitude, give us a call. You haven't played me in Poker, yet!!! Our puppies are showered with attention and care 24 hours a day. We are ethical breeders of some of the finest bulldogs in the world and are proud of the dogs we own and puppies we produce. We are a vet recommended breeder and will provide reference if you wish just ask. Each puppy passes a thorough health exam before leaving us. We strive to produce healthy puppies and are on a never ending mission to improve our blood lines and the breed as a whole. We literally have some of the best English Bulldogs in the world! All of our puppies are raised by us personally, in our home. Our duty, first and foremost, is to produce healthy, happy, physically sound bulldogs that make great family companions. We strive to produce excellent quality, healthy, wrinkly, correct body type bulldogs with loving charming attitudes and wonderful temperaments. We only breed champion lined adults and own beautiful studs of the highest quality, which are available for stud service to approved females. Understanding that most pet owners have no intentions of showing English Bulldogs, we still want to provide our clients with puppies of impeccable quality. We have put countless hours of into the study and research of the breed to produce the top quality dogs that you see on this site. We have dedicated our lives to improving our line, breeding high quality bulldogs, and producing amazing puppies that have brought and will continue to bring many years of happiness to their families. We hear all the time "we only want a pet, not a show dog". That may be true but you still want a bulldog that looks like a bulldog. So ,please don't make the mistake of buying a cheap bulldog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. You will be brokenhearted and feel swindled. Bulldogs of this quality are not easily produced and the price reflects the quality of our puppies, so if you're going to spend your money, spend it wisely on a champion pedigreed puppy that will exceed your expectations. When it comes to quality bulldogs, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. If you've been searching for healthy, high quality AKC bulldogs for sale , look no further. You've come to the right place. We are recognized as one of the top reputable english bulldog breeders in the country. Our mission is to produce healthy bulldog puppies that make great family companions. All of our English Bulldog puppies for sale are raised and socialized regularly by our family, which includes our three young children and other family pets. As a result, our bulldog puppies are known to have the best, playful and loving temperaments. For nearly 12 years now, we've specialized in producing high quality puppies that are uber wrinkly, big boned, compact and low to the ground. We only breed the healthiest sires and dams that are amongst the most respected blood lines in the world. Whether you're searching for a family pet, or a super high quality show dog or breeding dog, I'm confident that Suburban Bullies is the right breeder for you. Our Reputation and Growing Popularity We are on a never ending quest to improve the health and appearance of the english bulldog breed as a whole. Doing this is not easy, nor is it cheap. We literally have owned some of the top English Bulldogs in the world. As a result, our popularity has skyrocketed and we've grown quite a following. Over the years, we've even been fortunate enough to sell many of our gorgeous bulldog puppies to some of our favorite celebrities and other high profile clients. However, what I'm most proud of has been our ability to maintain a solid reputation. For example, we currently have a perfect 5-star rating on Google and a near 5-star rating on our "Suburban Bullies Facebook page" , which also has hundreds of raving reviews and over 50, followers. Our You Tube page has garnered over 20 million views throughout the years, producing numerous viral videos. Our Focus Our reputation and growing popularity is something we are infinitely grateful for. It means more than you know. However, we didn't get here overnight and it certainly wasn't by accident. I find it amusing now, nearly 12 years later, that we're still focused on the same two things we were focused on years ago when we first started. We're dedicated to the betterment of the English Bulldog breed. We're committed to making and keeping customers happy. Final Thoughts Now that we're through with our introduction, please take time to look around the website. Do your research and due dilligence on us and the bulldog breed. I'm confident we can find you the perfect English Bulldog puppies for sale. If for any reason you don't find the perfect bulldogs for sale on our website, contact me by phone or email and let me know what you're looking for. If we don't have the right puppy for you, you can always place a deposit on a future litter. If for some reason you decide to go a different direction, no sweat, I'm always willing to recommend other reputable breeders like our good friends Chad and Heather over at Sumo Bulldogs. Chad and I co-own several dogs together and have been breeding together for years. His knowledge of the Bulldog breed is second to none and his family, like ours, has truly dedicated their lives to improving the breed and producing healthy, high quality dogs. Good luck as you search for your dream puppy. Lastly, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions….
For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of the pup will depend on the breeder from which you are buying it from as well as its bloodline and color. Even though the price is usually more expensive, you can be sure that this type of registration comes with benefits as well as recommendations from other breeders and owners who have dealt with them before. A great place to start looking for reputable breeders in your area is on the internet via Google or Facebook where you can see what kind of dogs they have produced in the past and what clients have said about their services. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Minnesota Responsible Boxer breeders should be able to provide you with many things such as health records, registration forms and even a written sales contract. Responsible breeders will also require an application from anyone who wishes to purchase a pup from them so they can choose whether or not you have what it takes to provide a great home. This is done in order to avoid impulse buying and possible backyard breeding which has been known to happen more often than most people realize. A good breeder should be clean, organized and have a large number of healthy pups roaming around the place freely which is a clear sign that they are loved and cared for properly. There should also be a range of sizes from tiny to extra-large since this breed comes with many different personalities as well as body types. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to meet and play with the puppies which is important because it gives you the opportunity to see their personalities as well as what they are like around other dogs, people and kids. Be sure not to pick up any pups unless given permission by the breeder because this shows them that you care about their space and boundaries. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Minnesota You can normally tell a great breeder by the kind of people he or she hangs around with. Any responsible breeder would also have no problem giving you references from other clients so be sure to ask them for these without sounding too pushy and keep track of anyone that they mention. The cost of your puppy is not what should be important here but rather the kind of person you are getting it from since a good breeder will always put your needs before their own when it comes to selling a pup. Since pups spend practically every second with their mothers before being taken home, past customers can easily give an honest answer on how well raised and socialized they are with other animals as well as people so pay attention. Ask for Photos of Their Parents Many breeders claim that their parents are great family dogs with no behavior issues whatsoever which is what makes them seem perfect for every owner. A good breeder should be more than happy to give you the name and number of their veterinarian so that you can set up a check-up for your pup before signing any contracts. Since pups spend most of their lives inside, they need constant supervision which can be hard with children unless planned properly. All good breeders will be more than happy to give advice or pass you on to someone who can teach you how to get started too. However, the problem usually lies in preventing any of these issues from occurring instead of dealing with them after the fact so just focus on finding a good breeder who will help prevent your pup from being put through unnecessary pain. If you notice anything unusual during potty training then make sure you report it straight away since it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs professional help as soon as possible. Training Your Boxer Puppy to Accept Your Commands Some breeds are very good at picking up commands while others can take longer so be sure to check if your Minnesota puppy has any difficulties. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs. Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Boxer puppies for sale Clearwater, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Clearwater Minnesota? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Clearwater MN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Clearwater for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area. Wiki Clearwater Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.
I have owned and trained Labradors since .My wife and I have been breeding Labradors since for the sole purpose of improving the Labrador breed as a whole. When I first thought about breeding Labs, one of my early mentors, the late George Kane, told me his definition. Now, more than two decades later, we bring to light that definition with every decision we make. Dogs that we personally own have competed in more than 1, stakes in just the last ten years. Why go to all that time, trouble and expense? Because that Sire or Dam is only as good as their last series or stake they ran in. So, week in and week out, you can find our Sires and Dams competing in various venues all over America and Canada. You always have and always will, set the standard for other breeders to follow. You certainly have the records and so many accomplishments to prove it. I never thought about it that way. Nothing comes easy, and we always take the road less traveled. The good Lord has blessed us with so much. Scooter earned his first advanced title at 10 months of age and his MH title at 21 months and 5 days old. Have you ever gone to a hunt test or field trial, and learned that you had the youngest dog competing in that event? It sure makes you feel very proud and blessed. Simply amazing! Again, we are so blessed. Scooter went on to qualify for four National Field Trial Championships. I am not sure how many Fox Reds can say they qualified for more. We have a support team of multiple awesome professional trainers and great friends who share our unquenchable passion for helping Black Ice Retrievers produce the most intelligent decorated pointing Labradors in the country. We take the responsibility, investment, and extensive research, which all go along with our goal, extremely serious. Sometimes, we have waited close to three years across multiple repeat breedings just to get the exact one pick of the litter we desire. I grew up hunting ducks off of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in St. This is where if your lab could not handle multiple marks and blinds, you and your dog were not invited back. We have some of the highest standards in the industry. While other lab kennels breed great grandchildren, grandchildren, and daughters of well accomplished dogs, we only have litters from dogs that are well accomplished themselves. Why do breeders promote puppies from unproven parents? Second, the testing of the dog takes time, effort, and investment. You need to decide for yourself what type of buyer you are and then do your research. This industry is very competitive, and you can buy a lab from just about anywhere, but you get what you pay for. Our best customers are families who simply want the best possible dog for the dollar and take the time and effort to make the best informed buying decision possible. Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you enjoy browsing through all the details of our proven brand. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. Our contact information can be found on the Contact page. May God Bless you and your families. God Bless! You can have confidence your new puppy from Southern Flight Retrievers will have all the drive you are needing in your 4 legged hunting companion for those long retrieves in field trial events or in muddy grass marshes and waterways. Then after the successful hunt, field trial event, or just a daily walk in the great outdoors your furry companion will be ready to curl up for an evening by your side, ready to do it all again the next day. Working Labrador Retrievers We raise working labrador retrievers, not show labradors This means our puppies are bred to be very trainable, very athletic, with strong beautiful body builds for endurance when hunting or competing out in the fields, marshes or waterways. This is made possible by carefully selecting what will be our future brood Bitches. We make sure the mother of your future puppy is of strong character, lots of natural retrieving drive, highly trainable, and a calm, not hyper temperament. Sires have a great record of offspring performing well. All the male labs we use are out of very strong Field Trial and Hunt Test Pedigrees that have been carefully selected for each breeding to produce the healthiest and highly trainable puppies. Why Buy a Lab Puppy From Southern Retrievers Do you want the confidence in knowing your puppy came from a reputable breeder that has done the best they could to provide you with a very well bred, and guaranteed healthy puppy? Do you want the assurance you can contact the breeder anytime for advice, tips, and questions? These are the questions we strive to answer and fulfill to the best of our ability for each and every one of our clients, whether a new client or a returning client for multiple puppies. We want to keep in touch with you as our client to see your puppy grow into a beautiful dog with many achievements. You are welcome to have a look at them to see what your future puppy from Southern Flight Retrievers could look like. Take a look at the testimonials we have received. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. From the time the retriever is 6 months old until QAA. We search the country for the best bred field trial puppies, raise them in hopes to build them into amazing canine athletes one day for our future clients. We are continuing to put together a team of top bred retrievers and clients that want to learn how to handle their retrievers. If you see a retriever below you are interested in let us know. Call Us if you have any questions or would like to purchase one of these amazing pups from the top breedings around the country. We did our homework on these breedings so you wouldn't have to! The cost of the puppy and shipment. And Professional Puppy training to get the retriever headed in the right direction for future retriever training. Also 1 on 1 coaching to develop You the new owner into a better handler. You will be able to train with us, ask questions, and have support as you improve. If you want to move into All Age Field Trials this is an excellent place to start. Get your line time before moving up to tougher tests in the Amateur and Open Stakes. If you are interested in purchasing one of the field trial prospect puppies. Being by your side is about the best place she likes to be. She presents three Field Champions in her pedigree along with 16 Master Hunters. Her loving personality and strong desire to retrieve makes her the perfect package. Training is her favorite pass time, you ask her and consider it accomplished. She is the whole package, loving companion and loyal hunting buddy. Her personality will put a smile on your face. Happy, yes just look at her, she is definitely a very happy smart and loving gal. She has a very strong pedigree presenting 3 National Field Champions and 15 Field Champions in her 4 generation pedigree. She is a beautiful muscular and rock solid 52 pound black female. She is the total package of pure energy and personality. She can outrun anyone and her love of retrieving is pure and always front and center. She taught her well, a strong hunting partner and a loyal family companion who loves with her whole heart. She is so very smart, loves training the young gals at Bailiwick. She has a very strong pedigree, presenting in her four generation 5 National Field Champions. She has a very loving personality and a strong desire to please. Bree is very smart, tell her once what you would like and consider it done, totally connected at all times. She is a devoted companion who loves with her whole heart. At the end of the day she will be right by your side. Her pedigree presents 5 National Field Champions, with her grandfather…. She came into this world dreaming of ducks and duck ponds. She is willing to do whatever you ask of her. Retrieving or just being by your side, she is happy and willing, totally devoted. Her eyes show her personality. Her love is retrieving, if you have the time she has the energy. She presents two National Field Champions in her pedigree…. She loves with her whole heart and lives life to the maximum. Her happy personality sets her apart. Watch her for five minutes and you will have a smile on your face. She is a very smart loving and athletic gal. He is a devoted hunting companion and a loving family member. His personality will put a smile on your face. By your side is his favorite place and spending the day hunting and retrieving, is the icing on the cake. He has a strong desire to please, ask him and consider it done.
