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Also called the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernesepoo, Bernesedoodle, and Bernepoo, the Bernedoodle hybid mixes the happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of its Poodle parents. Mini Bernedoodles are happiest when they're spending time with their families, children included. They are willing participants in playtime and cuddle fests alike. Fans of the breed adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. If you need a dog for the whole family, or if you're a single owner looking for a lovable, smart mixed-breed with good health that will put a smile on your face with their antics, you won't be able to find a much better choice than the Miniature Bernedoodle. They do well with children and other animals, and are happiest as part of a family. They love spending time with their human family and should not be left alone for long periods. They can be wary of strangers, but early training can help their socialization. Toy and mini Bernedoodles can be more energetic and stubborn than the standard version, but you will find them relatively easy to train because of that Poodle intelligence. Their skull is moderately round with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle with a scissor bite. Their eyes are dark, oval, and set far enough apart to make their facial expressions appear alert and intelligent. Ears have wide and thick ear leather and hang close to the head, at or just below eye level. Coats can be curly, dense, and highly textured, or corded, hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths. The coat is tricolor with black as the base and markings in rich rust and clear white. The tail will vary in length, but it is bushy and carried high. Exercise Medium Activity Bernedoodles are moderately active and will love daily walks. They enjoy playing fetch and spending time with you. This breed tends to wander and hunt, so a fenced-in yard is important. They can adapt to urban or rural settings provided there is time and space for daily exercise. This breed requires a lot of human interaction, so leaving him alone outside for long periods will not work for the Bernedoodle. We recommend at least an hour of exercise every day. They will do well with time to fetch, run, and learn new tricks. Not a huge deal, but good to avoid if possible. FYI we have Nationwide and are pretty happy with it so far. Socialization classes: Socialization classes with other dogs the same age and same vaccine level were a huge win for us. Knowing she will confidently run up to and play with any dog makes us so happy and is the result of just a few of these classes. Sign up for these early as spots are limited, especially during Covid times. Vet appointment: Similar to socialization classes, vet appointments are hard to come by with all these new puppies. Once we knew what date we were getting Moose, we made her first vet check up for the next day. Training plan: Start figuring out how you want to approach training. We did all of our training at home from Zak George videos on YouTube. Here are the essential items for the first few weeks. Crate : You likely hear about crate training a lot. We can post more about crates if people are interested! The two worked really well together. We also adjusted her playpen from a small circle around her crate to blocking off part of the living room and eventually blocking off half of the apartment. Bed optional : I would wait on this one, honestly! So many things to buy and set up at once. Food, snacks, etc. Kibble: Find out what food your dog has been having with the breeder or shelter. We chose to keep Moose on the recommended kibble. Treats : Again, you have years to buy more treats. We did a lot of dehydrated chicken before expanding to other meats. We used ice cream bowls the first few months because her bowls were way too large for her servings. Many people swear by potty pads, but we mostly stuck with grass and tanbark patches. These made it easy for her to transition to pottying outside once vaccinated. Lots more to say here so let us know if you have questions. Potty spray : Accidents are going to happen. Poop bags : These are a good one to get a subscription on because you know.We used them a ton before Moose was fully vaccinated if she went anywhere public to help reduce the risk of a disease etc. Brush : Start brushing your puppy in the first few days so they get used to it. Lightweight ones are great while your pup is small. We got a rope one we loved, but it was too heavy for Moose until she was 6 months old. We ended up getting a few of the same one but you can mix and match. Start with smaller, lighter toys. Learn which toys your dog is having the most fun with, then buy more. Rotate them around so they still feel new and exciting. We got a simple soft one for carrying her around before she had her vaccines. It also gave us more peace of mind and confidence leaving her alone for short periods of time without worrying that she was disturbing our neighbors. Have questions or topics you want to hear more about? Let us know in comments below! View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Pacheco California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! The miniature bernedoodle may also vary in color and coat with the mini or toy poodle daddy being credited with the majority of these specific conformations. Miniature Bernedoodle Size Depending on the breeder, there is a great size range in the mini-bernedoodles. Some breeders use miniature poodles, other toy poodles, to obtain the smaller body size. Mini bernedoodles can range anywhere from 15 pounds to 40 pounds depending on the dogs used for breeding. HC Bernedoodles specializes in these special mini-bernedoodle puppies. Though it's important to note, size of the puppy is often not known until after birth. We've had a 7 pound toy produce a 50 pound as an adult offspring. First, and possibly the most popular is the traditional black tri color which consists of black, white and tan or rust colors and will strongly resemble the Bernese mountain dog's colors. Then there,s the sable tri color which will consist of any sable color, tan and white markings and is considered to be more of a speciality color. Sable is a color that will generally carry a fading gene and will lighten in color as they