irish wolfhound golden retriever mix puppy

irish wolfhound golden retriever mix puppy

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Virginia Beach Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Virginia Beach? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Virginia Beach? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This girl is currently super scared of new things and will need a lot of work to grow her confidence. Willow is a 2 year old, female Golden Retriever. She weighs 59 Pounds but looks way smaller and compact. She will be spayed, vaccinated and microchipped as part of her adoption. She is thankfully Heartworm negative. Willow does have a serious medical issue. She has a higher level heart murmur. She will need a family that can afford cardiology visits and likely medication for life. This is not fixable, it is something that needs to be managed throughout her life. Currently you would never know there is anything wrong with her health. If you do not have serious funding for vet care please do not apply to adopt her. She needs a home capable of supporting her through this for life. She is very shy at first and startles easily with loud noises. If you give her a few hours she becomes your shadow. She loves to cuddle up with you and get all the pets. She is doing great with other dogs and another confident dog in the house really helps her. We do not know how she would do with cats. She is not fostered with kids but did great at the vet with children loving on her. She does need the kids to give her space for the first few days while she adjusts. Willow is doing great with her training so far. Shes potty trained and crate trained. She will go in her crate on her own and relax if you leave the door open. Shes great in the car and does well on the leash. She has a medium energy level currently. When she settles in she gets more playful and excited but also has a lot of relaxed cuddle times. She loves you to be petting and touching her at all times. She likes running around the yard and is starting to play with toys. Due to her shy nature and her heart issues we are requiring a fenced yard for her. So far we have not seen any issues with her sharing food, treats or toys with other dogs or people. Goldens are just like other dogs. They need training, exercise and socialization. There seems to be a false narrative that they are instantly easy perfect dogs and that is just not true. Every dog needs their owner to support them with the things listed above. They also typically have a high energy level until they get a little older. Proper exercise is crucial. Shes overall a very sweet and gentle girl with so much potential. Please only apply if you meet all the requirements and can provide her the life she deserves.

At what age is a Poodle fully grown? Poodles are considered fully grown adults at two years old and tend to show emotional signs of maturity, like a calmer nature, around 18 months. At a year old, most Poodles will have reached their final height or very close to it. However, most Poodles will require a full two years to fill out their chest and reach their final weight. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Poodle be? A six-month-old male Poodle will weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a six-month-old female Poodle will weigh about 28 to 34 pounds. Both male and female Poodles at this age stand at around 18 to 22 inches tall, which for some Poodles is already their full adult height. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on pet first aid kits, puppy-proofing practices, training, veterinary appointments, and more! How much bigger will my Poodle get? There are a few ways to assess how much bigger your Poodle will get. The first is age. If your Poodle is less than a year old, they still have significant growth left! If your Poodle is between one and two years old, they are likely still filling out a bit, but are probably at their adult height. Do they still look oversized next to their legs and body? If this is the case, they are probably still filling out as this is a classic puppy feature! A Poodle puppy will rarely grow larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Poodle? According to the American Kennel Club Official Poodle Standards , an adult male Poodle is 60 to 70 pounds while an adult female Poodle weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. By these standards, full-grown Poodles will be over 15 inches tall when measuring from the ground to the highest point of their shoulders while standing. Most Standard Poodles will stand between 18 and 24 inches tall. Smart lifestyle choices are essential in keeping your Poodle happy and healthy. The Veterinary Centers of America recommend a long walk, jog, or intense play to fulfill their daily exercise needs. Poodles were bred as retrievers and, as such, are keen on games involving retrieving like fetch. Many Poodles also enjoy swimming. Due to their full coats, Poodles can put on excess weight without their pet parents realizing it. Poodles are not overly prone to weight issues with a balanced diet, but their coat can disguise weight changes. Their full coats also require regular upkeep like brushing and combing every other day, professional grooming every six weeks or so, and watching for potential eye problems. Poodles are prone to weeping eyes and eye irritation from lashes or hair, so keeping their eye area free of long hair is ideal. As a purebred dog breed, Poodles are more susceptible to genetic health problems. Many of these genetic health problems can be screened for early on using DNA technology. These early screenings can help you and your veterinarian prevent and minimize health complications from these genetic diseases. A bove all else, regular veterinary care is the best way to make sure your Poodle stays healthy. Between health screenings, regular veterinary care, bloodwork, x-rays , dental cleanings , and more, your veterinarian is your best resource in caring for your precious Poodle puppy. Be aware, vet visits can quickly become expensive - especially when immediate treatment or surgery is needed for an emergency or illness. With many treatments and surgeries costing thousands of dollars, this can quickly put pet parents in a pinch should the worst happen to their pet. Poodles are larger dogs, which can also increase the price of treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance reimburses you for out-of-pocket veterinary costs and provides a safety net should the worst happen to your Poodle. As purebred dogs, Poodles are more prone to genetic health problems, like bloat or hip dysplasia, which can quickly become expensive to treat. Final Considerations Poodle puppies grow into elegant, proud dogs who are true aristocrats of the dog kingdom. We know how much your Poodle pup means to you and that they deserve the best! Give yourself peace of mind today when you use Pawlicy Advisor to compare personalized pet insurance quotes from the top Poodle pet insurance companies. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Their growth happens quickly with the correct nutrients received from the mother. Your pup will grow rapidly from this stage, gaining about 1 pound 0. Their eyes will now be fully open and also be able to hear sounds. Your puppy will weigh between 4 and 5 pounds 1. Most puppies will move on to their new homes at this age. They will receive their first vaccinations at this age, and it is a good time to have your vet give them a thorough examination to determine any issues going forward. Their bones and joints will grow and strengthen, so proper nutrition is vital for their development. By the time your puppy is three months old, it will be around 13 to 19 inches 33 to .They will be learning to explore and become active. Your Standard Poodle will weigh about 30 pounds .They will start becoming far more active and should be between 19 and 23 inches .This period is all about exploring and mischief. Both male and female puppies will stand around 18 to 22 inches .This is the full adult height for some standard-sized Poodles, and you should not expect any more significant height growth. This will range from 23 and 37 inches .Their weight will be between 45 and 70 pounds .Genetics and Common Health Problems When trying to work out how big your puppy will be as an adult dog, one of the best ways of determining this would be to look at the parent dogs. When you purchase a Poodle puppy from a breeder, you will have a chance to meet the mom and the dad. If they are on the large or small side for the breed, likely, your dog will also follow in their footsteps. If your dog contracts any common health problems that haunt this breed, his growth could also be affected. Hip dysplasia is also a common ailment in large breeds and causes significant amounts of pain and can affect growth. Bloat is another terrifying ailment for this breed that is potentially life-threatening if not caught early. It occurs in big-chested breeds where gas gets trapped in the stomach, requiring surgical intervention. Epilepsy is a hereditary ailment in Poodles and is known as Idiopathic epilepsy. Many of the above diseases can be avoided through proper nutrition and regular vet checkups. Neutering or spaying dogs too early could cause them to grow unevenly. This is because bone and joint development are affected by reproductive hormones. While Miniature and Toy dogs can be neutered at around six months, you should wait until your Standard Poodle is around one year old before the procedure is performed. At the right age, neutering or spaying your dog can have many health benefits, including reducing cancer risks, preventing aggression, and preventing unwanted puppies. Feeding Habits A balanced nutritional meal plan will ensure that your pet grows at the optimal rate, developing strong bones and joints to carry their weight. To prevent your dog from growing too quickly and to provide him with all the supplements and nutrients he needs for healthy growth, it is recommended to feed your Standard Poodle, a large-breed puppy food for at least the first year of his life. Physical Activities While Standard Poodles need plenty of exercise, be careful not to over-train your growing puppy, as their joints and limbs have not fully developed, and irreparable damage can be caused. Dogs need to be brushed and groomed regularly. Included in this regime should be teeth brushing. We know Standard Poodle dogs develop problems with their teeth. You will also need to maintain a healthy diet with plenty of exercise. Healthy Diet Large breed dogs like Standard Poodles should eat high-quality dog food crafted explicitly for them. Foods for large dogs differ from other dog foods in that they generally have higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, Vitamin D, and Phosphorus. Also read: Best Dog Food for Poodles 2. Their joints and limbs are not fully developed, and any strain could lead to a lifetime of complications for your Poodle. Standard Poodles love water, so swimming is always an excellent way to exercise. A full coat can weigh your dog down, so if your Poodle loves to swim, you might consider giving him a shorter haircut like a kennel cut or summer clip. Manage Stress To keep your puppy stress-free, expose him to as many new situations, people, and dogs as possible during his early years to become well-socialized. It can take these dogs a whole year to reach their full height and even longer to reach their fully grown weight. Trying to get your dog to grow more quickly by feeding him more or exercising him intensely to build body mass is a dangerous process that could lead to the opposite effect. Even once your dog has reached his full height at a year, it will still take him another year to fill out to his final adult size. When do Standard Poodles stop growing? At a year old, your Poodle should have reached its total height, or at the very least be very close to it. There will not be much height growth after this milestone. Your dog will start adding body mass and strengthening the joints to handle the weight. A Standard Poodle should have matured and calmed down by the month milestone; however, this depends on the owner and how they have interacted and trained him in his foundation months. An untrained Standard Poodle can keep their momentum going until the age of 4 or 5 years. Do Poodle types have different growth rates? Yes, Standard Poodles are much slower to grow than other Poodles. These dogs are not small, and their bones and joints have much more growing to do. Miniature or toy breeds will reach their adult size quicker than bigger dogs. Miniature and Toy Poodles will already look the size of an adult dog by around six months old. What if my dog is overweight or underweight? Standard Poodles are full of high energy and fast metabolism. It can be challenging to tell if your dog is overweight, mainly if he is very fluffy. You should use your hands to check your dog to see if he is overweight regularly. You should easily be able to feel his ribs under his skin. You can also cut out all treats and increase his daily exercise. Making these small lifestyle changes can quickly help your dog lose that extra weight. For Poodle breeds, underweight dogs are very common, though. You could also increase portion size or opt for high-quality food with higher fat content, although this should be done under the professional guidance of a trained veterinarian. With more information about Standard Poodle puppies, their height, and their weight now in hand, you can begin measuring your pup. The food you give your dog and his exercise regime also has a big part to play in keeping your dog healthy and growing well. Do you have a Standard Poodle at home? How big is your dog? We would love to know more about him in the comments below. Raised by a bundle of botanists, researchers, and biologists, she is passionate about things related to the animal kingdom, including, our furry friends. However, as a terrible allergy sufferer, she is limited in her pet selection and so has grown up surrounded by curly-haired Poodles. Leave a Comment. Their