If you are based in Alberta, you will likely have encountered a German Shepherd while strolling the streets and may be intrigued to learn of German Shepherd breeders in Alberta. We recommend doing plenty of research when seeking to find a reputable German Shepherd breeder. Reputable breeders will provide you with full registration and certification papers, a full medical history and information on the bloodline. This article will provide you with information about the 9 best German Shepherd Breeders in Alberta, to help you select the best breeder to suit your needs. We will provide some basic information about the breeder as well as contact details for you to follow up. Identifying the good from the bad can be a challenge, especially for first-timers. Luckily for you, there are plenty of great breeders in Alberta which we are happy to connect you with. Firstly, some tips on finding quality breeders. Normally, good quality breeders exhibit the following characteristics: They are very knowledgeable about the German Shepherd breed and can answer a range of questions. They do due diligence on you as a prospective adopter by asking you questions. Good breeders are transparent about their breeding practices and can provide a full medical history. They have approaches that encourage puppy socialization before adoption. They will provide you with a contract to sign. They will follow up with you during the adoption to ensure all is well. It is useful to consider these traits in mind when undergoing research on breeders. You can easily call, email or visit breeders to get a sense of their setup and breeding approaches. Explore the breeders below. They have well-bred, nicely built, and healthy German Shepherds. These dogs also have wonderful personalities and excellent temperaments. The Homestead German Shepherds are not show-line dogs. The breeding priority of these animals is the exterior. Most of the show-line dogs in North America have been bred because of a fad of over-angulation. This is desirable in the show ring, but poor working confirmation can lead to many health concerns. Therefore, the look of these German shepherds is not true to the standards of the original breed. The Homestead German shepherds are working line dogs and as well come from proven lines. They do not have extreme working dogs but instead have amazing dogs with the highest respect for the time they invest in growing such dogs. The German shepherds are bred selectively to have intense prey drives, great energy, and fearlessness. They are great for police, military, and detection roles, and the ones that lifestyle complement their lifestyle such as German Shepherds. They will not work well for the average family or person. The goal of the Homestead German Shepherd is to breed a dog that has the positive attributes of a well-bred dog. Courageous spirits, solid temperaments, intelligence, minds, good health, and beautiful bodies. They bred dogs from East Germany, European and Czech. These countries have dogs with excellent health. At one year of age, she is distinctly a German Shepherd Dog and a very beautiful one at that. Most of us buy German Shepherds when they are puppies and many of us have no idea what the puppy will look like as a grown dog, except that it will definitely be a German Shepherd. Some people don't care what the dog looks like so long as it will bark and protect their property. Others want a show dog. Still others are buying a member of the family. What are you looking for when buying a German Shepherd? Don't buy the first puppy you see All puppies are appealing. If you are buying a puppy because of its pretty face, it will not look like that grown up. If you are buying it because it seems gentle and quiet, it simply may be well fed and sleepy. If you are buying the one that comes to you and bites your hand, it may do that the rest of its life. Be a discriminating buyer. You will be living with this dog for as long as 12 years. Still others have unregistered dogs and are unable to provide you with papers. Ask to see the health certificates on the parents Some breeders will tell you that they have never had a problem with "hips" in their line but will not give you any x-ray information to support their statement. There is only one way to verify whether or not a dog has hip or elbow dysplasia and that is through x-ray screening. There is only one data base available to find out if your breeder has x-rayed their breeding stock and that is through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA. The OFA lists only dogs that have been cleared for hip and elbow dysplasia. This information is available for search on their web site. More information is given on the page called Titles. These certify that the dog has been x-rayed and has been found to be free of hip and elbow problems. If the dog is over two years of age, ask to see the "final" certificate. Do not accept the "prelims" or underage certificates. If the breeder does not have the certificates, ask for the OFA numbers and the registered names of the parents so that you can check to see if they have been x-rayed. Ask about litter evaluations for structure and temperament One of the reasons for seeing the parents, if possible, is to get an idea of what the puppy will look like when it is an adult dog. Another is to evaluate the parent's temperament as suitable for your home environment. Ask to see siblings or other relatives, if possible. These will give you a general idea about the temperament and structure of your puppy but are not guarantees. There are methods of testing litters and ranking them on an objective form. Two are most commonly used: Puppy Puzzle and the litter evaluation as described by the Monks of New Skete. The temperament of the puppy you choose may not be suitable for your home environment. When people are looking for a puppy as a show prospect, they look for things such as structure, "attitude" and movement. People who wish to use their puppy in Schutzhund, look for a strong play drive. Still others look for a temperament suitable for a home with children in a neighborhood of small children. There are tests for each of these traits. Ask the breeder if the tests were performed on all members of the litter and what the test scores were. If you don't know what the test scores mean, ask for a print-out of the test. Some breeders are trying to breed puppies that conform to the standards set by the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club as to what a German Shepherd Dog is supposed to look like. To do that, they try to breed away from serious faults in structure, movement and temperament in order to maximize what is good in their dogs. The German Shepherd Club of America has an Illustrated Standard posted on its web site available to all serious breeders and buyers. The following are the faults listed in the CKC Book of Dogs for the GSD that must be considered in any breeding program as they are all inherited: Disqualifications Faults that should not be present in any GSD or any of their relatives. Should not be used for breeding. My name is Missy, and I'm a 7-year-old shepherd with a heart full of love to give. I promise to be the most loyal and caring companion you've ever had. I'm a perfect gal for a family with kids! I even attend Edmonton Humane Society summer camp with the kids. I get excited to greet all the kids and have them throw the ball for me! Now, let's talk about my preferences and needs. I've had some experiences with other dogs that left me feeling a bit fearful and unsure. That's why I'm looking for a single dog home where I can be your one and only furry friend. I know that might sound like a lot to ask, but I promise to fill your life with so much joy and affection that you won't need anyone else! Because of my past experiences, it's important for me to find an adopter who understands my limitations and is patient enough to help me overcome them. I'm working on my reactivity, and I believe that with the right guidance, I can learn to feel more comfortable around other dogs. An experienced adopter who is willing to work on this with me would be a dream come true. If you're the kind and patient person I'm looking for, willing to help me grow and overcome my fears, I promise to be by your side through thick and thin. Let's embark on this journey of love, trust, and companionship together. Are you ready to be my hero? I was recently spayed and had a dental with a tooth extraction prior to going up for adoption. Born July 25th 3 females left!! First shots, de-wormed, vet-checked, and micro-chipped with CKC chips. These pups have been raised in a family environment and are.Still available if ad is up. Female- April 19, , four months old black Male- March 30, , FREE delivery anywhere in central and southern Alberta. Text or call .Puppies are vet checked and.Look no further! We have 3 adorable female and 2 handsome male White German Shepherd puppies ready to steal.There are 4 boys 2 all black with bits of white and 2 tan and black and 4 girls 2 all black with bits of white and 2 black and tan. He can be left alone all day inside or outside. He is very adaptable to situations. We need to downsize. Only females left. Puppies will make wonderful Guard dogs and family pets! Puppies will come with first shots and deworming and vet record booklet. Dad is black and mom is tan and black Comes with necessities like leash, food bowl.Please Contact Look for a good home for purebred German Shepherd Morinville She is sweet and needs a lot of trim to run. She is 1 yrs old and answers to the name of Ace. I am trying to regime her to a good home for a friend of mine who lives in an apartment and got left with.Puppies ready for their forever homes Edmonton Only Females left: - Red - just like her mom. She will attach to her people and be happy and loyal to be their friend forever. She would be good.Born May 18th - 15 weeks old as of yesterday Thursday, August 24th. These pups are considered superdogs!!! Look no.Second photo, Bear, she is sweet quiet and cuddly. First photo, CB, she is very playful and competitive, she.Best family dogs, loyal protectors! Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested.Super friendly dog, great for keeping unwanted critters away from our property. Needs a bit more training. Knows basic commands such.Very friendly with kids and family. House dog. Saling her due to work schedules. Early reservations for 1st and 2nd picks for our September 29th litter are now filled. All remaining spots for both males and females will be opened upon arrival of.Browse other categories in Pets in Edmonton. Fullbred pure white German Shepherds 3 males 6 females Will have their first shots and deworming. Still available if ad is up. Female- April 19, , four months old black Male- March 30, , Albert Beautiful Sable puppies wth cute black faces, purebred German Shepards. Very loving and playful looking for their forever homes. Grandparents and great grandparents are CKC.FREE delivery anywhere in central and southern Alberta. Text or call .Puppies are vet checked and.Albert Purebred sheppard looking for their forever home, first and second shots, ckc registered, comes with micro chip. Females, .Males, 2 females and 4 males left. Look no further! We have 3 adorable female and 2 handsome male White German Shepherd puppies ready to steal.There are 4 boys 2 all black with bits of white and 2 tan and black and 4 girls 2 all black with bits of white and 2 black and tan. He can be left alone all day inside or outside. He is very adaptable to situations. We need to downsize. Call or text Please Contact Bernese cross puppy needs a new home Mundare This beautiful little guy needs a new home, he's very loving and very playful and willing to work and learn new things, with a heavy heart he needs a fair bit of attention and I can't give him all.Only females left. Puppies will make wonderful Guard dogs and family pets! Puppies will come with first shots and deworming and vet record booklet. We did have him as an outdoor dog but now are unable to keep up with.Dad is black and mom is tan and black Comes with necessities like leash, food bowl.Please Contact Look for a good home for purebred German Shepherd Morinville She is sweet and needs a lot of trim to run. She is 1 yrs old and answers to the name of Ace. I am trying to regime her to a good home for a friend of mine who lives in an apartment and got left with.Almost two years old. She is excellent with other dogs and mostly ignores our outside cats. She is crate trained, housebroke and has basic pet obedience. She is not a dominant dog.Puppies ready for their forever homes Edmonton Only Females left: - Red - just like her mom. She will attach to her people and be happy and loyal to be their friend forever. She would be good
How Much Sleep Golden Retrievers Actually Need July 26, Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Do you ever wonder how much sleep your Golden Retriever should be getting? How long Golden Retrievers sleep depends on several factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Golden Retrievers sleep about 12 to 14 hours each day, with puppies and senior Golden Retrievers sleeping a little bit more. The age of a Golden Retriever is often the most significant factor that influences how much they sleep. Dogs are a crepuscular species. This means they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Evening zoomies, anyone?! They tend to sleep for chunks of time throughout the day and night, and can be fairly flexible and adaptable with their sleep patterns. Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep and rest each day. Puppies are baby animals, and babies need a lot of sleep. They are undergoing major physical and mental growth, and sleep is important to ensuring proper development. You might notice that some days your puppy seems to need a lot of sleep, and may even exceed 18 hours. Long naps might indicate that your puppy is having a growth spurt, and needs the extra rest. Other days your Golden Retriever puppy may not be as inclined to rest for quite as long. So the 18 hours is more of a guide, than a strict plan. Proper sleep helps keep your puppy happy, healthy and well-behaved. Want to potty train your puppy fast? Golden Retrievers aged 6 to 18 months need about 14 to 16 hours of sleep per day. This can seem like a lot, but this is because their brains are going through a big reconstruction from puppy brain to adult dog brain. They may not be 8-week-old puppies anymore, but sleep is still extremely important for adolescent Golden Retrievers. Adult Goldens need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep each day. How much your adult Golden sleeps in a day may vary depending on their overall health and activity levels. Just as with younger Golden Retrievers, adults can be negatively affected by lack of sleep. Dogs who are sleep-deprived can experience health and behavioral issues as a result. Senior Golden Retrievers need about 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Just like human senior citizens, older Goldens tend to slow down and sleep more. Some senior pups also have health issues that can cause them to sleep more too. Golden Retrievers enter the senior category starting at 8 years old. And in some cases, a lack of sleep can actually cause health problems for your dog. Maybe they have allergies that make them super itchy, causing them to wake up frequently from naps. Some Golden Retrievers can have anxiety issues that make getting enough sleep a challenge. Even digestive issues can create sleep difficulties for Goldens. So when it comes to sleep and health, it goes both ways. Some Golden Retrievers are experts at putting themselves down for a nap when they start to feel tired. Others seemingly never tire and are always ready for the next thing. While taking a nap and sleeping through the night might seem like normal, natural things for a dog to do, some will need more help and support to get sufficient rest. Good sleep for dogs means they are getting the right amount of sleep for their age. But it also means they are getting high-quality sleep, which means uninterrupted stretches of sleep. Dogs will usually nap for 30 minutes to several hours at a time. So quantity and quality are both important when it comes to good sleep for your Golden. Goldens are highly intelligent, and if you only focus on physical exercise, they may struggle with getting enough sleep because of excess mental energy. Some ways to incorporate mental exercise are puzzle toys , training games , and time to sniff in nature. Some Goldens excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and nose work, and those can be excellent mental enrichment opportunities too. Nutrition Just like in humans, nutrition can also play a role in sleep for dogs. A healthy, balanced diet is an important part of getting proper rest. Essentially, think about what factors make it easier for your dog to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your dog tends to want to involve themselves in all the happenings in your household and, as a result, is sleep deprived, it might help to use a crate , pen , or baby gate to help them settle down. Confinement can be great for puppies and teenage Goldens as well, who may not have the skill of putting themselves down for a nap quite yet. Sometimes covering the crate , or draping a sheet over the pen, can cut down on visual stimulation and help pups fall asleep more easily. Consider what kind of surfaces your dog likes to sleep on. Some love a cool tile floor. Others enjoy a plush dog bed. Think about temperature too. Do they need a fan? Or a blanket? Other things like calming music and lavender can also help soothe dogs and help them fall asleep, whether during the day or at night. Just like humans will put babies and children down for nap time, you can do the same for your dog. Then make sure their sleep zone is set up to their liking. For some Goldens it can help to give them a toy to chew or lick , which can promote relaxation. So you might give them a yummy stuffed kong to work on as they transition from active and awake to relaxed and asleep. If you notice your dog sleeping more than normal, it could be an indication that they are sick. Excessive sleep could also be due to other factors such as warm weather, stress, or a particularly long hike, for example. If their increased sleep is accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite or other changes in behavior, definitely consult your vet. Sweet Golden Dreams Understanding how much sleep your pup needs at the various stages of their life will help you ensure they are getting the right amount. A well-rested Golden is a healthier, better-behaved dog who can enjoy a happier life with you. And to help your Golden sleep well, read this post about the best bed for your Golden Retriever next. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related articles:. Yes, Golden Retriever puppies do sleep a lot, especially during the first few months of their lives. In fact, they can sleep up to hours a day. This is because puppies need lots of rest to support their rapid growth and development. As they get older and become more active, they will naturally start sleeping less. Golden Retrievers are known for their high energy levels and love of play. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them considered among the most popular breeds worldwide. Their high energy levels also make them perfect for dog shows and other activities requiring a lot of exercises. Because of this, golden retriever puppies need more sleep than humans. This breed of dog has an inquisitive nature and needs plenty of energy to keep it engaged. Golden retriever puppies are born with an instinct to play, so providing them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise is important. These include the age, health, and maturity of the puppy, as well as its activity level. Golden Retriever puppies need a lot of sleep in order to grow and develop properly. On average, a Golden Retriever puppy will sleep between 16 and 20 hours per day. However, the amount of sleep they need may vary depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. Puppies that are more active and playful may need more sleep than those who are less active. It is important to create a comfortable sleeping environment for your puppy, such as a cozy bed or crate, to help them feel safe and secure while they rest. When determining how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, consider all of these factors and adjust the amount as necessary. How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Golden retriever puppies require around hours of sleep in 24 hours when they are months old. After this, their sleeping hours reduce to hours a day as they become more experienced and efficient sleepers. This is the amount of sleep golden retriever puppies require for proper physical and mental development. The golden retriever breed is known for its ability to wake up quickly, so puppies need to get the sleep they need to grow and develop properly. During the first six months, puppies require hours of sleep daily. By the age of two months, golden retriever puppies should be sleeping hours daily. Before reaching this sleeping threshold, golden retriever puppies should be taken out for walks or playtime several times each day to keep them active and stimulated. Puppies also need plenty of nutrition and daily exercise to ensure a healthy lifestyle. As a general rule, golden retrievers sleep more as they age. They mature faster than other dog breeds and become less excited by new surroundings and people. A well-balanced diet will ensure the golden retriever has enough nutrients to stay healthy and energized during the day. If your house or yard is too busy or loud for the golden retriever, it might need help falling asleep at night. Establish a regular sleep schedule for your puppy when you bring it home. Keep crate sessions short — no more than 1 hour every 4 weeks of age — as this will help your puppy sleep soundly and avoid being overexcited or tired from too much sleep. You can also feed your puppy before bedtime to encourage good sleeping habits. Avoid erratic and inconsistent schedules during the night, affecting how much your puppy sleeps. Instead, ensure that your pup gets at least 18 hours of sleep daily by setting a consistent sleep schedule and feeding your dog simultaneously each day. Taking your puppy outside for a bathroom break and giving them breakfast daily is a great way to help them adjust to their new sleeping schedule. Additionally, spending some playtime together before bedtime is a good way to ensure they have plenty of energy for the night. Let your puppy out as soon as they stir after waking up from sleep, and feed them an hour before bedtime. Afternoon Routine For Your Golden Pup To help your puppy sleep at night, giving them a healthy lunch and plenty of playtimes during the day is important. You can also take them on a walk or play with them to keep them busy. Try taking your puppy for a potty break about an hour before bedtime and ensure they have enough time to use the bathroom. This will help reduce the risk of accidents in their sleep. Following this routine can help your puppy sleep well at night and enjoy a healthy and happy life. Evening Routine For Your Golden Retriever Puppy Establishing a sleep schedule with your puppy will make it routine to feed and exercise him at certain times of the day. In addition to feeding and exercise, you can also take a walk with your puppy or give him an outdoor bathroom break before bedtime. Additionally, it is important to establish a consistent routine with your puppy and family members. By consistently putting your puppy on a sleep schedule, you will help him learn to sleep when it is time for bed. Establishing a regular sleep schedule with your puppy can help him develop into a well-behaved and healthy dog over time. They generally sleep hours in 24 hours. This includes periods of sleep at bedtime and sleeping time. On average, puppies sleep hours per day from birth until the age of 4 months. This also includes nap times and rest periods between activities. When puppies are given longer sleeping stretches, they learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old. This helps them develop good sleeping habits that last throughout their lives. It is important to provide puppies with plenty of social and playtime opportunities to develop healthy sleep habits and social skills. How To Help Your Golden Retriever Puppy Sleep Providing a calm and comfortable environment is one of the best ways to help your golden retriever puppy sleep. You can do this by ensuring your home is free of distractions, such as other animals or children, and your golden retriever puppy has appropriate and comfortable bedding. In addition, limit the screen time for both you and your puppy, which can lead to excessive sedentary behaviour. These simple steps will help promote a better sleep routine for your golden retriever puppy. To ensure your puppy gets enough rest, the longest time they should be left alone should be at most four hours. This will help prevent your puppy from getting bored or destructive and help them sleep better at night. Puppy naps provide another valuable source of good quality sleep. Even though puppies do not experience Rapid Eye Movement or twitching while sleeping, naps are still a vital part of their sleep cycle and play an important role in their overall health and well-being. You can do a few things to help your puppy sleep through the night and avoid waking up during the night. Feeding your puppy at least an hour before bedtime and withholding water for 30 minutes before bedtime can help ensure your puppy is well-fed and ready to sleep. Avoiding disturbing your puppy when it naps can help ensure it gets enough sleep. Besides, give your puppy a bathroom break before crating for the night. The benefits of ensuring your golden retriever puppy get enough sleep go far beyond just a tired pet. It helps them develop healthy habits, such as sleeping through the night and waking up independently. It also helps their emotional development as they master their internal clocks. Plus, they feel more mentally sharp and less disease-prone if they get enough rest. Make sure your puppy gets at least 8 hours of sleep every night, and it will be just fine. Happy supper time. Conclusion When it comes to puppies, one of the most important things you can do is give them enough sleep. A Golden Retriever puppy should sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day, which will help them develop strong bones and muscles and a healthy immune system. Golden Retriever puppies require a lot of sleep and can sleep for long periods. From the first days of their life, golden retriever puppies sleep for at least 18 hours a day. They usually sleep for about 16 hours per day, with their sleeping cycle lasting about eight hours. Remember that golden retriever puppies are bundles of energy and love to play. We hope our information helped you to know how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, including golden retriever puppy sleep requirements. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. A Golden Retriever puppy needs plenty of sleep, around hours in 24 hours. During the day, a Golden Retriever puppy needs multiple naps to recharge its growing body. Adolescent Golden Retrievers should be supervised for at most four hours. Golden Retriever puppies should be allowed to potty every hour at a young age. Ans: Golden Retriever puppies can sleep up to 20 hours daily and should receive frequent naps throughout the day. Golden Retrievers typically sleep hours per day as adults. Puppies need to sleep extra hours to support their growth and development and should be supervised for at most 5 hours during their first six months. By 4 months old, Golden Retriever puppies can generally sleep through the night. It is normal for puppies not to drink water all night and to sleep anywhere from hours in 24 hours. From weeks old, puppies may sleep hours in 24 hours. With proactive training and crate training, puppies may be able to sleep through the night by 10 weeks old or earlier. Golden retriever puppies may get darker as they age, but this is not a given. Some Golden Retrievers may stay lighter in color throughout their lives. When exercising a Golden Retriever puppy, the limit should never exceed four hours. Golden Retrievers should be supported for long periods as they reach full adulthood. Puppies need hours of sleep in 24 hours to fuel their growing bodies. Some common signs that a Golden Retriever maybe not getting enough sleep include drooping eyelids, excessive yawning, lethargy, decreased activity levels, and increased irritability. If you notice any of these signs in your puppy, it is important to take action to ensure adequate rest. Weather Health All these factors can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps, either increasing or decreasing the amount of sleep. Knowing which factors affect sleep is important because your Golden Retriever puppy must get enough sleep to grow and develop normally. So, understanding how to create the best sleep environment for your puppy ensures that it gets enough sleep and quality sleep. Age Age is typically the single most significant factor in the amount of sleep. As your puppy grows, it will require little less sleep. The amount of sleep should get down to about 14 — 16 hours a day as the Golden Retriever grows in adulthood. The younger the puppy, the more they sleep Puppies play a lot when not sleeping and often at a furious pace. As well, they grow and develop rapidly. That all requires a lot more sleep. As they slow in growth, their amount of sleep trends down slightly as they age. However, even adult Golden Retrievers spend the majority of their day sleeping. Activity Level Next to age for puppies, activity level is often the most significant contributor to sleep volume. Although puppies spend a good portion of the day and night sleeping, they still require activity, such as physical exercise, and mental stimulation e. How much activity they need is discussed below in the tips section. However, consider that more play