how much do i feed a golden retriever puppy

how much do i feed a golden retriever puppy - Product Description Royal Canin knows what makes your Boxer puppy magnificent is in the details. With their strong builds, short muzzles, and adorable underbites, Boxers are athletic playmates full of energy. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, muscle development, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Boxer dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed Boxer puppy. Whether you have a fawn, brindle, or white purebred, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Boxer puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, supports their developing immune system and keeps their bodies growing strong. Precise protein content and L-carnitine support healthy muscles. Once your Boxer puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Boxer Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, oat groats, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, pea fiber, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, psyllium seed husk, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, L-lysine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. Boxer Puppy kibbles are designed with an exclusive shape and size to make it easy for the Boxer puppy to pick up and chew. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein min. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, oat groats, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, pea fiber, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, psyllium seed husk, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, L-lysine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Daily Feeding Recommendations. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

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how much do i feed a golden retriever puppy - The Blue Heeler , also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized dog initially bred for herding. It is resilient, high-energy, and intelligent, making it a perfect working dog. It has an intense drive to work and is out to impress by serving its owners. The Poodle comes in different sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. It is a fun, energetic, intelligent, and playful dog, making it a perfect match for a family with kids. The Poodle is known for its hypoallergenic coat, a quality that attracts breeders to cross it with other dogs. The mix, therefore, is an energetic, playful, and loyal dog that will bring cheer to any home. The dog loves and enjoys company with its owners, always up for fun playtime and ready for games. The History of The Blue Heeler Poodle Mix There is not much to write home about the history of this mix, but the parents have a long line of how they came to be. The history of this dog can be traced back to the 19th century when it was bred as a working dog. Australian settlers kept it as a guard dog for cattle during their long-distance travels. As time went by, Australian ranchers wanted a dog to herd large numbers of cattle kept for the beef industry. Other dogs like the British Smithfield were overwhelmed at herding cattle, even though they were seasoned in herding sheep. The idea was to create a hardy herding dog that would withstand the working conditions on the ranches. This new creation became a favorite of ranchers, and its popularity grew with breeding. Eventually, Jack and Harry Bagust crossed this dog with dalmatians. This new dog became the Blue Heeler. In , the Blue Heeler was approved for registration by the American Kennel Club and placed as the working dog group. Poodle History The Poodle is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was among popular dogs such as the Rottweiler. Initially, it was bred as a working dog to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. Unfortunately, its dense coat made it difficult for the dog to swim, so they had to trim the fur and make the Poodle more buoyant in water. Its popularity grew, becoming a luxurious breed common among French nobles. This followed its growth all around Europe, becoming one of the most popular dogs among royals. It is the national dog of France, but its popularity has grown across the west. Poodles came in a standard size, but others were created as breeding evolved. The standard Poodle was recognized as a breed by the AKC in .The appearance of the Blue Heeler Poodle mix can be challenging to highlight, considering the two parents have entirely different physical characteristics. Even so, there are some distinct features that you can expect from the mix. How Big do They Get? The size of the Blue Heeler Poodle mix varies depending on the variety of the Poodle used for breeding. If the blend is from a Toy Poodle, then it is bound to be much smaller than if it is from a Standard Poodle. The standard Poodle grows as tall as 18 to 24 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. On the other hand, the Blue Heeler grows as tall as 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 31 to 35 pounds. Remember, puppies in the same litter can be different in size depending on the dominant gene from the parents. Some may weigh as heavy as their Poodle parent, others as their Blue Heeler parents, and others might be an average of both. The Blue Heeler has a double-layer coat which helps to protect the dog from extreme weather conditions as a working dog. On the other hand, the Poodle has a dense, curly, and coarse coat that grows rapidly. Thankfully, the Poodle coat does not shed. The mix, therefore, has a less dense coat than the Poodle, but it is curly, coarse, and long. Even though the coat does not shed, it is prone to tangles and mats and requires consistent grooming to keep it in shape. When it comes to colors, The mix can come in one solid color or a mix of two or more colors from the parents. The mix can lean more towards the Poodle color, take the Blue Heelers distinct color, or have a combination of both. It can have one solid color and marking of another all over the body. It enjoys the company of its human friends and is open to interacting with other dogs and pets. The mix has an even temper and bounces back the emotions you share. It is the type of dog you will want to come home to and enjoy cuddles in the evening with. But, it is highly energetic; you will need to devote time to play and run around with it. The playful personality is great, but it comes with the curiosity of a cat. With this, you will need to keep an eye on the dog as it can get naughty and messy if left to explore independently. The good thing is with early training; the dog can learn to respect the boundaries you put for it. This charming dog is pretty independent and will play with toys. However, it gets anxious if left alone for long periods. The dog would rather see and follow you around than sit and interact with toys all day. So make sure it has company for the most part. How to Take Care of the Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Your furry friend will appreciate the attention you give it, but constant care and maintenance will ensure the dog stays happy and healthy. Therefore, it needs a nutritious, healthy diet, regular exercise, grooming, and training. Feeding The best diet for your dog is one that meets its specific needs. On this note, no standard diet is designed for Blue Heeler Poodle Mixes, as all dogs have different health needs. It would be best to consult a vet on the right food for your furry friend. As a high-energy dog, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix needs a diet that meets its energy requirements while supporting its overall health. Since the dog is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ensuring the diet includes fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin is essential. Ask your vet for the best amount and frequency of food to avoid overfeeding your dog. Most dogs do not have control over how much they eat, hence the importance of scheduling meals and giving them adequate quantities. Exercise Your Blue Heeler Poodle mix will do well with regular exercise to expend its built-up energy. Like other energetic dogs, the mix will need at least an hour of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. It is also vital to stimulate the dog mentally. The Blue Heeler Poodle mix is an intelligent