age. We also have the bi colors which are most generally black with the white Bernese markings. You may encounter a solid color mini bernedoodle as well and they will generally consist of a solid black with a few small white markings that will generally disappear as they mature in size. At HC Bernedoodles we avoid breeding solid colors due to being the least appealing look in the Bernedoodle. We may see a more wavey coat in some vs. While the wavey coat may be more appealing in appearance, the curly coat is more suitable for allergy sufferers due to generally being less shedding than the wavey coat. It is difficult to predict these coats as young puppies due to observing a puppy coat vs. Miniature Bernedoodle Temperament The miniature bernedoodle may be more active than the larger Bernedoodle breeds due to the toy or miniature poodle being more of an active breed. They are a highly recommended family dog breed and are tremendous with children due to carrying the genes of the affectionate, loving Bernese mountain dog. While intelligence simplifies training in the mini bernedoodle it can work in a negative sense as well. If training is neglected you may see bad habits develop earlier than in breeds that may not be known to be as intelligent. Therefore it is highly recommended to start training at an early age and be consistent in training exercises. Health Health is possibly the greatest attribute in the F1 mini bernedoodle. Being a smaller size hybrid cross they are the least likely to inherit congenital health problems, with the likelihood of hip or elbow dysplasia being greatly reduced due to the much smaller size. Exercise The miniature bernedoodle requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily exercise is generally sufficient. If you would like to be notified, please contact us and we will notify you when our Mini Bernedoodles become available. Mini Bernedoodles Past Litters. Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article. Their consistency with coat type, structure and temperament has really come together over the last few years. What is a multigenertaional Bernedoodle? A multigen Bernedoodle is a Doodle who has two Doodle parents past the F2 generation. F1- Bernese Mountain dog or any coated breed crossed with a poodle. The degree of shedding and furnishings will vary. F1b- F1 Doodle crossed back to a Poodle. F2- F1 Doodle crossed with another F1 Doodle. This is the most inconsistent generation of Doodles. With any combination on those two locus. Our multigen mini Bernedoodles mature in the lb range and will all have at least one copy of furnishings. Our standard multigen Bernedoodles will mature in the lb range. We strive for fully furnished, straight or wavy coats that are as low to non shedding as possible. Genetic coat testing is done on all of our breeding dogs to ensure we match up only the best possible pair both health and coat wise. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure our matches are perfect. How Big are Bernedoodles vs. Mini Bernedoodles? They are anywhere from inches tall, depending on sex and influence from the breeds that they originate from. Mini Bernedoodles average between 25 to 59 pounds in weight and can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall. They are a great size for those who want the temperment of an adorable Bernedoodle without the large size. What is The Temperament of a Bernedoodle? The Bernedoodle has a calm and gentle nature. They are sweet, loving, cuddly, and great with children. They tend to have an easier going nature which also means they can be slower to learn something new when it comes to training. What colors do Bernedoodles commonly come in? Each Bernedoodle has its own unique coat, much like their personalities. Depending on their genetic coat make up, they can have straigh, wavy or curly coats. We breed all sizes of this adorable breed! Whether you are looking for a regular Bernedoodle or a Mini Bernedoodle, Shady Oak Doodles can provide you with the perfect puppy! Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.

These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore. American vs. Canadian vs. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of inches, while females stand at .Male American Goldens can weigh as much as pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at pounds. American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations. They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or families who can spend a lot of time playing with them. These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being inches tall and females being .Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being pounds and females pounds. Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds. British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this. The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around inches tall and females standing approximately inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between pounds, and females weigh about pounds. English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting. These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at inches and females at inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds. Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well. They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around inches and females .Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds. With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Show Golden Retriever Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions. With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens. Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds. The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds. Some Goldens may even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog, weighing 80 to pounds or more. Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian! Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts. What is the best color for Golden Retrievers? Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks. The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller. What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever? All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors. 