king poodle puppies reviews

king poodle puppies reviews - Varying Textures The links above will take you to product information and reviews on Chewy. Puppy Chew Toys From Kong Kong is a market leader who produce a wide variety of toys best known for their durability and entertainment value for puppies and dogs. You just have to make sure you get the right size for your particular breed of dog large for labs and other large breeds. Pros: Made from incredibly tough, durable rubber so is safe and will last for even the most aggressive chewers. Hollow and can be stuffed and even then frozen to keep a puppy entertained for hours as they work to get at the treats inside, with the coldness of the toy soothing for teething gums. Made in America a sign of quality some like to see! Kong Puppy Goodie Bone The shape gives your pup more chance to grip the toy and really go to town chewing, whereas many other toys can be hard for a young pup to tie down. This fact alone is a bonus. But as with many Kong toys, the standout feature of this chew toy is you can stuff tasty treats in each end of the bone to keep your puppy happy for a good length of time. If stuffed then frozen — and we recommend you sometimes you do — it can relieve the pain of inflamed gums while teething. Available in blue and pink. Made in America. So — rotate the toys! Pros: Easy for a puppy to hold in place for a good chewing session. Fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids. Another bone shaped toy, though this time from Nylabone, another big player in the pet toy market. Pros: Made from a soft material designed to be kind on puppies teeth, yet tough enough to be durable and long-lasting, suitable to be left alone with a puppy in their crate. Textured with numerous different surface shapes that keep a chewing pooch happy as well as clean their teeth. Can be stiffed and frozen for an interactive chewing session while soothing gums. Cons: Not so great for the most aggressive of chewers who some people have reported make short work of this toy. This is the second toy from Nylabone featured in our roundup. A fun, textured, chain link style toy that has many features to keep a puppy engaged, entertained and happy chewing for hours. Made from material soft enough for a chewing puppy, yet strong enough to withstand aggressive and sustained chewing. During chewing, bristles raise on the toy that help to keep teeth clean and healthy. Cons: Hard to find any — But perhaps the fact it cannot be stuffed with treats is a negative compared to the toys above? Another classic and extremely popular puppy toy from brand leader Nylabone, the puppy key-ring has many good features going for it: Pros: Soft enough for enjoyable chewing, strong enough to withstand it. Lots of moving parts that make a sound when shaken — and toys that make ANY sound are always more preferable and fun for a puppy. Irregular shapes and textures provide choices of different surfaces and feelings while chewing. After some chewing, raised bristles are released that clean teeth to help dental health. Small enough to throw and multiple holding points make it an interactive toy, useful for gentle games of tug or fetch. Not a toy that can be stuffed with treats though variety is good! To overcome these two cons, just make sure to rotate the toys, variety is key! Pros: Made from a tough Nylon material so will outlast most other chew toys. A unique and interesting, patented wishbone design that really appeals to puppies as a break from the norm. Easy for a puppy to hold down with their paws for some really concentrated occupational chewing sessions. Flavored with either one of two things dogs like the best: Bacon or peanut butter. Puppies go mad for these! Strong enough to be left alone with a puppy unsupervised — they will not be able to tear chunks off it. Cons: Made of nylon, it is a little harder than most other chew toys on this page. NOTE: This toy is bacon or peanut butter flavored, but it is not an edible toy. This toy is a great one for throwing, fantastic for tug, a great item to chew on and the perfect toy to rotate in and out of use to keep your puppy interested in the right things. This toy is also vet recommended an approved, made from luggage material, plastic and an outer soft fleece. Pros: Extremely tough and long lasting. A great toy for teaching retrieving. Flying discs are a great toy to start games of fetch with. It floats so can be used on water. Available in a wide variety of shapes colors to suit every taste Cons: Mixed views in the customer feedback regarding the durability of the toy, with some saying their dogs made short work of it. I recommend this toy for puppies with whom it will last for ages, but for an aggressive chewing adult there are better options you can find by clicking here. With a small investment in some of the best teething toys for puppies featured above, you can keep their teeth on appropriate items and away from your household items. Choosing a good selection of the right toys can keep your sanity and your home intact! During this 4 to 5 month period the urge to chew is as all consuming as it is entirely natural. They simply have to. Much like a human baby finds relief with chew toys while teething, so must a puppy. Knowing this, if you provide a suitable outlet for their needs in the shape of fun puppy teething toys, you can keep their chewing away from your soft furnishings and family heirlooms. If your puppy is faced with the choice of either specialized teething toys that are more fun, relieving and ultimately fulfilling to chew on in comparison to your household items, they will always — OK, mostly — aim for their toys. Their needs are met more precisely and there will be no destruction and cost for you to deal with. A win-win. What To Look For in the Best Toys for Teething Puppies While teething, the urge to chew comes from the fact that the very act of chewing relieves the pressure of all these new teeth breaking out through and hurting their gums. Furthermore, we want a toy with some durability or we will forever be spending on new ones and, of course, we must always have safety at the forefront of our minds. It must be soft enough to feel like prey, to keep their interest in it high, and so they continue to use the toy. We need to find a good middle ground between softness and durability. Must Be Shatter-Proof and Must Not Break Into Pieces It is a sad fact that many dogs and puppies die every year from choking on or by ingesting small objects — and fragments or small pieces that have broken off from cheap or unsuitable toys are high on this list. So a suitable toy must be shatter proof and made from material that your puppy is unable to tear small pieces away from. Otherwise costly surgery — or worse — could be the result. Try Different Shapes and Textures Different dogs have different likes and dislikes. A toy one puppy goes mad for might be completely shunned by another. Familiarity leads to boredom. With a few toys at your disposal you can rotate them in and out of use. Make sure the toys you buy are appropriately sized for the breed. Why, chewing on something that tastes simply great of course! Many teething toys are edible these days though still long-lasting , and many more can be stuffed with goodies that will keep your puppy entertained for hours as they try to work out the treats out. Invest in tasty chews, not to use all the time, but to mix in for use now and then. These will become highly valued toys that your puppy will truly look forward to. Some will last just 5 minutes, some your puppy will simply turn their nose up at, and others can be downright dangerous! They can be very easy for your puppy to tear apart and if your pooch eats the squeaker it can be very dangerous indeed! Make sure all toys are BPA free: BPA is a harmful chemical found