body temperature at birth is around 94 — 97 degrees. They are not able to regulate their own body temperature so they depend on their mother for warmth. They also cannot see or hear or eliminate on their own. They cannot walk. About all they can do is smell, suckle and crawl. They are totally dependent on their mother and the environment the first 2 to 3 weeks. They are mostly influenced by their mother and litter-mates during this period. We weigh the puppies everyday the first 2 to 3 weeks. Week Two: Poodle Puppies usually open their eyes around 8 to 10 days and their ears around 13 to 17 days. While sleeping all healthy and contented puppies will twitch. This is an activated sleep, characterized by muscle twitches. This is normal and healthy. Week Three: During the third week we will often see teeth start to erupt and the puppies will start to stand and walk around. Everyday is amazing to see these helpless puppies start to become independent. At this age their nervous system is more developed so that they can urinate and defecate by themselves. This is when the puppies will also start to play a little bit more with their litter-mates. This week is very important in the puppies emotional development. They will start not only the interaction with their litter-mates but also with their mother. We never start the weaning process during this week. While mother may come out of the whelping box during this week she will never be far. Week Four: At this age the puppies will be introduced to our own homemade puppy mush and their supplement which will help grow their immune systems. Puppies are born without an immune system and depends on their mother to supply this protection through her milk. Their body temperature will usually be around degree and they will be able to begin regulating their own body temperature. Every day they will eat more and more. The puppies will start to eat more food and move around more easily. They may even start to chase each other, bark, and bite. We still weigh them at least every other day if not every day. This is the time that the mother starts leaving the puppies at longer intervals of time and start to regulate their nursing. So this is a good time for us to introduce the puppies to the weaning box and start the weaning and potty box training. Week Five: Puppies start to establish some sort of dominance in the pack. Growth and development is rapid in this week. They become very aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to training. They begin to growl, play, challenge, and learn disciple from their mother. They also develop a bit of a competitive spirit. Training ability is developed and puppies are ready to begin learning. They also start to discover their toys and play with them more. Keeping them stimulated is important. Puppies can start to control their need to potty and now know they need to move away from the sleeping area. Good experience with people from week 5 — 7 will play a large roll in how they will continue to interact. Week Six: By this time it is amazing to see that little puppy wake up and walk over to the potty box to eliminate. Puppies enter their socialization period by the end of the third week. However, the most critical period — age six to eight weeks — is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family pack. The integrating of the human family is so important and will effect them for the rest of their life. The puppy brain waves look of an adult dog by about the 50th day, but he is not yet programmed — that is the job of the human trainer, and the job of his mom, siblings and other canine family members. This is when the fun begins for all humans and puppies. We know how important this time is for puppy to adjust to humans and how playtime stimulates their little brains to grow smart and wise. We introduce them to the outside. We bring in more interactive toys. We introduce them to the pool, weather permitting. If outside pool is out we use the grooming bath for water play. They also learn not to bite the human hand ever! It is at the 7th week, day 49, that we conduct the Volhard Test. This is actual one of several that will occur through its life. Instead of meeting new or familiar people and objects with curiosity puppies start to react with fearfulness. Anything that frightens them at this age may have a lasting impact. So take care that the baby is not overstimulated with to many changes or challenges at one time. This does not mean that your puppy will grow up to be a scared-y-cat; it is simply a normal part of development where puppies learn to be more cautious. Careful socialization during this period helps counter fear reactions. Because your puppy is actively working on social skills and is paying attention to both litter-mates and humans. Your puppy is learning at an extremely fast rate. This is why we will NOT hold any puppy beyond the 9th weeks. All puppies that cannot be picked up during puppy pickup week must enter their puppy into a training program. Weeks Thirteen — Sixteen: During this phase a puppy will attempt to challenge you for dominance. Here is where they test to see just how much they can get away with and test your level of tolerance. The more a puppy is allowed to get way with during this phase, may cause the dog to lose more and more respect for his owner. This may result in behavioral issues that can snowball if not corrected through training and obedience. Formal obedience should begin here. This will assist the dog in becoming the best he can be. This is the time your puppy will begin to understand and use ranking in terms of submission and dominance. Are you the owner going to be a good pack leader? Puppies will need to be taught what they can and cannot chew. Puppies need to be taught that it is never acceptable behavior to jump on a human, small or big. This is the time that the pack leader, the human in charge, especially needs to be confident, but firm with positive reinforcement. An obedient dog, a good canine citizen, is a pleasure to be with. A disobedient dog causes stress for all and can cause damage to things and other humans. What do I mean by that? The canine depends on a human, however, he is and his thinking is canine. He needs the human to communicate and set the standards for him. If the human does not then the dog will have no choice but set his own standards, doggy style. Be prepared to be a Good, very good, pack leader! Your puppy now understands that he has a pack which may consist of both humans and canine and his behavior will be most influenced by this group. You can expect your dog to challenge you more as he explores dominance and his role in the pack. Rather they are just working out what their rank is in the pack and what is expected of them in their position. Again: be a Good, very good, pack leader! Canines that are not spayed or neutered will also start exhibiting sexual behavior during this period. Be responsible and spay or neuter you canine. Some puppy owners hire a canine trainer to come to their home to teach them how to train. Some owners learn ahead of time what they need to do and immediately begin their puppy on this program. Still others have their puppy enter into our training program. We have much information on the website about training. And for our puppy buyer we are here whenever they need any coaching along the way. Be Consistent, Persistent and always have a Routine!

Reviews 0 French bulldog puppies for sale under Lovelyfrenchbulldogs. Our exclusive network of French Bulldog breeders is second to none in USA, which is why every puppy provided through us is backed by our industry-leading year health commitment. We believe the puppies born and raised here at Lovelyfrenchbulldogs. English lacing workers who became in a jobless state, and being replaced by machines for textiles. In order to find work Many English Lace-workers emigrated to Normandy to Northern France, and they brought their Frenchie bulldogs with them. By accident and on purpose breeders from England have crossed English Bulldog with terriers and pugs to create bulldogs which were smaller and less imposing. The Industrial Revolution brought a variety change to England as well as economic turmoil for workers in the textile industry, lace-workers particularly. What is the Temperament of French Bulldogs French bulldogs are gentle, smart and quite flexible, and have made their ways to the hearts of urban dwellers across the globe. They can be a good companion for pets and children and seldom bark. This adorable French Bulldog puppy will steal your heart. She is a sweet and playful puppy who is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Reviews 1 French bulldog puppies for sale under Despite what its name may imply, french bulldog puppies for sale under was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. French bulldog puppies for sale under .Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. Still, most, if not all, French Bulldogs respond well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. As long as they receive the attention and care they need, French Bulldogs make wonderful, easy companions for all types of people. This is a loving French Bulldog puppy who is raised with children and a real sweetie pie. She enjoys to be around people and will make a great addition to your home. This puppy has a real zest for life and loves to play, play, play! She is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and health guaranteed. If you are looking for an attractive Lab puppy to join your family…you have found her! Call today!! This canine might be inclined to eye or ear issues. Utilize a spotless fabric to tenderly day by day wipe around eyes and in ears to limit the danger of diseases. Utilize a spotless fabric to delicately wipe between skin folds or wrinkle to forestall skin aggravation or diseases. The Frenchie can immediately get overweight, which will bargain his wellbeing. Cautiously screen food admission and weight. All varieties ought to have standard vet tests and stay current on all shots and inoculations. Look no more: Cheappuppiesforsale offers Cheap Premium quality French bulldog puppies for sale under that will become a part and parcel of your family. We have various types of colors of French bulldogs, blue French bulldogs, merle French bulldogs, fawn French bulldogs at amazing prices. Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect cheap Frenchie puppy for sale in your area. These dogs were used for various purposes, including guarding, herding, and even fighting. Over time, they were crossed with local breeds in different regions, eventually leading to the development of different types of bulldogs. Arrival in France: During the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, lace workers from England migrated to France, particularly the Nottingham region. Breed Development: The breeders in France selectively bred these Toy Bulldogs, focusing on specific traits such as a small size, bat-like ears, a compact body, and a distinct head shape. These traits, along with their playful and affectionate nature, made them popular among the French population, especially in Paris. Popularity and Recognition: The French Bulldog quickly gained popularity among the Parisian bourgeoisie and became a fashionable companion dog. Artists, such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas, often depicted them in their artwork. In , the breed standard for the French Bulldog was established. Evolution and Modern Times: French Bulldogs continued to evolve over time, with breeders focusing on maintaining and refining their distinctive characteristics. Temperament of Frenchies French Bulldogs are known for their playful, energetic personalities and their distinctive appearance, which includes a stocky build, a flat face, and large, erect ears. They are generally good with children and make loyal, affectionate companions. Frenchies are also intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tricks and behaviors. They are a popular breed due to their small size, friendly nature, and adaptability to city living. This super cute French Bulldog puppy is a real social butterfly, raised with children and loves playing outside in the yard! He will fill your life with lots of kisses and love. This sweetie pie loves to be around people and will make a great companion dog. At cheappuppiesforsale. These lovable puppies are perfect for anyone looking for an affordable family pet. English Bulldogs are small, fun dogs that require minimal training. They are known for their clownish personalities and love of cuddles. History of English bulldog puppies English bulldog puppies are a completely man-made breed. The national dog of England, their strong heads, loose skin and short legs give them a very distinctive, amusing appearance. Bulldogs are generally gentle, affectionate dogs that love to be around their families. They are excellent with children and have a medium-low activity level that makes them great for apartment or city living. These loveable dogs are loyal to a fault and are sure to make you smile. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. Unlike other breeders, We choose parents not based on champion bloodlines and registry, but on health, temperament, and looks. As a result, cheappuppiesforsale. From this breed of dogs and others,We and our staff offer a variety of healthy, attractive pups 8 weeks of age and older, all of whom are ready for a loving family and home. As a leading national seller of bulldogs, cheappuppiesforsale. The website maintains an extensive FAQ section, where Howard fields questions about the breed regarding health, fitness, care, and maintenance. Look at this adorable face! She is a real charmer so you will not be able to say no to her. This English Bulldog puppy is raised with children, friendly, fun-loving and ready to meet her new family. This baby is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Make this cutie your cuddle buddy and she will be the perfect addition that you have been searching for! Sex: Female.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article.