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. Golden Retrievers are beautiful pets with an enormous capacity for love and loyalty. Their warm personalities make them a wonderful addition to a family or for an individual who will return the love. Highly recommended: at least 2 years of either Zignature or The Honest Kitchen dog food or other Windy Knoll Goldens approved dog foods listed here. We are located in Bradford, Maine. We want our puppies to thrive and live happy lives! We know they will return the love tenfold, and you will both be very happy! We will only place our puppies with individuals or families who will provide the appropriate love, housing, and care they need, so please see the form below to tell us about yourself. All Windy Knoll Golden Retriever puppies receive thorough 9 point examinations by a licensed, reputable veterinarian, and are wormed multiple times before leaving. They also receive their first vaccinations before they leave our premises. Please read our Sales Contract for complete details. We also offer delivery in Kittery Maine which is near the seacoast area of New Hampshire for a nominal fee. If you want to get a puppy from one of these litters, or future litters, please fill out our puppy reservation form by clicking here or the button below. Current Litters Do you want an older, trained golden? On a VERY limited basis, we are now offering older puppies that are available as pre-trained puppies! Check out the video of our first trained little guy and his Aunt, Snowflake! If you are interested in another trained puppy, we take reservations ahead of time. Go to our reservation page for more details! No more openings available for this fall! Clover and Charlie: Had a dozen puppies! It is rare that a single litter is comprized of that many puppies. But they are all fat and healthy with a very capable mother. Charlie and Clover have had a few litters together in the past and they make great puppies! These puppies will be going home on the 19th of September. Only 3 males available! Spice and Charlie puppies will be born in second week of October and will be going home in the first week of December. Spice is a wonderful mother and has made beautiful puppies. Male and female puppies available. Lance, our newest English Cream golden, has a beautiful fluffy white coat and a wonderful personality. These puppies are ready to go home in November. Reservations are open! Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks goldens as the third most popular breed. Golden retrievers are loving, intelligent, active dogs that make great family pets and excellent show dogs. If you would like a golden retriever puppy for your family, contact us to learn about our available or upcoming litters. Meet Our Goldens Our dogs are all healthy and qualified to act as service dogs — which is how we got our start. Our daughter, Hailey, needed a service dog and we had a difficult time finding one. The search led us to our first golden, Hunter. Hunter is one of our top sires and has passed all of his tests and health evaluations with flying colors. Choose Your Puppy When you are looking at American golden retriever puppies for sale, you should have at least some idea of what you want. If you are familiar with the temperament and traits of goldens, you will have an easier choosing a puppy that will fit in with your family. Goldens are active, hard-working, and intelligent dogs. A healthy golden will live years. Goldens are a sporting breed and need plenty of exercise, though some have more mellow attitudes than others. Because goldens are loving and eager to please their owners, they are easy to train, which makes them great family pets, show dogs, and service or companion animals.

Prevention Back to Top Constipation refers to the infrequent passage of dry, hard feces. If defecation is delayed and feces remain in the colon for two or three days, too much moisture is removed from the material by the colon, which makes elimination difficult and painful. A constipated puppy may squat and strain unproductively for long periods of time. Ongoing constipation may result in a loss of appetite and the puppy losing weight or not gaining appropriately. If the condition becomes chronic, the puppy's bowel lining may become inflamed, which stimulates the release of mucus or dark fluid that accompanies the fecal matter. This may sometimes be confused with diarrhea. Although constipation occurs more often in older dogs, learn why and how to treat it in your puppy and when to visit the vet. Why Do Puppies Get Constipated Puppies may become constipated for a variety of reasons, including swallowed objects. Some foreign materials like sand or cat litter an turn feces into cement-like masses that prevent passage through the colon. Puppies are notorious for chewing and swallowing nondigestible objects like paper, sticks, grass, and cloth, which tend to turn into wads that cause impaction. Swallowing foreign objects also puts puppies at risk for intestinal obstruction or puncture. Rawhide chews, if eaten in excess, can promote constipation in some dogs. Diets with little fiber produce stools that are smaller, denser, sticky, and difficult to pass. Lack of clean water can also cause constipation; if a puppy is dehydrated, this can result in harder stools. Stress Stress can also influence the condition. Puppies boarded or in strange surroundings may voluntarily delay defecation and become constipated. Stress can also cause a pup to not want to eat or drink, which can further compound constipation. Grooming Issues Poor grooming, especially of long-haired puppies may also promote constipation. Some breeds such as Pomeranians can suffer from hairballs, just like cats, when they groom themselves and swallow fur. Other times, fur beneath the tail mats with feces and causes anal inflammation that results in painful defecation. Mats may even cause an external blockage that interferes with normal defecation. Keep puppies well-groomed and the anal region of long-haired puppies clipped to prevent mats from developing. Constipation in Adult Dogs Adult dogs can suffer from constipation for all the same reasons as a puppy, plus a few more. So if your pup has problems now, be aware of these issues in the future as well. Prostatitis inflammation of the prostate can develop in unneutered males. The prostate swells and blocks the colon in the pelvic region. Rectal exams should be part of the annual exam for intact