in some cheaper toys, and studies have shown it to be toxic in even small quantities. Avoid at all costs. This carries a little extra cost. Small breeds need far smaller toys than puppies from large breeds. Rule of thumb: Make sure the toy is larger than they can fit whole in their mouth. If you give your puppy edible toys, you should supervise their chewing. No need to watch them like a hawk, but at least be in the same room so you can hear if they get into trouble. Some puppies may try to swallow too large a piece and get it stuck. You want to be there to help. Avoid anything that looks like household items: If you buy your puppy a cute rubber slipper to chew on, guess what will happen when they cannot find it? Try popping toys in the freezer: A nice, cold toy to chew on is just the thing to help relieve the pain of inflamed gums when a puppy is teething. A teething puppy will choose this over your belongings in a heartbeat. Interactive dog toys keep a pup entertained: There are many toys that can be stuffed with treats , are edible themselves or give a puppy a job to do in order to get a treat. These can be truly addictive for a puppy, working hard and feeling rejoiced after being paid of with their reward! This has absolutely no effect on the eventual price that you pay and we are very grateful for your support. 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. Durability and material quality are crucial factors. Look for ones made from durable rubber or hard nylon materials. They must have been tested against aggressive chewers like our beloved Labs. Kong Toy uses natural rubber, which offers toughness while gentle on sensitive teething gums. Another popular option is rope toys made from fibrous material with multiple knots. Durable toys help clean puppy teeth and provide a satisfying chewing experience. It is the best thing for a teething puppy. Very young puppies under six months old benefit from small or medium-sized toys. Later you can upgrade to a bigger, appropriate toy for adult teeth. The best chew toy texture should provide comfort. Soft materials like plush toys can offer relief for sore gums. Harder rubber or nylon-based items such as Kong Puppy Toys and Nylabone chews work great for large breeds. Keep in mind how determined young puppies can be! It minimizes the possible ingestion of harmful materials. Even hard chew toys need supervision. Discard damaged items immediately. Select toys that can withstand their powerful bites. What is the best teething dog toy for a 6-month-old puppy? The soft Kong Toy is made explicitly for puppies. You can also fill it with treats for additional fun. What can I give my week-old puppy to chew? At what age do Lab puppies stop chewing on everything? The intense chewing phase usually ends by the sixth month in Lab puppies. Puppies also go through a stage like humans. They lose their old teeth and experience pain when the new teeth arrive. What is the best chew toy for a dog? These are the very best teething toys for dogs. What is a good daily chew for dogs? It is designed for active dogs and is good for a daily chew. What are safe chew toys for puppies? They are non-toxic and provide the highest quality safety standards. What do vets recommend for puppy toys for teething? They are produced using quality materials and promote healthy development. What are the best chew toys for puppies? Hard nylon toys from brands like Nylabone and Kong are some of the best ones. They come in several shapes and sizes. They are fun and easy to carry around and chewing. What are the best things for a teething puppy to chew on? Edible things like bully sticks, pig ears, pigskin rolls, rawhide bones, etc. However, dogs can choke if they bite off these edible chews. Rubber chew toys are best for Labradors and most dogs. It is the safest option. Choose toys that can stand firm against the aggressive Labrador chewing. What are some good teething toys for puppies like labs? Chewing keeps the jaws solid and puppy teeth clean. Labradors love to chew sticks, bones, and anything else available. Dog chew toys are excellent for fun, physical and mental stimulation and anxiety. What dogs teething toy is best for 8-week-old puppies? Softer toys are ideal for young puppies. They are yet to chew at their full potential and destroy the toy. Soft Chews like Kong Toys are perfect for puppies of about 8 weeks. Even softer rubber puppy version toys work great What is best for teething puppies to chew on? Should Lab puppies chew sticks? Long-term chewing can cause further wear and tear and pain. It is because they are not designed for chewing. Labradors are s heavy chewers. Even for adult dogs, ensure they have ample toys for entertainment for their adult teeth needs exercise. Look for durable rubber toys, as Labs can be aggressive. Are Labradors strong chewers? Labs are vigorous power chewers. They can destroy the average toy in minutes. Labrador puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 4 months old and the process is usually complete by 7 months old. The first baby teeth to fall out are usually incisors, the canines, and the premolars. The molars are the last to fall out. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. Type And Materials The material used to make dog toys affects their safety and durability. It makes it long-lasting enough even for rough play. Always check labels on stuffed toys to ensure they meet safety standards and do not contain dangerous fillings. It provides a gentle chewing experience promoting dental health without choking. Safety And Durability Labs are powerful chewers. Find toys made from high-quality materials like durable nylon bones or sturdy rubber. The best dog toys will stand up to their strong jaws without breaking into small pieces. Teething chew toys should be gentle on their developing gums but tough enough to endure the constant gnawing. Avoid thin rubber squeaky-type toys because they can easily break apart or get swallowed. Quality And Price As a devoted dog owner, you might be tempted to buy the most affordable dog toys. However, balance quality and price when choosing toys for your labrador retriever. Investing in top-notch Lab puppy toys ensures you get long-lasting products. Choose toys with different textures and shapes, as the same toy can become boring. Pick toys that are easy to clean and avoid toys with small parts. Puppies have different chew strengths than adult dogs. Therefore, teething toys will work well for puppies. Durable rope or tug toys are also appropriate for young adult dogs. Soft durable rubber balls or puzzle treat dispensers cater to mental and physical stimulation. They keep the puppy entertained in safe ways. Invest in rope and woven toys with knotted ends perfect for tug-of-war games. They offer interesting textures to chew on and keep the pet busy. Besides, textures like ribbed rubber or bumpy surfaces can stimulate their senses. Opt for machine-washable toys that can easily be wiped down with soap and water. An easy-to-clean toy is the Kong Classic Dog Toy. Made of durable rubber, it can be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning. Another option is rope toys. They can be thrown into the washing machine and dried afterward. Lab pups are instinctive to chew on things, so choose appropriate toys. It had a small hole in the surface. The toy got stuck in his throat, and thankfully, they could remove it before any serious harm. Interactive And Mental Stimulation Toys For Lab Puppies Labrador puppies need interactive and mental stimulation toys to keep them entertained and engaged. But the best part? It is made from durable materials and is a safe puppy toy. Not only will your growing puppy be entertained, but also improve their cognitive abilities! My own Lab puppy loves this toy — it has become his go-to whenever