Share via Email Here in the United States, we love our pets! Dogs and cats are the most popular pets and data shows that a sizable chunk of households keep dogs. Golden retrievers are among the more popular breeds, as they are great, sweet, family-friendly dogs. Unfortunately, many Americans suffer from dog allergies. This leads to people who are allergic to dogs searching for so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are advertised as not causing allergic reactions or greatly reducing allergic reactions in dogs. Are golden retrievers one of these hypoallergenic breeds? Read on to learn more! What Does Hypoallergenic Mean? Hypoallergenic means that something is unlikely to cause an allergic response. Often, when a dog breed is referred to as hypoallergenic, it means that a dog is less likely to cause a person with pet allergies to have a reaction. Is Hypoallergenic Really Even a Thing? Several popular dog breeds are called hypoallergenic, including poodles, bichon frises, Yorkshire terriers, and schnauzers. Do these popular dogs actually reduce allergic reactions? Unfortunately, no dog breed causes zero allergic responses. According to one study , there is a lack of data showing that so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds actually reduce allergic reactions. Every dog produces proteins in saliva and dead skin cells that cause allergies, so even hairless breeds can cause allergies. People with allergies to dogs are actually allergic to proteins made by the dog. There are several different dog proteins. Sometimes a person can be allergic to one kind of protein, but not others. There is research showing that this protein is only made by male dogs. If you are allergic to this protein, you can avoid it by adopting female dogs only. Sometimes it is difficult to know what proteins you are allergic to. There are a few things dog allergy sufferers should try to avoid. Saliva and urine, fur, dead skin flakes, and carpets and furniture covered with dog hair should all be avoided if possible. A large amount of dander and fur in your home is a common trigger. There are several things you can do so that you can keep your canine companion even though you have allergies. Try some of the following things to reduce your allergic responses: Use a high quality air filter in your home Conduct regular house cleaning sessions Vacuum regularly to get rid of pet hair Keep over-the-counter allergy medication on hand for allergic reactions Consider choosing a dog breed that sheds less Ask your doctor about getting allergy shots to reduce attacks Wash your dog frequently. Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic Dogs? So, are golden retrievers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, no. In fact, golden retrievers have a double coat and typically shed twice yearly. More shedding means more fur and dander in your home, which means more allergy attacks for you if you have this breed. There are a few ways you can help reduce your allergies and still have one as a pet. Follow this advice if you are allergic to golden retrievers: 1. Make sure you bath the dog regularly Bathing helps get rid of dead skin cells 2. Keep him groomed and brushed regularly 3. Do your grooming outside, and use gloves if needed 4. Stay on top of pests; more scratching means more dander flying everywhere 5. These dog breeds are considered to be the most hypoallergenic, according to the AKC. Chinese crested. However, they also shed quite a bit, which means that Golden Retrievers are often not considered hypoallergenic. According to Mayo Clinic, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog 1. All dogs produce proteins that can cause allergies, though some dogs produce different proteins than others. Some dogs are less likely to spread these allergens around, though, especially if you take specific steps to prevent the spread of dander and saliva. How Do Dog Allergies Work? Most of us come into contact with the proteins dogs make without any problem. However, in some people, their immune system improperly labels these proteins as foreign invaders and seeks to destroy them whenever they get into the body. All dogs make these same proteins. Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock However, there are several different types of proteins dogs make. These proteins make up different parts of the dog and are made in different places. Some people are allergic to one protein, while others are allergic to several. The same proteins someone is allergic to will affect which dogs are suitable for them. Because only male dogs have a prostate gland, only male dogs produce this protein. Those allergic to only Can f 5 are usually perfectly fine with female dogs. Usually, allergy tests lump all the dog proteins together. Many people who are allergic to dogs are also affected by the Can f 1 protein. This is the major protein produced by all dogs. What are Hypoallergenic Dogs? Many breeders will advertise their canines as hypoallergenic. However, this is misleading. All dogs make proteins, as we have discussed. Science does not seem to support the idea of a hypoallergenic dog. One study took a look at several hypoallergenic dog breeds to see if they produced less Can f 1 protein than non-hypoallergenic dogs. They collected hair and coat samples from the dog and dust samples from around the homes. However, the study found little difference between hypoallergenic dogs and non-hypoallergenic dogs in terms of the amount of protein found on their skin and around their home. The homes with Poodles had the highest dander concentration, while those with Labrador Retrievers had the lowest. The study also took a look at several mixed breeds and found that the Labradoodle seemed to spread less dander around the home than other dogs. They did not study the Golden Retriever in this particular study. However, this study gives us some idea of what dogs are actually hypoallergenic and not. Golden Retrievers shed quite a bit. Furthermore, they will produce all the kinds of protein that other dogs produce. Males will produce the Can f 5 protein, though females will not. However you look at it, Golden Retrievers are not incredibly hypoallergenic. Some only have minor allergies, while others have extensive allergies. So even though Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic, you can do quite a few things to lessen the effect the dog has on your allergy symptoms. But, if you do decide to adopt a dog anyway, there are a few things you can do to lessen your symptoms. Keep the dog out of your bedroom. You may be able to significantly reduce your allergy symptoms if you keep your dog out of the bedroom. Wash your hands. Wash your hands anytime you come into contact with your dog. Our hands act as vehicles for pet dander to enter our nose and eyes. When we rub our face after playing with our dog, we will transfer the allergy-causing dander. Washing your hands can prevent this. Avoid carpeted floors. You should avoid carpeted floors, as they tend to hold onto allergens. Instead, opt for easy-to-clean wood floors. Wear a mask when you are vacuuming or sweeping, as these activities tend to throw the dust into the air, which can worsen your allergies. Use HEPA filters. You should install HEPA filters throughout your home, particularly in your bedroom and places where your dog tends to spend the most time. Are golden retrievers hypoallergenic? There are many great reasons to consider adopting a golden retriever. But is this a good breed for allergy sufferers? Are golden retrievers hypoallergenic, or will they trigger an allergy attack? For all their great qualities, golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic. What Does Hypoallergenic Mean, Exactly? But it turns out that the term is a little more complicated than it seems. However, these lower shedding breeds tend to spread fewer allergens. If you have pet allergies, your immune system sees these proteins in pet dander as a foreign invader. Every dog produces these proteins, even hypoallergenic breeds. But because dander attaches itself to pet hair, the more a dog sheds, the less hypoallergenic it is. The amount of hair, and therefore the amount of dander, that your golden will spread around your home is relatively significant — especially when compared to a dog that is considered hypoallergenic, like a poodle. That means their coat consists of two layers: a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat. And that means even more allergens floating around your home. How to Live With a Golden Retriever If You Have Allergies Golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic — but what if you already care for one or you have your heart set on adopting this beautiful dog? So, what options do dog owners have? Groom Your Dog Grooming your golden regularly will help to keep shedding at a minimum and ultimately result in less dander in your home. Brush your dog on a regular basis or have a non-allergy suffering family member do it for you to remove loose hair. Bathing your dog with a deshedding shampoo is another good way to keep all that hair controlled. Browse Amazon to check the selection or visit your local pet store. Keep Things Clean A big part of keeping your allergies to a minimum if you live with a golden retriever will be keeping the home clear of dog fur. A robot vacuum can work wonders! Additionally, consider using HEPA air filters , which are designed to catch even the most microscopic of particles, including tiny dander particles. Set these up in the rooms where your dog spends the most time. This keeps hair from entering the vents and blowing into other rooms. Feed Fido Well You might not think that what your dog eats has an impact on your allergies, but it does. This will eventually lead to an increase in shedding, resulting in more exposure to allergens. Feeding your golden a high-quality food will help keep their skin and fur healthy, which can reduce your allergic reactions. Set Boundaries Does your golden retriever hop up on the family couch whenever they please? Do they sleep in bed with you? Cute as it may be, these behaviors expose you to more dog hair — and more allergy-causing dander. Train your dog not to get up on the furniture, or keep them out of places like the bedroom. Consider a Mixed Breed If your allergies are giving you second thoughts about adopting a golden retriever, you might want to consider adopting a mixed breed golden from a reputable breeder or shelter. The goldendoodle, for example, is a golden retriever crossed with a poodle — and their poodle genes help them shed less than a purebred golden retriever. See Your Doctor While the above methods can help you manage your allergy symptoms, they may not be enough to fully avoid them. In this case, visit your doctor. Antihistamines and immunotherapy allergy shots help allergic pet parents live comfortably with their beloved animal companions. Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic or Not? The golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. But golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic. Because dog allergies are caused by a protein in dander that commonly attaches itself to fur, a moderate to heavy shedder like the golden retriever tends to cause allergic reactions for people who are sensitive to pet dander. Taking steps to manage dog allergens — regularly grooming your pet, frequently cleaning the house, feeding your dog high-quality food, and setting boundaries in the home — goes a long way toward reducing symptoms. Otherwise, you can always consider a mixed breed that may shed less than a purebred golden retriever. Talking to your doctor about medication or immunotherapy shots can also be a good option. Read more. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Important Info By Last updated: Jun 08 We get a lot of questions about which dog breeds are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, Goldens do not possess this quality, but not for the reason you probably expect. Golden Retrievers do shed quite a bit, which automatically makes them quite un-hypoallergenic, according to popular knowledge. However, things are a bit more complicated than that. Truthfully, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog at all. All dogs create dander, and therefore all dogs will cause allergies. Dog Allergies When someone has dog allergies, their immune system mistakenly attacks the proteins dogs make as if they were a foreign invader. But, for one reason or another, the immune system thinks they are. All dogs make proteins. Because all dogs make these proteins, all dogs will cause allergies. Furthermore, some hypoallergenic dogs produce more of Can f 1 — which is the protein that most of those with dog allergies are allergic to. Therefore, some dogs that are labeled as hypoallergenic may be the opposite of hypoallergenic. In all likelihood, it still will. However, there is a golden lining. There are many things you can do to reduce your allergy symptoms to your particular dog. These methods work with all dogs, including Golden Retrievers. Because all dogs produce about the same level of allergens, there is little reason to get a low-shedding breed instead of a Golden Retriever. Both shedding and non-shedding dogs can have their allergen levels controlled somewhat. However, when you have dog allergies, washing your dog can help remove many of these allergens. This protein is the most common allergen. However, studies have found that you need to wash the dog at least twice a week to keep their allergen level low. We highly recommend using a sensitive-skin shampoo to reduce how much drying your dog experiences from these repeated baths, as too much bathing can cause their coats to be stripped of beneficial oils. Therefore, their symptoms will often decrease as well. Air filters can also be handy for those suffering from allergies. A HEPA filter can capture much of the allergens before they have a chance to cause any problems. You will need to keep on track with cleaning the filter, though. Furthermore, those who suffer from allergies often have more than one trigger. If you can reduce their contact with other allergens, you may reduce their symptoms around the dog as well. Those with lots of different allergens often suffer the worst. You can also try a medical treatment, such as antihistamine pills. There are technically six different allergens that dogs can make. However, not all dogs make the same allergens. For instance, only intact male dogs produce Can f 5. This protein is created in their prostate. One-third of all allergy sufferers are allergic to this protein specifically. However, you need to fix the male before they reach maturity, as they will start producing the protein. For this reason, we highly recommend females when possible. However, if you have a male dog, getting them fixed could solve many of your problems. With all that said, there can be some difficulty figuring out if you are specifically allergic to this protein or another one. Therefore, you often need to ask to be tested for each protein specifically. This is possible, but it often needs to be explicitly requested. Of course, it is possible to be allergic to Can f 1 and Can f 5 simultaneously. Therefore, you need to get tested for all of them before deciding to adopt a female Golden Retriever, as they do produce all the other canine proteins. Golden Retrievers are not specifically worse for allergies than any other canine out there. If you can keep up with some essential maintenance, such as grooming, then you can often successfully keep a Golden Retriever if you have allergies. They are not specifically worse for allergies than other dogs, though they can cause reactions. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Despite the common myth, people are not allergic to dog hair — they are allergic to the proteins that their dog produces. The dog produces these proteins as skin, saliva, and urine. All dogs produce skin. Therefore, all dogs also produce allergens. They spread these allergens around at equal rates as well. Therefore, someone with allergies is just as likely to have an allergic reaction to the Golden Retriever as they are the Poodle. However, this is excellent news if you want to own a Golden Retriever and have dog allergies. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent dog allergens from bothering you — even if you have dog allergies. Bathing your dog twice a week almost wholly reduces the allergens on their coat, for instance. If you have dog allergies and want to keep a Golden Retriever, it is entirely possible. Featured Image Credit: tanatat, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic? Read the full disclosure here. If you are a pet lover, nothing can be as frustrating as having a furry friend that causes allergies. This is why many owners want to know whether their golden retrievers are hypoallergenic. Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. That means that a hypoallergenic dog usually releases a low amount of allergens. Pet dander refers to a skin flake released when your dog sheds. The coat and dander are only carriers of these proteins. Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic Dogs? What differs is the amount of dander produced by a given dog species. All mammals, including humans, have the dead flakes of skin known as dander when they sweat, grow, or heal from wounds. Even dogs considered to be hypoallergenic still produce a considerable amount of dander. An excellent example of such fur is that displayed by breeds such as the bichon frise and poodle. Given that information, is a golden retriever hypoallergenic? The answer is no. While golden retrievers are great pets, they are among the many dog breeds that shed excessively during certain times of the year. As we get close to summer and winter, these dogs shed their existing coat and prepare for the growth of a new jacket. As golden retrievers shed , more dander accumulates in the air. Golden retrievers also have what is called a double coat. The inner coat sheds more than the outer coat as it responds to the temperature and other factors in the environment. When it sheds, the dander that causes allergies also falls off. The outer coat is typically long and smooth. Not all golden retrievers produce the same allergens. Dogs produce six different types of allergens, so if you are only allergic to one allergen you can still find a golden retriever to keep. For instance, only male golden retrievers produce the type of protein Can f 5 that causes a third of all allergies. If you are allergic to this protein, you can get a female golden retriever without fear. All you need to do is take the necessary precautions to keep the dander in your home to a minimum. Suppose you have already decided to acquire a golden retriever, and you or your family members suffer from dog allergies. In that case, there are some steps that you can take to make your environment more allergy-friendly. These include: Grooming Using a gentle dog shampoo to wash your dog can reduce the amount of dander produced by your golden retriever. You can also reduce the shedding by taking your canine friend to a professional groomer. Removing the long hair and the shed undercoat will prevent unnecessary tugging on the healthy hair follicles. This way, you can keep the shedding to the minimum. To keep the allergens level low, you should wash your dog at least twice a week. Ensure that you use a sensitive skin shampoo to reduce the drying your dog is likely to experience from these frequent baths. This is important, as too much bathing can strip the coat of its beneficial oils. After bathing your golden retriever, you should brush them to remove excess fur, using a good quality dog brush. Environment You will need to keep your environment clean. Ensure that you regularly clean the furniture that your golden retriever comes into contact with to get rid of dander. You will need to put a good house cleaning regimen in place that includes carpet steam cleaning every month. You should avoid having carpets in the best-case scenario, as these are likely to hold dander. Ensure that you can stick to your cleaning plan long-term. You may also need to have a room in your home that is off limits to your golden retrievers. This will provide you with a relaxation spot without having to be wary of whether or not you will react to your dog. The filter will capture most of the allergens before triggering an allergic reaction; however, you must remember to clean the filter, too. Consider dander as dust and apply the same cleaning regimen you use to get rid of that. Pest Control Golden retrievers have long hair, making them the perfect breeding ground for ticks and fleas. Their long coat provides pests with the right places to hide, breed, and reproduce. When they bite your dog, the scratching causes more dander to fly off the skin into your home. It is best to work with your vet to put a good pest control regimen in place to stop the cycle. This could be medication or topical treatments and accessories, such as a flea collar once a month. Interactions You should be careful about how you interact with your golden retriever. The dander will accumulate on the sheets causing an allergic reaction. Instead, it would be best to get them a comfortable dog bed. By creating an allergen-free zone, you can reduce the number of allergens you encounter. Medical Treatment There are certain drugs such as antihistamines that can help to reduce an allergic reaction. If you feed your furry friend a high-quality diet made of natural ingredients and consisting of formulas backed by science, it can help to eliminate food-related sensitivities, coat issues, and excessive shedding. The signs of allergic reactions to a golden retriever often take the form of: Itching or swelling around the nose membranes or around the eyes Skin redness Coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing within 30 minutes of exposure to the golden retriever Rashes on the face, neck or chest Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Most goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, as they do not shed. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Final Thoughts So is the golden retriever hypoallergenic? According to the American Kennel Club, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic so even choosing a different breed might not eliminate your allergy suffering completely. If you are allergic to dogs and you still want a golden retriever, we advise that you talk to your doctor. Your physician may conduct tests to determine how severe your allergies are and therefore how well you will manage with a golden retriever. You can use the above steps to ensure that you can keep the cases of allergies caused by your golden retrievers low. You May Also Like. Previous Next Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic For dog-loving pet owners, few things are more devastating than an allergy to their pet. Golden Retrievers are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in US homes, but is a Golden Retriever a hypoallergenic dog? The term is applied to any product — even dogs! All mammals with skin, humans included, will produce dander — dead flakes of skin — as their skin grows, changes, heals from wounds, sweats, and so on. Consequently, the shedding hair and dander are carriers of said fluids — so oftentimes, a breed that sheds more can make an allergy-prone person more apt to experience an attack, since the proteins are more present in the atmosphere. Additionally, many experts have noted that allergies are unique from person to person, and may even change for an individual with allergies over the course of their lifetime. While some attributed this quality to a low-shedding coat, the reality of hypoallergenic dogs is a little more complicated. The shape of the hair follicle means that, rather than falling away from the body, the healthy follicles hold onto the shed fur strands like Velcro. Another dog is known for its hypoallergenic properties, the Portuguese Water Dog, enjoyed a bit of celebrity status in the Obama-era White House. While they are wonderful, obedient, and loving dogs, the Golden Retriever is not, unfortunately, considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. The undercoat on a Golden is made up of fine, soft hair — think of it as the stuffing in a bed pillow, rather than the threads that make up the pillowcase. This layer acts as insulation for this water-loving breed and works very well — right up until temperatures start to creep up. This keeps the dog cool but is very bad news for owners with dog allergies since it ramps up the amount of dander in the atmosphere. If you or a family member struggle with dog allergies but your heart is set on a Golden Retriever, here are some easy measures you can take to make your environment more allergy-friendly: Grooming. The most important part of keeping doggie dander down is to wash as much of it away as possible with gentle dog shampoo. Washing your dog with shampoo every couple of weeks will also keep the dander to a minimum for the Golden Retriever breed. Pest Control. Fleas and ticks love long-haired breeds like the Golden Retriever, as the coat quality gives them plenty of places to burrow, hide, and reproduce. Their biting behaviors trigger your dog to scratch more often, and every scratch sends dander flying off of their coat and into your home. Work with your vet to find and stay on a good pest control regimen to stop this cycle, whether it be a once-a-month pill, topical treatments, or accessories like a flea collar. A good house-cleaning regimen might involve a monthly carpet steam-cleaning, a HEPA-filtered vacuum, and similar measures for preserving indoor air quality. Think of dander as dust — it essentially is — and tackle it accordingly in your cleaning routines. Personal Health. Because dander is the culprit behind canine allergies, good hygiene habits with hand, face and even hair-washing especially for dog owners with long hair will assist in keeping dander away from the nose and mouth — this is especially important if you let your pet sleep in your bed. You may also want to discuss allergy-fighting options with your doctor, including allergy shots or daily allergy medication to keep histamine reactions under control. The Puppy-Versus-Adult Allergy Some Golden Retrievers and their owners end up in an untenable allergy situation because the same puppy that fit well in the household causes severe allergies as an adult. The hormones and heightened immune responses triggered by pregnancy can react strongly to dog dander, but this will likely only occur during the pregnancy itself. In fact, a study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy revealed that exposure to pets and their dander actually increased the number of beneficial antibodies found in the cord blood of the fetus. So, while sneezing while pregnant might not be ideal, there may actually be some long-term benefits in the process for the baby-to-be. These problems all equate to additional dander: a dog with dry, flaky skin will scratch more often, for example, and send all that dander out into their environment. Lucy Pet offers a range of premium grain-free dog kibble products that are not only healthy but feature high-quality, natural ingredients with formulas that are backed by science and years of careful research. In fact, our precisely-formulated dog foods may eliminate common food sensitivities correlated to coat issues and excessive shedding — which is especially good news for allergy sufferers! In addition to feeding your Golden a well-balanced diet and plenty of fresh water at all times, a tasty dog treat or two can also help keep their scratching and gnawing focused on their edible goodies, rather than their fur. Accessed December 13, .Newcomer, Lori. Moore, Cindy. Manzotti, Roberto. Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic? They are a breed that frequently sheds and are not a suitable match for people with bad allergies. Unfortunately, the loving, energetic and playful Golden Retriever does not fall on that list. There are a few myths to bust when it comes to hypoallergenic dogs. First, contrary to popular belief, no dog breed can actually be hypoallergenic. Dander is the flecks of skin that are shed by dogs and can cause allergic reactions. Those loose particles of dander are what causes your allergies to flare up. Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds There are plenty of dog breeds that are well suited for allergy prone individuals. Even if you do have moderate to strong dog allergies, many people can still own breeds without suffering from any sort of irritation. Smaller dogs are typically more hypoallergenic as they are very infrequent shedders. Since they do not typically produce dander, they are all great dogs to own for people with allergies. However, if you only suffer from mild dog allergies, it is possible to still own these breeds without having daily irritation. Check out the tips below on ways to reduce your dog allergies. Ways to Reduce Dog Allergies Aside from owning a hypoallergenic breed, there are other things you can do to reduce your irritation. Using a high-efficiency particulate air HEPA purifier and vent filters helps to reduce airborne pet allergens. In addition, keeping your pet out of your bedroom or other rooms that have furniture will help to reduce your chance of an irritation. Bathing your dog once a week will help remove the dander from its coat, making an allergic reaction less likely. Also, choosing a house without carpet will significantly reduce your chance of allergies, however, if you already have carpet in your home, shampooing it regularly will do the trick. Lastly, if you are able to keep your dog outside for a few hours during the day, you can allow the air in your home to clear.