and exercise means a more tired puppy and more sleep. Weather When temperatures rise in the summertime, it may be uncomfortable for a young puppy to sleep. Dogs typically have a much harder time dealing with hotter temperatures than we do. So, during hot summer nights, your puppy might find it difficult to cool down and sleep, especially if you lack air conditioning. Ceiling fans work well for circulating heat and keeping the room cooler. You can also sleep on the main floor or in the basement, which is often cooler than sleeping upstairs. For example, I have a mattress topper that I carry to the main floor during hot summer nights. Health Sick puppies or puppies with medical conditions might need more sleep. As well, some medications can impact sleep. If your puppy is sick, the extra rest helps it recuperate. If the puppy has a medical condition or one that requires medication, then make sure to discuss potential sleep impacts with your vet. It is essential to be informed and know what to do. Sleep during the day and night can differ, but both are important. Dogs, including puppies, very much live their lives by their internal clocks or circadian rhythms. While a sleep schedule is often most important through the night, ensuring the puppy has adequate sleep when it needs it during the day is also essential. Just like babies and toddlers need naps for healthy development and growth and to not be cranky or overtired , puppies also need to nap for the same reasons. Consider these tips to ensure your Golden Retriever puppy can sleep through the day. Do Not Disturb the Puppy When Napping Puppies are adorable, and often we are tempted to pick them up or play with them. However, it is essential to not disturb a puppy when napping. They are sleeping because their bodies need it. Consider how you feel when abruptly woken from a deep nap or sleep. For example, teach children to wait for a puppy to wake up before playing or cuddling. Try not to wake a puppy while napping — their growing body and minds need that sleep Schedule Nap Times Earlier, we touched on how important consistent sleep is to a puppy and how they sleep naturally based on a circadian rhythm. Typically, puppies will nap after a bout of exercise and play during the day. A natural routine may look like this; they eat, go potty, play, then nap for 30 minutes to two hours. Understanding that they typically sleep after an activity ensures that you can set aside quality time for napping. It also allows you to schedule some of YOUR activities during this time. For example, cooking and cleaning are much more difficult with an underfoot puppy that is eager to play. Teaching your Golden Retriever to settle to a mat or elevated bed helps in this regard. Scheduling activities can also ensure your puppy tires at the appropriate time. For example, understanding that puppies like to play after a meal, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise in the evening after supper. This will help expend his energy into the evening, so he sleeps through the night and helps him settle during the time you usually compress in the evening to watch TV. Teach the Puppy to Self-Soothe Like children, puppies can become overstimulated, making it difficult to wind down. While play and exercise are essential, too much can be overwhelming. Disrupting nap times may cause the puppy to be overtired. As noted in the first tip, do not disturb the puppy when napping. This is the first step to teaching a puppy how to self-soothe. In this way, it gets the largest block of quality sleep during the night, which coincides with when we need our best sleep as well. So, how do you ensure that your Golden puppy sleeps through the night? Below are some suggestions to help with that goal. Give It Enough Exercise During the Day While overstimulating a puppy can impact sleep, so can understimulating a puppy. All that pent-up energy from lack of physical and mental activity during the day means you might have a puppy that is energetic well into the evening and gets up frequently during the night. How much activity do puppies need? In addition to playing and mental stimulation, puppies need their month in age x 5 minutes of physical exercise twice per day. So, for example, take a 3-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. It would need 15 minutes of exercise twice per day or 30 minutes total. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can affect both the quantity and quality of sleep. For example, a small puppy that does not get enough physical or mental stimulation will have pent-up energy. As a result, you may find a puppy that not only seeks more attention but will sleep less than a more stimulated and tired puppy. A well-exercised puppy is a tired puppy Keep a Regular Schedule It is crucial to put puppies on a consistent and regular sleep schedule. The goal is to teach the puppy to hold its bladder through the night and get the most extensive single block of its sleep through the night when you are sleeping. An erratic and inconsistent schedule during the night can affect how much your puppy sleeps. For example, if you are constantly up to all hours, and your puppy is often up with you, it may impact your ability to get your puppy on a consistent sleep schedule. Dogs, including puppies, do not live their lives by a clock. So, the last thing you want is a puppy that is up during the night and sleeping all day, because that is what it is accustomed to. And as discussed earlier, puppies need both enough sleep and good quality sleep for healthy brain and body development. Establish a Routine Puppie catches on to routines very quickly. Often they will know when you are getting ready to leave in the morning when you brush your teeth and start getting dressed. Bedtimes can be similar. He then goes out for a potty break, gets a treat, and then immediately runs up and jumps on my bed, and goes to sleep. He knows his routine because it was taught as a puppy. Someplace where you can hear the puppy is beneficial should the puppy need to go potty during the night. Also, make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet. Night Is Not for Play Your puppy may need a potty break during the night, or it may not be ready to sleep yet. In addition, they often want to play afterward or do not need to go potty but rather want attention. Then, bring the puppy back to its bed or crate and go to sleep. Resist the temptation if it whines or tries to engage you in play. The puppy needs to learn that nighttime is for sleep. The same patient and positive rules apply. Keep putting the puppy in its bed calmly and with lots of praise. Crates work well because they can be closed, which prevents the puppy from escaping and engaging you. Most puppies, once accustomed to crates, will love them! Bailey slept in his crate as a puppy, but now sleeps on my bed Just be prepared to ignore whining, barking, and crying as the puppy tries to get you to give in to your guilt by playing on your heartstrings. Training a puppy, especially during the night, can be challenging. So, if you need training help I reviewed the best online dog training courses to determine the best ones. The link is in the big gold box at the end of this post. Expect your Golden Retriever puppy to sleep upwards of 16 to 20 hours per day. Most of all, enjoy those times of sleep. When the puppy is not sleeping, it can be a whirling tornado of crazy activity. Raising Goldens: Recommendations and Resources. Golden Retrievers, young or old, need a large amount of sleep. Puppies 8 to 10 weeks old or about 2 months old will sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day, so there is no need to be concerned when your puppy is playing ferociously and then promptly falls asleep. In order for your puppy to mature in a healthy time span, sleep is important because it releases vital growth hormones and energy for the body. When your puppy is 8 to 10 weeks old, not only should they be getting proper amounts of sleep, but they should be participating in canine social skills. You can sign up for a puppy kindergarten class, which helps build proper social skills such as bite inhibition and socialization in new environments. This also gives puppies a healthy way to release their bundle of energy so that they can sleep well. Playing with your puppy will also help them use their energy so they can sleep well. If your puppy is teething, keep an eye on how this process affects their sleeping habits. Teething can make a puppy more tired because of the discomfort, but it should not change the puppy's day other than some extra chewing , whining, drooling, and barking. In fact, it's more common for puppies to become more rambunctious while teething to cope with the pain, so they will sleep less rather than more. If your puppy is lethargic while teething, or sleeping more than 20 hours, this can show an underlying health issue that requires a visit to the vet. What are the 3 Stages of Sleep for Golden Retrievers? There are three stages of sleep for all dogs. Naps Naps happen when dogs are bored or have nothing to do during the day. Their minds are still awake and their muscles are not completely relaxed. This means they can wake up at any time. For puppies, naps happen because they are necessary. Sleep Sleep happens at night. A dog's muscles are completely relaxed and they do not wake up for long periods of time. This is when you see your puppy's eyes twitch, run in their sleep, or even bark. This is all completely normal and just means your dog is dreaming. Like babies, Golden Retriever puppies may have a hard time sleeping through the night, especially when they first move into your home and still need to get used to the new environment. By the time they are 16 weeks old or 4 months old , puppies are able to sleep through the night because they have settled into your home, established a routine, and they don't have to go to the bathroom multiple times every night. Dogs are similar to humans. Our brains love routines! Like when puppies know that it's time to eat, sleeping can be the same way. Young puppies may not sleep through the night because they are nervous about their new environment, are teething, or have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. There are many ways to establish a quality sleep routine for your puppy. Go Potty Before Bed Take your puppy to go to the bathroom right before they go to bed. That way, when they go outside to use the bathroom, they will know that it's time to wind down and go to sleep. This creates less stress for your little friend because they will be going somewhere that is familiar and is associated with sleep. Keep the Sleeping Area Dim and Quiet Reducing bright lights and loud noises will encourage your puppy to fall asleep faster. This will indicate that everyone in the home is sleeping and tell them that it's time for them to sleep as well. Go to the Restroom When Needed When your puppy needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, be gentle. If you react aggressively, your puppy will associate nighttime with stress. Reacting without a big emotion will help to build trust. Go Outside in the Morning Have your puppy wake up at the same time every day and let them run around outside! This will help your Golden Retriever get their energy out and associate waking up with something positive. Sleeping with your puppy can ease anxiety symptoms for both dogs and humans. However, because dogs and humans have different sleep cycles, this can affect the quality of sleep you both get. In many cultures, dogs and their owners have slept in the same space. In the United States, it is more frowned upon and assumed to be the cause of behavioral problems. Research shows that co-sleeping with your dog does not automatically cause behavioral problems. Any problems that come up are most likely due to previous issues. If you are concerned about dealing with behavioral issues while trying to sleep, place your puppy's bed close to yours. This way, you can still create a bond while still having your space. By the time Golden Retrievers are adolescents or 1 year old, their sleep time will decrease. Fully grown Golden Retrievers will sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. Senior Golden Retrievers may sleep 15 to 20 hours a day. Cindy J. Cindy is a prolific writer and online researcher who can't imagine life without dogs. There is scarcely a dog topic she has not researched or written about. Her love for dogs and helping dog parents is evident by the thousands of dogtemperament. Most of all, each topic Cindy writes on helps forge a stronger bond and understanding between her and her happy Catahoula Leopard Dog Jossie. They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller If you are a new proud owner of a Golden Retriever puppy you may think and wonder how can this little puppy be so full of life and energy one minute, and then completely asleep and dead to the world the next. You may wonder what is a normal amount of sleep for your puppy or full-grown Golden Retriever. Adult Golden Retrievers will sleep on average hours a day. Golden Retriever puppies will sleep hours a day in a hour period. How much your Golden Retriever sleeps depends a lot on their personality. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs so they may sleep a little less than other breeds. If you are fit and active your Golden Retriever will likely be also. If you are relaxed and laid back, your dog may be similar to you. Continue reading to find out. How much sleep does a Golden Retriever need? Puppies, adults, seniors Golden Retriever Newborn Sleep Patterns This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep. As they grow they will slowly start to spend more time awake. Around 3 weeks old they will have around hours of active time a day broken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies. From months old, Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep around hours in a hour period. This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps. Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night, but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance, your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Older puppies from around months old will sleep about hours throughout a 24 hour period. At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in hour stretches. They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train. When will my Golden Retriever puppy sleep through the night? Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions. Fun fact: Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. Golden Retriever Adult Sleep Patterns Your adult Golden Retriever will normally sleep around hours in a 24 hour period, but more as he ages. In this study, researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs. This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer. They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group. Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night waking up later and woke up fewer times during the night. Golden Retrievers are bred to hunt and herd. It is ingrained in them to want to do a job! They tend to be pretty high-energy and love to be kept busy with games and exercise. Because they may have a bit more energy than other breeds, they may sleep a little less than other breeds as well. Some owners I talked to said that if their Golden Retrievers are left home alone all day they tend to just sleep since there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to exercise. So as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog. At this time you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping. Senior Golden retrievers will sleep hours a day on average as they get to be years old and older they could be sleeping up to 18 hours a day. For older Golden Retrievers, these could be signs of more serious issues such as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age. Your Golden Retriever may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well. Can Golden Retrievers sleep outside? Golden Retrievers can sleep outside if they are provided with adequate shelter and brought inside in extreme weather. However, it is not recommended that Golden Retrievers sleep outside. Golden Retrievers thrive on relationships and being close to their owners; sleeping outdoors can be lonely for this social breed. Even though sleeping outside may not be the ideal solution for your Golden Retriever, your dog most likely loves being outdoors! Many Golden Retrievers may have a desire to live outdoors all day long, and some may even ask to be outside at night. If your dog is comfortable with this and you live in a temperate climate, there is really nothing wrong with your dog living and playing outdoors, as long as your dog has adequate shelter and socialization it needs to thrive. After speaking to many Golden Retriever owners I found that the majority of them have their dog sleep inside. Most owners state their hot or humid climate as being the reason their dogs sleep indoors with them as well as their dogs need to be by their side following them around day and night. Some owners who have a dog door allow their Golden Retriever to choose whether to sleep indoors or outdoors. Why does my Golden Retriever sleep so much? Many factors could contribute to your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Golden Retrievers. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day. Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns. Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that. Do Dogs Hibernate? Winter Weather Questions Answered If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog. You could hire a dog walker we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate! Or join a fun program you can work on together like this popular brain training for dogs course! Sleep problems and solutions for puppies and adults If you are struggling with getting your Golden Retriever to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Things that may be making this challenging can range from crying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning. Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal. Similar to human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light, creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Give them plenty of exercise: Since Golden Retrievers are bred to herd and work on a farm or ranch. Golden Retrievers need plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. Two hours a day for a high-energy Golden Retriever should be the minimum. The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime. Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Golden Retriever will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies. One Golden Retriever owner said that the only way to get their dog to settle down and sleep is to put him in his crate in a quiet place with a blanket draped over the crate. Try changing meal times or limiting food and water: Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Golden Retriever seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier so he will get the poop out before bed or a few hours later so he can hold it until tomorrow. Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks. If early morning waking is a problem, try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up: Is the sun coming up? Try adding some darkening curtains. Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machine like this one from Amazon affiliate link. All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you should take him to the vet immediately to get checked out. Pro Tip: If you are not able to get a hold of a vet near you, or you want to avoid an unnecessary ER trip, there are online resources that you can turn to. Here is our best recommendation:.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.
Temperament: Friendly, stubborn and playful. Pugs are known for their wrinkly squished face, curled tail and sturdy body. Shih Tzus tend to look very different. They are often shorter, with wide bodies and longer fur. They also possess a squished face, but it is not wrinkly like that of the Pug. Expect your mix to have a sturdy body with long legs, and the smushed face of a Shih Tzu. Their tail can be either curly or straight, but tends to curve over their backs. Coat and Colors The Pug Shih Tzu mix comes in a range of different colors, including black, white, fawn, brindle and brown. Brown and brindle tend to be the most common, and white markings are very common with these dogs. Their coat is long and will need regular trimming as it does continue to grow. It is straight in texture and soft to the touch — this means that it is prone to tangling, so daily brushing is a must for this breed. Height and Weight These dogs tend to be on the sturdier side, weighing between pounds and ranging in height from inches. However just like most mixed breeds, their size can vary and can occasionally be out of these ranges. Known for their love of children, these dogs make a great choice for families with young kids. Pug Shih Tzu mixes are perfect for apartment living. They do not tolerate the heat very well. Both parent breeds are ancient breeds that are over years old. Shih Tzus are known for being confident and hard headed, whilst Pugs are known for their easy going, good natured temperament. As a result the Pug Shih Tzu mix is known for having a well balanced temperament and gets along well with everyone and everything. They little dogs just love to play especially with you , so make sure that you set aside time each day to play games with them. Also make sure to provide plenty of toys for them — tugs, squeaky toys and balls tend to be some of their favorites. A quick walk around the block with some play time in the backyard or even inside is enough for this dog. More than anything the Pug Shih Tzu mix is a couch potato and just wants to cuddle with you on the couch. They love to be with their owners so much they suffer from separation anxiety. So if you are going to be away for long hours, having someone stop by to take them for a walk can help to curb the anxiety. One of the downsides is this breed can be very headstrong which can make training difficult more on this later. The good news though is they are not big barkers. They will bark to alert to someone at the door or something out of place, but other than that they tend to be very quiet. This makes them a great option for apartment living. The Pug Shih Tzu mix makes an amazing family dog. They love to play with children and get very excited, just make sure they play gently! They do not require a lot of physical or mental stimulation and do well in most homes. This breed is also excellent for first time dog owners, or even families with children. The biggest care commitment with this dog is their grooming and maintenance. Exercise Requirements A short walk around the block with a few minutes of play at home is plenty for this breed. In general the Pug Shih Tzu mix is a fairly lazy breed, so you do not have to put a lot of running or walking time into them. If you are looking for a hiking companion, this is not the dog for you. This breed should always be walked on leash or in a fenced-in area. These dogs have a tendency to wander and are not very good with recalls, so keeping them on a leash is best for their safety. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 30 minutes. Grooming and Shedding The most intensive part of caring for a Pug-Zu is the grooming. Although the Shih Tzu is considered hypoallergenic, this trait does not always carry over into the Shih Tzu Pug mix. Daily brushing is needed to prevent their coat from tangles. Your dog will need to visit the groomer about every six weeks for a trim. Keep baths to a minimum as this can dry their skin out. Small dogs are also prone to dental issues, so make sure their teeth are brushed one to two times a week. Another thing that you will need to do is clean out their ears weekly to avoid infection. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Feeding and Diet This mix should be fed kibble specifically designed for small dogs — they do not need anything super high in protein. As a puppy it is best to feed them three times a day. Once fully grown switching to two meals a day will work. Remember these dogs are prone to obesity, so make sure not to free fed them or give them lots of of snacks. These dogs can live anywhere from years old. How to Train a Pug Shih Tzu Mix While training this dog you should remember that these dogs are highly food motivated. So using a combination of positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior is the best method of dog training for them. However these mixes are known for being very stubborn and sometimes hard-headed, so repetition and patience is needed. The best way to avoid this stubbornness is to only train in small bursts of about ten to fifteen minutes — this keeps your dog from getting too exhausted. It is important to lay down rules with them from an early age to make sure that they are well behaved when they are older. Socialization is extremely important as a puppy to ensure they become a well-rounded adult. In general they are known for being very well behaved with children, other dogs and pets. They love strangers so do not expect them to ever be a good watch dog. Fortunately this little dog does not need a lot of mental stimulation. Just some basic obedience training is needed to make sure that your dog listens as they grow older. You can also come up with fun games to play with them. These dogs love almost any game that you can come up with — fetch, tug, you name it, these playful dogs will love it. Lifespan Sociability When you are looking for a Pug Zu puppy, make sure that you are looking for a good breeder and do some research. You also want to learn about the health conditions that the parents have. Pug-Zus tend to be loving and friendly dogs, but they can have a stubborn side to their personality. Training and early socialization are essential for Pug-Zus so they get along with other pets and remain calm around people. You should know that you are going to have a very dependent dog when you choose this mix. Your Pug Zu will do everything in their power to get attention and they will always be by your side. Your Pug Zu will make friends with your other pets, even cats, and they are small, so it will be fine with children. They love getting attention and have playful, positive personalities and make great companions. Usually, these dogs are curious, fun-loving and even-tempered. They love everyone, they might be happy to lead any intruder into your house. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The result is a family companion with a sweet nature. Buy high-quality food so that they get the nutrition that they need. You can do this as playtime or as a walk. One thing to know is that your Pug Zu is heat sensitive, and they will get overexerted easily in a hot climate. Because of this, you want to start training early. This may make them fear you. This hybrid loves food and is going to eagerly respond to treats. This is going to help during your training. You also want to socialize him early. Socializing them early will help with reducing fearfulness, anxiety and other possible behaviors. You also want to add some activities that will stimulate him mentally to his training. These can be things like puzzles or games. This will help keep your Pug Zu from becoming bored and to improve his social interaction. If your Pug Zu has a long coat, you will need to brush it daily since it can tangle easily. If you have a Pug Zu with a shorter coat, the maintenance will be easier. When Your Pug-Zu should be bathed only when necessary and with dog shampoo so as not to impact his natural oils. You also may have allergies , different infections, joint problems, dental concerns, and problems with hot climates. Minor Conditions. You may also check out sites like www. If he has the long coat just like his Shih Tzu parent, then he will be needing daily brushing as his coat can tangle very easily. Moreover, other grooming needs of your pet dog such as nail clipping and ear cleaning can also be done efficiently by a groomer. For Shih Tzu Pugs that inherit the shorter coats, they will need relatively less maintenance. Their lifespan is just average for small breed types. For this reason, potential owners of this mixed breed should need to take time understanding both breeds of origin as well as get as much historical information from the dog breeders. The knee joint, most often the hind leg, slides in and out of place which causes extreme pain to your dog. This can be crippling. Hip Dysplasia: The Pug breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The Shih Tzu Pug mix is prone to have idiopathic epilepsy which is characterized by seizures that occur for no known reason. If your Shih Tzu Pug experiences an episode of seizure, take him to your veterinarian to determine what treatment is appropriate for your companion dog. Epilepsy: It is the abnormal formation of the hip socket which causes extreme pain and lameness on your dog. Allergies: This is a common ailment in all dog types. Your Pug crossed with Shih Tzu may suffer from a variety of allergies ranging from food, contact and inhalant allergies. If you see your pup rubbing his face a great deal or licking his paws a lot than what he usually does, then have him check by your veterinarian. Eye problems: Diseases of the eye are not uncommon among the Shih Tzu and the Pug dog breeds because of their large eyes. Some of the eye conditions common to both breeds include proptosis, distichiasis, progressive renal atrophy, and dry eye. The above health conditions can be avoided by making sure that you only purchase from a reputable breeder who is able to present you with health clearances for both parent breeds. Pug crossed with Shih Tzu Food Requirements The Pug crossed with Shih Tzu is a typically small hybrid, so their dietary requirement is fairly minimal too. Here are some of the best dry dog food for small dogs. He will be requiring a nutrient-rich kibble that satisfies his age, small size, and activity level needs. Plan to feed him one-half to one cup of high-quality dog food daily which should be divided into two meals. Opt for dog food or kibble that is low in carbohydrates and fillers that may cause him to overeat to feel full. Always go only for the best dry dog food and avoid the nutrient-deprived worst dry dog food at all cost. For healthy dog food options for your Pug Shih Tzu, here are some more recommendations: Wellness Complete for Small Breeds The Wellness Complete brand is known for creating food formulas that focus on quality ingredients and high nutritional value. This formula for small-sized dog breed is a good option for your Pug Shih Tzu. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food This dog food is formulated with a limited list of premium carbohydrate and protein sources. It supports a healthy, shiny coat and excellent digestive health. Orijen Adult Dog Food Orijen is a dog food brand that works well for almost every breed type. Its ingredients comprise of a perfect blend of chicken, turkey, fish, and avocado. This dog food is made with high-quality and easy-to-digest ingredients rich antioxidants and vitamins C and E to support a healthy immune system of your senior Shih Tzu Pug mix. Since your lovely mixed pooch is a medium-size one, you could also offer them some of the best large breed dry dog food formulas and see how they like them. But you should never experiment like that with cubs and old doggos — here are the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food recipes, respectively. Shih Tzu Crossed with Pug Exercise Requirements Despite his small size, the Shih Tzu crossed with Pug is a relatively active dog and therefore requires a moderate amount of physical activity. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day, which includes either an outdoor walk or an indoor play, would suffice. When staying outdoors during the summer months, make sure your Pug Shih Tzu does not overexert himself too much under the sun since this hybrid is very sensitive to heat. Indoor activities are always welcome on these days. The Shih Tzu Pug mix can live quite happily in small spaces, so they are perfect for small apartment living as long as you make sure they still get their adequate need of short walks and lots of playtimes. They are always willing and enthusiastic to learn new tricks, although there are times that they can be stubborn. Be gentle but firm in training your Pug Shih Tzu pup. This is called the positive reinforcement method which will aid your pup in a long way to behave well and eliminate unwanted behaviors. Puppy socialization is known to effectively reduce having aggressive behaviors, fearfulness, and anxiety later on in their adulthood. This is to keep your Pug mixed with Shih Tzu from getting bored and to further improve its social interactions. The cheerful Pug Tzu brings together the friendly personality of the Pug and the confident character of the Shih Tzu for a sweet-natured family companion. His warm and affectionate disposition makes him a fun companion to children and other animals as well. This cute and lovely hybrid is friendly to everyone even to strangers. The personality from both sides of its parent breeds makes the Pug Tzu have a loving as well as trusting nature. With early socialization and proper training, the Shih Tzu crossed with Pug can go along well with children and can be your loyal family pet companion. Be a responsible owner by feeding them the right amount and type of food, socializing and training them early and giving them sufficient amount of exercises daily. If you were able to accomplish those things rightly, expect a Pug Shih Tzu mix that will shower you with lots of affection and loyalty. Pug Zus are excellent for first-time dog parents as they are playful and friendly, and they are also known for their low aggressive tendencies. Moreover, they are great with kids, which means that they make the perfect pets for families. Some can be the result of multi-generation crosses. What do they look like? In general, Pug Zus have brown eyes and black noses, and a mask on their faces is quite common. They can have a wide variety of coat colors, such as black, white, brown, brindle, or fawn. Some hybrids can look like their Pug side more than their Shih Tzu side and the other way around. Most are equipped with triangular ears that flop down and that are well-spaced apart. This small breed is known for its robust body, which can make the dogs give off the impression that they are sturdier than they really are. Their short limbs might bow at an angle. Pug-Zus look very similar to another popular Shih Tzu mix, the Shichon. This affectionate and funny companion dog weighs in at around 8 to 22 pounds and measures anything between 8 and 12 inches. Do Pug Tzus Shed? The amount of shedding that you can expect if you become a Pug Tzu parent is variable. As previously mentioned, some dogs might have a shorter or a longer coat, and this can directly influence how much they shed. In any case you should take care to brush your dog regularly as well as wash him with a gentle shampoo. Consider using clippers to keep him in a short haircut. What Is the temperament of a Pug Shih Tzu mix? Pug Zus are very sociable, and even if the puppies do have to be socialized as early as possible in order for them to become used to other animals and people, they thrive on human interaction. Pug Zus also tend to suffer from separation anxiety. However headstrong they might seem at times, Pug Shih Tzu mixes respond well to training, especially if they have set routines in place. It is recommended that their owners set up short training sessions that last for up to ten minutes at a time every day. Positive reinforcement and treats will convince your Pug Shih Tzu puppy to behave. How long does a Pug and Shih Tzu mix live? The typical lifespan of a Pug Zu is anything between 9 and 12 to 14 years. How Healthy is this mix? Some of the most common health conditions that a Pug Zu is likely of developing throughout their life are the following: Patellar luxation Some Pug Shih Tzu mix owners might notice that their puppy skips a step every now and then. If this happens, veterinary assistance is required as many Pug Zus can develop patellar luxation, or it can be a genetic issue that they are prone to. Treating this health issue depends on its severity. Hip dysplasia This dog breed is more or less likely to develop hip dysplasia due to the genetic material coming from their Pug side. There is a high possibility that a parent that has hip dysplasia passes it on to its offspring. Skin health problems A Pug Shih Tzu mix can develop several skin conditions, and two of the most common ones are allergies and atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by a number of factors that range from dog food to grass. Epilepsy Idiopathic epilepsy can affect some dogs, but not all. If your dog experiences a seizure, immediate veterinary care is necessary. Documenting the seizure might also be required in order for the veterinarian to establish just what type of epilepsy the dog is suffering from. All of these diseases are more or less typical for small-sized dogs. Due to their anatomy, Pug Zus also tend to develop respiratory problems, including sinus infections. Other health issues that can affect this breed are yeast infections, staph infections, and demodectic mange. Some puppies can experience vaccination sensitivity. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about preventive care and take your dog to the vet clinic for check-ups at least once or twice a year. Furthermore, as they grow old, Pug Zus are known to develop the typical diseases of geriatric dogs, such as arthritis, heart conditions, and even cancer. Regular blood tests and other diagnostic methods can ensure that these health problems are prevented or treated at the right time before they become more severe. How Much is a Pug Shih Tzu? The cost of a Pug Zu puppy can vary a lot depending on several factors. We recommend getting your puppy from a breeder whose reputation is excellent. The Pug Zu can be considered an excellent companion dog. It adapts well to new environments and new people, and it is not particularly challenging to train, either. Motivating your Pug Tzu with treats is easy as this dog breed loves food. In terms of activity levels, you will notice that your Pug Shih Tzu mix does love spending time outdoors and playing fetch, for example. However, compared to many other breeds, it can do well with daily walks that last up to one hour on the whole. If what you are after is a good watchdog, a Pug Zu might not be the best dog breed for you. These dogs are known for being so friendly that they can even take well to strangers. Besides, they do not bark in order to get your attention to alert you of an intruder. Due to their trainability, playfulness, and affectionate character, Pug Shih Tzu mixes are among the best canine companions for people who live in apartments. In this respect, a Pug Zu is not a good, but a great dog. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. 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May God bless you with a poodle for the journey! Standard poodles are a wonderfully versatile, smart, beautiful, athletic, loyal, and loving breed. They were originally bred to be water retrievers and some still excel at hunting and water sports. They absolutely love a game of fetch or catch the frisbee! Many are hiking or jogging partners, couch potato buddies, a best friend, service and alert dogs, therapy dogs, and show dogs. Standard poodles not only compete in conformation shows, but also obedience, rally, agility, weight pull, hunting trials, nosework, lure coursing, dock diving and more! Multi-colored poodles can compete in all performance events in AKC, just not conformation. UKC does not discriminate by color and multi-colored poodles can compete in all events. They come in so many beautiful colors and patterns. You are bound to find one that takes your breathe away! Standard poodles are known for their comical antics. They make me laugh every single day! They also know how to look into your soul and melt your heart. Poodles are the choice for most people with dog allergies. They are non-shedding. The Standard Poodle can be groomed in an elegant continental show trim for those that are willing to keep up with the brushing and combing or a practical short sporting trim for those that have less time for grooming and want more time for other activities with their dogs. There are many fun trims in between the two. Every poodle will still require some regular attention to coat upkeep and grooming. However, owning a standard poodle is so worth the brushing — and it could become your own form of meditation! Be careful, once you get your first standard poodle, it is hard to stop! Parti Standard Poodles - If you love spots, you may want a parti poodle. A parti poodle is a poodle of white and another color. There are several distinct patterns: the tuxedo, spotted, and abstract all refer to a poodle that is white and another color. That color can be black, brown, red, apricot, creme, silver, blue, grey, cafe-au-lait, or silver-beige. Parti poodles are usually more than half white with colored spots. They can range from almost a solid white with just a few spots of color to the more colorful tuxedos. Tuxedos look like a poodle dressed for a party. They have white on the legs and a white collar that may or may not go completely around the neck. Tuxedo-colored poodles also have white on the belly that should extend up to the chest. Some tuxedos have colored legs almost to the feet and others have white all the way up to their back. Abstract poodles have limited white markings and are almost a solid colored dog. The most common abstract poodle marking is a simple white mark on the chest. White splashes of color may also occur on the face, head, chest, and feet. Abstract poodles sometimes have a white chest and white feet that look like they have been dipped in paint. Ticking marks are the small spots found within the white parts of the dog. Dogs may have little to no ticking. Ticking on legs may look like small spots or be large enough to look like stripes. We have standard poodle puppies for sale in these parti color combinations: black and white parti, brown and white parti, red and white parti, apricot and white parti, blue and white parti and silver and white parti. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, abstracts, brindles and phantom poodles. Phantom, Tri color, Brindle and Sable Poodles What are brindle, phantom, sable and tri colored standard poodles? Brindle standard poodles have two colors that form a striped pattern. They come in a variety of colors including silver, blue, grey, black, and brown. The brindle pattern may cover the whole body or be on the colored part of the dog not the white areas. It is possible to have a tuxedo or spotted parti poodle with a brindle pattern. Phantom poodles have markings often compared to those of a doberman pincher. There are several other breeds that have this color pattern. While phantom-patterned dogs have 2 coat colors, the markings of a phantom poodle are in a specific pattern, unlike a parti colored dog. Phantom poodles have lighter markings on their legs, across the cheeks on the face, across the chest, on the eyebrows, and below the tail. A true phantom will hold these marking throughout its lifetime. Phantom colors can be found in these combinations: Black phantoms: black and apricot, black and red, black and cream, black and brown, or black and silver Brown phantoms: brown and apricot or brown and creme Red phantoms: red and apricot or red and creme Silver or blue phantoms: silver and creme or blue and creme. On a silver, the markings may become almost indistinguishable as the color changes it is common for silver poodles to fade in color over time. Sable poodles are usually born black or brown and clear a kind of lightening with age. Sable dogs will mature to a lighter dog with black tips. When a poodle is groomed you often may see dark markings only on the longer hair such as the tips of the ears. A puppy that is born a dark brown or black that is also a sable may lighten to a creme with just dark tips. Tricolored poodles are genetically two color patterns. They are a parti colored poodle with phantom markings. The legs may be white as is often seen on a parti dog. The only phantom marking that occur may be seen on the face and eyebrows. You may see poodles with multiple patterns such as a brindle parti or brindle tuxedo. There are also brindle and phantom poodles, sable and phantom, and sable and brindle combinations all with or without parti markings. Dogs may have a black or dark mask on the face which is considered rare. The markings of a multi-colored dog may also change over time, which can be interesting to see. Watch Willow, a tuxedo brindle puppy, change colors. Phantom standard poodles We have phantom, brindle, sable and tri colored standard poodle puppies for sale, make sure to check back often to see available puppies. Our waiting list fills up quickly, fill out an application and get the process started.