he wants some fun playtime. The Sensory Ball Toy is a popular toy used for sensory stimulation. This interactive toy keeps your puppy interested with different textures, colors, scents and tastes. This ball promotes physical activity while improving mental health. Its chew-resistant design and high-quality materials can withstand even aggressive dog chews. Hol-ee Roller can also be used as a treat dispenser puzzle ball. It provides extra entertainment and mental fitness for your pup. This dog treats dispensing ball provides mental stimulation and rewards during playtime. This innovative toy is included in the 29 best interactive dog toys list. While providing a mix of mental stimulation and rewards, note that this may not be suitable for all puppies. The squeaky feature will keep your dog entertained and engaged as they figure out how to access it. Kong is world-renowned for its best dog toys, providing natural enrichment and play. One popular option among pet parents is filling Kong toys with peanut butter as a happy distraction for their dogs. This ball is made from a tough and flexible material, making it perfect for a game of dog soccer. Since balls are versatile, they also provide opportunities for fetching, gnawing, bouncing, pawing, and chasing fun! We have curated a list of the best puppy toys for Lab at weeks old, months old, and months old. Puppies at this age explore the world through their mouths and chew on anything they can access. Providing them with specific puppy toys that cater to their chewing instincts soothes their gums and provides mental stimulation. Safety is key during this stage, so avoid small parts or loose threads that may pose choking hazards. Encourage socialization through interactive ball play or gentle tug-of-war games with a teething toy. They may also start teething heavily during this time. Puzzle treat toys keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated while promoting healthy teeth growth. Sensory balls like the Chuckit! Ultra Ball or Hol-ee Roller can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. They add different shapes and textures to playtime. They may have a higher play drive and require many toys that can withstand rougher play sessions. Ropes are a great option. Interactive puzzle games will be highly beneficial as your Lab becomes more intelligent. During the month-old stage, continue supervising chew toy usage as adult teeth start replacing puppy ones between months old. FAQ on best puppy toys for labs What can 8-week-old puppies chew on? At 8 weeks old, puppies are teething and need safe chew toys to relieve discomfort. Soft rubber, nylon, and rope toys are good options for your chewing puppy. Avoid giving them anything that can break into small pieces and pose a choking hazard. What do Labradors like the most? Labradors are known for their love of food and play. They enjoy activities like retrieving, swimming, and playing fetch. They also love spending time with their humans and receiving attention and affection. At what age do Labrador puppies calm down? Labrador puppies can be high-energy and excitable, but they typically start to calm down around years. However, every dog is different; some may remain energetic well into their senior years. What toy should I give to my puppy? Choose something safe and durable that they can chew on and play with. Soft rubber puppy toys, chew bones, and puzzle and interactive dog toys are good options. What should I get my puppy to chew on? Puppies need safe and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Look for soft rubber or nylon toys, specifically for teething puppies. How do you stimulate a Labrador puppy? Labrador puppies are intelligent and energetic. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks keep them engaged and stimulated. How do you entertain a lab puppy? Labrador puppies need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay entertained. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks can help keep them engaged and stimulated. Are Labs clingy dogs? Labradors are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They often form strong bonds with their humans. While they may enjoy spending time with their dog owners, they are generally not considered clingy dogs. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. What is a dog chew toy, and does your dog need one? When it comes to dogs, there are two distinct chewing personalities: 1. It takes a lot of chewing for a nibbler to destroy a toy. Destroyers — These destructive dogs aggressively bite and tear into their toys. They will sit and work the toy over and over until it finally breaks. A destroyer can crunch through most dog toys in under an hour. Destroyers are the most difficult dogs to find toys for. Their powerful jaws dish out serious damage. Many owners find themselves buying toy after toy, only to have their dog chew it to pieces in minutes — those costs soon add up! As you might have guessed, a chew toy is the ideal dog toy for destroyers. Typically made from rubber, chew toys are often more expensive than other dog toys. However, they make up for this by lasting considerably longer than toys that were not designed with destroyers in mind — saving you money in the long run. Another way chew toys save you money is on vet bills. Any dog toy that breaks into pieces poses a choking hazard to your dog. Even worse, if your dog eats any small bits, then that could lead to intestinal blockage. Buying the right chew toy is a balancing act. But a chew toy that is easy to destroy means playtime ends too quickly. It is for this reason that people who look for an indestructible chew toy are constantly disappointed. Too hard, and your dog will reject it, or worse, break a tooth. Too soft, and it will be easily torn into pieces. We have you covered — check out the best chew toys we reviewed later in this guide. But as you know, if your dog is an aggressive chewer, then a good chew toy is a must. Not only will it keep your tough pup entertained for hours at a time, but it also beats your dog chewing on your furniture! How to pick a safe chew toy for your dog Does your dog gnaw on his chew toy for hours at a time? Too much of a good thing can be harmful. And chewing is no exception, especially if your dog loves the following… Rawhide Bones Wood and sticks Many owners love these hard chew toys. And I can see why — they are incredibly long-lasting. The solid surface holds strong even when being crunched by sharp teeth and powerful jaws. In fact, these hard chews can give your pooch weeks or even months of chewing fun. Each year, dog dentists and vets see hundreds of cases of chipped, fractured, and broken teeth. The cause? These rock-solid chew toys. But problems with teeth are not the only issues brought on by gnawing on unsafe chew toys. Overly hard chew toys, like bones and antlers, can splinter. Thousands of destructive dogs aggressively chew on these products every day without issue. Will your dog be okay? So, what makes a safe chew toy for your dog? We asked four different veterinarians for their opinions… All agreed that the safest chew toys for dogs should have some give. Each had their own suggestion on how to determine if a chew toy is hard enough to be unsafe. Sara, our veterinary consultant, says that if you can tap your knee with it and it hurts, then the toy is too hard. Other veterinarians recommended the fingernail method. Interestingly, there was one chew toy that the veterinarians were divided on… Nylon bones. It is for this reason that we recommend you speak with your own veterinarian before choosing to give your pup a nylon bone. On the flip side, chew toys that are too soft can also be dangerous. Softer toys are easier to chew to pieces. In the heat of the moment, your dog could swallow a piece of the broken