Male vs Female Goldendoodles Which is Best? So to say that one is better than the other is false. However, there may be one gender of Goldendoodle that is better SUITED for you, and your current circumstances, and so understanding the difference between male and female Goldendoodles is essential. So, even while the differences are subtle, to help you gain a better understanding we have conducted the following research, and laid it out below. Actual Differences Between Goldendoodle Genders Male Goldendoodles are going to differ from female Goldendoodles primarily in regards to; Should you pick a boy or girl Goldendoodle puppy? Male and Female Goldendoodle Size and Weight Differences One of the biggest and really only differences when it comes to male versus female Goldendoodles is the overall size both in terms of height, and weight. Which means that even though not every female will be smaller than every male, the majority of them will be. Keep in mind as well that even though male Goldendoodles will likely end up larger than the female Goldendoodles, females tend to mature faster than males do. And so even though they may not be as big in the long run, they may be able to achieve their full-grown size at an earlier age. Male Goldendoodles are likely to have larger bones, bigger muscles, broader shoulders, and more oversized paws. These oversized features can play a substantial role in determining the height and weight of the dog, and the difference in weight can climb up to 40 pounds! So keep these things in mind as you make your decision, size and weight will likely only be an issue if you have space limitations. The primary differences can be seen in how they respond to a litter of puppies, as well as other dogs of the same or opposite gender. When Goldendoodles are going through their youthful teenage phase , males tend to mark a lot as they develop sexually. However, females on the other hand are more likely to become more protective of their litter of puppies than males. As previously mentioned, this generally crosses all breeds. On average, male dogs are more likely to exhibit territorial behavior to older dogs due to the marking of territory , whereas female dogs are more likely to be protective of their young. Other than that, there is really no difference between the male and female Goldendoodle dog breed when we examine health, intelligence, training, and grooming. The happy smile of a boy Goldendoodle What is the difference in temperament and personality between male and female Goldendoodles? Even though many a pet owner naturally assume that there is a big difference in temperament between a male, and female Goldendoodle. Due to the fact that they are the same breed, they both carry the same intelligence of a Poodle, and the same amount of loving affection of a Golden Retriever. The one factor that will make the biggest difference in this department is their relationship with you, and those within their environment. If you return the favour, and shower them with love, attention, and do your best to keep them mentally stimulated. This should result in a tremendously social, friendly, and intelligent pup, no matter the gender. The amount to which dogs show their outgoing personalities, depend heavily on their day-to-day interactions with you. Are male or female Goldendoodles better with families? Dogs are a lot like humans in that their behavior can be heavily attributed to the environment around them. If you create a more negative, stressful, or neglectful environment for your dog, you are more likely to end up with a dog that exhibits these same negative traits. However, if you show them tremendous love, attention, and care, they will do the same to their dog owner. So, when it comes to families, Goldendoodles either boy dog or girl dog are not likely to lash out, and actually enjoy spending quality time with family members kids or adults. The only difference you may find is that male breeds are known to mark or hump things around their teenage years, whereas female breeds are more prone to becoming cuddly, and affectionate. But in reality, a female in heat can become just as if not more aggressive than a protective unneutered males guarding his territory. In fact, some females are MORE territorial because they are so loyal to their families. Though in general neither is considered to be aggressive in nature. Does it matter what gender a Goldendoodle is? Even though there are not too many differences between male dog and female dog Goldendoodles, it can matter for some depending on personal preference and environment. Nearly all females are smaller in terms of both size and weight when compared to males. This size difference is usually not too big, and will most likely go unnoticed unless you are getting a Standard Goldendoodle. In this case, there can be up to a pound difference between a healthy male, and female Goldendoodle. This can play a massive role if you live in an apartment, condo, or somewhere with less room for the dog to roam free. So if you prefer to have a smaller hybrid dog for whatever reason be it spatial or preference , going with a female might be the better option. If you are looking to buy from a reputable Goldendoodle breeder or adopt form a Goldendoodle rescue — you can feel safe choosing either gender. Contrary to popular belief, the temperament, personality, playfulness, friendliness, and emotions of a Goldendoodle do not vary by gender. Dogs are amazingly in depth animals, and they much like us rely mostly on the day-to-day interactions they have with us, and other dogs. If their environment is safe, secure, calm, inviting, positive, and filled with love and affection. Then you are just about guaranteed to get a calm, caring, positive, and loving dog right back no matter the gender. And consider a cool Star Wars or Coffee dog names … or a traditional dog name ending in Y sound. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Physical Differences: The Male Doodle vs. In that case, there are some physical differences you should consider. Male dogs, specifically male Goldendoodles, tend to be taller and heavier than female dogs. This is due to genetic factors and reproductive hormones. However, the disparity in size might not be as noticeable in a Goldendoodle as in some other breeds due to their mixed genetics. Size and Weight Male Goldendoodles are often larger than their female littermates in terms of height and weight. Female Goldendoodles from the same litter, in comparison, are usually a bit smaller, with an average height of 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and an average weight range between 26 to 30 pounds. Note that male and female Goldendoodles can fall between the designated height of inches and pounds. For ease of comparison, we are describing averages within a single litter. Coat and Appearance Both male and female Goldendoodles can have a straight, wavy, or curly coat. Their coat is known for being low to non-shedding, which makes Goldendoodles a popular choice among people with allergies. However, coat texture, color, and length can vary between individual dogs and are not influenced by gender. Musculature and Build Male Goldendoodles typically have a more robust build, with a broader chest and larger muscles. This is most noticeable in the standard Goldendoodle versus the mini Goldendoodle. However, it is always possible to have a male exhibit a less robust structure if it inherits more of the Poodle physique, just as a female could have a sturdier build if taking after the Golden Retriever genes in her lineage. Both intact males and females can have unique gender traits, but after being desexed spayed or neutered , most dogs tend to have a more nonbinary presence. But remember, the teenage phase is a challenging period for all dogs. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to managing this stage. Trainability: Is There a Difference? Trainability depends more on individual temperament, breed, and upbringing than gender. Goldendoodles, irrespective of their gender, are renowned for their love of learning and performing, traits inherited from their Poodle and Golden Retriever lineage. These qualities make them relatively easy to train. Understanding Male Behavior and Training Male Goldendoodles, especially if they are unneutered, can sometimes display territorial behaviors like marking. They can also be more easily distracted during training, mainly when other dogs or interesting smells are around. However, males are often very eager to please their owners, which can be a positive trait when it comes to training. Understanding Female Behavior and Training Female Goldendoodles are often described as more independent and more consistent in their behavior. Some trainers find females easier to work with because they tend to be less easily distracted and more focused. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Training Techniques: What Works Best? Regardless of the gender of your Goldendoodle, positive reinforcement is the best approach to training. This method involves rewarding your dog for desired behavior, which encourages them to repeat it. The reward can be a tasty treat, verbal praise, or a fun game. Remember, consistency and patience are key. Both male and female Goldendoodles will benefit from clear, consistent commands and training routines. Health Considerations: Males or Females? You might also wonder about health conditions. Both male and female Goldendoodles can be prone to certain breed-specific health problems due to their Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage. It is important to understand the presence of reproductive organs in unneutered and unspayed dogs may also lead to gender-specific health issues. Health in Male Goldendoodles If not neutered, male dogs can be prone to specific health issues associated with the male reproductive system. These might include testicular cancer and specific prostate problems. Health in Female Goldendoodles Unspayed female dogs may be at risk for conditions such as pyometra, a severe, potentially life-threatening uterus infection, and mammary tumors. If not spayed, female dogs also go into heat typically twice a year, which can result in messiness and attract male dogs. An unspayed female who is in heat must be kept inside or under the direct control of a human while outside, as she can be detected by an intact male up to two miles away. An unplanned litter of puppies can easily be the result of irresponsible breeding. Discussing the timing and pros and cons of these procedures with a trusted veterinarian is best. Understanding any contractual agreements with your breeder covering the age of desexing is an important consideration when choosing a breeder. Breed-Specific Health Testing Good breeders should test their breeding dogs for breed-specific genetic diseases as well as physical deficiencies, which in Goldendoodles includes hip, elbow, and patella testing and ophthalmologist and cardiology evaluations. Ensuring your puppy comes from health-tested parents can significantly decrease the risk of inheriting certain genetic diseases. Characteristics and Temperaments: Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs Another aspect to consider while choosing between a male and a female Goldendoodle is their temperament. While it is important to remember that each dog, irrespective of their gender, will have a unique personality, there are some general characteristics often associated with male and female dogs. This behavior could become a problem if not managed correctly, mainly if there are other intact male dogs in the house. Female dogs at sexual maturity may exhibit more independence, which can sometimes be mistaken as aloofness. They might be less interested in play and more focused on their environment. Intact females can have hormonal fluctuations, which sometimes cause incompatibility between two females. Male Dogs: Characteristics and Temperament Male dogs are typically more outgoing and playful and tend to love family members equally. They are often described as more affectionate and more eager for human attention. They are often willing to leave their task for a bit of extra fuss from their human companions. They also can be more territorial and may display dominant behavior, especially around other male dogs, but this can easily be mitigated by neutering. In terms of training, intact male dogs can sometimes be more easily distracted, especially in the presence of other dogs, with intriguing smells, or in a new environment. Despite this, their playful and attention-seeking nature can make them fun to train. However, the testosterone responsible for distracting a male dog is not an issue until sexual maturity, which occurs sometime between 8 and 12 months of age. Up until that point, there should be no noticeable difference in how males and females deal with distractions. Female Dogs: Characteristics and Temperament Female dogs are often described as more independent and a bit more reserved or aloof than males. They can be equally affectionate, but they usually prefer to seek out attention on their terms. It is common for females to bond with a specific family member heavily. Female dogs are generally less likely to engage in dominance or territorial behaviors than males unless they have a litter of puppies to protect. However, females that are in heat can suffer from hormonal fluctuations that can cause unpredictable behavior towards other dogs. The gender differences described above are common in dogs that are not spayed or neutered. When a male or a female dog is desexed, their reproductive capabilities are removed, including the hormones that cause differences in specific gender traits. It becomes difficult at that point to determine any differences in temperaments, intelligence, or activity levels. Size and Space Male dogs, being generally larger, might require more space to move around comfortably, particularly in the case of larger breeds. However, since Goldendoodles come in many sizes, it is easy to choose a Goldendoodle that will mature to an appropriate size to fit your home. Activity Levels While activity levels can vary more by breed and size than by gender, it is important to realize all dogs need exercise. A larger dog could be a great companion for hiking, running, or other activities if you lead a very active lifestyle. Training and Behavioral Issues Male dogs will be more likely to engage in behaviors like marking if not neutered before sexual maturity. This involves lifting a hind leg to urinate in multiple locations to claim territory. This activity can be completely avoided by neutering. A challenge in training females that are not yet spayed can include being housebound for approximately 21 days at a time while they are in heat. It is important to keep them secluded and out of access to all unneutered male dogs during this time. It is not uncommon to have intact male suitors who have jumped their fence frequenting your property in hopes the cycling female will come out to play. Health and Care Male dogs may be more prone to certain health conditions and females to others. Regular vet check-ups are crucial for either gender to monitor for any potential health issues. Social