greyhound poodle mix puppies - Great Breeder and loving family for the puppies! Adriana Espindola Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. This is some text inside of a div block. We bought our baby girl from the very first litter here. This is the best dog ever. She is so smart and loving. Very well natured and beautiful. Everyone stops us everywhere we go to ask where we got her. I will always go to this breeder for my puppies and would recommend her above anyone. I received photos and updates frequently from the time the puppies were born till the time I picked them up. The family is so friendly, personable and still professional. When I went to pickup my new puppy, I was welcomed in and given a welcome home kit, which was totally unexpected and very thoughtful! They still check in from time to time. Brandon Wiley. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near North Sarasota Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!
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greyhound poodle mix puppies - Shop All Cat Food Few things are more delightful than a litter of newborn puppies, but the prospect of caring for all of these brand new little lives can be daunting. But don't worry. Check out this guide to newborn puppy care to tell you what need to know to raise a healthy, happy litter. A Clean Environment Newborn puppies will spend their first few weeks in the box or pen in which they were born, so it's important to choose wisely when preparing for their arrival. The space should offer enough room for the mother to lie down and stretch out comfortably without crushing the puppies, and she should be able to come and go freely while keeping the puppies contained. It should also be easy to access so that you can change out the bedding each day. In these early days, Mom will clean up her pups' waste, but if it's a large litter she may need help keeping up. Around the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Once they start to toddle about, you can move them to a larger pen with room to play, and bathroom cleanup will require more of your attention. Although the puppies will snuggle up with their mom and each other for warmth, it's best to use a heat lamp during their first month of life. The lamp should be placed high enough above the box to prevent any risk of burning the mother or her pups, and there should also be a cooler corner that the pups can crawl to if they get too warm. For the first five days, the temperature inside the pen should be kept at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. From days five through ten, gradually dial back the heat to 80 degrees, and then continue to reduce the heat little by little until it reaches 75 degrees by the end of their fourth week, suggests PetPlace. Nursing and Nutrition During their first few weeks, puppies rely exclusively on their mother for their nutritional needs. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. To ensure both mother and puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout the nursing stage, the mother should be fed several servings of a quality puppy food throughout the day. Your veterinarian can recommend the type and amount of food to feed your nursing mother. It's important to keep an eye on the puppies' weight during this time. If you notice any of the puppies being underfed, you may need to keep an eye on them when it's time to nurse and make sure the smaller puppies latch onto the fullest nipples for feeding, says The Nest. Puppies who cry or whimper frequently may also be hungry and need more attention during feeding. If the smaller puppies still don't show signs of healthy growth or weight gain, talk to your vet. It might be necessary to take over and bottle-feed them. It's also important to watch the mother for signs of mastitis, says Wag! Signs of mastitis include red and swollen nipples and reluctance to nurse. The mother may even snap at the puppies when they try to eat. If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away. By the fourth or fifth week, the puppies will start getting their teeth and the weaning process will begin as the mother's milk production slows. Once you notice the puppies starting to sample Mom's food, it's time to provide them with their own dish of puppy food. Health Young puppies are susceptible to disease and infection, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them. Newborn puppy care should include regular inspections to watch for signs of infection or poor health. Report anything unusual such as vomiting, diarrhea or a puppy who won't stand or eat to your vet. Little puppies are also especially vulnerable to fleas and other parasites, says The Spruce Pets , so talk to your vet about appropriate parasite control. Although antibodies they receive from nursing will help protect them from illness in the early weeks, these antibodies wear off around six to eight weeks, which is when they will need to receive their first round of vaccinations. Make sure you and all family members thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with these puppies to help reduce the risk of getting them sick from any bacteria that might be lying in wait on your hands. Socialization By the fourth week the puppies are ready to begin socializing with humans and other dogs. Weeks four through twelve are a critical window during which puppies need to learn about the world they'll inhabit so they'll become well-adjusted, happy dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Poorly socialized puppies tend to grow into anxious dogs who may have behavioral problems, so whether you plan to keep the puppies or send them to good homes, it's important to cuddle and play with them, allow them to explore and play and expose them to as many new experiences as possible. Newborn puppy care entails a lot of work, but these first several weeks go by in a flash. If your puppies end up being adopted, you'll be saying goodbye to them in no time, an event that is often bittersweet. Enjoy the pups while you have them, and when it's time to let go, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave them the best possible beginning. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born. Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies. Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them. Provide A Warm Environment Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it. Ensure there are unheated areas, as the puppies will need to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Monitor the puppies' temperature. If puppies are too cold, they cannot process milk and it may curdle in their stomach. Do not use heating pads, as the puppies may be cold and stay on the heating pad too much. If it is too hot, it can cause burns. Start Socializing the Puppies If the mother dog allows it, you can get the puppies used to your presence. Socializing them early can help ensure that they fit nicely into a household. Puppies should initially be weighed twice a day for the first week or two, then daily. Puppies should never lose weight or even maintain weight—either of these is cause for supplementation and concern. If you notice that one of your puppies is smaller, not gaining weight, or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother and sent to their new homes too quickly, as they learn important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. Puppies should not be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old, and it may be illegal before this in many states. Waiting until they are 10 weeks old will give the maximum benefit of social interaction with their mother and littermates. Feeding and Weaning Newborn puppies should nurse at least every 2 hours for the first week or two of life. After this, they can stretch the feeding times to hours, as long as they are still gaining weight and doing well. Once the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to puppy food. You can mix a high-quality commercial puppy food with water or canned puppy food to make it easier for them to eat. It is important that the food is softened at first. They should still have constant access to the mother, as she will continue to nurse them. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on puppy food rather than nursing. Most dogs will wean their puppies by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies have sharp teeth at this point, so nursing may be painful to the mother dog. Continue to be vigilant and monitor her for signs of mastitis. Contact Your Vet Just After the Puppies Are Born Contact your veterinarian to ask for their recommendation regarding when the puppies should first be examined. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates , umbilical hernias , and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. Most veterinarians recommend deworming at regular 2-week intervals starting at 2 weeks old. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in , after receiving her bachelor's degree.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. They will require hour care in the beginning. Publisher Bailliere Tindall You will probably need to take time off work to care for the puppies, as they will require near-constant care for the first 2 weeks. Take this into consideration before breeding your bitch. If you can't commit to caring for orphan pups then don't breed the mother. The ideal is replacement bitch's milk. This comes in a powdered form Lactol that is reconstituted with boiled water very similar to the way baby's formula is made. Publisher: Henston The supplement is available from your veterinary clinic or major pet stores. Do not use cow's milk, goat's milk, or human infant formula. These are not suitable formulas for puppies. You can temporarily use a mix of evaporated milk and boiled water while you search for proper bitch replacement milk. Use 4 parts canned evaporated milk to 1 part boiled water for a feed. Puppies need to suckle every 2 hours, which means that you need to feed them 12 times in 24 hours. Follow the directions on the packaging to make up the milk substitute typically 30 grams of powder is mixed with ml of boiled water. A hungry puppy is a noisy puppy. He will squeal and whine, which would ordinarily summon his mother for nursing. The shape of his belly may also give you a clue. Because puppies have little body fat, when his stomach is empty, his belly will be flat or caved in slightly. When his stomach is full, his stomach will resemble a barrel. Teats designed for puppies are softer than ones designed for humans. These can be purchased from vet clinics and major pet stores. In an emergency, you can use an eyedropper to feed milk to the puppy. However, this option should be avoided since there is a risk of giving the puppy too much air with the milk. This can cause his tummy to swell painfully. Follow the guidelines on the milk substitute packaging to determine approximately how much to feed the puppy. A good rule of thumb, however, is to allow the puppy to feed until he is no longer hungry. He will stop eating when he is full. Publisher: Henston The puppy will likely fall asleep and then demand the next meal when he is hungry again, or in about hours. When the puppy is done feeding, wipe its face with cotton wool soaked in warm water. This mimics the bitch cleaning the puppy and reduces the risk of skin infections. Wash all equipment that you use for feeding the puppies and sterilize all of it. Use a liquid disinfectant designed for baby equipment, or a steam sterilizer. Publisher: Henston Alternately, you can boil the equipment in water. Newborn puppies do not urinate or defecate spontaneously but need to be stimulated to do so. The bitch usually performs this function by licking the puppy's perianal region under the tail where the dog's anus is. This usually occurs before and after the puppy feeds. Wipe the puppy's rear end with a pad of cotton wool soaked in warm water, before and after each feed. This should stimulate the puppy to release feces and urine. Wipe away any feces or urine that comes out. As the newborn puppy grows older, the stomach will get bigger and can hold more food. By the third week, feed the puppy every 4 hours or so. A chilled puppy will feel cool or col to the touch. It might also be non-responsive and very quiet. An overheated puppy will have red ears and tongue. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions. If you are using a heat lamp, be sure to check the puppies regularly for flaky or red skin. Remove the lamp if this happens. Newborn puppies are not able to regulate their own body temperature, and they are prone to getting chilled. With Mom not there you need to provide a heat source. Publisher: Henston Adjust the room temperature so that you are comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. As a newborn, the puppy cannot move away if it gets too hot. Publisher: Henston Advertisement. Why Trust Treehugger? If you have newborn puppies either in your home or on the way, you're likely "nesting," getting ready for the tiny, squeaking balls of fur. Where will they sleep? How often will they eat? Will they need blankets? How will you know if they're healthy? This article provides you with important care tips, including feeding, waste management, and much more. Why Pets Matters to Treehugger At Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores, and will also consider supporting local animal shelters. Newborn Puppies Dogs are pregnant for about nine weeks, so that's how long puppies have to develop inside their mothers. When they're born, they still have a lot of work to do. In the sense of development, "a newborn puppy is not unlike a premature child," Dr. Puppies are born blind and mostly deaf and without any teeth. But even though they can't see or hear very well, they can make noise. They make mewling, little sounds. Newborn puppies will open their eyes usually between days old. Their eyes are a bluish-gray, hazy color and they can't see very well at first. A puppy's vision will gradually improve, and his eyes will turn their true color between weeks of age. How to Feed a Newborn Puppy A mother dog's milk gives puppies everything they need for the first four weeks of their lives. Although newborn puppies can't walk, they scoot around on their bellies and instinctively find their mother's milk. Puppies usually nurse every couple of hours and sleep the rest of the time. To make sure puppies are getting enough milk, check them every few hours to make sure they are warm and nursing. If any puppies are crying or seem cold, VCA Hospitals recommends putting them on the mother's back teats because they have the most milk. Also check often to make sure they aren't being pushed away by other puppies. You also can weigh newborn puppies every few days to make sure they are gaining weight. Use a kitchen scale when they are tiny. It depends on the breed, but most puppies should double their birth weight in the first week, according to VCA Hospitals. The puppies must be fed every couple of hours. If you've never done it before, work with your veterinarian or a rescue group that specializes in puppies for advice. You'll feed newborn puppies milk replacement formula that is made just for puppies. Prepare the formula as directed on the package and use the guidelines suggesting how much to give the puppy. Generally, it's 1 cc of formula for every ounce of body weight, according to Best Friends Animal Society. Warning Don't feed cow's milk to puppies. It does not have the same nutrients as dog's milk and does not have enough calories, calcium, or phosphorus for growing puppies. Feed the puppy with a bottle or syringe, slowly offering milk while the puppy is on his stomach. Don't feed him on his back or he could get milk in his lungs. Be careful not to feed him quickly, which could cause choking. Burp the puppy at the end of each feeding by putting him on your shoulder and slowly rubbing his back until he releases air. For step-by-step tips, visit Best Friends for newborn puppy feeding and care instructions. If they are with their mother, they will try to stay snuggled up with her and rely on her body heat and each other to stay warm. They can't regulate their own body temperature, so they depend on outside sources for warmth. Have you ever seen a pile of puppies? They like to snuggle for the warmth and comfort. When the mother leaves to go outside or just get a break, it's important that they have another source for heat. You can either keep the room warm or put a heat lamp over the area where the puppies are being kept. VCA suggests that the temperature be around 85 to 90 degrees F .After that, it can be lowered to about 80 degrees F .Newborn puppies need help to go to the bathroom. Their mother does this by licking them, which stimulates them to urinate and defecate. If the puppies are orphaned, you can help them by dipping a washcloth or cotton ball in warm water, then gently massaging their bottoms after feeding. It's very important that you do this because puppies can't do this without help until they are about 3 or 4 weeks old. You no doubt will be wondering when newborn puppies can go outside to the bathroom and play. Puppies need a lot of upbeat interaction with other dogs—especially during the key socialization period when they're between 9 and 14 weeks. But they are also susceptible to illnesses before they are fully vaccinated, which usually isn't until they are around 16 weeks old. Your vet likely will say it's okay for your puppy to be outdoors in your own yard as long as you haven't had a lot of other dogs around. But you'll want to carry your puppy when going for walks or going in and out of the vet's office until he's had all his shots. Frequently Asked Questions Should you touch a newborn puppy? Unless a puppy is orphaned, you should avoid touching it for the first three weeks. Because they can't yet maintain their body temperatures, it's important that they stay near their mother and siblings for heat. Handling them could take them away from their heat source, which can be dangerous. You can generally begin petting and handling them after three weeks. What is a whelping box? A whelping box is a nesting box designed to protect a dam dog mother and her puppies during and after birth. The box protects the puppies from the cold and is meant to help keep them from being smothered or crushed by their mother. Should you leave newborn puppies alone with their mother? You should supervise a mother dog with her newborn puppies to make sure she isn't neglectful or aggressive toward them. You should also keep an eye so that no puppies get accidentally trapped under her, which could suffocate them. How do you know when newborn puppies are cold? It's normal for newborn puppies to huddle close together or pile on top of each other for warmth. If a puppy is crying, it could be a sign that it's too cold. Orphaned puppies, especially, need extra care because they don't have the heat source of their mother or siblings. If the puppies are spread out around the whelping box, they're probably too hot. Author Mary Jo DiLonardo has become an expert at caring for pets after fostering over 30 dogs and puppies, including many special needs puppies. For more than 25 years, she has covered a wide range of topics focused on the environment, animals, science and anything that helps make the world a better place. Mum will do a lot of the work for you, but there are still things to consider. If there is anything not quite right, it is essential you speak to your vet immediately — post-birth diseases progress quickly and can be very dangerous. She should be provided with food and water, and taken outside regularly to use the toilet — she may not want to leave her puppies for long. Keep her nest warm, quiet, clean and dry. Ensure she is mothering the puppies properly — if one or more are being neglected, they may need to be hand-reared. Keep an eye on the puppies as well, looking for any weakness or being pushed away from the teats by littermates. Those that are weaker should be placed on teats giving the most milk. As with mum, if there are any signs of illness in the puppies seek veterinary advice immediately. If the puppies were abandoned by a stray dog, rejected by mum or if mum sadly passed away, you may be faced with hand-rearing a pup. The rest of this article will discuss how to do this. Feed using a well-cleaned bottle with a teat. Avoid using a microwave. A thermometer will be essential. Feed the puppy slowly laying on their belly, so they do not choke on the milk. Stop regularly and allow them to latch back on if they are still hungry. You will have to feed the puppies every hour or two for the first few weeks, then less frequently as time goes on. This will continue until weeks old, when they start to wean. Once you notice they are chewing on the teat of the bottle, you can start to place down puppy food — continue to bottle feed milk however until they are fully eating puppy food. Water should be down in a shallow dish from around 3 weeks old. Weigh the puppies regularly to track their growth — a puppy should grow a little every day after birth. If they stop or start to lose weight, there may be a problem and a vet should investigate. Toileting Newborn puppies even need assistance weeing and pooing — normally, the mum will lick their back end to stimulate urination and defaecation. In her absence, you will have to simulate this by gently rubbing the area using damp cotton wool. Continue until they urinate and defaecate, then clean them up. Not doing this can lead to bloat, constipation and sickness. Take this chance to observe their stools — once the meconium has passed, it should be normal colour and consistency. Too soft, too hard or a strange colour could be a sign of disease. Continue this for the first weeks of life until the puppies are capable of going by themselves. Heating Newborns have very little fat reserves and easily get cold. Flea and Worming Treatments Worms are unpleasant at the best of times, but for puppies, they can be quite dangerous. In small puppies, high worm burdens can easily lead to illness. Always talk to your vet about suitable treatments, as many are unsuitable for very young puppies. We recommend a standard protocol using a worming tablet or liquid at either 2, 5, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, or every two weeks depending on the drug used. After this, they can be wormed every months depending on the specific risk puppies that are outdoors a lot should be wormed more than those entirely indoors. Fleas are less of a problem in puppies, but can still be a problem in high numbers. Again, this will vary depending on the individual vet and puppies. Vaccination It is very important that all puppies, regardless if they have a mother around or not, get vaccinated when they are old enough. Most vets recommend starting a vaccine course at 8 weeks old, but some may encourage earlier vaccination, particularly if the puppies had no milk from mum. We vaccinate against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis as standard. These bacteria and viruses are very nasty diseases that can make puppies very sick — in some cases without treatment, they can even be fatal. With a standard vaccination course starting at 8 weeks, most puppies can start to go outside from weeks old. Going out before this increases the risk that they will catch one of the nasty diseases above. However, this period is also a critical socialisation period for puppies, where experiencing new sights, sounds and smells will turn them into a brave and well-adjusted dog. Without this, they may have behavioural issues in future. To provide experiences without risking disease, it is a good idea to take your puppy out and about by carrying them. A nice idea is to find a park bench somewhere and let them watch the world go by. Some vets may also permit mixing with older vaccinated dogs — ask your vet if they think this would be suitable for your puppies. You can also encourage socialisation at home, by interacting with the puppies regularly, having different sounds and smells on, and allowing them to explore the house. Veterinary Care As we mentioned above, we recommend speaking to a vet as soon as you can for advice on how to care for a newborn puppy. Your vet may wish to check the puppies regularly to ensure they are healthy. It also is a good way for puppies to socialise in a clean environment. Find a local vet Remember that puppies are vulnerable in the first few weeks of life, so if there are any signs of illness, let us know immediately. These may include: vomiting; diarrhoea; constipation; off-food; losing weight or not gaining weight; lethargy or weakness; coldness; tremors; not active; swollen joints or navels. You might also be interested in:. Although puppies are cute and cuddly, there is a lot of care that goes into their development in the first couple of weeks. These are some things to know if you ever have to care for newborn puppies. A den with a small heating pad, blankets, and pillows will provide warmth and comfort. There may be some drainage and waste in the area for the next couple of weeks, so the bedding needs to be changed on a daily basis. Cleanliness is key to maintaining a healthy environment for both puppies and the mother. Keep them with their mother The presence of the mother is what sustains puppies when they are first born. They are not to be separated from the mother under any circumstances during this critical period. Given that the mother has just given birth, she should be given time to rest with her puppies undisturbed. It is the mother that provides nutrients from her milk to promote a healthy immune system and development. Feeding will normally take place every two to three hours for puppies and they are unable to eat solid food until they are at least four weeks old. Puppies between four and eight weeks can eat a mixture of dry food and milk and then they can shift to solid food completely after that period. If the mother is not present then it is recommended that you contact a veterinarian for an acceptable substitute for her milk as human milk is not appropriate for puppies. Watch for warning signs of sickness Time is of the essence for puppies because they are unable to do anything on their own. If you notice any type of abnormalities in their appearance or behavior, then it is recommended that you contact a veterinarian right away to correct the issue before it is too late. Some things to look out for include vomiting, excessive crying, diarrhea, rejection by the mother, or if the puppy is not nursing with everyone else. Contact your veterinarian The supervision of a veterinarian is recommended to provide a healthy start for puppies because there are a lot of dangers that lay-people are not aware of. Puppies are unable to hear, see, or even defecate on their own when they are first born and they can also fall ill due to a number of diseases and health problems. Ask your veterinarian for advice about how to care for the puppies when they are born. As a general note, breeding at home is not recommended as young puppies are vulnerable to a number of illnesses and they can potentially die if they are not cared for properly. Young puppies must be allowed to stay with their mother for at least twelve weeks to help them grow and develop before they are adopted out. Since puppies are delicate creatures in need of a lot of attention, stay in close contact with your veterinarian to ensure their good health.