toy. If your pup is unlucky, this could cause an intestinal blockage or even choking to death! Finally, pay attention to the size of the chew toy. This will prevent your pooch from accidentally swallowing or choking during a chewing session. So erring on the side of caution, all our top picks in this review are soft enough that you can press into them with your fingernail. However, we include a nylon bone recommendation for those with super-aggressive chewers who want a harder option. For those of you who are looking for a toy made of wood, check out our review of wood chew toys for dogs. Remember: No matter what chew toy you pick, monitor play closely and remove it from your dog once it shows signs of wear. The best dog chew toys In our hunt for the best, we tested and reviewed over 80 different chew toys. It was a long journey, but we eventually narrowed them down to the 6 best chew toys for dogs. When it came to tough chew toys, one reigned king. In fact, this brand of chew toy won 4 out of the 6 categories — nothing else came close. The chew toys this company makes right here in America are nothing short of amazing. No other rubber chew toy lasted longer. While Goughnuts makes a range of different toys, such as a big rubber chew stick. However, we found their rubber rings to be the most durable. The round ring moves around as your dog gnaws and plays. This prevents your dog from chewing the same spot over and over — spreading out the wear. Hidden inside these rings is a red rubber core. This is a safety feature not found on any other chew toy we reviewed. To show you what this looks like, we cut one of the Goughnuts rings with a saw… There is no missing that bright red center. Even using a saw, it required a bit of muscle to cut through the ring — the rubber is impressively durable. Do you see red? Mail your broken chew toy back to Goughnuts along with a check for return postage , and they will send you a new one. The toughest chew toy and amazing customer service too? Standard — A heavy-duty chew toy. Depending on the size, it is available in multiple colors. And they float in water. These stronger chew toys can be identified by their all-black appearance marked with a single yellow dot. These do not float in water. After hundreds of hours of reviewing, I recommend starting with the standard Goughnuts chew toy instead. Especially if you are new to heavy-duty chew toys. Even without the extra carbon, these are already the toughest chew toys on the market. The reason I suggest this is that the 50 version is considerably harder and heavier. As I discussed earlier, many dogs prefer a chew toy with a good amount of give. The Goughnuts 50 range is hard enough that, unless your pup is a super-aggressive or powerful breed, he may reject the toy. If your dog does manage to gnaw his way through a standard Goughnuts chew toy, then upgrade. Fortunately, the Goughnuts guarantee allows you to swap up to the 50 version — all you need to do is pay the difference in price. It is also worth mentioning that new Goughnuts toys give off a noticeable rubber smell, kind of like a car tire. They are made of rubber, after all. Luckily, this smell soon faded to the point where my friend and I only noticed it if we held the chew toy under our noses. Perhaps my only complaint is that when shopping online, it can be difficult to tell the Goughnuts toys apart. Each size and version look very similar, and it can be easy to buy the wrong size for your pup. That is not a problem for you because we list the Goughnuts rings that are best for your pup according to size. Freezable and edible chews Chewing on objects is a normal part of growing up for puppies. Pups experience the world with their mouths, and get relief from teething by chewing. Here are some of our top choices when it comes to the best chew toys for puppies. Safety First Because your dog will be chewing on it, the best teething toys for puppies are durable and non-toxic. Inexpensive toys may be tempting for budget conscious folks, but cheaply-made pet toys can contain toxins like BPA or even lead in some cases! The poor durability of these cheaply made pet toys means they can result in pain for your pup. A few could even cause serious damage if your pup ingests pieces. Ideally those with lots of positive reviews from conscienscious puppy owners. And come to think of it, which brands are we referring to? Hard Chews Hard nylon toys like Nylabones give pups something to safely bite and tug on. This starter pack includes two of the best chew toys for teething puppies. A hard nubbed chew toy that rubs the gums to ease pain during teething, and softer bone for the youngest chewers. Keeping them entertained for a long time and helping them to chill out too. Rubber Kongs are considered the go-to chew toy by many dog lovers, but the standard sizes are likely too big for little puppy mouths. Fortunately they also do some great small puppy chews. The open center is perfect for holding treats like peanut butter and a couple hours in the freezer turns these into perfect frozen puppy teething toys. Puppy Kongs can take a good chewing, and stand up to even the most powerful puppy. It is also great for active play between pup and their owner. The Kong Goodie Bone is a perfect tug-of-war toy. It is made in the USA of nontoxic natural rubber. They are good for chewing sessions with our without treats. The super durable rubber holds up to puppies that already have some power to their bite. The tire shape is tons of fun for puppy to flip with his paws and mouth. Elk Antler Hard puppy toys can be great for teething puppies too. Probably the small or medium. It is a great, natural way to keep your chewy puppy happy. This makes the chewing and treating last longer. It is also soothing to teething gums in small puppies. This toy can be filled with kibble or treats to engage your pup in active play. They have plenty of places for grabbing hold, and can help to keep their teeth clean too. These fun toys are also great for games of tug. This set of four different ropes is perfect for teething pups. They are very hard and take pups a long time to chew through. Great for keeping busy jaws occupied! They are digestible and a good alternative to rawhide too. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. For example, a lab puppy will need toys to chew on - or rather, to destroy! Fortunately for you, we've put together a list of the top seven best chew toys that'll have your lab pup chewing their way through hours of enjoyment. Note: We're not saying this is the only list you could consult - in fact, it's just our opinion on the best options out there right now. And, if you're looking for a more general list of the top toys for lab puppies, then be sure to check out our Best Dog Toys listing. Kong Wobbler Cube Dog Toy 2. Chuckit balls 4. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy 6. Dog Dental Chew Toy Bone 7. This toy is great for pups who like to chew on their toys without destroying them in seconds, as the soft and flexible design makes it easy for your lab to chew without doing any damage. However, keep in mind that if your pup really likes to tear up their toys, then the softer Nylabone Chew Toy may not be the best choice. This toy is better suited to pups who are still learning to chew, or who just want something they can play with and enjoy safely. This toy has a natural rubber bone design to help encourage your pup's chewing, while also giving them something to gnaw on while they play. The unique design makes this a great toy for your lab pup, as they can use it to chew while they play with their toys. Plus, the toy can be filled with treats or peanut butter if you want to give your pup something extra special to chew on! This toy is made to help increase your pup's oral health, which will make sure that their teeth are protected from infection and sickness. The unique design also allows you to choose how durable this toy is, making it easy for you to buy the perfect level of strength for your pup. And, the brand is known for making great products that dogs certainly can't destroy, which is a definite bonus for pups who are still learning to chew. The unique design is great for pups who like to be left alone with a toy and a snack, as the opening means that you can fill it up with treats for your pup to enjoy. The soft material makes it easy for your lab to play with, and there are also no small parts that could get caught in their mouths. This makes this toy a great choice for any pup looking to enjoy an afternoon with some snacks and fun playtime! This ball is precisely designed to be easy for small dogs to pick up and throw around - even pups who are young puppies. This makes it a great toy for interactive playtimes with your lab pup, who will enjoy playing with their ball and fetching it back over and over again. If your lab puppy likes to chase, then they'll certainly love this toy! And, the unique design helps them to play on land or in water, meaning you can take the ball wherever you want - whether you're on a vacation or an energetic morning jog. This toy is specifically designed to help dogs with sore teeth, which can be incredibly painful for your pup. The unique design means that your lab can chew on this toy without getting its teeth caught on anything it shouldn't have - making it a great choice for any dog who's just beginning to teethe. The soft and flexible material used in this toy makes it a perfect choice for any doggy playtime, as well - especially if your pup has a ton of energy! This piece of chewing equipment has a soft, flexible body design that's perfect for your puppy to chew on and dig into. The unique design is not only safe for your pup to play with, but it also helps to keep its teeth healthy and clean. This toy is also dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean after your pup has chewed on it for a few days straight. And, the entire thing can be easily frozen to make the Kong Wobbler an even more exciting plaything for your lab. A great choice for all doggy playtimes. The Bottom Line Hopefully, one of these top 7 best chew toys for labs has found a place in your pup's daily routine and has made it into their daily toy rotation. But, if your pup is more destructive than average, then you may want to take a look at our list of the best chew toys for puppies as well. Either way, we're sure that you'll find something to suit your doggy's needs. And, if your pup is still too young to chew on toys, then don't worry! It is not a luxury. A tough chew toy for your Labrador is essential. The chew toy is important because it will provide comfort in times of anxiety, help curb certain problem behaviors, and fight boredom which will help curb behavior problems. When Looking for a Long-Lasting Chew Toy The most important thing you need to consider when you are looking for an indestructible chew toy is the safety of your dog. Chew—Chew—Chew Here are some of the considerations that you will need to keep in mind when looking for the perfect chew toy: Proper size—toys that are too small can be swallowed Where will your dog play with the chew toy? We were on a trip and I did not want him to get bored on the way. So, I gave him the rawhide to chew while we were in the car. He was in the back and by the time we got to where we were going, my dog had choked to death. I know they put the choking hazard warning on the rawhide packages, but I always thought it was one of those things that would probably never happen. Boy, was I wrong. It was a terrible way to start a Thanksgiving vacation. I have never forgotten it, and I have never purchased rawhide chew treats since that day. Like most marketing ploys, you cannot take their claims at face value. The best advice to ask other people what kind of chew toys they prefer with their Lab. Avoid These Chew Toys at all Costs! The danger of choking increases anytime a toy that is big enough for your dog goes up as soon as they start tearing pieces off. Stuffed toys are more than a huge mess waiting to happen. Never buy one of these types of toys for your Lab. Chances are, that your dog will have the toy reduced to a pile of dirt and stuffing before you can make amends. You should also avoid toys made of vinyl, leather, or latex. Each of these materials will shred under the voracious chewing of a determined Lab. The dangers become even more serious when the toy comes with a squeaker inside. Most Labs will find the squeaker and destroy the toy in the process. The squeaker then becomes a drop of rain or a flash in the pan. Flossy-Fibrous Rope Chew Toys for Labradors Close up of a cute yellow labrador puppy playing with a green tennis ball in the grass outdoors. The additional benefit of dental hygiene is one of the reasons why I put these kinds of toys at the top of my list. I think this is bad dog behavior in any situation and try to discourage everyone I know from it. So, here goes my plug. The Cotton threads are washable—which is important because dog toys tend to get stinky and dirty when you mix dog slobber and dirt. Hard Plastic Chew Toys are a Close Second After the rope toys, there is no such thing as a truly indestructible, everlasting chew toy for your Labrador. There are, however, some toys that will last a few months rather than a few moments. These will not last the life of your dog, but you buddy will get some good use before you have to buy another one. Most of these toys come in unique shapes and sizes. This gives your dog the thrill of the chase when you play catch. The extremely durable rubber is designed to last longer with determined chewers like Labrador Retrievers. If your dog is engaged with something like the Kong Extreme toy, he will not be chewing up your favorite boots! The only reservation I have with these toys is the possibility of a piece tearing off and becoming a choking hazard for your dog. Make sure you quickly check the condition of the toy at the beginning and the end of each play session. If you see any evidence that the integrity of the toy is spoiled and pieces could start coming off, discard the toy. Antlers as a Chew Toy Option I am seeing more of these toys on the shelves and I know my dog loves them. I let her chew on two deer sheds that I found on a walk through the woods near our house. The antler chew toys lasted her longer than typical toys that claimed indestructibility. I include the new brands of horn chews treats in this category as well. Although they are meant to be treats, they seem to last a long time. In fact, I was initially worried about the calories in these treats, but I realized that the intake was going to be spread over several days or even a week or longer. However, I have one concern with the antler option for chew toys because I recently decided to see if I can get Lady ready to retrieve sheds next season. It will shake up our training regimen this winter. I am worried that letting her chew on them might encourage her to treat antlers like chew toys up in the mountains. I am doing a little more research on this topic. And the Winners are…. Some say that this is the most durable of all dog chew toys. In fact, if you are constantly surprised by how fast your dog destroys your stuff—it will shock you how long this toy will stick around. This toy is a favorite of the police, drug enforcement, and military K-9 trainers. Now that is a pretty good endorsement of toughness! AKC trainers are also found of this toy because of its durability. Like the Wobbler see 5 , you can stuff this toy with treats. Your dog will be mentally challenged with the effort to shake out more goodies. You will be fighting boredom and