Dynamics Consider the social dynamics if you already have other pets. Male and female dogs can get along with other dogs, but introductions should be done carefully to ensure harmony. Two unneutered males, for instance, might be more likely to clash than two unspayed females. Choosing between a male or female dog is a personal decision that depends on numerous factors. The most important factor to consider is the gender of any existing dogs already in the home. A desexed male and female pairing is typically the best for compatibility. It is a devastating situation to learn you acquired a companion for your existing dog that creates chaos in the home. Instead of choosing a gender for yourself, concentrate on choosing the best partner for your dog. You should have multiple playdates with other dogs coming to your home to see if your dog has a gender preference. Playdates should always begin with both dogs being on short leashes for introductions. Off-leash play should only be allowed when both dogs have displayed friendly demeanor, including wagging tails. Playtime should be closely monitored, and mental notes should be taken on the level of enjoyment experienced by your dog. If you see your dog enjoys the interaction with a specific gender, then that is the gender you should choose when adding a second dog. Remember that you need to allow your dog to experience playdates with multiple dogs one at a time. The level of enjoyment with a particular dog may not be due to its gender but, instead, its personality or size. Conclusion If it will be the first dog in your home, then the gender becomes much less important. As mentioned above, responsible pet ownership involves spaying or neutering your family pet. This creates a gender-neutral dog making gender selection unimportant. Regardless of gender, Goldendoodles are known for their intelligence, friendliness, and low-shedding coats, making them an excellent choice for many families. You might find a super playful female or a very calm and independent male dog. The most important thing is to choose a dog that fits well with your lifestyle and to provide them with the love, care, and training they need to be a happy, well-behaved companion. The process of searching for a Goldendoodle puppy can be an exciting yet stressful time. Like with any other important decision, there are lots of factors you should take into consideration…it can definitely feel overwhelming at times! Many Goldendoodle owners have a preferred gender and will debate relentlessly that it is the superior choice. So, how do sort through the biased opinions and make the best decision for you? Male vs Female Goldendoodle Health Differences While we all hope our dogs remain happy and healthy, there are plenty of Goldendoodle health issues that can be problematic throughout their lives. Both a male vs female Goldendoodle have the same estimated lifespans and are just as likely, on average, to have accidents or illnesses. This is why, regardless of gender, I highly encourage all Goldendoodle owners to invest in quality pet insurance as early as possible. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! Male vs Female Goldendoodle Size Differences While exceptions exist to every rule, in general, male Goldendoodles are going to grow up to be slightly bigger than female Goldendoodles when it comes to both weight and height. Many times, especially in smaller Toy or Mini Goldendoodle sizes , this height and weight difference is negligible and almost imperceivable. Keep in mind, that while male Goldendoodles will likely end up larger than their female littermates, females tend to mature faster so they may achieve their full-grown size earlier. There is no advantage to a particular gender when it comes to Goldendoodles shedding , being allergy-friendly, or having any other coat features. Goldendoodle Humping Humping, while sometimes comical, is an undesired behavior that is often associated with a male Goldendoodle vs female Goldendoodle. This is something that you can easily work on when training your Goldendoodle. Goldendoodle Territory Marking Many prospective owners tend to prefer a female Goldendoodle due to the stigma of male Goldendoodles marking their territory. The one obvious behavioral difference between a male vs female Goldendoodle is how they pee. Female Goldendoodles tend to squat while male Goldendoodles will lift their leg. Keep in mind, however, that male Goldendoodles sometimes prefer to squat as well depending on how early they are neutered. Male vs Female Goldendoodle Personality Differences When it comes to personality differences between the male vs female Goldendoodle, there are more myths out there than facts. More common misconceptions are that female Goldendoodles are friendlier and that male Goldendoodles are more independent. There are many factors that you should take into consideration when adding a new puppy to your family. What breed of doodle you select is important, as different breeds have different characteristics and requirements that may fit better or worse with your lifestyle. The next most important thing to consider is the reputation of the Goldendoodle breeder or the Goldendoodle rescue organization you choose. In the long run, you and your new Goldendoodle puppy will be so much better off if you focus on individual personality and the other important factors we discussed rather than limiting your options by choosing specifically a male or female Goldendoodle. More About Goldendoodles…. They are an adorable and energetic Doodle breed that will brighten up your life. As you are narrowing down the search for the perfect puppy, you might ask yourself: Should you get a male or female puppy? Today we will explore the upsides and downsides of each gender, as well as discuss when you should decide for which one. How will a boy or girl get along with existing dogs in the household? Are females easier to housetrain? Table of Contents Is it better to get a male or female Goldendoodle? Both male and female Goldendoodles can be a wonderful addition to an active family. However, some situations work out better for male dogs and others are more suited for female ones. When considering whether to get a male or female Goldendoodle, consider the following points. Size Male dogs of any breed will become taller and heavier than female dogs. Goldendoodles are rather tall dogs. They reach about inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs. To know the expected size of your Goldendoodle puppy, check out our growth calculator! If you want to make sure that your dog is at the lower end of the size spectrum, decide for a female. If you want a dog that is tall and heavy, a male fits the bill. If you are looking for an especially small Goldendoodle, you should also consider a Mini Goldendoodle or F1b Mini Goldendoodle — these are already at least lbs. Dogs typically get along the best in pairs: a male and a female will be better friends than two males or two females. Two females, especially two intact females, are the most difficult pairing. They can start to be very reactive with one another and lash out aggressively. If you already have a female dog in your household, it is very advisable to pick a male counterpart for her. If you already have a male and a female dog, you should still go for a male Goldendoodle puppy. Two males will likely be easier to manage than two females. Breeding plans If you are planning on having your own Poodle mix puppies one day, you would want to get a female dog so that you can raise your very own litter! Of course, only commit to breeding if you have done all required health testing such as hip x-rays through OFA and have found a healthy and suitable breeding partner for your dog. Are female dogs easier to potty-train? There is no difference in how easy or difficult it is to potty-train Goldendoodles of either gender. When you are potty-training your puppy, he or she will be so young weeks old that they have not reached sexual maturity. The typical hormones that distinguish boy and girl dogs have yet to be developed. How easy or difficult it is to potty-train will be much more determined by how consistent you are, how good your setup is and how well the breeder prepared the puppy for being potty-trained. Many great breeders already start the potty-training at their house by having a litterbox available for the puppies or taking them out regularly. This will make a much bigger impact on their house training success than whether they are male or female. Are female Goldendoodles calmer than males? Females in general tend to be more on edge, more nervous and more reactive than males. Males, especially once they are neutered, are a lot more laid-back and calm. They tend to be more handler-focused and like food more. If you are planning to participate in a dog sport such as agility with your dog, getting a female can be an advantage in that they can be higher-drive, have more motivation and more endurance than males. Female Goldendoodles play intensely with toys and will often try harder and longer to succeed at an exercise than a male. While males like to snuggle and goof off, females are all business! Do male dogs prefer female owners? It cannot be said that male dogs prefer female owners. It is equally untrue that female dogs like male owners better. What is explained above about pairs getting along the best only applies to dogs — not dogs and their human counterparts. Dogs and owners of both genders can get along very well , especially if they are trained with positive methods and the owner spends quality time bonding with them. Are boy or girl Goldendoodles more popular? Neither boy or girl Goldendoodles are the most popular gender. With the growing popularity of Doodles, more and more breeders are producing these dogs, letting puppy buyers choose from a wide range of possible puppies. If you have your eyes set on a specific gender, you will surely be able to find a matching puppy. The Bottom Line When deciding for a male or female Goldendoodle, consider your plans and goals for your dog as well as your current setup. Do you already have a female dog? A male Goldendoodle might be the best fit. Do you want a small and agile dog? A female fits the bill. Do you want a dog that is cuddly and attached? A male is the way to go. Do you want to do dog sports such as agility? Females might have higher drive and motivation. Whichever gender you decide for, we wish you a lot of fun with your new Goldendoodle puppy! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly. Speak to a member of our team to learn more Assumption 1: Male dogs are more difficult to house train and will mark their territory indoors. In reality, male and female pups tend to housetrain at the same rate. Both males and females enjoy marking their territory on walks around the neighborhood but will quickly learn this is not a thing to do indoors based on your training. Unneutered males can develop a problem with marking indoors, particularly when living with other unneutered males as they both posture for dominance. As long as you have your male pup neutered by the age of sexual maturity our contract lists by the age of 6 months , he should have no problems with house training. Any highly concentrated dog urine can kill grass. Females tend to get blamed for it more often as squatting can cause a higher accumulation of urine in one spot versus lifting a leg to pee, but both genders of dogs can cause this problem with highly concentrated urine. In general, if you have a well-hydrated dog of either gender you should not be experiencing this problem. Conclusion: Mostly False Assumption 3: Females are more independent, males are more affectionate; females are moodier, males are more aggressive. In reality, most of these theories are guilty of hasty generalization applying something to an entire set without sufficient evidence. The individual temperaments between pups vary much more than any gender differences. At JLDD, we strive for emotionally stable, well-rounded temperaments in all of our pups. Some pups will be more affectionate, some will display extra focus during training, some are extra independent, some are more interested in retrieving, etc. Keeping an open mind about gender allows people to really focus on the individual traits of a pup and select the one that is best for their lifestyle and needs. Conclusion: False! Assumption 4: Only male dogs will hump other dogs or people. Actually, this is a behavior that female dogs often participate in, too! For dogs, humping is just one more way to engage in play or posturing for dominance and is not always sexual. The human society is much more offended by this behavior than the canine world! Assumption 5: Males tend to be bigger on average than females. This is not true in every case but as a general rule of thumb, the males in a litter will tend to grow a bit bigger than the girls on average. Conclusion: True! A: Again, the answer is probably either. If you like having two of the same gender, we actually recommend two males together. Two females actually can cause more issues than two males. However, we have witnessed every combination of gender imaginable work out well. A: We have found another broad trend over the years that male dogs tend to bond most naturally with female humans and vice versa. Again, this is a broad generalization and ultimately, doodles are incredibly loyal, loving dogs that will bond deeply with ANY human who gives them attention and snacks! Final Word on Which Gender Goldendoodle is Best for You: In the vast majority of cases the individual temperament of the pup is significantly more important than gender. Conclusion: Definitely True! Doodles of both genders are known for their affection, intelligence, and almost humanlike wit and mannerisms. They have a distinct way of charming us regardless of gender. Reach out to us at contact jennaleedoodles. Two males and two females can result in some tension and aggression, which is not an ideal solution for either the dogs or you. Dogs tend to do best in pairs, so if you already have a male dog at home, adopt a female Goldendoodle. And if you have a female dog, adopt a male Goldendoodle. Neither of the genders is better than the other. Males and females tend to do better together than two males or two females. No, female Goldendoodles are not easier to train than males. In terms of trainability, both genders have inherited high intelligence levels from their super smart parent pups. Are Male Goldendoodles Aggressive? No, both male and female Goldendoodles are friendly and loving dogs. Neither of the genders is more aggressive than the other. On the other hand, all dogs have their own individual personalities and traits. Some Goldendoodles are super cuddly, some like to roam around on their own. To conclude, although male and female Goldendoodles have more similarities than differences, there are a few reasons why you should opt for either gender. Namely, if you already have a dog at home, you should make sure that both your existing and new pet get along well. Nevertheless, the differences between Goldendoodles only go as far as their size. More than anything, each dog is unique and has its own individual personality.