dog and will be happy to solve puzzles, take on challenges and solve problems. Include interactive toys during playtime for both physical and mental exercise. But, the coat is prone to tangling and matting, requiring consistent brushing. You can bathe your dog as needed, but once a month is adequate. If you need to bathe your dog regularly, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Training The intelligent Blue Heeler Poodle mix may be a little challenging to train. It can be stubborn and demanding and might need patience to get through training. That said, it will require a firm and consistent trainer that will not bow down to its manipulative and cheeky needs. Like other dogs, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix will do well with positive reinforcement. When training, ensure you bring treats and offer them along with praises each time the dog progresses. On the same note, ensure the dog gets adequate exercise to burn built-up energy before training. Socialize the dog early by taking it to doggy daycare or planning play dates with other dogs at the park. But with the proper care, frequent vet visits, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, your dog may escape the wrath of the health issues it is susceptible to. Here are some of the common health issues among Blue Heeler Poodle mixes: Hip dysplasia. When was the first Blue Heeler Poodle Mix dog born? Because Poodles are available in several sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, the offspring of each version will end up with a similar size or weight. For example, Standard Poodles that breed with Blue Heelers usually give birth to pups that can weigh at least 40 pounds once they reach adulthood. Their height will be proportionate with that of their Poodle parent, too, which can be taller than 15 inches. On the other hand, Miniature and Toy Poodles mate with Blue Heelers to make a crossbreed that typically weighs from 15 to 35 pounds. As for the height, you can expect it to be significantly less than 15 inches. However, you should keep in mind that breeders rarely match a Toy Poodle with a Blue Heeler. Due to its tiny size, it can be extra hard for the dog to bear the offspring of the bigger Heeler. Coloring Cattle Doodles are as adorable as they come! Blue Heeler Poodle mix dogs also have the tough bones and strong physique of the Australian Cattle Dog. Thankfully, the same goes for Poodles! As a result, their offspring will also have this advantage, so your Blue Heeler Poodle mix should be excited about learning new tricks at any moment of the day. Because Cattle Doodles are considered easy to train, they can be a great option to adopt for first-time pet owners. This is why training and socialization should be your priority once you take your puppy home. This dog has so much energy to spend playing with your children. This makes their offspring a suitable fit for a person with an active lifestyle. If you like to go for long walks, hikes, or beach runs, your Blue Heeler Poodle mix dog will definitely enjoy joining you on your adventures. These activities will allow him to use up his energy where it will benefit you both. Destroying furniture Eating inedible objects Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Concerns Blue Heeler Poodle mix puppies are generally healthy, but they might be prone to some health concerns, just like their parents. But before I dive into those, let me give you an idea about their lifespans. Thankfully, these dogs can live for as long as 12 to 15 years. Tips on Taking Care of a Blue Heeler Poodle Mix After getting to know his temperament, physical characteristics, and health concerns, allow me to give you some general guidelines on how to care for the Cattle Doodle. As a general rule, the bigger the dog is, the more food he should be getting. Keep in mind that this dog breed is susceptible to bloats, which will affect the type of food you give him. In addition to that, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix should steer clear of obesity to prevent the development of future problems in his joints. When things get warm and he starts to leave a few hairs here and there, you should brush him every day. Exercise As I mentioned earlier, your Blue Heeler Poodle mix will need so much exercise to match his energy levels. For example, you can: Walk your dog on a daily basis Go for hikes or beach runs Play with your dog for at least 30 minutes every day in a fenced backyard fetch, tug of war, hide and seek, etc. Socialization Look, Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are generally social dogs, but only if you adequately socialize yours as a puppy. So, how to properly socialize your Cattle Doodle pup? This adorable dog breed is loving, loyal, protective, and a breeze to train, all thanks to his intelligence and affectionate nature. With all of this in mind, your next obvious step is to head over to a reputable breeder and take a cute Cattle Doodle pup home! However, both of his parents have AKC profiles. Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are a fairly new breed, the first one of this kind being born in the s. Around that time, there was a rise in designer dog breed production in response to demands for dogs that were hypoallergenic, mild-tempered, and healthier than their parents. Having noticed the inherent passion and zeal in me to care for pets, I took a step further to create a team of I and like-minded individuals to provide an informative resource in order to broaden the knowledge base of a regular pet owners. The author of this website is a passionate pet lover, and researcher. After gaining experience in raising and training various pets, I realized the need to provide answers to frequently asked questions from pet owners as well as insightful advice I've learned over the years to assist pet parents raise healthy and well-behaved pets. There is another variation referred to as the Red Heeler which has a similar history but displays red coloring This is a high-energy breed that originated as far back as in, yep, your guessed it, Australia. The Blue Heeler became established over many years due to the progressive mixing of the native wild dog — the Dingo and imported herding breeds such as Collies. The Blue Heeler combines the tenacity of a wild Dingo with the intelligence and work ethic of the Collie. This makes them accomplished working farm dogs and great guard dogs. Some more active families have reported the breed to make lively and loyal domestic pets too. However, they will need oodles of exercise so not a family pet for the faint-hearted. Build wise you can expect a Blue Heeler to be compact, solid, and stocky. They will have rounded heads with pointy expressive ears, they have muscular legs, and curved tails that hang down. Poodle History The Poodle itself has its roots as far back as the 15th Century as a working water dog, popular throughout mainland Europe where it retrieved game from waterways and ponds during hunts. Athletic, strong, and with stamina for days, the breed made the perfect working dog. Their loyal nature and alertness also saw them used as watchdogs in country estates. By the late 18th and early 19th Century, the Poodle became less prolific as a hunting dog and instead became coveted by the wealthy and royals of the time who found the Poodle could make for a delightful companion dog. The large build of the traditional Poodle was less practical for a domestic companion and as such breeders intentionally sought to match those dogs who were on the smaller end of the scale in order to develop a smaller variation. This eventually led to the Miniature and Toy varieties we see today. Of course, the largest Poodle variation, the Standard has a stalwart of dedicated fans and remains popular for those looking for a larger dog. While this may be pretty self-explanatory for those who have this hybrid, in real-world terms, they are fairly rare therefore most people refer to it as a Blue Heeler Poodle mix to give people a better idea about the dog mix. It is hard to pinpoint exactly when Blue Heelers and Poodles began to be actively bred as a cross. Realistically there were likely common accidental mixed litters in Australia due to the popularity of both parent breeds. Like many Doodle hybrids, there has been a steady increase in the intentional breeding of Blue Heeler