hunger at the same time. This toy can be used to help a young dog that is suffering from some separation anxiety. Because it is made of rubber, it is very bouncy. This makes it great for an interactive playtime toy to interact with your puppy or grown dog. The shape of the KONG Extreme will provide unexpected bounces that will keep your dog chasing it all afternoon. This ring is made of solid rubber. The Goughnuts chew ring is a little more expensive than any of the other chew toys I have recommended here but is an extremely durable and well-made piece of doggy playtime. If you want a little extra durability, consider the MAXX .This definitely gets on the list for one of the best chew toys for Labradors. This way he will grab the ring at a different place every time and thus extend the life of the chew toy overall. If you notice any red while examining the ring, you know that it is damaged and should be replaced. You already know that the rope is going to act like a daily floss for your puppy. Any quality rope chew toy makes playtime healthy time. If your little puppy is experiencing a sore mouth because she is teething, soak the rope part of this toy in cool water to offer a little relief. Her favorite chew toy just became her favorite ice pack. In addition to the rope, this toy comes with a section of a water buffalo horn. These are grass-fed animals and the horns have no preservative or additional chemical gunk. Chewing on this bone will provide additional minerals that your puppy needs. You fill it with the doggy kibble of your choice and then let your Lab go to town trying to get his favorite snacks out. It is bigger than the typical KONG products, but it is still made from the same incredible rubber as the rest of their dog toys. Your Lab will love this toy. The tails are great for playing catch. The nylon covering makes it easy to clean when it gets dirty and nasty. The crazy shape of the head will get this goofy looking toy bouncing all over your yard. Your dog will love the action and he will go crazy in delight chasing this thing all over. It is a great fetch toy. My reservations about this toy must do with the fact that it has a squeaker and could entice your Lab to aggressively chew even more intensely to get to the noise maker. This one is no different. The knot on this toy is about the size of a fist. I also mentioned that I am not in favor of every playing tug-a-war with dogs. Consistency is an important part of training a dog. I mention this because the shape of the rope will lend itself to tugging back and forth. They really hold up in the face of consistent chewing. The Goodie Bone is just as tough and resilient as any of the other things we have reviewed from this company. It may be a little too big for your younger puppies to carry around, but even the little guys will love chewing on this toy. You can stuff KONG treats at either end of the bone. Some people have said that this bone lasted them over two years. The colors will stand out in about any situation unless you throw it into a pile of leaves. That way you will be less likely to lose it. This will help with tartar buildup and bad doggy breath. Although this will not last as long as some of the other toys I have listed here, the dental benefit makes this a great chew toy for Labradors. The Stuff-A-Ball comes in various sizes. If you are looking for a chew toy for Labrador Retrievers, make sure you get large or x-large. Make sure you check this ball regularly for cracks or other evidence that it might be breaking down. I am a fan of this because of the rope. Labs love packing their toys around in their mouth. This toy will give them hours of fun.

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king poodle puppies reviews - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Categories Dog Training German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence, strength, and bravery. And although they are the third smartest dog breed, owners may wonder if this helps with training. German Shepherds are incredibly easy to train. As a highly intelligent breed, GSDs will learn fast and retain their learning with ease. Our guide walks you through all you need to know about how easy German Shepherds are to train. With this knowledge and a little bit of effort, you can have a wonderful companion trained to perfection. Read on to learn more. The GSD has one of the highest marks when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. And how exactly do we measure it in dogs? The term was originally coined by famed canine psychologist and researcher, Stanley Coren. This term essentially measures how quickly a dog learns commands, in addition to how well a dog can retain their obedience training. The correlation of fast-learning and intelligence has some merit. In fact, Coren believed that German Shepherds are just very eager to work and please their handler. After all, German Shepherds are premier working dogs. And because of their excellent brains, these large dogs tend to respond quickly to organized and efficient training. As a result, this is the reason why they excel in so many jobs, from police dogs to therapy dogs. Their loyalty and intelligence combine to create a dog that not only loves to learn, but can do so quickly and most effectively. And of course, German Shepherds are no exception. And while most German Shepherds are generally easy to train, this can vary and will depend on you and the dog. Fortunately, many of these factors are within your control. Training a German Shepherd early on will make it easier In general, the sooner you start training a German Shepherd, the better and easier it will go. A young GSD puppy will likely be easier to train than an older one without any training. And this holds true for all dog breeds. Though puppies might have a shorter attention span , they can still pick up on training early on. Socialization Training While owners might be tempted to skip to potty training or teaching their German Shepherd the basic commands, socialization should come first. There is a reason why you should immediately look into socialization training. The crucial window for socializing your puppy arrives quickly around weeks. During this time, they are more curious and willing to explore or interact. Without this solid social foundation, training a German Shepherd in other areas can be a bit harder. A GSD that is not socialized will generally be more anxious, and they will have a hard time learning when other people or animals are present. Fortunately, socializing a German Shepherd puppy is far from a difficult task. Their naturally confident temperament helps them engage in social encounters from a young age. With some effort and a consistent plan, you should have no trouble with this part of training your German Shepherd. This is especially important if you have carpets or rugs. With their higher intelligence, they can make connections quicker. So you could have success in potty training your German Shepherd from about twelve weeks of age. Still, there will be a learning curve and it can take several weeks before you see results. During this time, accidents will be bound to happen. Simply clean up. They might just not have full control of their bladder. What is important is to show patience and be warm rather than getting frustrated. Yes, cleaning carpets can be a pain. But patience will pay off in the long run with a well-adjusted GSD who is well trained. However, many would argue that these are generally the least important part of training your German Shepherd. Even so, obedience training in general is still very important. And without it, they can develop aggressive tendencies. But it still demands some time. In fact, it might be best to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy obedience class to lay a solid