Both parents come from a 5-generation pedigree. Mother is IKC registered. Grandparents and great grandparents are field trial champions. Father is a strong, chunky Labrador with an excellent breeding background, he was never registered but both grandparents were IKC reg. Both mother and father are cherished family pets, live together and can be seen. Parents are gentle natured, excellent with kids and have great personalities. Owners are vets themselves. This is our first and last litter as we are not breeders. We wanted to keep a line from both parents which was the motivation to have a litter. Our beautiful puppies are happy, healthy, and very confident. They have a fantastic temperament. Pups have been raised in our family home ensuring they have been well socialised with kids and other animals such as cats. These confident puppies are extremely intelligent and will be easy to train! They are already semi-toilet trained and have great re-call. Puppies are very affectionate and loved by all the family hence we are only looking for suitable home as a family pet or loyal companion. All pups are - Vet health checked - Vaccinated - Microchipped - Wormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks - Treated for fleas and mites. Pups will be ready to go to their forever homes from September 17th. For more information or to arrange to view the puppies please call or email me on or megandoherty00 gmail. If I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you. Thank you! Well, if you are, then this post is going to be of immense help to you. You are going to get insights about what you should do and what you should avoid before getting a new Lab dog. There are many factors you need to pay attention to before welcoming a new Labrador dog into your life. Among these factors, one of the most important ones is the price factor. There are a lot of misconceptions about the price of a Lab puppy. Dog Breeders Near Me In this post, you are going to understand how much it actually costs to get a Labrador pup. Along with that, we are also going to explain in detail how that small little animal can have a big impact on your life. You are also going to know the best practices that will make you the perfect Labrador owner. What is the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy in India? Before we let you know the price of a Labrador Retriever price in India, let me tell you where you should get it from. There are umpteen number of places where you can get a Labrador dog, but not all of them provide genuine breeds. You have to make sure that you buy the dog from a certified Labrador Breeder. While this is just the cost of buying the dog, there are other costs involved too. Owning a dog means to take care of its food and health. In fact, there are many other factors which you need to consider before deciding on buying a new Labrador. From giving the dog your time and energy to looking after food and medical expenses for your dog, there are some fundamental things that you need to consider which are mentioned below: What are the things to consider before buying a Labrador puppy? Do you have the time for looking after your dog? Owning a dog always needs some commitment on your part. You should be able to give enough time to your Labrador and look after its needs. You need to spend time with your puppy and make sure that it gets your attention. It is no use owning a dog if you are not able to spend time with it. Do you have enough space for a Labrador puppy? Labradors are lively animals. They are active and like to move around. They enjoy running around and playing. This means that you need to have a big backyard for these animals. Dog Breeders Near Me 3. Can you afford the overall expenses? Besides buying a dog, there are other expenses which you need to cater to. From food to medical care and vaccinations, you have to make sure that you can afford all expenses that come along with your dog. Will it affect your lifestyle? If you are someone who travels frequently, having a Labrador may not be the best decision. It is certainly not the right dog for you if you stay on vacation for days at a stretch. While you can surely travel with your Labrador, it is not that easy. Is it suitable for your family? Having a dog in the family is not just about your choice. You have to ensure that the dog fits well into your family. Although Labradors are known to be good family dogs, you must take approval from your family before bringing it in. Which is Better Boy or Girl Labrador? Male dogs are more protective of their things and tend to be a bit more affectionate than females. The biggest difference between males and females is that male Labradors just loves food, while female Labs are not as much motivated by food as their male counterparts. What Color Lab is the calmest? Do Labs bark a lot? Like most breeds, Labs bark and for a variety of reasons. Without plenty of physical stimulation and social interaction, they may become more vocal than normal because their pent-up energy causes them to do so. What color is the smartest lab? Although it might seem that color has anything to with the smartness of an Indiviadual Lab, but, It is not so. The smartness of a Lab largely depends on the individual dog and to some extent their up-bringing. What color Labrador is most expensive? Brown Labradors are the most expensive Labs since they are rare and their demand is ever increasing. Which type of Labrador is best? They make wonderful pets, companions and agility dogs. Are Labs good indoor dogs? You bet! Labs are great indoor pets. Can Labradors be left alone? The answer is yes but there needs to be some steps taken towards making sure that your pup does not go crazy without his human family around! Labradors can be left alone in the house if they are well exercised and provided with proper bathroom facilities. Do Labs like to cuddle? Labrador retrievers love to cuddle. They need affection and attention, which is why they enjoy the company of their owner or family whenever possible. Can Labrador survive in India? Labradors are perfect for India where they experience varied seasons and climates. They have a soft, silky undercoat that keeps them warm in cold weather with an outer coat of hard fur to help repel water. Are Labradors dangerous? Of all the breeds of dogs, Labradors are among those that seem to be most loved and least feared. Do Labradors attack their owners? Labradors are known for their love of humans, so it is rare to hear about one attacking its owner. If this situation occurs and your dog has not been socialized properly from an early age then there might be some behavioral issues in order to adjust them back into being loving towards people again! Are Labs expensive to maintain? The Labrador is a popular breed of dog. Is Labrador a lazy dog? Labrador Retrievers are very energetic, outgoing dogs that love to play and run around. Labradors get older, meaning the Labrador is often prone to piling on pounds with ease despite their playful character. Do Labradors get angry? They are often considered to be good family pets because of their easy-going and gentle nature, which is why they make for a perfect companion. But there may also be some Labradors who can exhibit problematic behaviors if not trained properly at an early age! Can a Labrador bite? Labradors are such a kind, gentle and sociable breed of dog. What problems do Labradors have? Many Labradors are afflicted with various health conditions. These often lead to arthritis in the joints over time. Are Labrador puppies hard work? No, Labrador puppies are actually quite easy to train. What size bed does a Labrador need? A medium-sized 24 inch bed is perfect for a variety of pup breeds. Labs, Dobermanns and Rottweilers can all fit on this comfy dog bed! Why is my Labrador lazy? Some of the reasons why your Labrador puppy might be lazy include not getting enough exercise, illness, depression or it may just naturally sleep more than other dogs. Why does my Lab put his paw on me? When you give your dog a pet, he may return the favor by placing his paw on your arm or leg. This is an act of affection and trust that many dogs will do as part of bonding with their owner. At what age will my Labrador calm down? Labrador puppies are often very energetic and playful, which can be both a delight to watch as well as an annoying disturbance in your home. While dogs will eventually calm down after maturity begins at age two year old, it may take longer for some dog than the others! Which Lab is the calmest? Yellow Labs are the sweetest and calmest, while Chocolate Labradors are thought to be little wilder than their counterparts. Can Labrador be a good guard dog? The Labrador Retriever is a well rounded dog. Loyal, dedicated and gentle despite being able to act as your guard dog in times of need. Why you should not get a Labrador? Labs are susceptible to a number of genes that cause hip dysplasia, OCD and heart problems. This is not only painful for the dog but also emotionally painful for owners because it can be costly in terms of surgery or medication. Do Labs smell bad? Their double-coated fur is made up of a dense outer layer that repels water with its oily exterior—making Labradors near perfect swimmers! What is the best way to pick a Labrador puppy? The average dog needs at least one bathroom break every 8 hours, which is times a day on the dot. How many hours does a Labrador puppy sleep? Are Labradors good for beginners? The Labrador Retriever is a very tail-wagging, active dog breed. They are especially suited to families who enjoy the outdoors and have plenty of space in their home for an energetic canine! Opting for this particular type can be a smart move if you are a first time dog owner. How often should a Labrador be bathed? A Labrador should be bathed once a month to avoid excessive dryness and skin irritation. They need the natural oils from their coat in order to live healthy lives! What Color Lab sheds least? Are Labs easy to potty train? You can begin training your new Labrador Retriever puppy where to go potty and how to communicate his needs from the moment you bring him home. What is a good Labrador hip score? If you are thinking about purchasing a Lab, make sure to buy one that has good hip scores. A Labrador with an average or low score can lead to poor physical health and even death over time. Which is the best breed of Labrador? The black Labrador is the most preferred of all Labradors and has a variety of jobs. They can be used for hunting, as pets or agility dogs. How do I know if my dog is a purebred Lab? Will a Lab attack an intruder? Do Labradors need a big backyard? Labradors are a very playful breed, which means they need plenty of space to play. This includes the size of your backyard and lots room for them to run around in! How can you tell a quality Labrador? This can help you tell whether the pup has been mixed with another type of dog breed and if it should be bred in future generations. Should I let my lab puppy sleep with me? Do you sleep with your Labrador puppy on the bed? He needs time for adjustment, independence, and knows who his dominant pack leader should be — you! Is a Labrador a big dog? Definitely not. They are medium sized dogs — the perfect size for water sports and adventuring with you! How can I keep my Lab puppy busy? Labradors are known for their high energy levels and need to get a lot of exercise each day. Can Labradors be left outside? They can, but only if you take the right precautions. First off, they will need a space that is large enough for them to roam around in and not get lost. Hope these tips help you in deciding whether or not buying a Labrador puppy is the right decision for you. Do you already own a Labrador? If so, let us know if we missed something from this article. We would love to know your thoughts. Unlike other compact breeds, Labradors are not the best choice for pets if you live in a studio apartment. Make sure you have enough space in your house for your Labrador to breathe and move around throughout the day. The Need For Daily Exercise Labradors are highly energetic dogs and require a good amount of exercise on a daily basis. They need at least two hours of physical activity every day to keep themselves fit and healthy. Before you bring home a Lab puppy, make sure that you have time for their daily exercise routine. If you skip these sessions, your pet is likely to get obese, irritable, and unhealthy. Heavy Shedding If you or anyone in your family is allergic to dog hair, bringing home a Labrador may not always be the best choice. Labrador Retrievers are moderate to heavy shedders who blow their coats twice a year. With a Lab puppy at home, you are bound to see dog hair on your couch, carpet, bed — practically everywhere. However, regular grooming sessions help you deal with excessive shedding. Slow In Growing Up It is common for Labradors to retain their youthful tendencies for a fairly long period of time. This means that you may have to deal with chewing problems and separation anxiety until they are at least fours years old. Now that you are well versed with the important benefits and considerations to keep in mind before you bring your furry friend home, reach out to us for end-to-end assistance in getting yourself some of the best Labrador puppies for sale in Bangalore. We hope you have come to a conclusion by now and are looking for a good place that has good quality labra puppy for sale in bangalore, connect with us today and avail the great services we offer. This price depends on the variety of breed you are looking for. If you need a purebred Labrador Retriever puppy, you would need to pay more than getting a crossbred puppy home. However, irrespective of the price you are willing to pay for a Labrador Retriever in Bangalore, always make sure that you deal with reliable pet stores and dog breeders in the city. Is it easy to train Labrador Retriever? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are easy to train owing to their smart and intelligent nature. They are highly alert dogs that are quick learners. Moreover, they have an innate need to impress the owners, making them learn new tricks and commands faster. To train your Labrador Retriever well, it is advisable to start with the training when they are fairly young. This will make it easier for you to inculcate specific habits within them before grow into mature dogs. Moreover, make sure that the training methods you use are positive and avoid excessive punishments while getting your Lab trained. Also, providing obedience training to your Labrador Retriever improves them as family dogs and adds to their inherent lovable nature.

With over 20 years of experience, we have shared our Labradoodle Puppies with families across this Country, and around the world. As an Authentic Australian Labradoodle Breeder, we offer our Riverbend Australian Labradoodle puppies in Miniature sizes lbs , Medium sizes 45lbs , and Standard sizes lbs. Because of our years of experience and success with our English Style Labrador Retriever Breeding Program , our Riverbend Labradoodles are stocky, heavy-boned, and have a beautiful, blocky style of head that gives them a soft, intuitive expression. We are so blessed to be involved with a fantastic Worldwide Labradoodle Breed organization, bringing together nearly Breeders from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are dedicated to protecting the breed we love so much. We are honored at the opportunity to help protect and promote the breed we love so much with our participation in these organizations. Our commitment to quality and accountability to these organizations offers peace of mind in purchasing one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we are dedicated to helping people with allergies add to their family. Our Labradoodles are known to have a laid- back, easy-going temperament, and are great family companions. They are intelligent and easy to train, and typically finish at the top of their obedience classes. Here at Riverbend, we have made it our focus to protect the health and future, while maintaining the integrity, of the Labradoodle breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to Quality, not quantity. We believe it is of utmost importance to have OFA hip, OFA elbow, ACVO eye clearances, and also breed specific health clearances, as well as Champion Quality pedigrees within all of our dogs' bloodlines, to ensure we have the healthiest Labradoodle Puppies possible. Take a look at Our Dogs. All of our Riverbend puppies are raised in our home for proper socialization and handling from birth. Our home is designed for our puppies to live with us, so we can provide a healthy environment, to build the foundation that will help them grow to their full potential. Paying attention to how a puppy grows, from the day he is born, is important for the very health and vitality of each puppy. And, we believe that the first eight weeks of a puppy's life, is of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. We share our Australian Labradoodle Puppies with loving caring families, and you can be confident that our puppies are handled continuously, are exposed to our everyday life, and everyday noises, to create a positive social experience that will enable them to become lifelong companions. We hope that you enjoy our website and find it easy to navigate, helpful, informative, and fun. If you have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic breed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We love sharing our Riverbend Labradoodles with others, and welcome all inquiries concerning them. Support an American Company and Small Business! We are confident these products are the best for your furry family member and we refuse to use anything else! I grew up with dogs in our family from a very early age, and always wanted to have a career involving dogs! I went to university to become an Elementary School Teacher and later found myself in Mansfield Ohio with my husband Marc to raise our two children. In , an opportunity to become a dog groomer presented itself, and since then I have developed a successful mobile dog grooming business serving the Mansfield, Ohio area and I decided to retire from teaching in .Our first dog together was Jasmine, a Golden Retriever. Since Jasmine, we've had a couple other wonderful dogs but our love for Labradoodles started when we purchased Layla, an F1b Labradoodle. She stole our hearts and put into motion researching the breed that turned into Providence Labradoodles. This breed is extremely clever, sociable, comical and joyful! They are energetic when free, and quiet when handled. They approach people in a happy, friendly manner and make amazing therapy and service dogs as they are keen to learn and easy to train. Their amazing qualities made it very easy to concentrate only on breeding this wonderful breed! Our puppies, like our dogs, are raised in our home with lots of human contact. Our puppies are started with a focus in socialization, constant love and a nuturing environment to ensure that they will have loving and easy-going dispositions. My goal is to provide a family with a loving companion, whether a house pet, therapy dog or service dog! It is so important to me to raise well rounded and happy puppies that will make wonderful companions. We adhere to high-quality standards when it comes to our breeding dogs. Each breeding dog is carefully chosen, tested for orthopedic conditions outlined by OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as genetic conditions prior to breeding to ensure that our puppies will be healthy. Aside from being healthy, our breeding dogs are loving, kind and have amazing temperments that will be passed down to their offspring! Our Australian Labradoodles are non-shedding, allergy-friendly, and asthma-friendly. They are sweet, smart and provide hours of entertainment! Providence Labradoodles wants the best for all involved. A well-loved, well socialized and well trained puppy promises years of delight. You can read more about our dogs and puppies on the " Meet Our Dogs " page and " Puppies " page. These puppies are a mix between Labradoodles and either an English Cocker Spaniel or an American Cocker Spaniel which means you will be getting the best of all the breeds when it comes to their coat type and temperament. Australian Labradoodles are known to be very intelligent and are one of the more popular breeds for families. Providence Labradoodles pups have playful, gentle, and calm temperaments meaning they would be a great addition to any family with children. Our puppies are all-around happy dogs that just love to be around their families.

Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler.

irish wolfhound golden retriever mix puppy - When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. 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:. 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. You might want to limit them to one or two rooms in the house at first so they can get used to everything slowly in their own time. Calming products: Plug-in diffusers that release calming pheromones can be good for the first few weeks. They can help your puppy feel more relaxed around the home — especially during those first nights! Set boundaries: Make sure your boundaries are clear from the beginning and stick to them. You can begin by socialising your puppy at home and by carrying them out and about with you. If they need to sleep and rest, give them the space to do so and encourage them to play on their own sometimes to help prevent separation problems later in life. Consider training classes: It can be a good idea to go along to training classes with your puppy, so you can let them have positive experiences with vaccinated dogs and people in a safe environment. Make sure you choose classes run by trainers who are certified or accredited and use reward based methods. For more tips, read our guide on the first day with your puppy. It's also a good idea to get your new puppy insured as soon as possible. This will help make sure they have all the cover they need in future if they fall ill or become injured. Feeding your puppy With so much choice available, it can be tricky to know what to feed your new puppy. Puppies need a particular level of nutrients compared to adults to help them grow, so finding an appropriate puppy food is essential. Speak to your vet for advice on the best puppy food for your dog to make sure you pick one that will suit their needs as they grow. You can still keep your puppy happy and entertained in lots of other ways, for example playing games or trying a puzzle feeder. Before you start exercising your puppy in the big wide world, you must make sure that their vaccinations are fully up to date, in order to keep them safe and healthy. Training your puppy Your new puppy will likely need to learn all of their skills from scratch, which means lots of basic training! Start the basics at home, such as teaching your dog recall and sit. It can help the two of you bond, and your pup will see training as a fun thing to do. One thing that most people think about when bringing their puppy home, is toilet training! Always use positive, reward-based training and never punish your puppy for toileting in the wrong place. Toilet training might take time — some pups can learn toilet training in a few months, while others might take a lot longer. 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? 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. 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.


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irish wolfhound golden retriever mix puppy - Chichi is located at the Floyd County Humane Society, VA For many months, Chichi is searching for her person after her previous owner passed away last year. She's been with us since January. We desperately need to find her people and get her into a home environment where she can relax, decompress, and finally live a life full of love, playtime, and the consistency that she needs. At about 6 yrs old, Chichi's playful spirit shines through whenever she's given a toy, or bouncing around with her bone. She is energetic and loves to play with her human friends for extended periods. And after all that fun, she'll reward you with a belly rub! She rides fantastically in the car, actually loves it! She walks pretty good on the leash, but needs some work. Her nose will take her, and you, in many directions! She is so incredibly smart and wants to please. Chichi knows 'sit' and 'wait', 'here', 'inside', 'outside', and 'ball'. She understands a lot more than we think. She will excel with basic training and consistency. Chichi would love to be a single dog in a home that is experienced with her breed, or an experienced dog owner that can handle her intensity and drive. She also would like a home with no small children or pets. We know that is a lot to ask, but if you give this amazing, sweet girl a chance she will never leave your side and will be your best friend forever. Once out of our kennels, she may be perfectly content to have a doggie door and a fenced in yard where she can run around and play with all her toys, then relax inside with you on a comfy bed or couch : Please get in touch with us for more information. Dogs are totally different when they get into a home environment and out of the kennel! If you are interested in being Chichi's guardian angel please contact us for more information or submit an adoption application available HERE. Thank you!