Poodle crosses from around the early s onwards. One of the key reasons some breeders explored this cross was due to the perceived similar nature of both the Blue Healer and the Poodle. Both are intelligent, energetic working dogs with similar traits in loyalty and stamina. The benefit of introducing Poodle genetics is that it has the potential to reduce the shedding associated with Blue Heelers. As working Blue Heelers generally are kept outside in kennels, shedding was never considered an issue. However, as people fell in love with their nature and moved them to domestic pets the heavy shedding associated with their coat could be off putting. By crossing with a Poodle there is the potential to have a hybrid with a single curled to wavy coat which will not shed anywhere as much. There are many Poodle enthusiasts who will disagree with any hybrid breeding. Blue Heelers by comparison already have fairly mixed genetic lineages of wild dingo and a variety of herding dogs, therefore, this community is perhaps a bit more laid back about the concept of crossing them further. Dog breeding, in general, can be a controversial topic however often the key marker of whether a cross is ethical is whether the breeder takes the time to select healthy well-balanced parent dogs from each line. There is some criticism that crossing a dog with such an extreme work ethic as a Blue Heeler with a Poodle in a drive to make a more balanced family pet is undesirable. However, as there are instances of individuals training Blue Heelers to be domestic pets this appears to already have been happening. Many dogs have a strong working history and have made the leap to domestic pet, the Poodle being perhaps the best example of this. One of the biggest benefits, as mentioned above, is the potential to massively reduce the amount of shedding associated with a Blue Heeler alone. Given the big difference between the Poodle and Blue Heeler coat type though, be warned it is unlikely first-generation crosses will jump magically to low shedding. Breeders however actively back breed Blue Heeler Poodle mixes to a purebred Poodle in subsequent generations which increases the chances of that soft and curly Doodle coat type. Another perceived perk of the Blue Heeler Poodle Mix is that it combines two super-intelligent breeds but the Poodle side softens up the more serious and driven aspects of a Blue Heeler. Blue Heelers are known to be protective of their owners but are unlikely to seek out a cuddle. Poodles on the other hand are selective about who they bond with however, once attached can seek affection, bordering on being needy from their owners. Mixing a Blue Heeler and a Poodle has the potential to get a balance of the two e. As with any hybrid, it is incredibly difficult to predict with certainty what side your pup may take after more. They have the potential to have a completely Blue Heeler type temperament, be nearly all Poodle or fall somewhere on the spectrum between the two. As the Blue Heeler and Poodle differ quite markedly in personality traits that is quite a spectrum that you would need to be comfortable with potentially taking on. The other point to consider is that a Blue Heeler Poodle mix has the prospective to be smart, very smart! Both breeds have a bit of a reputation for mischief-making, stubbornness, and the posibilty to manipulate their owners to their own ends if not trained effectively. While having a double helping of smarts can make for a dog who is capable of all manner of cool skills and tricks, it also has the potential to keep owners constantly on their toes. But hey, who wants a quiet life really? Anecdotally it appears most breeders choose a Miniature Poodle on the larger side or a smaller specimen of the Standard Poodle. The reason Toy Poodles are not routinely used is that a Toy Poodle parent would likely be too small to carry Blue Heeler pups. The alternative would be to use a Blue Heeler mother however given the big gap both in height and weight it is likely a resultant litter would be extremely variable. Color and Coat Types The Poodle parent brings the potential for a low shedding, single-layer, hair-like curly coat. The Blue Heeler by comparison brings a double layer, moderate to high shedding, coarse coat. This makes it difficult to fully determine a first-generation Blue Heeler Poodle cross coat type. It will likely be lower shedding than a pure Blue Heeler however, still has the potential to retain an element of undercoat. There can be variation across a litter and it is near impossible to determine in puppyhood what an adult coat may look like. Either way, this mix is likely to need regular brushing to ensure they remain matt free. If they take more after their Blue Heeler parent, their coat may be longer. Many owners will elect a regular professional grooming program to keep their coat shorter and more manageable. Color wise the Blue Heeler brings its trademark blue tones in both speckled and spotted marking patterns. This tends to be passed on resulting in Blue Heeler Poodle crosses which are lighter shades including greys, blues, and whites. Health Generally, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix is considered a healthy cross breed. As a result, a Blue Heeler Poodle mix may be comfortably expected to reach the ripe old age of anywhere between 12 and 15 years old. There are some health issues common to both the Poodle and the Blue Heeler however that may still show up in the hybrid pups. These include: Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Luxating patella Of course, this is not definitive that your Blue Heeler Poodle mix pup will inherit these conditions. Equally they could pick up another illness. The good news is generally they are considered healthy overall. Temperament Predicting the temperament of a hybrid breed is not guaranteed at all. That being said there are some almost guarantees for a Blue Heeler Poodle mix and that is this mix will be smart. Like verging on outsmarting the humans smart, so consider yourself warned! This dog will need mental exercise just as much as physical to prevent them from turning their brain power to more mischievous pursuits. If we assume they will be a blend somewhere on the spectrum of both parent dogs then we can expect a Blue Heeler Poodle mix to be eager to please, responsive and energetic. While the Blue Heeler is not a cuddle monster , the Poodle genetics will make the cross more affectionate. This high-energy cross will need somewhere between 90 minutes and 2 hours of high intensity exercise a day as a minimum and would quite happily throw in a hike or agility practice for good measure. They are best suited to active families or singles and a good size outdoor space is vital. Feeding Requirements While a Blue Heeler Poodle mix will be a mid-size dog, its muscular build and high activity nature means it will need some serious calories. This means it might attract a higher than expected food bill. A good quality kibble would be recommended and it is wise to budget for as much as 3 to 3. Here are the different kinds of Poodle: Standard Poodle The standard male Poodle weighs around 70 pounds, while the average female Poodle weighs around 50 pounds. The colors of their fur can range from white and black to apricot and blue. Slender and long-legged, these dogs can reach a height of 15 inches. Most Blue Heelers bred with Standard Poodles will reach a weight of 40 pounds or more. Aside from their size, there is no difference between the two. Miniature Poodles can weigh up to 15 pounds, while Toy Poodles typically weigh 4 to 6 pounds. Like Standard Poodles, they have a high level of energy and are excellent athletes. Although their personalities differ from those of the Standard Poodle, these dogs are excellent family pets. Toy and Miniature Poodles are known for their intelligence and devotion to those in their care. In the presence of loved ones, they are at their best. Australian Cattle Dogs that have been bred with a miniature or toy Poodle tend to be between 15 and 35 pounds. Cattle doodle is the name given to a crossbreed between a Blue Heeler and a Poodle. They have a positive outlook on life because they are descended from some of the noblest canine lines. Breeding the two parent breeds together produces a perfect watchdog. The cattle doodle is based on s-era designer dogs. Healthier, smaller, and