males over 5 years of age. Tumors of the prostate or rectum or perianal region also can cause constipation. Constipation can also be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes; with either condition, there's excessive urine production that prompts the colon to conserve water. This causes dry stool that can lead to constipation. Elderly dogs commonly suffer bouts of constipation, which may be due to a combination of weak abdominal muscles, reduced exercise, or improper diet. Treatment See your veterinarian right away if your puppy hasn't defecated in more than two days or if the dog strains, crouches, or whines when it's trying to defecate. Your vet will want to rule out issues that look similar like diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, urinary tract infection, or back pain. A thorough physical exam will help guide the appropriate diagnostic tests and course of action. Help from the Veterinarian Your veterinarian may perform enemas or prescribe suppositories; ask for a demonstration on inserting suppositories before attempting to administer them yourself, but leave enemas to the vet or you risk injuring the puppy. Many times, evacuating a puppy's colon requires a veterinarian's help, and often the puppy must be sedated. If dehydration is contributing to the problem, your veterinarian may recommend fluid therapy. Home Treatment Constipation treatment must address the specific cause to be effective, but in general, treatment for canine constipation is the same as for people. Additional tips include: Adding natural fiber: Psyllium-based fiber supplements or canned pumpkin are sources of fiber that also work well, and puppies seem to like the flavor. Get the canned plain pumpkin, divide it into appropriately-sized doses on a cookie sheet or in an ice cube tray, and freeze. Then you can thaw the tasty chunks and offer them as treats when needed. Giving your puppy healthy chews: For pups that relish vegetable snacks, offer a stick or two of carrot or celery. The fiber and liquid help to reduce constipation, and the crunchy vegetables also give your puppy an outlet for its chewing urges. Don't give your puppy bones or rawhide treats. How to Prevent Constipation While constipation is not always preventable, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent it from occurring in your puppy. Maintaining a complete and balanced diet, providing ample water, and a lot of exercise throughout the day can help regulate digestion. Make sure your puppy is properly groomed especially long-haired breeds and restrict access to foreign objects. If you notice any constipation or straining, take action right away to prevent constipation from getting worse. But in certain cases, your dog may need to see the vet. Here are some guidelines for getting your dog the right treatment. When to Go to the Vet for Dog Constipation Lethargy , decreased appetite , vocalizing , and vomiting are all signs of more severe cases. If it has not been at least 2 days yet, follow these steps: When you see your dog straining, check to make sure that your dog is able to urinate. It can be easy to mistake straining to urinate and straining to defecate. Not being able to pee is a medical emergency in dogs that should be checked out right away. Next, if your dog is able to poop, check the consistency of the stool to see if there is evidence of diarrhea. If you see diarrhea or a small amount of liquid with mucus or blood , contact your vet. If you see any of these, go to the vet right away. Fecal matter or hair that may be matted over the anus. If you see this, soak the area well with warm water, and gently remove the feces. If possible, trim the fur to prevent further matting, and monitor for further signs of constipation or diarrhea. Try taking your dog on a long walk or more frequent walks. Exercise can stimulate the colon and may relieve constipation. To increase hydration, try switching to canned food or adding water to kibble. Canned pumpkin does not have as much relevant fiber as Metamucil or bran, but it is more readily available and can be sufficient for milder cases. Canned pumpkin: Give tablespoons per meal depending on the size of your dog. These unflavored items can be easily inhaled, leading to fatal aspiration pneumonia. DO NOT use any over-the-counter enemas, unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Many common human enemas are toxic to dogs. Giving your dog coconut oil or olive oil is also not recommended. Inappropriate amounts can lead to pancreatitis , bloat , vomiting, or diarrhea. Talk to your veterinarian first. Radiographs x-rays of the abdomen can confirm the diagnosis and severity. They can also help identify possible causes, such as ingestion of foreign material, previous pelvic fracture, enlarged prostate, or perineal hernia. How Vets Treat Dog Constipation For cases of mild constipation, your vet will give your dog fluids if your dog is dehydrated and then remove the feces. An enema that is performed by a vet is often effective in resolving mild constipation. For more moderate to severe cases of constipation and obstipation, your dog may need to go under general anesthesia so your vet can manually remove impacted fecal material. The most severe, recurrent cases may require surgery to remove any non-functioning part of the colon. These absorb water and add volume to the stool. Other medications often prescribed include a laxative called lactulose , which brings water into the stool to soften it; or a prokinetic agent, such as Cisapride , which stimulates the smooth muscle of the colon to move feces forward. Constipation in Puppies Constipation in puppies is not common, so a straining puppy will more likely have diarrhea. Newborn puppies need to be manually stimulated by their mother or pet parent to urinate and defecate regularly. If they have structural anomalies in or around the intestinal tract from abnormal development, this can slow down the food or stop it from flowing through the digestive tract. Puppies are far more sensitive to dehydration and lack of food than adult dogs, so their condition can worsen quickly. If a puppy has any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately: Has not passed any stool in 24 hours Is not eating Appears to be in pain Is lethargic Has a distended belly How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Constipated The best way to prevent constipation in your dog is to treat the underlying causes that your vet identifies. This may involve thyroid supplementation, surgery to remove strictures or tumors, antibiotics, or pain management, for example. Any medications suspected of contributing to constipation should be changed or discontinued. Follow all instructions from your veterinarian carefully. Work with your veterinarian to choose a well-balanced, easily digestible diet. A veterinary high-fiber diet or a veterinary low-residue diet low in fiber and easy to digest may be recommended. Some cases require long-term medication administration. Ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise daily. Avoid dehydration by offering multiple sources of freshwater, or feed canned food to increase water intake. Groom your dog regularly, keeping the fur around the anus short. Avoid giving your dog bones or other undigestible items, and prohibit access to things that may cause constipation, including litter or clothing. Other management options that may foster regular bowel movements and a healthy intestinal tract include a daily probiotic and acupuncture. Other signs to look out for include straining, crouching, and dragging their rear along the ground when trying to pass feces. It is also important to notice signs that could suggest impending constipation, such as reduced frequency of defecation, or producing feces that are small and hard. Sometimes the treatment can be simple, like adjusting diet. This can improve not just their digestion, but other areas such as their oral health. If you believe that your canine best friend may be suffering from constipation, the first thing that you should do is arrange an appointment at our office as soon as possible. This is because it is important to determine the underlying cause of constipation, what to do, how to treat constipation in dogs best, and how to avoid reoccurrences. This could mean moving her onto a different food or adding natural supplements such as canned pumpkin. Increasing the amount of exercise that you are currently giving her. Exercise is a great way of getting improving body functions, including those in the digestive system. Increasing her fluid intake. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation , and the more your dog drinks the easier she should find passing her stools. Medications such as a laxative or stool softener. Medications that strengthen the large intestine. An enema. Make an appointment at Care Animal Hospital today at for some constipation relief and to ensure your pet feels healthy and comfortable again. Once you've ruled out any serious health concerns, these at-home remedies can effectively relieve your dog's constipation. Pumpkin Puree Pumpkin offers many great health benefits for your pup, but the high soluble fiber content is what makes it so effective for treating constipation. Fiber helps to regulate your dog's digestive tract, and the moisture content in the pumpkin can also help soften their stool. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends adding tablespoons with your dog's meal to help ease constipation. If your dog ever struggles with diarrhea, pumpkin is also helpful in those cases. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can be harmful to your dog. Exercise Sometimes, your dog's digestive system just needs a little stimulation. Adding an extra walk or more playtime to your dog's daily routine can help move stool through the digestive tract and down to the colon. Daily exercise is also a great way to keep your dog's digestive system functioning regularly. Olive Oil Olive oil is another ingredient that can offer your pup a variety of health benefits , from moisturizing their skin to helping protect against cancer. A small amount of olive oil added to your dog's food can help lubricate their digestive system, making it easier for your dog to pass stool — like a DIY stool softener! Only use a small amount of olive oil, however. Using too much oil or giving it too frequently can lead to diarrhea in your pup. Coconut Oil Similar to olive oil, coconut oil can also act as a natural stool softener for your dog. Adding a tablespoon or two to your dog's food can help lubricate the digestive tract. Coconut oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that can help improve your dog's gut health and promote healthy digestion. Constipation also often goes hand-in-hand with inflammation, and coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory. Increased Water Intake One of the most common causes of constipation is dehydration. Without enough water and moisture in your pup's diet, there's no way for them to lubricate their stool. If your dog is constipated, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. You can also add water or broth to their daily meals to encourage more hydration, especially if your dog doesn't go for their water bowl as often as you'd like. If the weather is warm, a couple of ice cubes as treats can also encourage your dog to drink more water. Canned Dog Food Another great way to add more moisture and hydration to your dog's diet is to switch to canned food, even if it's only temporary. Canned food naturally has more moisture than traditional kibble, and the change in food can also help increase your pup's appetite if constipation has suppressed it. Switching your dog's food abruptly can lead to other digestive issues, so always make the shift in phases. Try adding the canned food in with their dry food at first and then switch to strictly canned food after your dog's system has had a chance to adjust. Apple Cider Vinegar Many pet owners swear by apple cider vinegar as a way to help their pup with a wide range of health issues. Apple cider vinegar is a natural probiotic, which helps promote healthy gut bacteria and improve your dog's digestive system. The taste of apple cider vinegar can be off-putting to some dogs, so try just a small amount in their water bowl. You can also try yogurt or a small amount of chopped fermented vegetables if your dog isn't a fan of apple cider vinegar. Leafy Greens Leafy greens like kale or spinach are high in fiber and can help regulate your dog's digestive system. You can mix them straight into your dog's regular meals or add them to DIY dog treats. Other great, high-fiber foods you can give your dog include: Broccoli.