foundation. But German Shepherds are easy to train when it comes to commands. And you can incorporate this type of training at the same time as socializing or potty training your dog. With their sharp minds, German Shepherd puppies might even start picking up simple commands from as young as seven week. Like the other forms of training, patience and consistency will be key. And lots of treats! German Shepherds may be a brilliant dog, but a reward will always go a long way in helping them learn any command or trick. In some cases, your German Shepherd is adopted or a rescue dog. After all, they are still going to be wicked smart dogs. Instead, what it means is that their training should take into account their history. Just like humans, a GSD picks up most of their habits and develop their personality while younger. If any training is new for them, it may be more difficult. And despite popular belief, an older German Shepherd can certainly change, learn new habits, and alter its behavior. However, you will need to work with what came before. So if you are adopting or rescuing a German Shepherd, it will be crucial to learn as much about their previous experiences. This information might end up being thin, but every little bit will help when it comes to training your dog. For example, if you are adopting a German Shepherd from a friend, they might already be potty trained and all, but maybe they never experienced learning commands. Also, a rescue dog might have had some difficult times in its life. So it might naturally be a bit more anxious or wary, which can make training move a bit slower. In any case, training should not be impossible. It is just a matter of adapting and working with your German Shepherd to best suit their needs. Picking the right method and showing consistency With the right and proper methods, German Shepherds are undeniably easy to train. But consistency and technique will still be crucial factors. These will vary slightly depending on the type of training you want your German Shepherd to have. But consistency and routine will always be in your favor. The less you change factors while training your German Shepherd, the better things will go. Below we have put together a list of some of the most important aspects to include in any training regimen for your German Shepherd. Rewards Instead of Punishment: Dogs and any animals, including humans respond far better to reward than to punishment. Whether this is a treat, encouraging words or praise, or more playtime. Punishment tends only to have the opposite effect and works counter to training. Consistency and Calm: Try keeping all elements of your training as consistent as possible, and designed to put your dog at ease. A relaxed German Shepherd that knows it is training time will learn faster. Maintain Authority: Jumping, nipping, and biting need to be nipped themselves. By being authoritative from square one, your dog will act with more obedience and respond better to your efforts. Inconsistency in rules or expectations will only serve to confuse your German Shepherd. Choose a Good Name: Tempting as it may be to give your dog a rolling, lengthy name, they respond best to short names with strong endings. Your approach and attitude can make training easier In many ways, German Shepherds are easy to train. How an owner approaches training will play a large role. If you approach training your dog with some compassion and understanding, you are headed in the right direction. If you maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate patience, your German Shepherd will respond far better than if you do the opposite. That will only make them more stressed out. Equally important is to work with your German Shepherd, and not train at it. Training may take time and effort, but it will ultimately be rewarding for both you and your German Shepherd. Let us know how your experience was with training your German Shepherd. Share in the comments below if you picked up on any extra-helpful tips or tricks to train your German Shepherd. Here are all the things to consider when bringing these big dogs into a small home. Plus, extra training tips for the special situation. The good news is that German Shepherds are easy to train. However, you will need to train your dog with your kids. In this guide, we go over why the two furry companions can peacefully co-exist. But it does require plenty of work on your part! Post navigation. Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early. German Shepherds can be very protective of their family members, so you want to socialize your puppy early in puppyhood. This will get them used to interacting well with a wide variety of people and animals, which is essential. This will be a big dog, and you want to prepare the dog when they are young and small for future grooming and veterinary visits. They may need nail trimming, ear cleaning, temperature taking and other procedures. These procedures will be difficult to accomplish should your full-sized adult German Shepherd dog object. You will need to train them to sit, stay, and heel, in addition to house training them. Your puppy will not understand your commands immediately. Have patience with your dog when they don't do exactly what you ask right away. German Shepherds love to learn and they are highly motivated to follow your commands if they are rewarded with treats. Pet your puppy while they're eating, as long as they do not stiffen and stop eating when you are petting the puppy. If the puppy stiffens, stops eating or growls, you have to deal with this aggressive response immediately. Do this by removing the food bowl and feeding the dog by hand. There is no bowl to guard. Make the bowl no big deal. If a piece of food is dropped inside, let the puppy take it and praise them. Then feed nearby again. The bowl will not always have food inside. Gradually increase the amount of food you drop in the bowl as you stand or sit there with the puppy. You can also add high value treats like roasted chicken breast into the bowl if your puppy seems to need more reassurance that you bring goodness to the food bowl. Resource guarding can be a very serious symptom of fear aggression and, if you are seeing this in a puppy, it needs to be addressed ASAP so it does not escalate. You can gradually ask the puppy to look at you to get more food, then sit and wait for more food, etc. .The humans controls the resource of food and rewards the puppy for good behavior. You still praise your dog, just not offer a treat each time. If you are working to modify a command to create a faster response, add in treats again to shape the behavior until they have it down. Then start using treats to reward truly outstanding performance. Do not yell at your pet. Learn to recognize when you are losing patience and stop the training session on a happy note. Your dog can sense your frustration in your body language and tone of voice. Try another day when you are both fresh. If you continue to have problems, get a professional trainer involved. Typically, as puppies are first learning commands, one adult family member will be responsible for training. Later, when the puppy is consistent and understands the basics, other members of the family can participate in formal training. It is important for the dog to understand that not only one person in the household is to be obeyed. Your puppy should be weeks old and started on their vaccine series for this first class. There are puppy preschools designed for puppies who have not yet finished receiving all of their vaccines. The school will have certain requirements for enrollment and you will likely have to provide proof of vaccination. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Aug 11, Share German Shepherds are typically easy to train. They are brilliant, devoted dogs. Typically, these canines can quickly pick up the meaning of commands and are more than willing to listen to their owners. However, there are many misconceptions about what training a German Shepherd should look like. Many dog organizations and dog trainer organizations no longer recommend dominance training theory for this reason. Instead, German Shepherds need to be trained using positive reinforcement. The bond between a German Shepherd and their owners is essential. Therefore, training should revolve around that bond and seek to encourage it. When you train a German Shepherd correctly, the process should be fun and straightforward. These intelligent dogs want to follow commands and please their family, making training relatively easy. Each dog is different and will struggle and thrive in different areas of training. Some dogs may accomplish specific commands quickly and then have trouble with another one. You should feel free to slow down and speed up as necessary. If your dog masters a command, there is no reason to linger on it for longer than necessary. If your canine takes a bit longer to catch on to another command, feel free to take as long as they need to master it! German Shepherds need a strong foundation if training is going to work! That said, training a German Shepherd on all the basics usually takes about 8 weeks. Not every dog will meet this timeline, however. These intelligent dogs need constant training to stay happy and healthy. Otherwise, they may try to find their own mental stimulation, which usually involves destructive behavior. You should commit to training your dog throughout their whole lifespan. Otherwise, a German Shepperd is not the best breed for you. If you seek out the correct help, German Shepherds are often easy enough for nearly anyone to train. They are willing to take part in training and intelligent enough to learn most commands quickly. They are not an easy breed to care for, even though they can be trained efficiently. They have many requirements that can be hard for a new dog owner to meet. For instance, they are incredibly active. German Shepherds are working dogs, through and through. They need to be out and about for hours a day. Without the proper exercise, they can become destructive and reactive. Furthermore, their extreme intelligence means that you will need to provide plenty of mental stimulation. Training is an excellent way to accomplish this, but puzzle toys and canine sports can also be good options. These dogs need to be brushed at least every other day, although every day is best. Their coats shed frequently, and they need regular brushing to keep them clean. This breed is usually easy to potty train. German Shepherds are intelligent and take to just about any training. They are also large dogs, which means they have large bladders when puppies. Smaller dogs are notoriously difficult to potty train because they need to use the bathroom frequently. Their bladders are just so tiny! Luckily, German Shepherds do not fit into this category. That said, they are still puppies, and the easiest way to potty train them involves taking them outside on a regular basis. You should never delay training a German Shepherd. Most high-quality breeders will start training their puppies before they even adopt them out. German Shepherds like training, even as puppies. They will feel much more comfortable learning the rules of the house right away. Start with the basics and keep the sessions short. You only want to train your pup for a few minutes at a time, as puppies can get overwhelmed and bored. They have short attention spans, just like human children. Socialization and More Socialization! You need to introduce your German Shepherd to as many people, places, and pets as possible. Otherwise, they can be territorial and aggressive as adults. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a confident German Shepherd. We highly recommend puppy training classes for this reason. They are safe places to socialize your puppy with other people and dogs. They need more than an hour-long class once a week. You should plan on training your German Shepherd for about 10 minutes, twice a day, at least. Many dogs benefit more from three or four sessions a day, especially when younger and a bit more rambunctious. These training sessions help your dog master commands, as well as keep them entertained. Training sessions for your German Shepherd should continue for their entire life. You may be able to cut back to one session a day for older dogs, but you should never remove them altogether. German Shepherds love training and benefit from the mental challenge well into their senior years. These dogs were not made to lie around all day without a job. Giving them something to do, like training, is vital to their wellbeing. The journey means more for these dogs than the destination. Final Thoughts German Shepherds were bred to be trained. Due to their high intelligence, they can easily understand commands. They are responsive to their owners because they want to make you happy! Training should focus on building your relationship with your dog, as this is what makes the German Shepherd obedient. Training should begin as soon as you adopt your puppy. Training is a lifelong activity for German Shepherds. It keeps their brains active and prevents them from needing to find their own fun. Many destructive behaviors in this breed are linked to a lack of mental or physical exercise. Otherwise, they can become incredibly territorial. Training and socialization should go hand-in-hand. Featured Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Contents.

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king poodle puppies reviews - Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Brown 3 lb 13 oz Our chunky Tank got passed up by Patriot and Spirit! Meanwhile, Trooper dropped to the back of the pack. All pups were gaining weight every day which was a good sign. I forgot to mention that before Raven had her puppies we looked for a small scale to weigh the puppies. Most of the scales we came across had a 10 lb limit. We purchased this baby scale and it worked great with all our puppies. I started clipping nails once a week with regular human nail clippers. When cutting nails I only cut to the part where the nail starts to curve. The puppies all did well during nail trimming sessions and it also gave me a chance to handle all four paws getting the pups used to relaxing with humans. Day 26 — Walking On New Surfaces Now that the puppies were stable and walking more normal I started introducing them to new surfaces. We were able to get them out on the dirt, grass, and concrete in the backyard. Golden Pups Week 4 — Puppies exploring new surfaces. We also start introducing our pups to the crate and start working on teaching them calm behavior while in the crate. I took their regular puppy kibble, soaked it in hot water for 10 minutes, and smashed it up into a mush. One of the early problems is making sure everyone gets an equal or close to amount of food. We allowed the puppies to eat their solid food and still nurse throughout the day. We feed the older dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula so we figured the transition from the puppy formula to the original formula would be easier on the pups when the time came to move away from puppy food. Golden Retriever pups week 4 is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week blog posts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So tell us a little about your experiences. Have you ever had the chance to raise a litter or meet a 4 week old puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you expecting a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Did you just bring home an adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.