less prone to allergies are some of their advantages. Dogs of this type differ only slightly from other popular breeds. Temperament of Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Poodles and Australian Cattle Dogs have a lot in common when it comes to intelligence, making a cross between the two breeds the ideal pet for a new dog owner. The Blue Heeler Poodle mix is eager to please, easy to train, and responsive to new things. Blue Heelers are known for their ability to outsmart humans and other dogs. When it comes to dog temperament, Poodles are more patient and gentle than Australian Cattle Dogs. In a household with other dogs and people, the Blue Heeler Poodle mix does best. So that they can burn off some of their excess energy, you should give them plenty of time to play. As a result, they will gain more self-confidence when it comes to interacting with other people. The yard and house will be destroyed if you let your Blue Heeler mix get bored. Every day, make an effort to keep them both mentally and physically stimulated. Exercise and Training Requirements of Blue Heeler Poodle Mix Getting plenty of exercises is important for these pups, as it is for all dogs. This recipe is likely to require a lot of physical activity. Set aside time each day to work out your pets. Get ready for him to bounce off the walls. A tired dog is a happy dog. Never leave your dog chained outside; this is cruel to him and unfair to you. Blue Heeler Poodle mix is capable of being obstinate and demanding, despite its intelligence. Strong, firm leadership is needed to keep this dog from taking advantage of its handlers. Positive reinforcement works best for all dogs. All puppies and dogs should be properly socialized from an early age. A larger dog requires more food and is more active because of its larger size. A dog food free of common allergens like wheat, soy, or chicken is the healthiest choice for you and your pet. In addition, because of their active lifestyle, make sure your dog gets plenty of protein. Elbow and knee joint problems can occur in both miniature and toy poodles. Hearing loss can occur in Blue Heelers for a variety of reasons, including congenital deafness or hearing problems that worsen with age. Your Blue Heeler Poodle mix has a longer life expectancy than the average dog. They can expect a lifespan of at least 12 years. Plush toys should be avoided if your Blue Heeler Poodle mix is large. Toys for your hybrid should be tough and long-lasting. A choking hazard is a small, fragile toy, so avoid it at all costs. Instead of this, give your dog antlers and tough chew toys. Toys like rope toys are a must-have if you have more than one dog. Playing with your Blue Heeler Poodle puppy should not be ignored. Be on the lookout for any signs of aggression from them. Dog toys and puzzles are a favorite pastime for this intelligent designer dog. Puppies born to Blue Heeler Poodle mixes are less common than those born to other Heeler mixes. Adoption fees at shelters are likely to be less expensive than the cost of purchasing a dog. All of the disorders can be detected in a puppy whose parents have been thoroughly screened by a reputable breeder. A good breeder will also be on the lookout for behavioral problems and temperament issues and will steer clear of breeding any dogs with undesirable psychological traits. Or even worse, grew up in a home where abuse was the norm. Having noticed the inherent passion and zeal in me to care for pets, I took a step further to create a team of I and like-minded individuals to provide an informative resource in order to broaden the knowledge base of a regular pet owners. The author of this website is a passionate pet lover, and researcher. After gaining experience in raising and training various pets, I realized the need to provide answers to frequently asked questions from pet owners as well as insightful advice I've learned over the years to assist pet parents raise healthy and well-behaved pets. A genetic health and coat color test from a professional service could provide a more accurate potential color range. Size The Texas Heeler-Poodle mix is a medium-sized dog breed. They are athletic and will have a sturdy build. Height The Texas Heeler-Poodle mix typically stands between inches tall at the shoulder. Of course, there can be some variation within this range depending on the individual dog and its parents. However, you can generally expect this breed to be a medium-sized dog that is not too tall or too short. Weight When it comes to weight, the Texas Heeler-Poodle mix usually weighs between pounds. Again, there can be some variation within this range depending on the individual dog and its parents. Overall, the Texas Heeler-Poodle mix is a great size for families who want a dog that is not too big or too small. Temperament As someone who has researched and written about both parent breeds, I can confidently say that the Texas Heeler-Poodle mix has a beautiful temperament. These dogs are known for being intelligent, loyal, and energetic. They are also very affectionate and love spending time with their owners. One thing that stands out about the Texas Heeler-Poodle mix is their high energy level. They are always up for a game of fetch or a long walk and love to run around and play. This makes them an excellent choice for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Another great thing about these dogs is their loyalty. They are very devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This makes them excellent watchdogs, as they will sound the alarm if they sense any danger. Despite their high energy level, Texapoos are also very intelligent and trainable. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners who may not have much training experience. Health Issues Doodle breeds are often at a lower risk of inheriting breed-specific diseases. Texas Heeler-Poodle crosses may still be susceptible to common diseases. Here are some you should be aware of: Hip dysplasia: This genetic condition affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort. Depending on the severity, it can be managed with medication, therapy, or surgery. Eye problems: Texas Heeler-Poodle mixes may be prone to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on. Allergies: Some Texas Heeler-Poodle mixes may be prone to allergies, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, and hair loss. Allergies can be managed with medication and changes in diet. It is important to note that not all Texas Heeler-Poodle mixes will develop these health issues. Providing your dog with proper care and attention can help minimize their risk of developing any health problems. Lifespan The lifespan of a Texas Heeler-Poodle mix is typically between 12 to 15 years. To ensure that your dog lives long and healthy, providing them with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care is vital. Regular check-ups can help detect potential health issues early on, leading to better treatment outcomes. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message.

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how much do i feed a golden retriever puppy - Early Start Method STEP 1: Take your Golden retriever to group obedience classes The so-called peer-pressure works on dogs, too, and they are thus more likely to remember the useful commands when trained in groups. It will also help socialize your furry friend with other dogs. STEP 2: Play games with your dog Playing fetching games with decoy toys is highly beneficial since it will help familiarize your dog with its future prey. STEP 3: Introduce your Golden retriever to its future hunting environment Grab a leash and take your canine buddy to the future hunting environment. Make sure the dog is not overly excited and never let him or her run wild. Quiet walks will be much more beneficial as you want your pet to get acquainted with all the sounds and sights he or she will experience. STEP 4: Use a reward system Your dog should be rewarded whenever he or she obeys the command, especially when chasing prey. You can opt for words of praise, pet on the back, or a tasty treat- it is up to you! Never punish your dog, or it might become discouraged and give up altogether. Punishment techniques can make your retriever aggressive and even dangerous. Scent Method STEP 1: Play with a decoy toy for at least a few minutes every day Spray the decoy toy with a scent spray and play with your dog. Decoy play will make your dog all worked up at the very sight of a toy so spend at least a few minutes every day playing tug of war and fetching. Take the scented toy out into the yard, wipe it onto the ground over and across, and then hide it. STEP 3: Teach your Golden retriever to follow a trail Grab a leash and take your future hunting buddy to the beginning of the trail he or she should follow. Guide him or her by pointing or whispering; if it gets distracted, pull him or her back gently and encourage him or her to continue in the right direction. STEP 4: Reward your dog When your four-legged friend gets to the end of the trail and sniffs out the decoy, he or she should be adequately rewarded. Praise them, play with them, and give them their favorite treat! Therefore, every time you set up a scent trail, try to make it harder than the one before. Introduce new distractions until your retriever can sniff out the prey on its own no matter where it is. So, if you seem excited every time you are around the prey, your dog will be too. You can point or whisper — it is up to you! You can shout or wave your arms — once again, it is all up to you! STEP 3: Reward your furry friend as soon as he or she joins you in what you are doing As soon as your dog starts charging at the prey too, reward him or her! Do it each and every time. Keep your enthusiasm for as long as it takes! If you lose interest, your golden will lose it too. So, even if you are tired or bored — do not let your dog see that! It would be best if you chase the prey every time you see it until your dog starts doing it as a routine too. When your dog starts chasing the prey even before you do, you can finally relax. Of course, your pet will not be successful every time, but you should reward him or her nonetheless. Conclusion I hope you enjoyed this intro to teaching your golden retriever to hunt! Big thanks to Robert from ArcheryTopic. Golden retrievers have a charm all of their own, as Patrice Fellows reports. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. Since their foundation in midth century Scotland, these attractive retrievers with a keen desire to work in both cover and water, and famously soft mouths, have contributed massively to shooting. Although not as common as the ubiquitous Labrador, goldens have made up for the disparity in numbers by the quality of their contribution to the field. As a consequence Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Baron Tweedmouth, developed a vision of a specialist retriever to meet these requirements. In he bought a pup named Nous from a cobbler in Brighton, the only yellow dog in an unregistered litter of black wavy-coated retrievers. Three years later he crossed Nous with a Tweed water spaniel named Belle; this mating produced four yellow pups that became the foundation of the breed. Through a combination of line breeding and judicious crosses he attained his ideal companion: a powerful retriever that was also gentle and trainable. His Highland estate and line of Guisachan Retrievers are honoured today as the home and foundation of the breed. For almost 50 years the breed remained little known; as Lord Tweedmouth developed his bloodlines he kept some puppies, gave some to keepers in nearby estates and gave others to friends and relatives. This changed in when a friend of the family, Viscount Harcourt, exhibited the first golden under the affix Culham at a Kennel Club event. He was joined by Mrs Charlesworth the next year, who exhibited the offspring of her bitch Normanby Beauty, a highly intelligent and tireless worker. Eight goldens were exhibited at Crufts in , all registered as yellow flatcoated retrievers. A small group of enthusiasts formed the Golden Retriever Club in , which has grown to over 2, members across the world today. It is joined by 12 regional breed clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as 14 breed rescue organisations scattered throughout England. Many early breeders competed both on the bench and in the field, but today most dogs are divided into show or working strains. There are, however, a handful of dual-purpose breeders that continue to pick up or shoot over their goldens. These dogs may not compete at the highest levels, but they more than prove their worth in the field. From the beginning Golden Retrievers have maintained a strong presence in field trials, winning the annual IGL Retriever Championship four times. Mazurka went on to win three more awards, including second place. There have been more than FTChs in the history of the breed, and many have won any variety as well as single-breed stakes. It is considered intelligent, kind, gentle and confident. One of the most adaptable of the sporting breeds, it can carry out many tasks in addition to its original purpose in the field. With its kind and patient nature it is an ideal choice for families with children, making them better suited to living in the house than in kennels. They are typically friendly with other dogs, pets and livestock, as well as people. A common question is, are Golden Retrievers smart? They are widely used as disability assistance dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. They excel in obedience training at all levels and can be trained for work in numerous disciplines, including detection, search and rescue, and lifesaving. They are also consistent top performers in agility, obedience and working trials. The size of Golden Retrievers can vary from medium to large, and they are strongly built with a balanced body and powerful gait. They have a broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, round dark eyes and moderate sized ears. The dogs stand about 22—24" at the shoulder and females slightly less at 20—22". Their topcoat is medium length and slightly wavy or flat with good feathering and a dense undercoat, which keeps them cool in summer and warm in the winter. Any shade of gold or cream is permitted, with some white on the chest. Working Golden Retrievers are generally lighter in build and more athletic than show varieties, with a shorter coat suited to working in the field. With dark yellow to reddish-gold coats, they look more like their early ancestors. When the first breed standard was written in , cream was not permitted as a coat colour, and throughout the s very dark dogs were favoured. Health And Care Adult goldens need up to two hours a day of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Their coats shed copiously, especially at the change of seasons twice a year. With puppies this will entail just brushing, but with working adults it will be necessary to check for burrs, knots and tangles, and to keep their feet trimmed with scissors. Like other pedigree dogs, goldens are prone to a number of hereditary conditions. There are currently three health schemes offered by the British Veterinary Association in conjunction with the Kennel Club. Although breeding stock is screened under these schemes, there is no guarantee that pups will be clear, although the likelihood is increased. Breeding stock should also be x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia. These are multifactorial conditions influenced by genes, nutrition and exercise, so always follow the advice of breeders in the care of a young pup, even if its parents have good results. Cancer is one of the main causes of death. Aside from the hereditary conditions listed above, goldens can also suffer from skin problems and allergies, ear infections, epilepsy and thyroid conditions. Unlike spaniels, a retriever is not required to quarter ahead to quest and flush live game, although some people use retrievers in the beating line or for rough shooting. Early days focus on obedience commands, steadiness and walking to heel, single marked and memory retrieves, as well as hunting in a restricted area. Once basic skills and control are established, more advanced dummy work incorporating multiple or blind retrieves, handling at a distance with whistle and voice commands, water, gunshot and obstacles are introduced. Once these skills are mastered, there is a transition period of working with cold game before the first introduction to the field. A young dog might spend its first season sitting up at drives or walking to heel while other dogs are sent for retrieves, with a reward of a few birds at the end of the day. Throughout the process, the emphasis is on acquiring new skills on a step-by-step basis to encourage success, simplifying and backtracking whenever necessary. Harsh handling is never advised, especially in the case of goldens, who are sensitive and prone to stubbornness when treated with force or coercion. During the off-season, Golden Retriever clubs and gundog societies hold retriever gundog working tests GWTs , which seek to further good gundog work without live game. GWTs are divided into puppy, novice and open categories, and each club publishes its entry rules on its website. Three or four tests simulate varying shooting scenarios requiring single and double retrieves, blind retrieves, hunting in an area, walking-up and retrieves in or near water. Field Trials for Golden Retrievers Retriever field trials have grown immensely in popularity in recent years and are usually oversubscribed. That said, it is still primarily an amateur sport, open to anyone willing to take on the required commitment. Golden Retriever field trials are run as closely as possible to an ordinary shooting day. If feasible, they are conducted on ground where dogs can be tested walking in line to heel in roots or cover and waiting off the lead at drives, but the day may consist of just one or the other. In August a few trials are held on grouse moors in the north, and in September there are some walk-up days on partridge. The majority of trials are held in October and November as walked-up or driven days over partridge and pheasant, leading up to the annual IGL Retriever Championship at the end of November. Most trials are held under a four-judge system, where pairs of judges evaluate the performance of the competitors, working down the line in numerical order. In the first round, dogs are usually sent for two retrieves each, and can be discarded for a variety of misdemeanours such as running-in, chasing, whining or being eye-wiped by the judges or another competitor. Dogs that survive are called up for further rounds until the top few dogs remain, at which point the judges confirm the final placings with a run-off, usually working all together at the centre of the line. Why Not A Golden? One major drawback is the extra care and attention their coat requires. They are large dogs and prone to getting dirty, especially in the field. Burrs and tangles must be dealt with - and not just brushed aside, so grooming your Golden Retriever is an important daily task. Another drawback for some people is they do not make good kennel dogs. Sarah Gadd, a prominent trialler who started out with both goldens and labradors, gave them up for this reason. While show-bred Golden Retrievers are very popular, working kennels are few and far between. Finally, there is the issue of training your Golden Retriever. Although the breed is considered biddable and easy to train, it is sensitive and perhaps not as resilient to handler mistakes or short cuts as the labrador. Captain HFH Hardy, who won the first field trial award for the breed in , favoured them amongst all gundog breeds. In order to achieve success, you have to have a feel for what makes them so distinctive. But if you are definitely up to the challenge, and willing to learn the secrets to their success, gold-dust beckons. Broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, dark eyes and moderate sized ears. Medium length coat with feathering in any shade of gold. Character: Intelligent, kind, gentle, playful, biddable and confident. Ideal for families with children. Usually friendly with other dogs and animals and likes people. Easy to train and adaptable to many jobs as well as work in field. Slow to mature, sensitive and at times stubborn if treated harshly. Daily care: Requires up to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Coat requires daily or frequent grooming. Basic obedience and gundog training recommended. Health: A healthy breed. Average lifespan of 12 years. Prone to cancer and skin ailments. At work: Tireless worker with a good nose and excellent in cover and water. Also a good tracker of wounded game with a soft mouth. Well-suited to field work as a peg dog, picking up or wildfowling. May be used for beating or rough shooting. Trained for many other jobs, such as assistance, detection and search and rescue. Top performer in obedience, agility and working trials. More Information About This Gun Dog Breed We love sharing our trusted resources, the more we learn about each breed the better we are able to take care of our beloved dogs. Below we have listed some of our favourite websites and books used to create this article and to learn more about this fantastic gun dog breed. Take a look at some of these resources: www. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? Blog Do you want to learn how to train your golden retriever to hunt? Some people may believe that golden retrievers are not good hunting dogs because they are not bred for that purpose. Others may believe that golden retrievers are good hunting dogs because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of hunting activities. Golden retrievers are bred to be versatile and to have a strong hunting instinct. This makes them good hunting dogs for a variety of activities, including waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting, and small game hunting. Golden retrievers are also good family dogs. They are friendly, social, and easy to train. This makes them a good choice for people who want a hunting dog that they can also enjoy as a member of their family. They have a high level of intelligence and are easy to train. Golden retrievers are versatile dogs that can be used for a variety of hunting activities. They are naturally loyal, eager to please, and have a high level of intelligence. They are also versatile, meaning they can be used for a variety of hunting applications. The first step in training a golden retriever as a hunting dog is to start early. Puppies as young as weeks can be started on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. As they get older, you can begin to introduce them to the concepts of hunting. This can include things such as carrying a dummy in their mouth, retrieving objects from water, and being steady around gunfire. It is important to be patient and consistent when training a golden retriever as a hunting dog. This breed is known for being one of the most trainable breeds, but they still require a lot of time and patience. As with any training program, it is important to set realistic goals and to keep sessions. A golden retriever is a versatile hunting dog that can be used for bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and upland game hunting. They are also used as service dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are bred for their intelligence, obedience, and trainability. They are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. When hunting with a golden retriever, you will need a shotgun, a hunting vest, a dog vest, a dog bed, a dog bowl, a hunting license, and a first-aid kit for your dog. The most important piece of equipment for a golden retriever is its hunting vest. The vest will protect him from the cold and wet weather, and it will also have a built-in harness to attach a leash. In addition to the required hunting supplies, you will also need to have a good supply of dog treats and a positive attitude. A golden retriever will respond best to a positive reinforcement training program. It is best to work with your dog every day for at least fifteen minutes. The more often you train, the sooner you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you cannot make that happen, at least make sure that there is enough space. If you do not have a large enough yard, find a suitable local field. Retrievers are fast at short and long-distance running, they love water, they can jump high, and they have a unique sense of smell. Their coat helps them adapt to various conditions. This is quite literally a perfect dog. That is how he is known as probably the best hunting dog in the world. If you have or are just thinking of adopting a Golden Retriever, you should be able to train them to hunt quite easily because this is his innate skill. The key is starting his training early and focusing on generic training first. Hunters looking for an intelligent, shorter-coated retriever that will hunt from dark to dark need to research field-bred goldens. By Tony J. Peterson With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. Yet its skyrocketing popularity is the reason golden retrievers have become victims of their own demand. It's also why those in search of a hard-working golden need to be very careful when choosing a pup for hunting purposes. Advertisement A Rich History Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early s. Europe is responsible for a good number of our current sporting breeds including goldens, which came into being in England and Scotland well over years ago. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. Throughout the s the breed became even more desirable, and in it was recognized by the AKC. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. They also started showing up in television shows, as well as print and television advertisements, and one needs only look at a single golden to understand why. Very few breeds are as photogenic or as easy to work with as goldens, which contributed further to their popularity. This also led to division in the breed, with an ever-increasing portion of the litters born each year to less stringent standards. Show dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and they were bred to field-bred dogs as well as other show dogs. Advertisement It has been a couple of decades since the breed hit its high-water mark and since then we've witnessed a decline in the health and hunting-drive of the breed overall. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. They just aren't as easy to locate as a run-of-the-mill, mystery-bred golden. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. That dog, Ch. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. Advertisement "Torch had a lot of desire, she was fearless, and she was a good producer — and she did it all on three legs after getting caught in a fox trap," Mertens recalls. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. And it's all about the breeding. Hunters looking for a waterfowl and upland dog will often steer toward Labs for obvious reasons, but the right golden will fill the role just fine. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are so many issues that can come up with poor breeding, that it's a process to ensure a healthy litter these days. For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. We use a canine ophthalmologist for eye clearances, a canine cardiologist for heart clearances, and also conduct a litany of DNA tests to ensure proper breeding. Having gone through the heartbreak of losing a golden to kidney failure when she was only six years old, I am particularly sensitive to proper health clearances. All breeds can suffer unfortunate medical issues, but goldens are exceptionally prone to them given the amount of unchecked breeding. Another golden retriever expert I asked to weigh in on this issue is Theresa Bilava, who operates Platte River Retrievers with her son Nick. She started with goldens as a child and has been raising and breeding them for 22 years. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. Like Mertens, Bilava makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners. Now people think they can pick up any golden puppy and it will hunt, but that's not the case. With us, we're breeding for athletes, not models. Our dogs are field-bred, and quite frankly, a lot of the people that contact me about getting a dog don't even know what a field-bred dog is. We want dogs that want to play the game and that will have the right temperament. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy. A good sign of a dog that is working for you not for itself is if the dog checks back often and looks you in the eye. Goldens are well known for this trait, especially in the field where it matters most. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently. When I asked him why he chose to hunt with goldens he responded by saying, "The golden is a gentleman's dog. He will give you percent if you are fair to him. And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. When the hunt is over, he'll transition back into that lovable housedog. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Goldens will work for you, but if you lose your cool they'll shut down. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. They respond to teaching, not pressure. Finding a well-bred golden puppy that has all of its health clearances and is a true hunting dog is a different story. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. The upside? You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. Nick Bilava has spent plenty of time hunting South Dakota roosters for himself and for clients while he was guiding, but his dogs can do much more than hunt ringnecks. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. I hunt doves with my dogs, ducks, everything. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect. When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. And just for fun, I threw in shed antler hunting to see how she'd do. As long as my golden got to retrieve something for me and earn a little praise, everything was just fine. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. For the hunter looking to have a rock star in the field and a good-looking house pet all in one dog, they are the ideal choice provided they come from a breeding program that has focused on health concerns and strong hunting instincts. Picking A Golden Puppy When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. That's the going rate, and it is worth it for the peace of mind you'll have from getting a truly high-quality, healthy pup. Your job doesn't end with research and writing a check, however. Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Jackie Mertens stressed this by saying, "I don't let people pick their puppy. I pick it for them. Some people don't like this, but I've already spent seven weeks with the puppies and have watched how they act, and interact, so I know their personalities well. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. It's better to put your faith in the pedigree and the breeder to match you up with the best bet out of a litter. You won't regret it. More Articles From How-To. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be hunting companions to the elite. Are Goldens still as good at hunting as they used to be? Yes, Golden Retrievers are excellent hunting dogs and are still used for this purpose today. However, finding one as skilled as they used to be is a bit more challenging. The 5 Things That Make Golden Retrievers Good Hunting Dogs Even though dogs were bred to retrieve small game, there are certain characteristics about them that make them perfectly suited for the sport. Breeding Golden Retrievers were created to fill a gap in the world of hunting dogs. A lord took some of the best characteristics of many different dogs and gave us the Goldens that we know and love today. Image Credit: Mordasova Elena, Shutterstock 2. Strong Sense of Smell One of the things that set these hunting dogs apart from others is their incredible sense of smell. This breed has one of the strongest senses of smell of all dog breeds that makes it easy for them to track down birds no matter how far away they glide after being shot. Goldens are intelligent and eager to please; the two perfect characteristics that make training easy. They can also figure out shortcuts and solve puzzles that they come across while out hunting. Energy Golden Retrievers seem to never tire. This breed is energetic and easily build up their stamina with the right training. This means they can run and retrieve for hours without getting too winded. Choosing a Dog for Hunting As time has gone on, many Goldens are bred less for hunting and more for companionship. If you are hoping to purchase one of these dogs to hunt with , we recommend finding a reputable breeder that is field bred. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are some of the best hunting dogs you can have. You might also be interested in:. Photo credit: Joop Snijder, Shutterstock Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Easily one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet, the field-bred golden retriever is also a phenomenal gun dog. Their countenance is often seen in dog parks, hanging out of car windows, accompanying kiddos on a neighborhood walk, working avalanche duty on the ski hill, or in the halls of hospitals in a therapy vest. To say the golden retriever might be the happiest breed of dog could even be an understatement. Their sunny disposition and puppy-like attitude make them entirely irresistible. The good news is that a field-bred golden retriever is also one of the best, most versatile gun dogs you can take into the field. And they have a more-than-interesting origin story. A man by the name of Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks founded the breed singlehandedly in the late s. He bought a brown, wavy-haired dog named Nous, and then bred him to Tweed Water Spaniels now extinct and Irish Water Spaniels, with the first true golden retriever litter born in .Today, the typical golden retriever averages inches in height and typically weighs pounds, with males on the higher end of both. They have a life expectancy of years and throughout their life, their attitude for work and play remains exuberant. Of course, daily exercise and high-quality dog food will keep your golden in good health for the long haul. Golden retrievers take on jobs that range from hunting to search and rescue to seeing-eye dogs to avalanche work and more. But with the popularity of the breed, a split happened between field- and show-bred retrievers. Read on for more. Field-Bred vs. Show-Bred Golden Retrievers A field-bred golden sports a shorter, denser coat than a show-bred golden; photo credit: Jed Packer, Shutterstock As with labrador retrievers, the popularity of golden retrievers brought a dark side to its breeding history. For decades, many lines of golden retrievers were diluted, and new health problems arose through poor breeding practices. According to the American Kennel Club , goldens are at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart diseases, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. And this is not an exhaustive list. These days, veterinarians and responsible breeders have worked together to test and pair up genetically sound animals that are less prone to health issues through genetic testing and physical certifications. Field-bred golden retrievers take on a more compact, athletic form, and a key feature is their shorter, denser coat. The show-bred lines tend to have luxurious and often very beautiful flat coats, but these longer coats do not serve a golden well in wet or cold working conditions. The needs are simply different. Be sure to interview a few reputable breeders and learn about the lines, genetics, and intent of their kennels before purchasing a field-bred golden retriever. Did their parents hunt? And what genetic testing and health certifications are offered? These are two required questions if you plan on adding a field-bred golden to your family. Think of this as both an investment in a better future for the breed as well as a healthy future for you and your beloved family member. Hunting the Golden Retriever Photo credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock Hunting a golden is typical of hunting most of your bigger retrievers. They retrieve naturally but will require shaping to perfect their bird retrieve to hand. And their high energy levels keep them engaged in any field of work. The hunting-bred golden does tend to be more intense than other lines within the breed. But, this serves a purpose in the field. Goldens remain fabulous house dogs, family dogs, and best friends once your day in the field is complete. And goldens love you back in spades. A true gem of a breed, this one. It was a somewhat chaotic scene. There were all variety of dogs on the ground and birds in the air, and the constant echo of gunshots. She recalls seeing a Chesapeake retriever pulling around its owner, a big man himself, the pooch overcome by the excitement of the situation. But the dog was listening to me and not overreacting. And they live to please. Golden retrievers resulted from a mix of water spaniel and retriever and was created to be a versatile breed for wildfowl hunters that could retrieve game on land and in the water. The first golden retriever registration with the AKC was in .English goldens tend to be lighter in color, and they have large, muscular bodies. American goldens tend to have darker colors and are lankier and less muscled than the English type. Canadian goldens have a thin, dark coat, and generally are taller than dogs from the American and English subtypes. While golden retrievers have enjoyed some level of popularity in America for decades, they popularity hit a new pinnacle in the s and s, when they could be seen as all-American dogs in a number of television shows and movies. Standards declined and some people gave little thought to the dogs they were breeding. By the late s, the golden retriever world began to turn around, in part, she says, because potential dog buyers themselves began asking tough questions of breeders and demanded to see health clearances. Over the years, the reasons people have been attracted to the golden retriever breed — whether the individual dogs are big or small females generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, and male range between about 65 and 80 pounds , or have dark coats or light coats — have remained largely the same: Golden retrievers have good personalities and are versatile dogs. Those traits endear them to a wide variety of people. But they are equally at home and adept in vast fields of grass and among standing stalks of corn, following their noses and working in front of shotgun-toting pheasant hunters. Golden retrievers work in that magic to yard range. We are sort of used to seeing these big, lumbering goldens with flowing coats. But the hunting line goldens are smaller, their coats are shorter, and they are built like little canine athletes. Several years back, I was hunting as part of a several-man group that contained a mix of dog breeds, including both Labrador and golden retrievers. One of the golden retrievers flushed a big rooster from a wooded edge of a plowed field. One of my hunting partners fired at the cackling, long-tailed bird, hitting it and sending on a steep trajectory to the ground. But as one of the dogs approached — they were outside of shotgun range — the bird took to flight again and we watched as it sailed into the grove of trees somewhere up ahead. We marked the location we last saw the bird and hunted toward the spot, figuring one of the dogs would find the rooster upon our arrival. Perhaps forty yards later, one of the golden retrievers started to show signs of excitement, its tail wagging vigorously and an intent look on its face. That dog, a veteran of the pheasant fields, eventually located the dead rooster amid a tangle of brush. That combination of a good nose and never-quit attitude also makes golden retrievers a good choice for those cold, late-season pheasant hunts when the birds are hunkered in heavy cover such as cattails. Add to that the fact that golden retrievers are relatively easy to train to be anything from hunting dogs to therapy dogs. Their intelligence helps in that regard. It just depends on your passion. But all in all, they are very intelligent and highly trainable. While golden retrievers are highly adaptable dogs and can succeed in many situations, a wrong move early in their lives could forever reduce their utility as hunting dogs. The biggest issue in them — and in the vast majority of other dog breeds — is cancer. Sad stories about good dogs succumbing to cancer are just as likely to include Labs as goldens, for example. While they shed year-round, it can be especially pronounced when the seasons change from warm to cold. However, golden retriever owners can largely alleviate the shedding issue with frequent brushing. Using an undercoat rake, albeit less frequently than a regular grooming brush, can further reduce the amount of hair deposited inside the house. One final piece of advice: Golden retrievers are not good guard dogs. While they may bark at an approaching stranger, they quickly revert to the affectionate creatures they naturally are upon contact with humans. Joe Albert is a freelance writer from Bloomington. Read more at www. Follow him on Twitter writerjoealbert.