He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Reviews 0 french bulldog mix puppies for sale French bulldog mix puppies for sale, the Frenchie is a fun loving and loving canine, it is sweet and totally diverting; it has an extremely amusing character, it loves to horse around. It is splendid and agreeable, inquisitive and alert. This variety coexists well with outsiders and different pets, however a few guys might be forceful. It is as far as possible a more modest rendition of the English Bulldog. French Bulldogs make great guard dogs and brilliant ally to little youngsters. In a family circumstance this little canine acts like a kid, requesting a lot of individual consideration and cooperation. This Breed needs heaps of friendship. The French Bulldog is genuinely headstrong, however can be prepared if the proprietor shows restraint. It needs delicate, predictable preparing. It might slobber and drool. This little canine is additionally a heartless tracker of mice! Beautiful, funny, happy and with a face so full of character, Aimee really is a lovely French Bulldog. She is cheeky, playful and silly, and the most joyful pup of the litter. The French Bulldog is my only breed. This is an incredible pairing of sire and dam, both of them multiple Champion winning French Bulldogs. This pup will come with all details of vaccinations and dewormings to date, microchip, and 1 year Guarantee. These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive.

TOP "We love Luna and she's been great!!! She has definitely gotten comfortable and driving our other dogs crazy, LOL! We adore her! She has the greatest temperament!!! She's perfect! We cannot thank you enough! Just wanted to send a few pictures of Macky! He's growing like a weed! We joke that all he knows how to do is eat and snuggle. Obsessed with him! He is an exceptional puppy with a sweetness and sensibility that everyone comments on who meets him. We couldn't be happier with this sweet boy. He was the missing piece to our home. We are considering getting another puppy from you. Whatever you are doing, as breeders, is 'kosher' as far as we are concerned, and I trust you and your opinions. Again, I cannot say thank you enough for our wonderful Royal, and all the work you did in his first weeks, to encourage him to be the best he could be. I want to thank your children for their input also. He practically gets hypnotized when we roll him onto his back and rub him all over his belly, paws, and tail, and he absolutely loves when little kids come over to play. You can tell he had a very good experience with your kids, and passes that love on to other kids. Thanks again, Katie! A huge lover and snuggler. We can't get enough of how sweet she is! She is doing so well! She just graduated from the beginner's obedience training this past week! The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Finding Goldendoodle breeders in Florida is a tricky topic. But are they all the same? As a result, Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular all across the United States. So, how can you choose an ethical, responsible Goldendoodle breeder in Florida? Namely, watch out for Doodle scammers and puppy mills who often have puppies for sale at much lower prices than usual. The latter of them are an exceptionally dangerous option, as puppy mills tend to produce sickly puppies from unhealthy parents. Additionally, they disregard all the necessary components of breeding and raising puppies, such as their diets and living conditions. Commonly, puppy mills and unethical breeders resort to overbreeding the dogs or even torturing the poor animals. So, what should you look for in a responsible Goldendoodle breeder in Florida? In addition, you want to choose a breeder who offers at least a two-year health guarantee for their puppies. All of these establishments uphold the highest standards for health and genetic testing. Additionally, you might also want to check for recommendations by Good Dog or Goldendoodles. Many breeders have testimonials from previous customers on their websites. Go one step further and check for reviews on online forums and communities like Facebook, Yelp, Reddit, or here at Doodle Doods. Including what questions you should ask and what red flags to look out for. See Also:. Predictability When you purchase your pet from a reputable breeder, there are several advantages. Predictability is one of them. When you buy from a reputable breeder, you will know for sure if you are getting a dog that embodies your every expectation of a new pet, rather than an adorable puppy that may turn out to be something completely different. Breed Standards When you pick a trustworthy breeder, you will get a dog that retains the best traits of both its parents. Three Goldendoodles in a basket. Experience Every profession counts on experience, and breeders are no different. Breeders who have been breeding for a long time have established their reputation by providing the best puppies. They also have positive customer reviews on their social media pages and websites. You can trust these breeders to provide you with a healthy, intelligent, and even-tempered dog. Nevertheless, you should not wholly disregard new breeders. By getting to know their methods and ensuring they are ethical, you may give them the chance to establish themselves. Sociable And Healthy Pups You definitely want to bring home a pup that can get along with your kids if any , your family, and other pets. Since ethical breeders spend a significant time socializing the puppies with other animals and humans, they adapt to a new home easily. They monitor the pups and administer vaccines at the right time and fulfill all their needs. The puppies raised at a mill do not grow up in the right environment and may be unfriendly apart from being susceptible to many life-threatening diseases. Goldendoodle puppy sleepy in a blue blanket. Obtain a history of health checkups for both puppy and parents hips, elbows, eye tissues, blood disorders, thyroid, knees Puppies should have ENS Early Neurological Stimulation. Check online reviews on social media and the website. Obtain health test certifications and vaccinations. Remember that an honest breeder will take the time to interview you. Best Goldendoodle Breeders In Florida Now that you know how to choose a good breeder, here is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle breeders from Florida that meet most of the criteria outlined above. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. Country Mini Doodle If you are looking for a mini Goldendoodle, this breeder in Summerfield, Florida, may be the best match for you. By combining the best traits from the parent breeds, the kennel produces the Goldendoodle puppies that grow up to have great temperaments and are easy to train. The kennel keeps the parents on the farm with the puppies and takes care of them together. The breeder offers a 2-year health guarantee on all puppies from here, but the puppy will be eligible for a 1-year extension if you keep it on NuVet Plus Immune System Builder. Breeders also provide a full refund if you do not accept a litter spot. Contact Details:. Connect with us! Welcome to Moss Creek Goldendoodles! We are one of the first to ever breed English Goldendoodles. We love what we do and have lots of experience to share. We are committed to the research, development and improvement of the English Goldendoodle dog breed. We specialize and strive to produce healthy Companion, Therapy and Service Dogs with wonderful temperaments. We breed well-adjusted, properly-socialized, sweet, loving Goldendoodle puppies with low to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats. We breed Goldendoodles in small, medium and large standard sizes. We are an original member of the Goldendoodles. Here at Moss Creek Goldendoodles, we have very carefully selected our Puppy Parents from the highest quality champion lines with years of good health history behind them. Our puppy parents are the best of the best. Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy parents are health tested and certified clear before they are bred. We offer a full Two-Year Health Guarantee on all of our puppies and a lifetime of support and re-home if needed. Our puppies are checked by our Veterinarian several times, vaccinated, microchipped and come with a signed Health Certificate and shot record. All of our puppies are loved and socialized from the minute they are born. We expose the puppies to new sounds, smells, surfaces to walk on, people of all sizes, dogs, etc. .We start introducing our puppies to the crate at 3 weeks. By 8 weeks they are all sleeping in individual crates at night. This early head start to Crate Training makes the transition to your home less stressful for the puppy and you! Because your new Goldendoodle Puppy will be a family member for life, our goal is to match you with the right puppy. Our puppies are temperament- tested using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. This, along with your puppy application, phone interview, emails, pictures and our first hand experience since , helps us match the perfect puppy to your family and lifestyle. Boot Camp for Puppies! For families interested in obtaining a fully-trained Goldendoodle puppy, we offer a one-of-a-kind puppy training program called McDoodles Boot Camp for Puppies. This program was the first of its kind and is specifically tailored for 8-week old Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppies. Depending on the length of stay, Moss Creek Goldendoodles go home from Boot Camp potty trained ringing their bells to be let out to potty. They know all their basic commands and follow them proudly. They are socialized and exposed to kids, cats, adults, car rides, dogs, birds and anything else the trainer feels would help. They are loving, taught manners, and not to nip and jump - to walk on leash by kids and adults. Weather permitting - the puppies are taught to swim and how to find their way out of a pool. Read references and testimonials from families who sent their puppy to McDoodles Boot Camp for Puppies. Our kids are obsessed with her and she is so gentle and loving with them. Melissa Sitter So thankful for our girl Lexi. Happy gotcha day Lexi and thank you guys for our girl she is the best doggie! Our family is now complete. Heather Brofford Happy birthday to Maggie! Thank you so much for my wonderful doodle. She always responded quickly and answered all questions we had. He is so sweet, smart, and friendly. The vet says he is extremely healthy and growing so quick! Rebecca Schwilk Amazing Mary and her husband from beginning to the ending of the process. They keep you informed and updated step by step. They show u everything and explain everything to you. They are top notch breeders. Very kind and professional. I will definitely recommend them without any doubt. The real deal. The puppy is gorgeous and well taken care of. Would definitely keep them and I will tell anyone that would like a golden doodle to call or email them. Thank you so much Mary and your husband for making our life more happy with this bundle of joy. Mary always responded quickly to our texts and helped us find the perfect match. We could not be happier with our entire experience. I have a wonderful black, male, 8 month old Golden Doodle that has a loving personality. He is well mannered but that, understandably, has.Thanks for having such a great and loving environment…we are so glad we found you!! I absolutely love my pup! Ben W We are absolutely thrilled with our new puppy. He is a healthy, energetic, and curious boy. Everything went smoothly, from the registration all the way up until bringing the him home. We just wanted to say the whole process for visiting the baby pups was great. They answered many questions for us and.From figuring out which litter would be best to bringing my new puppy home, it was a wonderful experience. They were very friendly, helpful, and responsive.The whole experience was so exciting and fun. Rose and Chris are exceptional in what they do. They professional, knowledgeable and caring. I was able to track the whole process.I highly recommend them if you want a golden doodle! Rose and her husband are so Delightful and Knowledgeable about any question concerning the puppies. I am a proud dog mom.Goldendoodle via let. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. These sprays are safe for your dog, and the bitter taste discourages chewing. In many cases, chewing can be kept under control with training, positive reinforcement, and mental and physical stimulation. However, some puppies and dogs will try to chew no matter what, making these products quite useful. Conclusion The list of products that could be useful to your life with a Labrador could go on all day, but these products are some of the most important. Keep in mind that any new pet needs a checkup with your veterinarian to verify they are healthy and up to date on things like vaccines, heartworm testing, and dewormers. One pet supply that you may not have thought of is pet insurance. With a balanced, personalized plan like Spot Pet Insurance offers, you may be able to manage your pet's vet costs and avoid surprises. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

Dilated pupils Stupor or coma Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can quickly become an urgent health problem in toy and small-breed dogs, say experts. Without intervention, there is risk of dogs slipping into a coma and possibly dying. Juvenile hypoglycemia, which is seen in puppies less than 3 months of age, generally occurs because puppies have not fully developed the ability to regulate blood glucose concentration and have a high requirement for glucose. In toy and small-breed dogs that timeframe is greatly reduced when compared to larger dogs. A simple case of hypoglycemia is often due to overactivity combined with too much time between meals. Providing a simple sugar solution and hydrating liquid are key. I shake it out and wrap the puppy in it to bring up his body temperature. If the puppy seems to be getting better, I follow up by giving small amounts of warm sugar water over the next few minutes. A high-quality, nutritious dog food is important in helping to sustain a dog. Owners also should provide a warm environment. Smolarz crates puppies and adult dogs when they are fed to ensure they eat. When they are that small, you have to be sure they have enough to eat. I make sure they have kibble to eat freely, and I feed puppies three to four meals a day until they are 5 months old. Premier Pups is the way to go. Our Yorkie Poos and their parents — Yorkshire terrier and Poodle, are raised with love, care, and passion by our dedicated Puppy Agents. The puppies are interacted with daily to ensure they are happy and ready for a smooth transition to their new homes and families. They are raised in a nourishing environment and provided with regular health screenings and tests to ensure they are in great health and ready for adoption. Our year health guarantee is offered as an assurance that we stay true to our Premier Promise. At Premier Pups, we also offer various options for nationwide delivery for our out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Yorkie Poo puppy. A fluffy and glamorous animal, the Yorkie Poo is a designer puppy that will give you instant puppy fever. It takes after both of its parents in an impossibly cute appearance and inherits the personality of both the Poodle and the Yorkie. This means, that the Yorkie Poo is one intelligent, sweet, and spunky toy dog. This pooch gets along great with kids and other pets and is a fantastic fur baby for any household. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Yorkie Poo puppies. Find your dream Yorkie and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Yorkie Poo Pups. Havapoo vs Shih Poo Comparison The Havapoo and the Shih Poo are two fantastic doodle dogs that know no limit when it comes to loving their humans. They are sweet, cuddly, and playful, and they love being with their people more than anything else. Both of these small doodle breeds are renowned for their intelligence, toy-like appearance, and darling nature. If your dream is to be the pet parent of a gorgeous bundle of joy, one that will impress you with.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! Cute and cuddly, clever and attentive, these adorable pups make wonderful family companion pets. Shih Poo puppies are adorable, joyful little teddy bears who love to play and cuddle. Precious, fluffy and small, Shih Poos have an average weight between 8 and 18 pounds with an average height between 8 to 17 inches.

Add to Cart About Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, 2nd Edition Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, Second Edition, provides new puppy owners with everything you need to know and do at each stage of development to make sure your playful, energetic puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion. About Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, 2nd Edition Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, Second Edition, provides new puppy owners with everything you need to know and do at each stage of development to make sure your playful, energetic puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion. About Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month by Month, 2nd Edition Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Month-by-Month provides new puppy owners with everything you need to know and do at each stage of development to make sure your playful, energetic puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion. Expert authors Terry Albert, vet Deb Eldredge, and breeder Joanne Olivier team up to cover all the questions new owners tend to have and may not think to ask, including: What to ask the breeder before bringing your puppy home. Which vaccinations your puppy needs and when to get them. How to make potty training as smooth and quick as possible. What do to when your puppy cries at night. Why and how to crate train your puppy. When socialization should happen and how to make sure it does. When your puppy is ready to learn basic commands-like Sit, Stay, and Come-and the best way to teach them. When and how to go about leash training. How much exercise your puppy needs to stay physically and mentally healthy. When your puppy is ready for obedience training and how to make sure it works. How and how often to bath your puppy, brush his coat, clip his nails, and brush his teeth. What causes problem behaviors, when to expect them, and how to correct them. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. 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. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy.