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Many things that we call behavior problems are just Labradors following their natural tendencies. Most bad behaviors are caused by ignorance or lack of training. When we start seeing bad habits in our Lab we need to work on redirecting him toward more acceptable behavior. Fortunately, Labradors are eager to please and are easily trained, but it does take time and consistency. Natural vs. Abnormal Behavior Natural Behavior Many behaviors that become problems are just natural tendencies for your Lab. Barking, digging, and chewing are just a few of the things that Labradors naturally do but when they become a nuisance or destructive these behaviors need to be corrected. Owners need to keep in mind the natural tendencies of the breed of dog they have chosen. Many people choose Labs because of their intelligence. You need to keep in mind that with intelligence comes a tendency to get bored if not properly stimulated mentally and physically. They also choose Labradors because they are loyal and great companions. Since they are loyal they are also protective which means they will bark at any intrusion they think may be a threat. They love your companionship, so when left alone they may get anxious and chew on things. Part of being a good owner is to teach your Labrador acceptable behaviors that still help to meet the needs of his natural tendencies. Abnormal Behavior Abnormal behaviors tend to be more psychological. Many Labs can suffer from anxiety, excessive fear, and aggression issues. These behaviors are not part of their natural inclinations. Usually, for these types of issues, you will need professional help from a dog behaviorist or your vet. You will need someone who is trained to find the root of the problem and help treat your dog. Correction Methods There are several different methods that you can use to help keep your Labrador from destructive behavior. Redirection When your Lab misbehaves he is usually bored or looking for attention. If you yell at him to correct him he still perceives this as a form of attention and this only reinforces the behavior. Remember most of these behaviors are just natural Labrador tendencies. You need to calmly stop him from the behavior and redirect him to a similar activity that is acceptable. Once he is engaged with the acceptable toy, reward him for that behavior. You will see some more examples of redirection listed in the Common Behavior Issues section below. This just means removing the objects that tempt your Lab into bad behavior. It may mean keeping items off of lower levels where he can easily reach them and chew them up, or perhaps putting up a small wire-mesh fence to protect your garden. However, basic commands give your Labrador a foundation of structure. These commands start to teach him to listen to you and obey. If he learns to follow these verbal directions you can use them to redirect his attention and guide him toward better behaviors. Keep a Schedule Labs like structure. They like to know what to expect throughout their day. If you stick to a fairly firm schedule for eating, walking, play time, and bedtime your dog will know what to expect throughout his day and will be less likely to misbehave. Exercise Labradors often partake in destructive behavior out of boredom or to burn off excess energy. A good way to deal with this is to make sure he gets plenty of exercise. Take him for walks, play fetch, or go for a jog. A tired Lab is a well-behaved Lab. Mental Exercise This one goes along with the one above. Labradors are intelligent and need to be mentally exercised as well as physically exercised. Play a game of hide-and-seek or find-the-toy with your Lab. Teach him some new tricks or let him play with some type of puzzle toy. All of these things will help him use up energy and not act out because of boredom. Keep Them Indoors Labradors are social animals and love to be near people. If you tend to leave him outside a lot he will become lonely. This can lead to issues like excessive barking, howling, and digging. It is best for Labs to be kept indoors. Nipping and Rough Play Puppies tend to nip all the time. Their mouth is what they use to explore their world. If you allow them to continue with this behavior it can become a biting issue as they get older. Puppies who stay with their litters until they are 8 or 9 weeks old tend to learn the consequences of nipping from their littermates. They learn that if they nip too hard their playmate tends to yelp and run away. This teaches them that when they nip it can lead to the end of playtime. It is important for you to reinforce this information. When your puppy nips you, yelp like a dog and walk away. Let him know that this behavior puts an end to playtime. The same training can be used for rough play. When you rough play with your puppy you are teaching him that this is an acceptable behavior. That may be fine when he is a puppy but think about a pound Labrador wanting to play rough. When your Lab starts to play too rough then end the play time. Walk away and let him know that this is not acceptable. Once your puppy learns that certain behaviors end his playtime he will stop doing them. It is your job to teach your puppy to play correctly. Chewing Your Labrador loves chewing. You need to teach him. Once you have taken the object away give him a toy that he is allowed to chew on and reward him for chewing on that. Puppies usually chew to explore or expend energy. Older dogs usually chew out of natural habit but sometimes they chew out of anxiety, boredom, or fear. If your dog is chewing when you are around this is probably a regular behavior. However, if he only chews when you are away it may be stress-related. You will need to deal with the root of the problem and find ways to relieve his anxiety before you can resolve the chewing issue. Digging Digging comes naturally to dogs. They like to dig to bury things, to create a cool place to lay, and to hunt for critters in the ground. Unfortunately, when they are doing this they are often digging up your garden or lawn. A good redirection for this is to create a digging box for your dog. All you need is a sandbox filled with soft, diggable dirt. You may want to bury some toys to encourage him to dig in this area. When he digs in the box reward him for his good behavior. Excessive Barking All dogs bark. This is a normal behavior for them. They bark to let you know that someone is outside, that they are hungry, that they want to play… and the list goes on. Constant barking is not normal and it can be quite annoying for you and your neighbors. If your Labrador is barking excessively try to figure out why. Is he lonely? Is he bored? Labs that are left outside a lot tend to bark a lot, especially at night. They are bored and lonely and missing interaction. They want your attention and are making noise to get it. The best way to end this type of barking is to bring your Labrador inside. Some other ways to curb unwanted barking are to make sure your Lab has plenty of exercise and block out things that can cause him to bark. Play soft, calming music to keep him from being anxious. When he is barking excessively redirect him to another activity. It is usually a good idea to get him to sit first and calm down. Once he is calm give him something else to do. An occasional cheese or peanut butter filled toy is a great redirection. It is hard to bark when your mouth is full of peanut butter. Jumping Up When your Labrador is a puppy you probably encouraged him to jump up on you. It was so cute to watch him do that. Labs get so excited when they see you or any other human that they can befriend. They want to jump up and meet everyone face-to-face. One way to redirect this behavior is to start when your Labrador is little. Teach him to sit when he hears someone at the door and to stay until you allow him to get up. Quietly and calmly introduce him to the new person and reward him with lots of petting. If he does jump up, politely ask the person not to pet him but to turn away. He will learn that jumping up does not get him the attention that he is looking for. Occasionally you may have to remove the dog from the situation until he calms down. Begging Labs love food! He is also an optimist. He hopes that if you have food and he keeps begging eventually a tidbit will come his way. Redirect by teaching him to sit or lay by your feet during meal times. NEVER give him anything from the table. You will only be fueling his optimism. If you want to reward him with some scraps do it at the end of the meal in his regular dinner bowl away from the dining table. House Soiling If your Labrador has been house-trained for a considerable time, but then suddenly starts having accidents, he may have a medical issue. Sometimes these issues are caused by bladder problems, diabetes, or several other medical issues. If your Lab has arthritis it may be painful for him to go outside as often as he needs to. If you think it may be a medical issue take him to the vet and have him checked over. Sometimes this is a stress issue. Has something changed in the house? Did you get a new pet? If there is a reason for his stress try to work through that and see if it ends the soiling issue. If your dog is still young he may just be regressing a little. Go through the potty training steps with him again. Take him out frequently and reward him when he goes outside. Separation Anxiety As I have said before, Labradors are highly social animals. They do not like being left alone. That said, you will inevitably have to leave the house at some point. If your dog becomes overly anxious when you leave this could lead to other destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, etc. Try to desensitize him to being left alone. Start out by leaving him alone for short periods of time, then gradually lengthen the duration. You may also want to leave the TV or music on for your dog. Crating you Lab is also an option. It helps him feel more secure and less fearful. Dogs are pack animals and having another playmate in the house can help keep him occupied. Another option is to find someone who can stop by and take him for a walk every day. If your Lab remains extremely anxious then there are medications that can help. Talk to your vet and see what she recommends. Aggression Dog aggression seems to be on the rise. About 4. Roughly 10 people are killed by dogs every year. Most people-directed aggression is caused by stress. Sometimes it is also caused by pain. If your Labrador is in pain because of arthritis or another issue he can be quite snappish. Also, if your dog is losing his sight or hearing then he can be easily startled and snap at the person who startled him. If your Lab is acting out aggressively you need to look for professional help. Talk to your vet or find a good behaviorist. If you keep him entertained, well-exercised and give him lots of attention then chances are the behavior issues will decrease. Teach him alternate, acceptable behaviors and reward him when he behaves. If you see signs of major stress or aggression then seek out professional help. Taking care of your Lab and teaching him proper behavior takes time but in my opinion, the love and affection you receive make it all worth it! Featured Photo courtesy smerikal Did you find this article helpful? Click on one of the Share Links below to share it with a friend. Related articles:. Aggression towards people, other animals Hyperactivity Sadness, depression and being withdrawn Counter-surfing Digging …to name just the most common few! As previously stated, many of these are perfectly normal behaviors but unwanted when living with a human family. But some are real psychological or pathological problems that need to be properly researched and skillfully addressed, most likely by a vet or professional behaviorist. If the behavior problem is just one of normal canine behavior such as digging, barking, chasing small animals or pulling on the leash, natural behaviors but that are unacceptable or unwanted by an owner, then training alternative and acceptable behaviors in their place is the answer. This still takes knowledge of the particular cause and motivation of the behavior, knowledge and skill to choose and train an alternative behavior and patience and dedication to see the solution through. But these types of problems are solvable by the average owner and solutions for these problems will soon be appearing on this site. The sort of advice that can only really be given and be correct if offered by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. The first step is to see a vet to either identify or rule out any physical or pathological problems, and then be referred to a certified and reputable behavioral specialist. Many cases require a unique approach for which the only advice that can really be given is to seek professional help. We have to remember that Labradors were bred for a particular job and come with hard-wired instinctive and driven behaviors that we developed in them through many generations of selective breeding. Labs have needs and desires that have to be satisfied. They have traits and behaviors so deeply genetically ingrained that you simply cannot eliminate them. Although in most cases you can train alternative more acceptable behaviors. There are of course also more severe and worrying behavior problems, stemming from either pathological or deep-seated psychological issues. With understanding, patience, dedication, a caring attitude and a carefully planned scientific approach, almost all problems can be overcome or at least successfully managed. 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. Some may have seen i wrote a post about my muppet the other days in regards to his appalling behavior when coming inside the house. .We have tried suggestions on there and he's still mental as ever but we're trying to remain positive and patient with him. .My other issue is this behaviour is now becoming more apparent than before both inside and outside the house.He was normally quiet calm, hypo at times like any lab but was content with his surroundings and listening to us. At the moment he is completely different, he's destroying beds just lost number 4 , he's pulling washing off the line while i'm standing there hanging it out which he's never done we have it guarded off normally , he gnawing on my arms, legs, feet and even his toys are copping it surely he can't be teething at 10 months , he's jumping way more than normal, won't listen to commands which he always has listened too and feels that every time we open the door to go inside he will ignore us and come rushing in and run away so we can't put him outside. The only way we have managed to put him outside is with a treat and slowly walk with him to the door and gentle push him outside, which i feel is praising bad behaviour. Nothing different has changed in our routine, we have breafast, he gets a bone, we go for a walk in early afternoon, have a game later than afternoon then dinner around 5. He also repeated all this bad behaviour at my parents house yesterday when he too pulled washing off there line, nearly knock my father over from jumping up at him and wouldn't listen even to a deep mans voice. .He is desexed, and is getting a good decent walk everyday, only thing i can put it down to is slight separation anxiety, yet there is no whinging or crying like he has when he was a small pup, or his brain is on holidays. .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's Wrap This Up! Labradors mouth due to their ancestry and genetics. Having been bred to retrieve game for hunters, they naturally enjoy having things in their mouths. Dogs also mouth during instinctive play, when exploring, or relieve teething discomfort. Mouthing and play biting are not aggressive — and there is a significant difference between typical play biting and aggressive behavior. Adopt an immediate preventive training approach to prevent innate mouthing and play biting from becoming an aggression problem. But how? To stop a Labrador from mouthing, teach him his bite inhibition. This is where he learns to control the force of his mouthing. You should initiate bite inhibition when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. They soon realize if they bite their littermates too hard, the fun and play stop! The dam teaches good canine manners and disciplines her puppies when they bite too hard or misbehave. So how exactly do you do this? When teaching your Labrador puppy bite inhibition, make a sharp cry when he mouths or bites you and continue until he lets go. Quickly redirect the behavior using a chew toy, and reward him with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Continue to do this until your pup stops biting or learns to bite without hurting. You are undoubtedly on the right path when you first notice your Lab licking your hand instead of biting. Puppies chew to explore their new environment using their mouths, even before using their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. They also chew to relieve pain and discomfort when teething, clean teeth, and strengthen jaws. But sometimes, chewing becomes abnormal or destructive, resulting in your Labrador destroying your couch, cushions, furniture, possessions, clothing, and shoes. Labradors engage in destructive chewing due to inadequate obedience training as a puppy, seeking attention, habit, easing hunger, boredom, lack of exercise, and insufficient mental stimulation. They also chew due to loneliness, fear, separation anxiety, malnutrition, or OCD. You will only cause your Lab to fear and resent you and cause confusion and aggression. As with the causes, the solutions for excessive-destructive chewing in your Labrador can be varied. To stop a Labrador from chewing everything, train him from an early age by redirecting his chewing to alternatives such as chew toys, treats, or bones. Fix incomplete training, or seek the help of a professional trainer. Essentially, you need to provide your Labrador with alternative chew toys that can also serve as bites. Consider these two from Amazon: KONG Puppy Toy is made from soft rubber designed for growing teeth and gums but durable enough to withstand the natural desire to chew. This multi-functional toy can be used as a fetch toy or treat-dispensing toy to stuff with delicious treats or peanut butter. It allows a good grip from the wishbone shape and lasts for weeks. You also have various sizes to choose from as your puppy grows. Here are some other helpful suggestions to stop your Labrador from chewing: Puppy-proof your home. You can use a playpen or baby gates to section off part of the house or use a long leash and keep him tied to your waist. Retrain your dog. If you think basic training was poorly done or incomplete during puppyhood, you may need to retrain your Labrador. Consider the help of a professional trainer. Give your Lab a bone to chew. Always supervise your dog when giving a bone. Feed frozen treats or ice cubes. These help your dog to find some relief from sore and painful gums. Try frozen strawberries or raspberries as an alternative healthy treat. Lots of daily exercise. Ensure your Lab has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily for an adult, which could consist of morning and evening walks or runs, and play and fun games at other times. Puppies should receive 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Consider health issues. Labrador puppies will generally stop chewing, due to teething, around six months of age once the discomfort has gone. Older puppies may also go through a chewing stage up to 12 months old. As long as you keep normal chewing behavior from becoming destructive, your puppy should outgrow this chewing. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but also their desire for food or treats during training sessions makes training easy. Many owners find it tricky to keep their Lab at a healthy weight. Labradors eat so much and are highly motivated by food due to genetics, illness, lack of nutrients, boredom, or anxiety. Many are obsessed with food due to a specific mutated gene, the POMC. This gene, responsible for appetite, body fat, and weight, is commonplace in the obesity-prone Labrador. The only other breed to have this mutation is the Flat-Coated Retriever. Your Lab may also be eating so much food to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, or due to a diet deficient in nutrients. You can learn more about separation anxiety in the next section. Furthermore, specific health issues can cause increased appetite and cause your dog to gain weight. Labradors are prone to hypothyroidism and may become obese despite normal or increased hunger. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat inedible objects such as rocks, dirt, wood, socks, toys, or even poop! It can is caused by nutritional shortcomings, starvation, or psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, attention-seeking, or OCD. If your Labrador is snacking on rocks and dirt, he may be suffering from pica. There are many ways to stop your Labrador from overeating. However, your priority is to find out why he is overeating or munching everything in sight, maybe with the help of your vet. You can then formulate a plan together. Here are some suggestions. To stop a Labrador from eating so much, feed a highly nutritious and balanced diet, keep a feeding schedule, monitor portions and weight, and feed alternative healthy treats. Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Stick to daily feeding times and monitor portion sizes and calories. Do not allow free feeding, and have your Lab regularly weighed. Ensure your dog is eating highly nutritious food. Ensure your dog has a good-quality nutritious diet. Check out my article on the best diet for Labradors for a ton of nutrition information, type of diet, and more. Alleviate boredom. Not only does he need lots of physical exercise, but lots of cognitive stimulation too. Lots of chew toys and interactive toys will keep your dog entertained. Feed alternative healthy treats. Many store-bought dog treats are full of calories and additives and offer little nutritional value. You can choose some good healthy treats, but fruits and vegetables are better options. Dog-proof your home. Muzzle your dog. If your Labrador tends to eat anything he finds while out on a walk, consider using a muzzle. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety purely means the dog cannot cope with being apart from his owner or family. But are Labradors prone to separation anxiety? Labradors are prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament. They are social, affectionate, friendly, good-natured, and high-energy, and soon get bored. They love to be around their pack, which means you! If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will find something to relieve their fear, worry, and stress, so they often resort to destructive behavior. General symptoms are destructive chewing, house soiling, digging, escaping, destroying furniture, barking, and howling. Repetitive behavior, pacing, and self-harm may also occur. Keep departures and arrivals low-key to stop separation anxiety in your Labrador. Leave your dog in a relaxing and comfortable spot with his favorite interactive toys and chew toys. Train him using behavior modification methods such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. You should never leave your Labrador alone for longer than four hours, even less for young puppies. Consider alternatives to prevent or treat separation anxiety. Reduce the time that your Lab spends at home alone by hiring a dog sitter, walker, or professional trainer. Have friends and family call around, use local doggie-day care, and work from home if possible. This toy will keep your dog entertained and is great fun, especially when he finds the treats! Stay connected with your Lab. How cool is that? Use behavior modification techniques. Counter-condition your Lab by training him not to associate departure cues, such as the sound of your keys jingling. The aim is to teach him not to worry about your exit by associating the sound of your keys with getting a treat. Hold back on the doggie kisses and leave! Use desensitization techniques. Gradually teach your dog to cope with being alone by carefully exposing him to being alone in small steps. For example, start by making progressive departures of minutes when you leave your Labrador and progressively increase. Train your dog to be alone from an early age. I would leave my girl in her crate for a few minutes at a time at eight weeks old and gradually increase. Treat with medication. Both anti-anxiety medicine and natural supplements can help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment plan for your dog. Labrador Urine Marking Behavior Does your Labrador stop on every street corner to pee a small amount? Spraying is instinctive dog behavior, but why do Labradors mark their territory? Dogs will leave their scent on new smells or near where other dogs have urinated. Urine communicates the reproductive status and status rank of the dog. So, why do Labradors mark their territory inside? Labradors mark their territory inside when sexually active, especially in unneutered dogs, or claim ownership of you, e. To stop your Labrador from urine marking inside, neuter while young, keep new and unfamiliar items out of reach, supervise your dog or use a crate. Increase bonding with new pets or family, eliminate anxiety, rule out other medical reasons, fully clean up the mess, and consult a canine behaviorist if needed. Thoroughly clean the areas your dog has marked using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell and prevent further scenting. Myths vs. Barking at Other Dogs Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and Labradors are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when your Lab has developed an unfortunate habit of barking at other dogs, this may cause you to wonder why? Labradors bark at other dogs due to a lack of socialization and becoming fearful or anxious. Other reasons are insufficient or incomplete training, being protective or territorial of you, or generally being social or excited and wanting to greet or play, especially if under-exercised or stimulated. How to Stop Barking. Work on obedience training and positive reinforcement, allowing time, patience, and consistency. If your Labrador also lunges when barking at other dogs, use a comfortable front clip harness. It is reasonably priced, easy to fit, and comes in different colors and options. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your Labrador not to bark, as these only tackle the symptom and not the cause of the problem. Rolling in Fox Poo Bathing your dog can be a challenging task. Their ancestors would disguise their scent to confuse their prey. Dogs also mark their territory by leaving their scent behind and communicating their rank or dominance to other dogs. They also enjoy leaving their smell around. Sometimes, prevention can be your best tactic! To stop a Labrador rolling in fox poo, try to prevent it by keeping him away from known areas frequented by foxes. If your dog suddenly puts his nose to the ground, anticipate he may have picked up on the strong scent of fox poo and quickly distract him away. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your Lab displays certain behaviors such as snarling, growling, biting, and lunging over food, favorite toys, or space, e. It is also known as c a n i n e possessive aggression , and your dog might growl at you if you go near their treasured possessions or run away with the item. Although resource guarding is natural canine behavior, it is not desirable. Some owners prefer to try and change the behavior in addition to the usual precautions of keeping people safe, especially children. Early and frequent training can help prevent resource guarding before it becomes a significant problem. Nonetheless, here are some steps to stop your Labrador from resource guarding: Consult a certified trainer or dog behaviorist. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Instead, we try to redirect the behavior. Like all other breeds, Labradors have innate behavioral tendencies that are unique. Think of their overwhelming friendliness and easy-going nature. They are a good first dog but make a hopeless guard dog! Your Labrador will develop into the dog that you train him to be. So when socialization and training are not done correctly, behavior problems will inevitably occur. And as you saw in the video, the first one is a lack of structured exercise! Insufficient Exercise and Stimulation The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. Leash walking alone will be insufficient. Incorporate a combination of swimming, agility, frisbee, hiking, fetch, and off-leash running in a safe area. Your dog will also need lots of cognitive stimulation and interactive play. Research has confirmed that less active dogs will demonstrate behavior problems than well-exercised canines. Genetic Disposition to Certain Behaviors It has been scientifically proven that dog behavior has both genetic and environmental key factors. This is documented in a study on the genetic examination of behavior traits in dogs whereby the German Shepherd breed was utilized. The research confirmed the theory that dog behaviors are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. In simple terms, your dog may inherit genes that urge him to retrieve. Your Lab may inherit genes urging him to find and recover, just like his ancestors, who retrieved ducks from the hunt. He has a natural desire to bring you back things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include dead birds or squirrels! However, this does not mean that you cannot subdue the behavior through training. Field-bred Labradors are typically higher energy and more boisterous. Another inherited attribute of the Labrador is their strong pack drive. Extremely social dogs with high pack drives tend to follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom! One drawback to this trait is that they may find it difficult when left in kennels for vacations. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved Labradors. This is when the puppy acquires nearly all of his adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities. If a puppy is not socialized well, he will become a problematic and untrainable adult. This makes him more confident and calm than anxious and aggressive in unsocialized and poorly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your Labrador understand what you expect of him. Then, he can progress to more advanced training, such as sit-stay, wait, speak, roll-over, and other tricks. Many new dog owners believe a week or two of training after bringing their puppy home is enough. Not so! Consistency also means using the exact words to command specific behavior from your Labrador. Aversive Training Methods Punishing your Labrador to make him learn good behavior will only result in the opposite. Your best friend will be so confused and only grow to resent and fear you. They can also cause aggression and escaping behavior. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, creates the best behavior in dogs because you encourage your pet to repeat good conduct by consistently rewarding him. It simply means giving a reward to increase the frequency of response. Hormonal Effects and Neutering Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs, but studies have proved mainly inconclusive. Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. Research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show that neutering does not necessarily reduce aggression. This interesting study showed no significant increase in aggression in sterilized dogs , except for those between 7 and 12 months of age. Scientists can still not explain this. Additionally, this study discovered that other hormones cause aggression in dogs. Oxytocin a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction and Vasopressin which maintains the concentration of salts and glucose in the blood plasma and the volume of water in the fluid surrounding cells can negatively impact dog behavior. Letting Your Labrador Run The Show What if you heard a Labrador owner say his dog never badly behaves, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to have the upper hand? Would you call that a well-behaved dog? Failing to set boundaries can be another reason your Labrador has behavioral issues. Dominance aggression is when the dog will try to be the alpha or single out one particular member to dominate. I can certainly relate to this, as my dog tried for months to boss me. Although I was as firm as the male family members, she never wanted to dominate them! Spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs. Medical Conditions or Malnutrition Your Labrador may show behavior problems due to medical issues, either physical, psychological, or both. For example, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD may show tail chasing, circling behavior, vocalization, pica, self-directed aggression, and self-mutilation through biting. In this study , the most common clinical features of OCD in dogs were self-mutilation or grooming. Other medical conditions include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. A hungry or malnourished Labrador can also cause behavior problems such as destructive chewing. Sometimes a history of starvation experienced by rescue dogs may leave them with an eating disorder in which they seek nourishment from non-food items known as pica. Owning a Labrador Retriever is exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make it a challenge. What is most encouraging is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating triggers, and seeking a canine behaviorist are helpful and constructive ways to help your Labrador overcome his behavior shortcomings. You must practice patience and consistency every day and work at it. Good luck! Behavior Article Links Some of these problems might seem trivial to others. But when it is you that is losing sleep, dealing with complaints from neighbours or repairing destroyed furniture, it is not trivial at all. In this section we take a look at common Labrador behavior problems. We will begin by giving you some general behavioural information and taking you through an FAQ of common Labrador behaviour problems and their solutions. We will then give you links to our most popular Labrador Behaviour articles where you will find detailed answers to your behavior questions. Bad Behaviour or Bad Training? Others are more complex and require deeper investigation. Knowing why a dog behaves as it does, and what caused the problem in the first place is not always helpful. Sometimes it is simpler to just treat the symptoms in front of you. For example, some labrador puppies will become quite aggressive around food at an early age. Others will let anyone take their dinner. At other times, a good understanding of what causes a behavioural problem, and steps may need to be taken to manage the dog, perhaps avoiding the fear trigger. Resolving behavioral problems Treating Labrador behavior issues is normally tackled in one of two ways Training Management Problems such as jumping up, running away, night-waking, dragging you along on the lead, and food guarding, are all best resolved by training. At other times a management approach may be more appropriate. For example, a rescue dog that has developed a deep seated fear of children may simply need to be kept away from kids. The trauma to the dog of trying to desensitise it, and the time factor required to do so may be too great. It may be simpler to keep the dog muzzled in public and rehomed away from small children. Analysing Labrador behavior Our understanding of dog psychology has improved greatly in recent years, but perhaps there is sometimes a tendency to take an analysis of individual dog behaviour too far. If a problem with Labrador behaviour is disrupting your family life, it needs fixing, no matter what the root cause. Not only for the benefit of the dog, but also, in order that peace and harmony can be restored. Dogs do not fare well in households where everyone is stressed and upset. Not a problem dog? Whilst we cannot help loving our dogs, if we can avoid labelling them as having this problem or that problem, and just deal with any behavior that arises in a practical and appropriate way, I suspect their lives might be easier. Behavioral problems in Labradors can normally be successfully resolved. How do I stop my dog jumping up? Jumping up is quite cute in puppies, and of course many of us allow them to do this until they start knocking people over. Curing jumping up is not too difficult, but it requires patience and persistence. My dog is nipping my arms and it hurts! There is a lot of information on biting in small puppies on this website. But it can be very worrying when this behaviour persists, or reappears in an older dog. This is a common problem in families with a young dog aged between 6 and 18 months. At this age, your dog is still mentally a puppy, but he is now a very big puppy, and the biting really hurts. Most biting in older puppies is associated with over-excitement and inappropriate play rough housing with the dog. Check out these two articles for further information as well as the biting information link above. How to play safely with a Labrador How can I stop my dog whining? Dogs often learn to whine when they are crated or left. Happily, there is quite a straightforward training programme to teach your dog to be quiet in his crate. You can find the instructions here: click for quiet. Labradors love to carry things around in their mouths. This is partly because they are natural retrievers, but also partly because they soon learn that picking up your stuff gets them a whole load of attention! Avoid chasing your dog whilst he is carrying something as dogs love being chased, and this will only encourage him to run faster. So keep a little pot of yummy left overs in the fridge for this purpose. You may find your dog is less inclined to pick up your cushions etc, if you give him some soft cuddly toys of his own. Or you may need to pop a baby gate across the sitting room, to keep him away from the sofa and chairs until you are there to supervise. Help us stop our Labrador raiding the trash can! Some behaviours are so common as to be normal, and bin raiding is a universal problem for Labrador owners. And of course, he has all day to figure out how to get in there, whilst you do not have all day to figure out how to stop him. And punishing the dog when you return home and find the contents strewn across the kitchen floor, will only serve to make the dog fearful of you on your return. The best solution for bin raiding is therefore to place the can where the dog cannot get at it, or purchase a Labrador proof bin. How can I stop my Labrador running after other dogs? Most Labradors are very friendly indeed. And one of the biggest problems for many young Labrador owners, is getting them to come back when there are other people around, or other dogs to be played with. Teaching a dog to recall in the real world, where there are lots of temptations, is a skill. And it is one that you can teach to any dog provided you do so in a structured way. Check out our recall training centre for lots more information on recall in general, and this article: Proofing your recall which will help you teach your labrador to recall away from other people and other dogs. You might also find it helpful to read: Why has my recall broken down? My Labrador wakes up too early Early morning waking, or night waking is another annoying problem behaviour that may start in spring or summer as the lighter mornings set in. Sometimes there is a clear trigger for night waking to begin, but the waking carries on after the trigger is removed. In other cases, the early waking puppy just carries on early waking, with the addition of some increasingly demanding barking to hurry you downstairs. We look at night waking in some detail in this article. Night waking — how to restore the peace How can I stop my dog eating poo? This horrible habit is surprisingly common. We have devoted an entire article to what you can do to prevent or cure it. You can check it out here: Why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it. Eating poo is not the only horrible habit that Labradors may indulge in. Take a look at this article: Why do Labradors eat rubbish for more information and help. My dog is over a year old and still chewing up our home! We all know that puppies chew stuff. Especially when they are teething. But many people do not realise that Labradors can be particularly destructive towards the end of their first year, long after they are firmly in possession of a full set of adult teeth. This article: How to stop your Labrador chewing things takes a close look at chewing and other destructive behaviours, and what you can do to resolve them. My dog is so naughty… We all like a well-behaved dog. The answer to that is with a structured training programme. Behind every well behaved Labrador, lie many hours of training. Getting your dog trained may seem like an effort at times, but training brings huge rewards. A trained dog responds to your commands or signals without hesitation, not just at home, but when you are out and about, or visiting friends too. Getting to this point takes time, information and some effort. Check out How to cope with a naughty Labrador before you start. Then skip over to our training section. Once you make a plan and get going, training is actually a lot of fun. For you and for your dog. Getting started with Labrador training The pleasure of a well-trained and obedient dog are immeasurable. So do join the forum where you can chat with other labrador owners all at different stages of the training process. It is great to start training whilst your dog is young, but remember that a dog of any age can be trained. It is never too late to begin. There are many hundreds of articles on this site about Labrador behavior, why not check out the comprehensive list below for further help:. All in all What causes common Labrador behavior problems? The causes of Labrador behavior problems often depend on what kind of behavior problems your Lab displays, their personality, genetics, as well as experiences in life. This is especially true when you consider that there may be differing Labrador behavior by age. However, there are a handful of common causes of behavioral issues in Labradors. Boredom, for example, is a very common cause. Labradors have lots of energy and are very smart. If they feel like they have nothing to do, they may start chewing up pillows, being where they should not be, or digging holes in your backyard, among other things. These instances may be so problematic for you that you may end up wondering how to discipline your Lab puppy. Another huge reason why your Labrador is acting differently may also be because of a lack of exercise. Labradors are big, energetic dogs that need to burn their energy. Otherwise, you may find yourself asking at what age do Labradors calm down. When your Lab does not get enough exercise, they will be more likely to break things or disobey you. It may also result in a Labrador biting problem. Stress can also make your Labrador have a sudden change of behavior. They may start to look scared, shake, hide, or display other Labrador behavior problems that they normally do not show. Another reason behind your Labrador Common Behavior Problems May also be a traumatic or scary experience that your Labrador Retriever has had. This experience may have led to them having depression , post-traumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety, and the like. For instance, your Lab may have been involved in an accident that would cause them to be scared of and react violently to loud, sudden, or high-pitched noises. These may include sudden dietary changes that they may not be comfortable with, lack of sleep, feeling pain, or an underlying illness. Additionally, one other possible reason for your Labrador behavior problems may be that your you have too high expectations for your dog. It may only be that their general sense of fun gets them into trouble that they may mean common Labrador behavior problems for you. What type of Labrador common behavior problems may your dog develop? Scavenging It would not be unusual if your dog sniffs the kitchen floor to look for fallen pieces of food while you cook. However, it can be a problem if your Lab starts to dig through the trash and make a mess to look for food. However, you can curb this habit and decrease it. First, you have to make sure that you never let your dog eat off of the floor. Whenever you feed them, make sure their food is in their bowl. When you hand them food like treats, do not drop it onto the floor. Instead, hand it directly to their mouths. Additionally, you will want to try preparing some preventative measures. For example, if your Labrador always goes through the trash, you can get a trash can that has a cover that you can clip shut. You can also hide your trash can in a cupboard so they cannot reach it. Aggression While Labs normally have sweet personalities, it is possible for them to show symptoms of aggressive behavior. Common symptoms of aggression include growling , barking , biting, and showing their teeth. Typically, it comes from abuse , trauma, and past experiences. How you deal with it will normally depend on the severity of their symptoms and what caused it. Positive reinforcement and establishing dominance is an excellent way to help treat mild symptoms. However, you may need to see a specialist if your Lab shows severely aggressive behavior. Chewing Chewing will be a very common Labrador behavior for nearly all dogs, especially when they are puppies. Sometimes, it may only be that they are teething , as they often stop this habit when they have their adult teeth or when you train them. However, uncontrollable chewing that wrecks your furniture and other belongings is going to be a common Labrador behavior problem that you will have to learn how to deal with. You can control their chewing by showing them what are the acceptable things they can chew, such as their toys. Whenever they chew the right things like toys, you can give them treats to reward them. You can also make sure they get enough exercise. If your dog has too much extra energy, they will find other ways to release it, like chewing your stuff. Getting them enough exercise every day can help get rid of the temptation to chew. Excessive barking Dogs bark to communicate. However, excessive barking can be an issue for you, your family, your neighbors, and more. Your Lab may bark whenever they want your attention. Therefore, they might bark excessively if they lack attention. A simple way to help them feel more loved is by keeping them inside more often. Dogs that are outside the house and alone often feel lonely and will bark to grab your attention. You can also close your curtains if your dog barks at people walking down the street. Begging Labradors are hungry dogs that love food. However, that makes them more likely to beg for food every time you try to eat, which can be bothersome. To stop them, you should never give them food that you are eating. If you give them bites to eat while you are at the table, they will always come back for more. You should also redirect them when they beg to sit near you or lay down next to your feet. Digging Remember how Labs are smart? Well, they get bored quickly and will find a way to keep themselves entertained. Luckily, keeping them indoors with lots of toys can easily stop them from wanting to dig in your yard. Jumping up You may have found it extremely cute before when your Lab puppy would jump on your legs to get your attention and bite or nip your hand. However, it may be a lot more painful and bothersome now that they are fully grown adults. First, you should make sure to stay calm and not get mad at your Lab when you tell them to stop. Otherwise, they may think that you do not appreciate their greetings. What you can do instead is to redirect their behavior. This method is especially good to start teaching them when they are young. When they see you enter a room, tell them to sit and stay until you let them get up. Once they get up, you can pet them and hug them. If they try to do this to other people, tell the person to turn away and to discourage their behavior. It will help your Lab learn that they do not need to jump on people to say hello. Your Lab may just be acting the way they do because they do not know what is right or wrong until you teach them. For instance, scavenging and digging are natural instincts for dogs. So, if they start to do that, you have to teach them that it is wrong. Otherwise, they will not realize that they should not do it. More importantly, it is your job to teach them what they can and cannot do. Labrador Retrievers are generally very easy to train, so you can easily rectify any common Labrador behavior problem. All you need is a little patience. We have suggested some tips above that you can take note of to know how to stop common Labrador behavior problems when they arise. If you need these behavior problems in your Lab changed, you have to make sure that you train them out of it. Post navigation. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Labs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic Good with kids and other pets Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please Even temper and gentle disposition However, no dog is perfect! Of course! Loyal and lively, these water-loving dogs make exceptional family members and hunting partners. They were valued by fisherman for their trainability, trustworthiness, and work ethic. Fulfilling their retriever name, they would dive into icy cold waters to help pull in fishing nets and occasionally catch stray fish that had escaped. Today the Labrador comes in two varieties: the American tall and lanky or English short and stocky. Whether American or English ancestry, there are three color versions — black, blonde, and brown. When given plenty of vigorous exercise and attention, these sweethearts are gentle and well-behaved in the home. All you need is a ball to throw and your Lab will love you for life! The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Labrador. By knowing about health concerns specific to Labrador Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Labrador Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Lab looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Lab is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Labrador Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Labrador is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Labrador is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a chronic liver disease, called hepatitis, starting when he is middle aged. We usually diagnose it with blood testing and liver biopsy, and we treat it with medication and special diets. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until most of the liver is already damaged or destroyed. Early detection and intervention with routine blood screening allows us to detect this problem at an earlier, more treatable stage. Bleeding Disorders Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia Labradors are particularly prone to some relatively rare diseases of the blood. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of the normal bright pink color. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Labrador Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Illustration showing a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Lab. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. When Labrador puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Labrador Retriever causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Labs have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Labrador Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Labrador Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. The adrenal glands are situated along the vena cava the large vein in the abdominal cavity near each kidney. These small glands release many important hormones in the body. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Lab is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Labrador Retrievers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some breeds like your Labrador can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Exercise Induced Collapse Exercise Induced Collapse, or EIC, is just what it sounds like — a young, apparently healthy Labrador collapses to the ground suddenly while exercising. In a few minutes, the weakness passes and he can get up again. Affected dogs cannot run for too long, especially in hot weather, so a day of hunting or strenuous hiking is probably not a good idea. Heat stroke can occur along with EIC. Limiting exercise is the only treatment and pet parents should be vigilant to avoid overheating. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose the disease and to screen dogs before breeding. Muscle Disease Labrador Retrievers may develop a disease of the muscles, called myopathy, somewhere between three and seven months old. Physical signs include bunny hopping, loss of muscle tone in the limbs, a stiff gait, or carrying the head low. Most dogs with myopathy are stabilized by twelve months of age, have a normal life span, and are suitable as house companions: no hunting or working! Taking Care of Your Labrador Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Lab live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Labrador Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Always walk your Lab on a leash, she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells and people. She has a passion for water and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Labrador Retriever needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Labrador counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions! Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. Ask for Our 'Special Order' Option. Teacup Poodle puppies are one of the most impressive dogs in the canine world. Not only are teacup Poodles extremely friendly and affectionate to their owners, these loveable beauties vibe well with young children, strangers, and other dogs. Our delightful toy puppies are also incredibly clever and easy to train. After learning a few tricks, our adorable teacup Poodles will keep you entertained for hours with their playfulness. Are you ready to open your heart and home to your fur-ever friend? Have a look at our available Toy Poodle puppies for sale, or contact us for information about our upcoming litters or the special order option. Temperament: Poodles are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that are known for their delightful temperament. They are playful, affectionate, and loyal companions that make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. One of the most notable characteristics of the Poodle temperament is their intelligence. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training and other forms of mental stimulation. Poodles are also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes. In addition to their intelligence, Poodles are also affectionate and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for being highly attuned to their human's emotions and can be extremely intuitive and sensitive to their needs. This makes them great companions for people who are looking for a loyal and loving pet. Poodles are also highly sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners and meeting new people and pets. They are outgoing and friendly, making them great pets for families with children or other pets. Poodles also have a playful side to their nature and enjoy games and activities that involve interaction and engagement with their owners. Overall, the Poodle temperament is highly desirable, making them one of the most popular breeds in the world. Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them wonderful pets for a wide range of people and lifestyles, and their endearing personalities are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Available Puppies Appearance: Poodles are a distinctive breed known for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. They come in four sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and teacup and have a variety of coat colors including white, black, brown, silver, apricot, and red. One of the most notable features of the Poodle is their unique coat. Poodles have a dense, curly coat that is hypoallergenic, meaning they are a great choice for people with allergies. Their curly coat is also water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Poodles have a long, narrow muzzle and oval-shaped eyes that convey a sense of intelligence and alertness. They have long, furry ears that hang close to their head, giving them a regal and elegant appearance. Poodles also have a long, slender neck that flows smoothly into their well-proportioned body. Another defining characteristic of the Poodle is their distinctive gait. They have a springy and energetic step, and their movements are graceful and fluid. This, combined with their elegant appearance, gives Poodles a sense of aristocratic refinement. Overall, the Poodle is a visually striking breed that boasts a unique and sophisticated appearance. Their curly coat, elegant body structure, and distinctive gait make them one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world. Learn more Exercise Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. While the amount of exercise they require may vary depending on their size and age, all Poodles need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A typical exercise routine for a Poodle may include a brisk walk or jog in the morning and evening, along with some playtime or training sessions during the day. Poodles also enjoy playing fetch, running around in a securely fenced yard, or going on leisurely hikes with their owners. In addition to physical exercise, Poodles also benefit from mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other forms of mental stimulation can help keep Poodles mentally stimulated and engaged. It's important to keep in mind that Poodles can be prone to weight gain, especially as they age. Regular exercise not only helps to keep them physically fit but also provides them with mental stimulation and helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Monitoring their diet and exercise routine closely is crucial to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese. Overall, Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. With the right amount of exercise, attention, and care, Poodles can live long, healthy, and happy lives. Learn more History The Poodle is an ancient breed with a history that dates back several centuries. While the exact origins of the breed are unclear, it is believed that they originated in Germany, where they were known as the "Pudel," which translates to "splash in water. Their unique coat, which is hypoallergenic and water-resistant, made them well-suited for this task. Over time, Poodles also became popular as circus performers and were trained to perform tricks and acrobatics. During the 16th century, Poodles became popular with European nobility and were frequently depicted in paintings and artwork of the time. They were also a popular choice for the court of Louis XVI, and were often seen in his court as well as other royal courts in Europe. In the 19th century, Poodles were standardized into three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This allowed for greater versatility in the breed, and they became popular as companions and family pets. Today, Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world and are beloved for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and distinctive appearance. They continue to be used as retrievers and are also trained for a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work. Learn more Maintenance Poodles require regular maintenance to keep their distinctive curly coat in good condition. Their curly coat can easily become matted and tangled, so it's important to brush and groom them regularly to prevent this from happening. The frequency of grooming will depend on the length of the Poodle's coat. For example, a Poodle with a shorter clip may only need to be groomed every six to eight weeks, while a Poodle with a longer coat may need to be groomed every four to six weeks. Regular brushing is also important for Poodle maintenance. Brushing helps to remove any loose or dead hair from their coat, as well as prevent matting and tangles. Poodles with longer coats may need to be brushed daily, while those with shorter coats may only need to be brushed a few times a week. Bathing is another important aspect of Poodle maintenance. Poodles should be bathed every three to four weeks, or more frequently if they get particularly dirty or smelly. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't irritate their skin or strip their coat of its natural oils. Poodle maintenance also involves regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Their nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks, their ears should be cleaned weekly, and their teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent dental issues. Overall, Poodles require regular maintenance to keep them healthy, happy, and looking their best. Consistent grooming, brushing, bathing, and other forms of maintenance can help prevent common issues like matting and tangling, and keep them looking and feeling great. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. The teacup poodle is a newer type of poodle and has only recently found great popularity in the past twenty years. Originally, the poodle originated in Germany around the early 14th century and was used as a hunting dog that retrieved waterfowl. The poodle is also the national dog of France and is widely known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving. Over time, smaller sizes of this pup began being bred, and the poodle became more popular as a companion or lap dog. The miniature poodle originated in the early 20th century when American breeders started to create a more city-friendly poodle. The smallest puppies from toy poodle litters were used for breeding teacup poodles, achieving their small size. However, despite this small stature, the teacup poodle has a lot to offer owners. They lack none of the intelligence of the standard-sized poodle, and they are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Teacup poodles form strong bonds with their owners and are playful and affectionate, but they may be prone to nervousness if not properly cared for or left alone for too long. Teacup poodles stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds. They have round heads with a slight stop, much like standard-sized poodles, floppy ears, and a longer muzzle. Their eyes are typically small and dark, but very alert, and they will have a longer neck, square body, and straight back with long legs. The coat of the teacup poodle is thicker, curly, and soft and will need to be brushed often to prevent tangles. What Size Is a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are, as the name implies, pretty small dogs. This pup will stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. They can be quite fragile because of their small size, so you will need to pay extra attention to your dog while it is playing or moving around your home. The teacup poodle has a coat much like the standard-size poodles. Teacup poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they may be a beneficial breed for those with allergies. The teacup poodle has a friendly disposition and is intelligent, alert, loyal, and loving. This pup tends to become very attached to their owners and will often be seen following them from room to room. Teacup poodles are also very smart and can pick up tricks easily. They are eager to please and will love the time spent with you learning new commands. Teacup poodles are not known to have a high prey drive or act very aggressively toward other animals, though they may be quite vocal if they notice something suspicious around their home. Are Teacup Poodles Affectionate? Teacup poodles are very affectionate and will enjoy spending as much time with their owner as possible. You can expect your teacup poodle to enjoy cuddling on the couch, sleeping in the same room as you at nighttime, and wanting to play frequently throughout the day. The small size of this breed makes them quite fragile, so rough play with children can lead to the dog becoming injured. Lots of yelling, excitement, and busy play from smaller children can also scare your teacup poodle, creating anxiety, nervousness, or barking issues. That being said, families with older, calmer children and children that know how to properly play with animals can easily get along with this pup. Teacup poodles are generally good with other animals as they are a friendly and social pup. Are Teacup Poodles Aggressive? Your teacup poodle is unlikely to attack, nip, or act aggressively toward strangers, but they can develop these behaviors if they are very anxious, fearful, or bored. Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Teacup poodles are, unfortunately, quite vocal, and you can expect this dog to bark at just about anything. Teacup poodles will bark when they are happy and playing, in addition to barking at things they find suspicious or untrustworthy around their home. They may also bark to draw your attention or to show their displeasure with something. You can train excessive barking habits down somewhat, but keep in mind that your teacup poodle is likely to be on the more vocal side, no matter what. Are Teacup Poodles Intelligent? This dog breed is fairly intelligent, and teacup poodles can easily learn new tricks. They can be house trained relatively quickly in addition to learning more complex commands and skills. Plus, teacup poodles are easy to please and love a mental challenge, something that adds to their learning abilities. Are Teacup Poodles Easy to Train? Due to their higher intelligence, teacup poodles can be quite easy to train. They are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please their owners, all factors which help them pick up new skills quickly and learn basic obedience tasks. Your teacup poodle may even be up to the challenge of learning more advanced tricks depending on their intelligence and how quickly they learn. Are Teacup Poodles Energetic? Teacup poodles have a moderate energy level and are a very playful breed. This pup will need two short walks per day that last around 15 minutes each and are likely to expend a lot of energy running around their home and playing with their toys and their families. As long as they have toys around their home and enough space to get their zoomies out from time to time, they will fit well into apartment living. However, you should keep in mind that this pup can be noisy from time to time, so training to curb needless barking is a must. Are Teacup Poodles Good Watchdogs? They are also fairly protective and loyal to their owners, which makes them easily fall into the watchdog role. While teacup poodles may be intelligent and quickly learn many tricks and commands, they are not the best size for acting as service dogs. This breed is too small to help with guiding and mobility support-related tasks, and they are not typically able to fetch heavy items for their owners. However, teacup poodles love being around their owners. So they are a good choice for a companion pup, making them eligible to act as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal. How to Care for a Teacup Poodle Teacup poodles are not the highest maintenance breed out there, but they do require a dedicated care routine to stay happy and healthy. You will need to spend lots of time with your teacup poodle, as this breed is prone to anxiety and loneliness without their owners, something that can easily translate into destructive behaviors. Make sure that you brush your teacup poodle a few times a week, as this helps to release any shed hair before it tangles and mats. You will likely need to take your teacup poodle to be groomed regularly to trim up their hair, give them a good bath, and ensure their coat is kept at a comfortable length. Supplement meals with nutritional treats to keep your pup happy. Your teacup poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week and regularly receive professional grooming. The groomer will help release shed hair, untangle mats safely, and trim up their coat, so your dog is more comfortable. Do Teacup Poodles Shed? Teacup poodles are low-shedding dogs and are often considered hypoallergenic. What Should a Teacup Poodle Eat? Your teacup poodle should be eating a diet of high-quality dry or wet food and, depending on their size, should be consuming between half a cup and one full cup of food per day approximately calories. Due to their small size, teacup poodles may be prone to certain health conditions that affect smaller dogs. These problems include hypoglycemia, heart defects, respiratory and digestive problems, seizures, collapsing trachea, and blindness. Genetically, your teacup poodle may be predisposed to dental disease and luxating patellas. To ensure your teacup poodle stays in the best health, you should be taking them to regular vet visits and checking their behavior for any concerning symptoms such as limping, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Teacup poodles are known to live between 12 and 14 years, though your dog may live longer or shorter than this predicated lifespan, depending on any preexisting health issues and their overall daily care. Regular vet visits and proper care for your dog is the best way to ensure they live a long, healthy, happy life. Are Teacup Poodles Expensive? Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive. How to Find a Teacup Poodle Breeder If you want to purchase a teacup poodle, you will most likely need to find a breeder to buy from. The best way to do this is to perform internet searches of local and national breeders that are reputable, follow proper breeding practices, and care for both the breeding dogs and the puppies humanely. Make sure to avoid suspect breeding practices, very low-priced dogs if something is too good to be true, it usually is , and anything that looks like a puppy mill, as dogs and puppies that come from these spaces are likely to have been poorly treated and have increased health issues. Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle? For the most part, teacup poodles are a variation of the standard-sized poodle and are in great demand. It is unlikely that one will turn up at a shelter for adoption, but it is possible. Keep an eye out on local and national poodle rescue organizations to see if a teacup poodle comes through that you can adopt. Are Teacup Poodles Purebred? That being said, its parents may be purebred toy poodles, and the teacup poodle may come from either a line of purebred poodles or mixed breed poodles. Can You Show Teacup Poodles? However, several other kennel clubs and organizations put on events and shows for teacup and toy dog breeds that your teacup poodle may be eligible to participate in. The teacup poodle may be good for new dog owners in certain circumstances. Owners should also be prepared to spend lots of quality time with their dog to prevent anxiousness and behavioral problems. The teacup poodle is a fantastic addition to the right type of lifestyle and family, but you may still be wondering whether or not this is the right dog for you. Review our list of points below to help make your decision easier. The teacup poodle is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal, loving companion dog that will stay by your side when you are home and likely accompany you from room to room. You need a small dog suited to apartment living, or you want a small companion dog that can also act as a helpful watchdog. You want a dog that can exercise for long periods of time and spend time in the outdoors with you hiking or completing working tasks. You want a dog that can be trained for service dog skills, such as guiding and mobility assistance. About 2 to 4 puppies Grooming Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy-care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip" where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to Germany, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now-extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gundog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Maxidoodle the white Teacup Poodle at 7 years old, weighing 5 pounds 2. Until he was 3, he rode around the house in the pocket of my robe, and now at age 7 and 5lbs he continues to stand on my upturned left hand with his rear in the crook of my arm. I love to kayak the many springs in Florida and Max loves paddling too, riding just behind me on a pad I affix to the top of my kayak, even accompanied me on 4 day river sandbar camping paddle. Max also loves to boss around Tout d'Suite, my 20 black cat, and eat all his cat food. I keep him groomed in the continental cut and he prances like a little prince, on or off the leash. He's very polite and doesn't beg or steal people's food. Max loves to engage me or Tout d'Suite in a lively game of chase. I love my buddy! Penny is 2 years old and weighs 5 pounds 2. She is about 8 inches tall at her shoulder. She is a very happy little dog. Penny is a very healthy girl and enjoys her trips to the vet!! Penny is so good, she always lets me trim her hair and toenails! I think she is a very lucky little dog; she gets lots of love, but also lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Penny is healthy because she is only allowed to eat her dog food , never any people food. I think this has helped to prevent her from being a picky eater, which can be a problem in small dogs!

Well, if you are, then this post is going to be of immense help to you. You are going to get insights about what you should do and what you should avoid before getting a new Lab dog. There are many factors you need to pay attention to before welcoming a new Labrador dog into your life. Among these factors, one of the most important ones is the price factor. There are a lot of misconceptions about the price of a Lab puppy. Dog Breeders Near Me In this post, you are going to understand how much it actually costs to get a Labrador pup. Along with that, we are also going to explain in detail how that small little animal can have a big impact on your life. You are also going to know the best practices that will make you the perfect Labrador owner. What is the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy in India? Before we let you know the price of a Labrador Retriever price in India, let me tell you where you should get it from. There are umpteen number of places where you can get a Labrador dog, but not all of them provide genuine breeds. You have to make sure that you buy the dog from a certified Labrador Breeder. While this is just the cost of buying the dog, there are other costs involved too. Owning a dog means to take care of its food and health. In fact, there are many other factors which you need to consider before deciding on buying a new Labrador. From giving the dog your time and energy to looking after food and medical expenses for your dog, there are some fundamental things that you need to consider which are mentioned below: What are the things to consider before buying a Labrador puppy? Do you have the time for looking after your dog? Owning a dog always needs some commitment on your part. You should be able to give enough time to your Labrador and look after its needs. You need to spend time with your puppy and make sure that it gets your attention. It is no use owning a dog if you are not able to spend time with it. Do you have enough space for a Labrador puppy? Labradors are lively animals. They are active and like to move around. They enjoy running around and playing. This means that you need to have a big backyard for these animals. Dog Breeders Near Me 3. Can you afford the overall expenses? Besides buying a dog, there are other expenses which you need to cater to. From food to medical care and vaccinations, you have to make sure that you can afford all expenses that come along with your dog. Will it affect your lifestyle? If you are someone who travels frequently, having a Labrador may not be the best decision. It is certainly not the right dog for you if you stay on vacation for days at a stretch. While you can surely travel with your Labrador, it is not that easy. Is it suitable for your family? Having a dog in the family is not just about your choice. You have to ensure that the dog fits well into your family. Although Labradors are known to be good family dogs, you must take approval from your family before bringing it in. Which is Better Boy or Girl Labrador? Male dogs are more protective of their things and tend to be a bit more affectionate than females. The biggest difference between males and females is that male Labradors just loves food, while female Labs are not as much motivated by food as their male counterparts. What Color Lab is the calmest? Do Labs bark a lot? Like most breeds, Labs bark and for a variety of reasons. Without plenty of physical stimulation and social interaction, they may become more vocal than normal because their pent-up energy causes them to do so. What color is the smartest lab? Although it might seem that color has anything to with the smartness of an Indiviadual Lab, but, It is not so. The smartness of a Lab largely depends on the individual dog and to some extent their up-bringing. What color Labrador is most expensive? Brown Labradors are the most expensive Labs since they are rare and their demand is ever increasing. Which type of Labrador is best? They make wonderful pets, companions and agility dogs. Are Labs good indoor dogs? You bet! Labs are great indoor pets. Can Labradors be left alone? The answer is yes but there needs to be some steps taken towards making sure that your pup does not go crazy without his human family around! Labradors can be left alone in the house if they are well exercised and provided with proper bathroom facilities. Do Labs like to cuddle? Labrador retrievers love to cuddle. They need affection and attention, which is why they enjoy the company of their owner or family whenever possible. Can Labrador survive in India? Labradors are perfect for India where they experience varied seasons and climates. They have a soft, silky undercoat that keeps them warm in cold weather with an outer coat of hard fur to help repel water. Are Labradors dangerous? Of all the breeds of dogs, Labradors are among those that seem to be most loved and least feared. Do Labradors attack their owners? Labradors are known for their love of humans, so it is rare to hear about one attacking its owner. If this situation occurs and your dog has not been socialized properly from an early age then there might be some behavioral issues in order to adjust them back into being loving towards people again! Are Labs expensive to maintain? The Labrador is a popular breed of dog. Is Labrador a lazy dog? Labrador Retrievers are very energetic, outgoing dogs that love to play and run around. Labradors get older, meaning the Labrador is often prone to piling on pounds with ease despite their playful character. Do Labradors get angry? They are often considered to be good family pets because of their easy-going and gentle nature, which is why they make for a perfect companion. But there may also be some Labradors who can exhibit problematic behaviors if not trained properly at an early age! Can a Labrador bite? Labradors are such a kind, gentle and sociable breed of dog. What problems do Labradors have? Many Labradors are afflicted with various health conditions. These often lead to arthritis in the joints over time. Are Labrador puppies hard work? No, Labrador puppies are actually quite easy to train. What size bed does a Labrador need? A medium-sized 24 inch bed is perfect for a variety of pup breeds. Labs, Dobermanns and Rottweilers can all fit on this comfy dog bed! Why is my Labrador lazy? Some of the reasons why your Labrador puppy might be lazy include not getting enough exercise, illness, depression or it may just naturally sleep more than other dogs. Why does my Lab put his paw on me? When you give your dog a pet, he may return the favor by placing his paw on your arm or leg. This is an act of affection and trust that many dogs will do as part of bonding with their owner. At what age will my Labrador calm down? Labrador puppies are often very energetic and playful, which can be both a delight to watch as well as an annoying disturbance in your home. While dogs will eventually calm down after maturity begins at age two year old, it may take longer for some dog than the others! Which Lab is the calmest? Yellow Labs are the sweetest and calmest, while Chocolate Labradors are thought to be little wilder than their counterparts. Can Labrador be a good guard dog? The Labrador Retriever is a well rounded dog. Loyal, dedicated and gentle despite being able to act as your guard dog in times of need. Why you should not get a Labrador? Labs are susceptible to a number of genes that cause hip dysplasia, OCD and heart problems. This is not only painful for the dog but also emotionally painful for owners because it can be costly in terms of surgery or medication. Do Labs smell bad? Their double-coated fur is made up of a dense outer layer that repels water with its oily exterior—making Labradors near perfect swimmers! What is the best way to pick a Labrador puppy? The average dog needs at least one bathroom break every 8 hours, which is times a day on the dot. How many hours does a Labrador puppy sleep? Are Labradors good for beginners? The Labrador Retriever is a very tail-wagging, active dog breed. They are especially suited to families who enjoy the outdoors and have plenty of space in their home for an energetic canine! Opting for this particular type can be a smart move if you are a first time dog owner. How often should a Labrador be bathed? A Labrador should be bathed once a month to avoid excessive dryness and skin irritation. They need the natural oils from their coat in order to live healthy lives! What Color Lab sheds least? Are Labs easy to potty train? You can begin training your new Labrador Retriever puppy where to go potty and how to communicate his needs from the moment you bring him home. What is a good Labrador hip score? If you are thinking about purchasing a Lab, make sure to buy one that has good hip scores. A Labrador with an average or low score can lead to poor physical health and even death over time. Which is the best breed of Labrador? The black Labrador is the most preferred of all Labradors and has a variety of jobs. They can be used for hunting, as pets or agility dogs. How do I know if my dog is a purebred Lab? Will a Lab attack an intruder? Do Labradors need a big backyard? Labradors are a very playful breed, which means they need plenty of space to play. This includes the size of your backyard and lots room for them to run around in! How can you tell a quality Labrador? This can help you tell whether the pup has been mixed with another type of dog breed and if it should be bred in future generations. Should I let my lab puppy sleep with me? Do you sleep with your Labrador puppy on the bed? He needs time for adjustment, independence, and knows who his dominant pack leader should be — you! Is a Labrador a big dog? Definitely not. They are medium sized dogs — the perfect size for water sports and adventuring with you! How can I keep my Lab puppy busy? Labradors are known for their high energy levels and need to get a lot of exercise each day. Can Labradors be left outside? They can, but only if you take the right precautions. First off, they will need a space that is large enough for them to roam around in and not get lost. Hope these tips help you in deciding whether or not buying a Labrador puppy is the right decision for you. Do you already own a Labrador? If so, let us know if we missed something from this article. We would love to know your thoughts. Apr 27, These are all the prices of a Labrador retriever in India Labradors are beloved dogs because they are affectionate, intelligent and fun. They are also big, lovely and playful dogs who love to bite and experiment when they are puppies. Labradors are one of the most preferred and popular breeds in India and are one of the most bred breeds in the country. In a way, they are the first choice of dog lovers in India. In this post we will tell you what is the price of a Labrador dog in India and what expenses you should keep in mind before buying one of these dogs. What is the price of a Labrador in India? These prices depend on the quality of the breed and pedigree combination, as well as its coat color and size. It varies from breeder to breeder, although the needs of the dogs are exactly the same. So what makes one Labrador more expensive than another? Mainly the care that the breeder puts in his dogs. Some breeders dedicate a lot of effort to the care of their dogs with a very studied breeding program and strict veterinary protocols. While others are only looking to do business due to the high demand for Labradors in India. Therefore, some disreputable breeders crossbreed Labradors irresponsibly, affecting the purity of the puppies, and most importantly, their health. The price of a Labradors varies according to your city Also, the price of a Labrador in India depends a lot on the city where you live. Here are some examples. The monthly cost of a Labrador retriever in India varies between food, care, health and education. Due to the cost of special shampoo, conditioner, brush, oils, etc. Veterinarian: if your puppy comes from a good breeder, his vaccinations and deworming, spaying or neutering sessions should be up to date. What to consider when buying a Labrador retriever? The first step is to decide where you are going to buy it; it must be a place with a certain prestige, where they have worked with seriousness and care with this breed of dogs. When buying a Labrador puppy, make sure it is between 6 and 10 weeks old. It is forbidden to sell puppies younger than this to protect the welfare of the dogs. If he has not spent that necessary time with his mother, there will be problems that will be more serious when they grow up. Also, to have good puppies we must have good parents, so the health of the puppies and parents is also fundamental. When choosing your Labrador, make sure it is balanced, that it is not too bossy or too docile because it can grow up being shy in excess and at the slightest provocation defend itself by biting or barking a lot. Also, take into account the time you have available, as these dogs need education and socialization from puppyhood to develop a balanced personality, the space for their upbringing, and the aforementioned factors such as living and maintenance costs. If you can cope with this responsibility then you are ready to get a Labrador puppy. Now you have all the information you need to buy your Labrador. Having a Labrador is to have a great dog in the family, educated, balanced and affectionate, but it entails an economic responsibility, it occupies space in our home and this must be adequate for it. It involves costs that cannot be avoided and are sometimes unexpected. If you have the space, the time and the possibility to assume the cost, as well as all the love in the world, to enjoy playing, training and socializing your puppy, I encourage you to look for the ideal Labrador for you. Post navigation. July 5, Have you ever visualized the perfect family dog that loves endless fun while also being easily trained? Originating from the beautiful lands of Newfoundland, Canada, these remarkable canines have charmed their way into countless homes worldwide. With their friendly and sociable nature, Labs are not just pets; they are sunshine in a four-legged package.! Their affable and patient nature allows them to adapt seamlessly to various environments and lifestyles. These intelligent beings thrive on human companionship, always eager to please and impress with their boundless enthusiasm. While classic hues like black and yellow are often more readily available and may fall within a lower price range, the alluring shades of silver and charcoal, among others, possess an air of exclusivity that might demand a slightly higher investment. With proper care and nurturing, Labradors typically enjoy a lifespan of approximately 10 to 12 years, offering years of joy, love, and tail-wagging antics. From the initial investment to the ongoing expenses, we will guide you through the key factors that impact the cost of Labrador Retrievers. Please note: Factors such as age, color, and registration status play a role in influencing the price. As a discerning dog lover, it is essential to grasp these influential elements that impact Labrador Retriever prices. Health Certifications Health certifications hold considerable weight when it comes to Labrador Retriever pricing. Breeders who prioritize the well-being of their puppies invest in health testing for genetic ailments such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These certifications, bestowed by trusted veterinary professionals, assure potential owners of healthier puppies and contribute to the overall cost. Show Quality Labrador Retrievers bred for show purposes, showcasing exceptional physical attributes in adherence to breed standards, often bear a heftier price tag. These show-quality Labradors possess the potential to excel in dog shows and competitions, making them highly sought-after by enthusiasts and breeders alike. Breeder Reputation The reputation and credibility of the breeder exert a substantial influence on Labrador Retriever prices. Esteemed breeders with a history of responsible breeding practices, meticulous socialization efforts, and unwavering commitment to the breed typically command higher prices. Labrador Retriever Maintenance Cost Sharing your life with a majestic Labrador Retriever brings immeasurable joy and boundless love. Expect to allocate a sum of around INR 2, to INR 5,, depending on the kennel club and the desired registration level. Opting for premium dog food that caters to their specific nutritional needs can set you back around INR 3, to INR 6, per month based on the brand and portion sizes chosen. Grooming Requirements Labradors flaunt a resplendent double coat that necessitates regular grooming sessions to keep it gleaming, healthy, and blissfully tangle-free. Budgeting for routine pampering at the paws of professional groomers can require an investment of approximately INR 1, to INR 2, per session. Medical Costs As cherished members of our families, Labradors deserve the finest healthcare to safeguard their well-being. Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, preventive treatments, and annual check-ups, may amount to INR 5, to INR 10, annually, depending on your location and specific veterinary services rendered. Additionally, unforeseen medical emergencies or specialized treatments may entail additional expenses. Socializing and Training Cultivating a well-mannered and balanced Labrador necessitates investing in their socialization and training. Enrolling your fur baby in puppy classes, obedience training programs, or seeking professional guidance from seasoned trainers may entail an expenditure of approximately INR 10, to INR 20,, ensuring a harmonious bond and a lifelong companionship. Insurance Prudent pet parents understand the importance of safeguarding their cherished Labradors against unexpected accidents or health issues. Opting for a comprehensive pet insurance policy can offer peace of mind, with monthly premiums ranging from INR 1, to INR 3, Boarding Whether planning a vacation or embarking on work-related ventures, reliable boarding facilities offer a secure and nurturing environment for your Labrador during your absence. Anticipate daily boarding costs ranging from INR to INR 2,, depending upon the duration of their stay and the amenities provided. Responsible breeders prioritize vaccinations, health checks, and proper documentation for their puppies. Remember, the true value of a Labrador puppy extends far beyond its price tag. The immeasurable love, companionship, and happiness they bring to your life are truly priceless. So, take your time, conduct thorough research, and find a Labrador puppy that not only fits your budget but also brings endless joy to your heart and home. Looking to learn more about Labrador retrievers and their frequently asked questions? Visit our Labrador FAQ pages to get all the answers you need. Discover valuable insights, helpful tips, and expert advice on Labrador care, training, and more. Unleash your curiosity and dive into the world of Labradors today! I'm Marketer by profession and a Dog Blogger by passion! I write about dog breeds, review products, and curate dog stories, photos, and videos. Post navigation. They are amazing family-friendly and energetic dogs. They are excellent at doing any job given to them. So if you are planning to make them your family member and are worried about their price, caring tips, or things which should be known, then relax, because this article Labrador Price in India, covers all the detailed aspects of all the information regarding factors affecting their prices, most asked FAQs and much more hence making your task easy. So do read it till the end to get complete information! On average, Labrador Price in India can range from around 10, to 35, rupees or more. Breed: American, English, and Canadian labradors are the three main subvarieties. These variations have a significant impact on the cost of a Labrador, with prices ranging according to the particular variety you choose. Age: Given that puppies are typically more expensive than adult dogs, age is another crucial consideration that you need to keep in mind. Due to how adorable and adaptable puppies are, there is a strong demand for them. Location: Depending on the city or location you live in, the price of a Labrador may vary as the costs are typically more in urban cities. Breeder reputation: A well-known breeder who is very popular for breeding dogs properly most times will cost you more than the other local or less popular breeders. Demand: Demand for a breed can also affect the price, and this holds true for Labradors as well. If Labradors are in high demand in your area, you can expect to pay a higher price for a puppy. Coat colour: The price of a Labrador might also depend on the colour of its coat. A Labrador with rare colour like chocolate or yellow tends to be more expensive than labra with common colour like black. Grooming cost: if you want to take your dog to professionals for Grooming, such as bathing, clipping, and nail trimming, it can cost you anywhere from INR to INR 2, per month or you can save money by doing it yourself. Other accessories cost: This can include things like toys , bedding , and leash , which can cost anywhere from INR 2, to INR 10, These accessories are more likely a one-time investment as you not going to buy another until it gets damaged. About Labrador Dog Breed History and Origin- The Labrador is a dog breed, that originated in Newfoundland, where it was originally the all-around dog of local fishermen. Their job was to help fishermen pull their nets and bring back objects that had fallen into the water. He began breeding and formulated the first labrador retriever named Evan, who was the ancestor of all present-day Labradors. Since then, Labrador retrievers have become so popular by today that a black Labrador was elected mayor in a small town in Kentucky, America from to .Appearance- They stand out from other animals thanks to their large heads, floppy ears, and happy smiles. They can have short, dense fur that is black, yellow or chocolate in colour. Because of their waterproof coat, they make outstanding swimmers and retrievers. Temperament- The Labrador is a very balanced dog breed away from extremes. They are not tremulous or shy, but they are not aggressive either. They are generally fundamentally positive towards everyone and extremely human-centred. Due to their past, they love water swimming, but they adapt easily and quickly to almost any circumstances. They love activities and movement. They love being in constant company. We can also say that they are one of the greediest dogs in the world. They love to eat and are very prone to gaining weight. Life span and size- On Average, Labrador can weigh between 25 to 36 kg or 55 to 79 lbs and can grow between cm or 21 to 24 inches in height. Labradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but 14 to year-old dogs also occur among them. Trainability- The Labrador is an easy-learning and versatile dog that can be trained for almost any type of task. It is used as a lifeguard for hunting, drug searches, for truffle searches, but also as a therapeutic and guide dog. What is not suitable for them is that they cannot be trained as guards in protective work. The hardness is far from his personality. The Labradors were not bred for this and that is why it is not their job. The maximum a Labrador would do to a burglar is that he licks the burglar to death but will not attack under any circumstances. Activity— labradors love to move and do almost everything together with their owners and their family. Although they are not long-distance runners, they like to fetch balls, play jog, and run smaller distances and in the water, they are in their element. They swim and dive underwater and they are unstoppable when they see water. Health- Due to their popularity, almost all forms of dysplasia and ophthalmic diseases, such as progressive retinal, atrophy or hereditary cataracts occur among them. Since these diseases can already be screened in parents, it is especially important for Labrador buyers to choose a puppy from well-controlled dogs and breeders and thus extend their healthy lifespan as long it is possible. Pros and Cons of owning a Labrador in India Pros — They are fairly stable dogs, unlike some other breeds. Can turn out to be the best fun outdoor partner. Very loving and can bond with anyone whether it an adult, kid or any other animal. Have a long lifespan. This breed learns things quickly which eases the training process. Labradors are versatile that have been used as guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Cons- Need to keep an eye on their diet as they can get obese pretty quickly. If you are looking for a guard dog stay away from this breed as they will love everyone. Labradors do shed heavy. As the owner of the labra, you need to spend the most time with them. Puppies do need proper training and socialisation to develop into well-behaved dogs. The cost of a Labrador puppy in India can range from 10, Rs up to 35, Rs. Is a Labrador high maintenance? Labrador retrievers are often regarded as low-maintenance dogs when it comes to caring and grooming. Although they shed frequently, brushing and caring for their short, dense hair is not too difficult. They could be considered high maintenance in terms of the time and effort needed to meet their demands, though, since they are high-energy dogs who need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Will a Labrador protect its owner? In general, Labrador Retrievers are not aggressive toward people and are noted for their warm and amiable personalities. They may, however, defend their owners and family members, particularly if they perceive a threat. The issue is that this canine with a big heart considers the majority of situations to be unthreatening. Can Labradors sleep alone? Labrador Retrievers are social dogs that enjoy the company of their owners and other animals. Some Labradors may struggle with being left alone for extended periods of time and may develop separation anxiety. However, with proper training and acclimation, many Labradors can learn to sleep alone and be comfortable in their own space. Gradually increasing the amount of time they spend alone can help make the transition easier for them. Do Labradors bark a lot? Labrador Retrievers are not known to be excessively barky dogs. However, like all dogs, they may bark for various reasons such as boredom, anxiety, or to alert their owners to potential danger. Some Labradors may bark more frequently than others, and their barking behaviour can be influenced by factors such as their training, socialization, and environment. Proper training and providing them with plenty of physical exercises and mental stimulation can help reduce excessive barking in Labradors. Do Labradors need beds? Yes, Labradors need beds for comfort and to provide a designated sleeping area. A comfortable bed can help promote better sleep and overall well-being for your dog. Can you leave a Labrador alone for 8 hours? Leaving a Labrador Retriever alone for 8 hours can be challenging as they are social dogs that enjoy the company of their owners and other animals. However, with proper training and acclimation, many Labradors can handle being alone for this length of time. Also, Read- Bloodhound Dog Price in India Final Thoughts Finally, we have come to the end of this article and it can be concluded that Labradors can no doubt become your great companion due to their amazing adaptability quality with family members and other pets. But the only thing to keep in mind is that they are highly energetic dogs so you should always keep some time for them to make them exercise, and play with them so that they will always be cheerful. Lack of exercise will make them aggressive. Also, socialise them from an early age and also remember to take proper care to give them a healthy and happy life. I hope you found it helpful!! Thank you for Reading! Our post on Labrador dog price considers all crucial factors for planning Lab ownership in India. The prices we present here take into account items that are best for the dog. For instance, many people feed their Labs homemade food. While homemade food is not a bad choice, it is not an optimal choice for your dog. Hence, our dog food cost takes into account a high-quality commercial dog food and not homemade food. Also, a Lab mix from a puppy mill will cost you several thousand rupees less than a pedigree puppy. Again, our price list does not account for a Lab mix. Instead, it takes into account the price for a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. In short, when you read our price list, kindly assume that the prices indicated here assume medium to high-quality products and services for your dogs. Remember, there are always exceptions on both sides. A Lab puppy from an imported pair will cost your several thousand rupees more. At the same time, a Lab mix puppy from a puppy mill will be several thousand rupees less. We consider these exceptions, and our Labrador dog price in India does not account for these exceptions. Factors that influence the Labrador Retriever price Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the world. People love this dog for is balanced temperament, intelligence, and trainability. Due to these exceptional traits, Lab excels in several roles, such as gun dog, disability assistance dog, therapy dog, police dog, guide dog, and a family dog. Labrador Retriever is similar to the Golden Retriever in temperament and intelligence. However, this dog is not a good guard dog. They look at all humans as friends, which makes them unfit as a guard dog. If you are looking for a guard dog, you are better off with a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler. In the following section of our post, we present an in-depth look at each Labrador ownership aspect. The following are some key factors that play a crucial role in the Lab puppy price in India. Labrador Puppy cost The first expense that you incur will be the puppy cost. Labs are in great demand in India. Finding a quality purebred pup and a reputable breeder in your city will take time. Remember, Labs have a life span of 10 to 12 years. Never buy a pup in haste. Most of us make the mistake of walking into a pet shop and bringing home a puppy having no idea about its pedigree. The following factors contribute to the total cost of ownership of Labrador Retriever in India. A Lab puppy from a reputable breeder will be expensive but will be purebred. In comparison, a Lab puppy from a pet shop or a puppy mill will be cheap but will not be purebred. Always buy your Lab from a reputable breeder. The premium price that you pay will ensure a worry-free ownership experience. Avoid buying your Lab from puppy mills and pet shops. You can buy your puppy from any one of the following places in India. All puppies are cute. Always learn, plan, and then choose your Lab. As a dog owner, you need to first learn about the breed, its standards, traits, and requirements. Then you need to plan, plan your budget, find the right breeder, right vet, and prepare your family. Finally, choose your puppy. Just because a pet shop says they have KCI certified pups does not mean that the puppies are purebred. Only buy your Lab puppy from a pet shop after ensuring the following. Meet the puppy along with its mother. Insist on KCI certification for the puppy and review the parent dogs. Take feedback from other dog owners who bought puppies from the pet shop. Puppy mill Never buy your Labrador puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills work only for profit. Puppy mills work closely with pet shops. The only thing that these dog breeders care about is profit. Puppy mills have several breeding pairs. It is easy to spot a puppy mill. They often use catchy phrases such as show winner, purebred, KCI papers, low price, etc. Brokers Dog brokers play a vital role in bringing dog breeders and dog lovers together. All breeders rely on brokers to help sell their puppies. Good brokers will take you to the breeder directly. They will also lead you away from puppy mills. Never buy your Lab from a broker directly. Always insist on meeting the dog breeder and dealing with them directly. Dog brokers take a small fee in exchange for their services. Dog brokers can also guide you. Brokers understand the dog market better than anyone and can help you choose the right puppy for you and guide you during your initial days of dog ownership. Reputable Breeders Reputable breeders are the best place to buy your purebred puppy. Reputable Labrador breeders care about their dogs, ensure proper health, and spare no expense in taking care of their dogs. Hence, buying from them will cost you more. Another benefit of buying from a reputable breeder is the guidance that they can provide. As a new dog owner, you will need support from experienced dog owners to get started and give answers to any questions or concerns you might have. The premium that you pay for your Lab puppy will ensure worry-free ownership. You can find reputable breeders on dogsindia. Regular home breeders Home breeders are serious dog lovers who breed their Labradors infrequently and are not professionals. Buying your purebred puppy from a home breeder is an excellent option if you can find one. Buying from a home breeder will be less expensive than from a reputable breeder. The downside to home breeders is that they are not professionals and will not have much breeding experience. If you come across a home breeder willing to sell their puppy, do the following. Insist on looking at KCI certification of their breeding pair. Insist on meeting the puppy along with its parent. Ask for a reference, someone who can vouch for the quality of their dogs. The dog food cost for Labrador dog in India Dog food will be your highest recurring expense. We recommend feeding high-quality dog food. For your purebred puppy to reach its full potential, it needs a high-quality diet. Also, Labs are prone to obesity. Feeding rice-based homemade food will increase the risk of obesity. We recommend that you read our top dog food review in India to get a detailed view of the costs involved. The vet factor Before you buy your Labrador puppy, find a vet near you. Meet the vet to understand common health issues of this dog breed. The vet can also give you a good idea of all the medical costs you incur when you own a Lab. The following will be your recurring medical expenses. Vaccination cost. They have a strong, athletic build with a broad chest and strong hindquarters. Labrador dogs have short, thick, and water-resistant coat that comes in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. They have a strong head with a broad skull, strong jaws, and a well-defined stop. Their ears are medium in size and hang close to their head, while their eyes are medium in size and shaped like almonds. Labrador dogs have long, thick tail that is often docked. History of Labrador Dogs Labrador dogs were developed in the 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada as a working breed. They were used to haul fishing nets, pull carts, and assist fishermen in rescuing people from the water. In the early 20th century, Labrador dogs were imported to England, where they were used as gun dogs and family pets. Today, Labrador dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the world due to their friendly, loyal, and intelligent nature. Labrador Dog Temperament Labrador dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personality, making them an excellent choice for families. They are intelligent and easy to train, and they are highly loyal to their owners. Labrador dogs are energetic and need plenty of exercises, so they do well with active families who can provide them with daily walks or runs. They are also good with children and make great playmates. Labrador dogs are generally good with other dogs and animals, although early socialization is important to prevent any potential aggression. They may be a little reserved around strangers at first, but they warm up quickly once they have had a chance to get to know them. Factors that Affect the Price of a Labrador Dog Breeder reputation: One of the biggest factors that affect the price of a Labrador dog is the reputation of the breeder. Reputable breeders invest time, money, and effort into breeding healthy and genetically sound Labrador dogs, which often results in a higher price. Pedigree: Another factor that affects the labrador retriever price is its pedigree. Labrador dogs with a long line of champion ancestors may be more expensive due to their potential for show and breeding purposes. Location: The location of the breeder can also affect the lab dog price. For example, Labrador dogs from urban areas may be more expensive due to the higher cost of living in these areas. Demand: The demand for Labrador dogs can also affect their price. If there is a high demand for Labrador dogs in a particular area, breeders may charge a higher price for their puppies. Age: The age of a Labrador retriever can also affect its price. Puppies are generally more expensive than adult Labrador dogs, as they have the potential for breeding and showing. Size: The size of a Labrador dog can also affect its price. Labrador dogs that are larger or smaller than the breed standard may be more expensive due to their rarity. Labrador Dog Training Training a Labrador dog can be a rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs are often very easy to train and excel in obedience and agility classes. Here are some tips for training a Labrador dog: Start training early: Labrador puppies are highly intelligent and are ready to learn from an early age. It is important to start training as soon as possible to establish good behavior and to prevent bad habits from forming. Use positive reinforcement: Labrador dogs respond well to positive reinforcement such as treats and praise. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement as it can lead to fear and aggression in your dog. Be consistent: It is important to be consistent with your training methods and commands. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them Video credit — Furry Friend Labrador Dog Health Issues Labrador dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that Labrador dogs may experience include: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing it to become dislocated or malformed. This can lead to pain and difficulty walking or moving. Obesity: Labrador dogs are prone to obesity due to their love of food and tendency to eat more than they need. Obesity can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Eye Problems: Labrador dogs can suffer from various eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia. These conditions can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Ear Infections: Labrador dogs have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to ear infections. These infections can be painful and may cause hearing loss if left untreated. Bloat: This is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach becomes distended and twists, cutting off blood flow to the rest of the body. Bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Labrador dog Care Tips To keep your Labrador dog healthy and happy, it is important to provide proper care and attention. Some care tips for Labrador dogs include: Provide proper nutrition: Labrador dogs require a balanced diet of high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid feeding them table scraps or too many treats, as this can lead to obesity. Exercise regularly: Labrador dogs are energetic and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This can include walks, runs, or playtime in the backyard. Grooming: Labrador dogs have thick, short coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. This includes regular brushing and baths, as well as checking and cleaning their ears and trimming their nails. Protect against parasites: Labrador dogs are prone to parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. To protect your dog, use preventative measures such as monthly flea and tick medication and regular deworming. Keep up with vaccinations: Labrador dogs require regular vaccinations to protect against diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Here are some common expenses you can expect when owning a Labrador Retriever: Food: The cost of dog food can vary depending on the brand and quality you choose. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs 1, to Rs 4, per month on high-quality dog food. Grooming: Labradors have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Grooming expenses can include bathing, brushing, and nail trimming. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs 1, to Rs 2, per month on grooming. Veterinary care: Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care such as flea and tick prevention are essential to keeping your Labrador healthy. The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on the services required, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Training and socialization: Proper training and socialization are important for ensuring a well-behaved and well-adjusted Labrador. The cost of obedience classes or private training sessions can vary depending on the trainer, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Toys and accessories: Providing your Labrador with toys and accessories such as a leash, collar, and dog bed can also add to the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Boarding and pet sitting: If you plan to travel without your Labrador, you may need to consider the cost of boarding or pet sitting. The cost of boarding or pet sitting can vary depending on the facility or pet sitter, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Medical emergencies: In case of a medical emergency, you may need to pay for unexpected medical expenses such as emergency vet care, surgery, or medications. Check online reviews, ask for referrals from other dog owners, and look for any red flags such as poor living conditions for dogs or a high number of litters. Check registration and certification: Reputable breeders will be registered with the Kennel Club of India or another reputable kennel club. They may also have certifications for health screenings and show or working titles. Look for clean and spacious living conditions, socialization with other dogs and people, and access to food and water. This can give you an idea of what to expect from the puppy as it grows up. Ask about health screenings: Reputable breeders will have their breeding dogs screened for genetic health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Ask about socialization and training: Reputable breeders will socialize their puppies with other dogs and people and may begin basic training. Ask about what kind of socialization and training the puppies have received. Ask for a written contract: A reputable breeder will provide a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. However, factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health can affect their lifespan. Fun Facts about Labrador dog 1. Labrador dogs were originally bred for hunting and retrieving games. They were used by fishermen to retrieve fish that had escaped from their nets and were also used as duck-hunting dogs. Labrador dogs are intelligent and easy to train. They are ranked as one of the top ten intelligent dog breeds and are often used as service dogs and police dogs. Labrador dogs have a keen sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs. They are also used in drug and bomb detection by law enforcement. Labrador dogs are known for their love of water and are excellent swimmers. They have a thick, waterproof coat and webbed paws, which make them well-suited for swimming and retrieving objects in the water. Labrador dogs are loyal and protective of their families. They are known to be great with children and make excellent family pets. Labrador dogs have a friendly disposition and are known to be social animals. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and friendly nature. Labrador dogs have a high energy level and require regular exercise. They love to play and are often used in activities such as obedience training, agility, and flyball. FAQ — Do Labrador dogs bark a lot? Labrador dogs are not known for being excessively barky. However, like any breed, they may bark in certain situations such as when they are alarmed, want attention, or are left alone for long periods of time. Proper training and socialization can help prevent excessive barking in Labrador dogs. Are Labrador dogs easy to train? Labrador dogs are generally considered to be easy to train due to their intelligence and willingness to please. They are ranked as one of the top ten most intelligent dog breeds and are often used as service dogs and police dogs due to their trainability. Proper training and positive reinforcement can help make the process of training a Labrador dog smooth and enjoyable. Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly nature, which makes them great family pets. Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers have a thick, double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. Regular brushing can help minimize shedding. Are Labrador Retrievers good apartment dogs? While Labrador Retrievers are adaptable and can adjust to different living situations, they are an active breed that requires plenty of exercise. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for apartment living unless they are provided with ample opportunities for exercise and play. Do Labrador Retrievers make good service dogs? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are commonly used as service dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature. They are often used as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and mobility assistance dogs. Are there different types of Labrador Retrievers? There are two main types of Labrador Retrievers: English and American. English Labradors tend to have a stockier build and a calmer temperament, while American Labradors are more active and have a leaner build. However, individual temperament and personality can vary regardless of type. Do Labrador dog make good hunting dogs? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are commonly used as hunting dogs due to their intelligence and retrieving abilities. They are often used to retrieve waterfowl and other game birds. Recommended —. If you are still on the fence, read on to find out more about Labrador Retrievers and everything that makes them one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Based on your budgetary requirements, you can bring home a Labrador Retriever Puppy of your choice. Labrador dogs are a friendly and outgoing breed of dog. These dogs are considered well-balanced suicide ranges between 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and the weight goes maximum up to 80 pounds. The most available color for such puppies is yellow along with the hard coat and they are also available in black and chocolate color varieties. Some part of the head is quite wide and the eyes sparkle with kindliness. They look most adorable and innocent. Many people are looking for the best breeds of the puppy out of which black Lab puppies are one of the best breeds of the dog. We will help you to go through certain unique features so that you can take interest in purchasing the Black Lab puppies for sale. The Labrador puppies are renowned for their friendship and affection between the dogs and humans. The cute and appealing personality is responsible for purchasing the Labra puppy for sale in India. We will also help you with knowing the Labrador puppies for saleand find the best fit for you. The Labrador puppies are the most affordable ones and we don't have to invest a huge amount of money in maintenance throughout life. They were originally bred to be fishing dogs that helped hunters fetch waterfowl. While they hauled nets and fetched ropes back in the day, Labradors have evolved to become some of the most loved pets owned by dog lovers around the world. It has been featured in a range of different ads, TV shows, movies, and popular events, making it impossible for people to forget how the breed looks. As they have been captured a million times over time, even people who are not dog lovers can easily identify Labrador Retrievers. While most Labs have been domesticated, a few of them still work as efficient working dogs, thanks to the energy they have carried with them over ages. Labradors are known for their agility, intelligence, and unconditional love for their owners. Labrador Retrievers have two layers of coat — a soft and weather-resistant undercoat that is covered by a short and thick top coat. Three of the most common colors for these dogs include cream, chocolate, and yellow. You can find Labs with many other colors as well, provided the breeder you approach has them. Premium Pet House helps you get your furry friend at the best Labrador Retriever puppy price in India. All Lab puppies at our farms are priced reasonably, keeping your genuine love for dogs in mind. Along with giving you a fair price for the puppies, we also give you an estimate of the monthly maintenance cost you may incur after bringing a Labrador Retriever home. Depending on where you live, we help you take an adorable Lab puppy home at the best price. It needs toys and accessories like a leash, collar, bed, and more to lead a comfortable life. You can either seek pet-sitting services or keep your pet at a boarding facility. Grooming is also an effective way to control excessive shedding, something Labradors are infamous for. The grooming routine of your Labrador should include brushing its coat, trimming its nails, trimming its coat if needed , bathing it, and keeping it aesthetic. It is important to provide extensive obedience and socialization training to your puppy at a young age to make it grow into a well-mannered adult. Make sure you train your pet using the most effective methodologies to make it retain the commands taught. Labrador Retriever Vet Care Expenses In India Once you bring a Labrador Retriever home, it is important to make regular vet visits for health checkups, vaccination, and preventive care. Ignoring these checkups can make your Lab puppy more susceptible to health complications that could have been avoided. This cost will go down as your pet gets older. When it comes to bringing an adorable Lab puppy home, there are two alternatives you can choose from: buying the puppy from a pet shop or approaching a dog breeder. Going to a responsible dog breeder in India is a preferred option as it makes your journey to be a Lab parent better. A trusted dog breeder will provide you with all the necessary information about Labrador Retrievers, from health considerations and dietary needs to exercising routine and behavioral traits. Getting A Healthy Labrador A dog breeder pays keen attention to the health of every Labrador on their farm. A breeder ensures that the dogs they breed are free from congenital health complications. You can also ask the right questions to the dog breeders in India to confirm that the furry friend you purchase is fit and fine! Dog breeders possess complete knowledge about the entire history of Labrador Retrievers. This helps you understand your pet better and become a better Lab parent. Meeting them gives you an idea about how your Labrador Retriever will look when it gets older. All you need to do is give them your preferences regarding the Lab puppy you are looking for and trust them with the rest. They will do their best to ensure that you receive precisely the puppy you were looking for. Extensive Support Our team of experts at Premium Pet House provides you with extensive and personalized support throughout your journey of becoming a Labrador parent. From the moment you get in touch with us, we resolve your queries and guide you along the way as you choose the cutest Lab puppy for you and your loved ones! Multiple Choices Premium Pet House does not limit your choices by giving you a handful of options. We put multiple Lab puppies at your disposal and help you choose the best option. Responsible Labrador Breeding We love the cute little Lab puppies just as much as you do! None of our team members indulges in any unethical or unsafe breeding practices to bring Labrador Retriever puppies to you. All the Labradors and their puppies living on our farms are kept in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Rest assured that your pet will be leading a happy and comfortable life before you bring it home! Being the breeders and sellers of dogs, we keep the prices as low as possible to let you overcome any difficulty in making a purchase. Irrespective of where you live, we offer the best prices for Labrador puppies across the country. The breed is known for its pleasant personality that instantly makes it likable. Lab puppies are affectionate and become good friends with everyone they meet. As long as you behave nicely with them, they will have nothing but love for you! Moreover, Labradors are not aggressive at all. No matter how old your Lab is, it will always act like a sweet little puppy. They Are Fast Learners Labrador Retrievers are blessed with high intelligence, making them fast learners. Giving obedience and socialization training to your Lab puppy will not be difficult as it will learn your commands without a lot of repetitions. However, make sure you train your pet while it is still young and capable of forming new habits. Being water dogs, Labrador Retrievers love spending time in the water. Apart from playing games in the water, a Labrador can simply laze around in a pool and spend a considerable amount of time swimming with you. A Labrador definitely makes a family trip to a beach complete with its unconditional love for water! Labradors Are Playful And Protective If you are looking for a playmate that is also immensely protective of you, getting a Lab puppy home is the best choice! Labrador Retrievers possess child-like energies that make them playful and fun companions. It is difficult to have a dull moment around a Labrador. The breed is also very protective of its owner and their family. Best Exercising Buddies! If you have been looking for the right motivation to start exercising and build a healthy routine, your Labrador will help you sweat it out every day! Thanks to their history of being bred for accompanying hunters, Labradors have high energy that makes them the best exercising buddies you can ever have! Your Lab puppy will love joining you for a morning walk, jog, or run as you develop a healthy exercise routine. The child-like personalities of Labradors are an ideal match for the kids in your house. Bringing a Lab puppy home is no less than a beautiful gift for your children! You can leave the two parties with each other and watch them have the time of their lives! Labs make wonderful family pets as they can get along with everyone in your family. From a toddler to a senior citizen, everyone is bound to get charmed by your Labrador Retriever once you bring it home with you! Labradors Are Cooperative With Other Pets If you are bringing a Lab puppy home to other pets or bring other pets home to a Labrador, you can rest assured that your Labrador Retriever will not cause any trouble. Labs are very cooperative with other pets and consider them as family members. Their even temperament and lovable personality lead to cordial behavior with other pets, no matter which breed they belong to. If trained well, a Labrador can even live happily with a cat in the same house. Twice a year, your Labrador Retriever will blow its coat, leading to dog hair everywhere in your house. If you are allergic to dog hair, you might want to think twice before bringing a Labrador Retriever home. However, heavy shedding can be controlled by grooming your pet regularly. The skin of your pet produces natural oils that end up giving a peculiar dog smell. Moreover, the years of a Labrador Retriever give off a yeasty smell. However, if the smell gets too strong, make sure you take your Lab to a vet for a checkup as it may be due to skin or dental infections. The double coat of your Labrador Retriever will block the odor, making them smell more than most breeds. Daily Exercising Needs Labradors are high-energy dogs that have been used by hunters for several years. They need their daily dose of exercise to remain fit and healthy. Once you bring an adorable Labrador Retriever home, take it out on at least two minute walks every day. As the food intake of these dogs is also pretty high, it is important for them to burn their calories to prevent health issues like obesity. While food acts as a key motivator while training a Lab puppy, the motivation may also become too strong when the puppy grows up. Never make the mistake of leaving food open and available to an adult Labrador as it will never know when to stop. Overeating can make your Labrador obese and lead to a host of health complications. Watch what your pet eats and structure its diet to give it a long and healthy life. Prone To Separation Anxiety While Labrador Retrievers love spending time with their owners, their love often turns into separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. They are not the kind of dogs you tie outside your house. They need human company and love spending time with you. Leaving them alone can make them feel useless and lonely. Always ensure that your Lab puppy has someone to keep it company. They Need Space Labradors often need space to walk around due to their size and energy. You cannot and should not keep your pet confined in a closed space for too long. If you are planning to bring a Lab puppy home, make sure you have enough space for it when it grows up. If you live in a small apartment, make sure you take your Labrador out more often to help it move around freely. They are food-motivated dogs who will never say no to anything that is edible! Always ensure that your Labrador Retriever eats well without going overboard, irrespective of how old it is. It is also important to be mindful of the number of meals you feed your Labrador Retriever. Here is the dietary routine you should follow while feeding your Lab at different stages of its life: Up To 2 Months When your Labrador Retriever is still a puppy, it is advisable to feed it four meals per day. This is the stage where your pet does the most of its growing up. Unlike most other breeds, it is not advisable to free-feed your Labrador at this age. Labradors tend to eat a lot at all ages and you should not give them more food than what is absolutely necessary. Over 6 Months By the time your Labrador turns six months old, you should reduce its food intake to two meals per day. Do not give your Lab unlimited access to food and track what it eats all day. While a few dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others continue living a normal life. Labradors with this condition should not be bred any further. Elbow dysplasia leads to joint laxity and painful lameness. Cataracts Like humans, Labradors are also susceptible to cataracts. While they do not impair vision, they do lead to severe vision loss in dogs. It is not a major issue and your pet will recover from it in a few days. Ear infections This breed of dog office from ear infections because of the breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria. Hence, they are always recommended to clean their ears and keep them dry. It starts with your Labrador Retriever getting night-blind and makes it lose daytime vision over time. The health issue manifests itself in your pet by making it tired and stiff as it walks. You may also see your Lab puppy collapse during training or exercise sessions. While there is no treatment to fully cure myopathy in dogs, the best way to tackle is to keep your Labrador warm and at rest. Epilepsy This is another common health issue your Labrador can encounter, leading to mild or severe seizures. The fits can be identified by noticing your pet running around frantically as if it is being chased. If you notice such seizures in your pet, take it to a vet at once. Joint problems Labradors commonly suffer from the disease of joint problems especially at the elbow and at the hip regions. This health issue is also known as elbow or hip dysplasia. The conditions are severe because it starts affecting the joints and stop the normal movement of the body. These health issues are also responsible for inducing pain and prohibition of movement of all the body parts especially the elbow and legs. Obesity and Bloat These two health issues are quite severe for Labrador dogs. Unhealthy eating habits are highly responsible for affecting dogs severely. The stomach gets twisted or becomes swelled when the eating habits are compromised at regular intervals. Hence, feed them regularly with healthy meals. Interesting Facts About Labrador Retrievers Before you welcome the most adorable Lab puppy in the world, here are a few interesting facts that will make you fall in love with the breed even more: Labradors Almost Went Extinct A breed that is extremely popular today was once on the verge of extinction. During the s, families living in Newfoundland were asked to pay taxes to own dogs. Moreover, they were only allowed to keep one dog per family. As female dogs were taxed more, people stopped keeping them altogether, leading to a sharp decline in the Labrador Retriever numbers in Newfoundland. Fortunately, the breed found a resurgence in the UK, preventing it from going extinct. Labradors have lived interesting lives! It was given a life sentence without parole for murdering the cat. Ultimately, it lived in the Eastern State Penitentiary for ten years. This quality has made them the best choices for hunting and fetching. They Are Practically Waterproof Labradors are popular around the world because of their love for water. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they are built to thrive in the water! Their double coat insulates them from water and prevents them from getting cold even while swimming in cold weather conditions. When they come out of the water, the coat instantly skims all the water off with a simple jerk, making them dry almost instantly. Breeding a single Labrador can lead to puppies sporting colors like black, chocolate, and yellow. This is another reason why it is better to get a Lab puppy from dog breeders as they are bound to have dogs with a variety of different coat colors. Let us explore some interesting facts about them. The labrador retriever is a highly skilled and cute puppy that is famous for its intelligence. The lifespan of these puppies is about 11 to 12 years. There are three prominent colors of the coat of the Labrador retriever puppies that include yellow, chocolate, and black. Their eyes keep on sparkling and possess a mischievous personality. These are the finest bred of the puppies which are readily available across all counties including India. We have found that these dogs are highly easy to train and we need low maintenance costs yearly. Hence their affordability is the prime factor behind purchasing them. They always love to please the trainers and that is the reason why we can easily train them and get full control. These are quite friendly and have dynamic features that enhance their visual appearance. They sometimes act over smart since they have the special ability to learn to do daily activities which investing many efforts. They can easily learn how to open the door of the refrigerator and how to take out things from the shelf after noticing the activities of the owner. You can maintain healthy relation with them by investing a good amount of time and try to reduce giving instructions all the time since they get irritated by such acts. After observing the behavior with keen interest and observation, we have found out that food is the weakness of such a dog breed. We can administer them for rigorous training by providing sufficient food at regular intervals. The training becomes smoother and hence we can make them learn new tricks every day concerning the procedures of safeguarding the home and the family members. We also need to pay concern about the diet schedule because if they are overly fed, it may lead to health issues. Therefore, the Lab puppy price in India is extremely cheap for any common individual along with that he or she can take the best care by gathering the required provisions.

NET I am no longer able to log in or send out from the epix. I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you. With many years of experience in ethical, responsible breeding as members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - we adhere to the standards they provide. Our AKC registered dogs are deeply rooted in select German lines, and select American lines with a careful breeding plan we produce puppies, 4 to 6 annual litters, that excel as cherished family pets, working and show dogs. We are also expanding what we train or introduce our pups to, we have plans to bring in canine agility training and conformation. We remain active with our dogs and take great pride in ensuring that our pups are raised in a healthy, well socialized and loving environment. We talk below about some of the specialty areas that our pups have been and will continue to be successful in. You'll find our pups grow to be great protectors, wonderful pets, excellent in the fields of search and rescue, remarkable therapy dogs - it all begins with our puppy training. This agreement contains our health guarantee and other useful information. We cannot urge you strongly enough to keep in touch with us regarding the growth and development of your new puppy. While Veterinarians are useful in many areas of a dogs life, the Breeder has the experience with the growth, health, and development issues specific to the German Shepherd Dog. The German Shepherd Dog is unique, and as such, has unique growth patterns and health issues that many vets are not familiar with. Because of this, we have certain vets that we recommend who are familiar with the German Shepherds Dogs and their growth. If the Breeder has not provided a registered name, you may register your dog with a registered name of your choice Please be prepared to provide the registered name at the time of delivery. All picks will be done in the order of deposits after Von Moyer Haus picks there puppy. It is recommended that the buyer have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 2 business days of the purchase date. Should the puppy be found to have a serious genetic or health defect, the breeder is to be contacted within 8 hours of diagnosis, so arrangements can be made for return of the said puppy within 7 days if the buyer would like to return the puppy. Upon return of the defective puppy, along with written diagnosis signed by a licensed vet. The buyer can request a replacement puppy of equal value. The breeder is not responsible for the vet bill. Puppies that become sick or die due to an accident or buyers negligence chewing electrical cords, hung by collar, exposing the puppy to strange dogs not living in the home before fully vaccinated, etc. We only breed litters per year — a replacement puppy may not be immediately available. The puppy is not the be tied, chained or otherwise tethered; nor allowed to roam free, except while on a leash or under the direct supervision and control of the owner. If the puppy is ever discovered living in such manner, the breeder will repossess the dog. If the puppy does not drop both testicles by the time he is 1 year of age, it would be recommended that you have him neutered. However, no genetic issue is exact. Von Moyer Haus German Shepherds assumes no responsibility or liability in this matter, making it the sole responsibility of the buyer. If any dog is spayed or neutered before the age of 1. There will be no refunds or replacements of any puppies. Vets will recommend doing this around 6 months old. If a puppy is spayed or neutered before the age of 1, we require you to get a copy of the certificate and forward it to us. You will be provided a list of shots your puppy has received along with a list of shots your puppy needs. You will also be given a list of the dates and type of worming your puppy has already had with the schedule of future worming. In addition to taping, the breeder can also provide you with other suggestions which are proven to assist with the standing of the ears. Hip Dysplasia Although it is impossible to guarantee a puppy will not get hip dysplasia, we make every effort to avoid such an occurrence by using stock that has been x-rayed. Our policy on replacement is stated below. The guarantee below is good for the life of the dog against crippling hip dysplasia. In the event that a bitch conceives a litter or a male sires a litter, this guarantee becomes null and void. Hip Dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hip. A dog may or may not become lame because of the disease and depending upon its severity. In the event that one of our puppies does become dysplastic, we will do the following We will replace the puppy with another puppy of equal or greater value if the puppy is found to have severe hip dysplasia moderate to extreme in which the disease is crippling. The X-ray and a copy of the OFA letter of diagnosis must be given to the breeder. If the buyer chooses to keep the puppy, a certification of sterilization must be given before any replacement will be made by the breeder. To aid in prevention of hip dysplasia and Pano, it is recommended to give puppies mg of Vitamin C daily until 6 months of age, then increasing the amount to mg. Do not allow your puppy to jump from elevated areas, over obstacles, or on concrete until at least 12 months of age. Pano Pano is temporary and painful limping condition which unfortunately can occur in German Shepherd puppies that grow too quickly. It usually strikes between the ages of months of age and can occur on and off for up to 2 years of age. Because Pano is a temporary and relatively easy to manage, we do not replace puppies afflicted with Pano. Following the breeders diet recommendations below can help prevent or reduce the severity of Pano. Soft Pasterns Soft Pasterns occur when your puppies front legs at his wrists are bent inward and it looks like the puppy is walking on his feet and wrists at the same time. In certain bloodlines there is a period, usually during the teething stage that your puppies ears and pasterns might temporarily soften. With the proper diet, they will return to full strength after the teething is completed. Soft Pasterns is a temporary affliction that is self resolving, lasting several weeks to several months depending on severity. Diet Recommendation We feed all of our dogs and puppies quality premium dog foods. The primary ingredient in premium food is meat based Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Lamb etc. Premium food promotes good health, strong teeth, shiny coats, and firm stools. This has bee practices by GSD breeders for many years without any negative effects on growth or size at maturity. Socialization Our puppies are raised underfoot, socialized with other dogs, extensively handled, and exposed to variety of conditions. Allow a variety of people of pet your puppy children, elderly, men, women, different ethnicities. Be VERY careful to protect your puppy form unpleasant or traumatic experiences, such as taunting by children or being assaulted by an unfriendly dog. These can have a lasting negative effects which can be difficult to overcome. Responsible owners channel this intelligence and drive in the proper direction with adequate love, attention, and training. We recommend that you enroll your puppy into an obedience class by 6 months of age. If, for any reason, you decide the puppy you picked is unacceptable, you may either choose another puppy if any are available, they rarely are or transfer your deposit to another litter. If you have the puppy for a few days, a refund can be given after the puppy is resold and for the price they are sold at. This maybe different then what you have paid since some puppies may not be sold right away that can change the price. Deposits are not refundable but can be transferred to another Von Moyer Haus Litter. No Exceptions will be given. Any other issues that arise, there will be no refund only a replacement puppy when you are ready for another. We wish you and your puppy the very best. Give the love, care, and attention your puppy deserves and you will be rewarded with a loyal, devoted, and beautiful companion for many years! Please drop us a note and photo of your puppy every so often. I am concerned about and enjoy knowing how puppies from our breedings are developing. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns that arise regarding your puppy or e-mail to gldnrudy rcn.

Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. For the complete list please see our main page page. Why Use Dog Breeders? There are many reasons why people decide not to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue and instead go to a breeder. Other people may be looking for something more specific, such as a puppy that is bred with the intention of being trained to become a service animal for someone in need. Yet others may want to buy a dog from a breeder as a way of supporting the humane treatment of animals. When it comes to purebred dogs you should always expect to pay more than what you would pay for a mixed breed or rescue dog. A purebred dog will have a better chance of growing up to be healthy and may have fewer behavior problems than a dog who is mixed with unknown breeds. Some questions you might want to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for your puppies? What genetic tests have you had done on your dogs? What is the average price of your puppies, and what factors affect the price? When meeting with a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions and inspect the facilities where the puppies are being raised. The puppies should be clean and well-socialized, and the parents should be friendly and healthy. Finding a reputable breeder is an important part of finding a healthy, well-adjusted German Shepherd puppy for your family. Visit Your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, we highly recommend that you visit the breeder in person to see where and how the puppy was raised. This will give you a much better idea of what type of temperament to expect from your dog and whether or not it will be a good fit for your family. Also ask plenty of questions about the breeding process, genetic health tests performed on parents, and overall care provided to dogs involved in the breeding. Visiting your breeder in person will also give you a better idea of their personality which can help you determine if they are the right kind of breeder for your family. This will give you a better idea of the quality of puppies they produce and how well they take care of their dogs. References can be a valuable tool when determining whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. References are a must when looking for a German Shepherd breeder in North Carolina. This will give you a clear indication of the quality of puppies that breeder provides and how satisfied their past customers have been. Meeting past customers is a valuable way to determine whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. Make sure to ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder plenty of questions about their policies, breeding practices, and overall care of dogs before purchasing a puppy from them. This is important because the breeder will need to get regular health checks on the parents and puppies. A good relationship with a veterinarian is an important part of being a responsible breeder. You should also ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder for copies of all health certificates and genetic tests that have been performed on the parents. This will give you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy and has a clean bill of health. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Sadly, not all breeders care for their dogs and puppies the way they should be cared for. They will also be able to provide documentation that proves the puppies have been health checked by a veterinarian. Responsible breeders will always take the time to answer any questions you have about their puppies. The American Kennel Club AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to upholding high standards in the breeding and showing of purebred dogs. If your breeder is registered with the AKC, it means they are committed to following these high standards. A good way to determine whether or not a breeder is responsible is by checking to see if they are registered with the AKC. Here are a few things you should do: Set up a crate and put a bed inside of it. Buy a few toys and treats to keep your puppy entertained. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will need to get checked out and begin their vaccinations. Start training your puppy as soon as possible. It will make life much easier for both of you in the long run. Potty Training your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you bring home a new puppy is to start potty training them. Here are a few tips: Take your puppy out every hour, on the hour. Reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the right spot. Simply clean it up and continue to take them out regularly. By potty training your puppy, you will be saving yourself a lot of headaches down the road. Most of the time, a wire dog crate with a foldable metal frame will do just fine. However, keep in mind that every dog is different and some might require a plastic or wood kennel instead. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Just like with human babies, teething is a normal but sometimes painful process all puppies go through. Teething puppies are more mouthy than usual as their baby teeth fall out and their adult dog teeth replace them. But when does teething start and when does that mouthiness stop? The baby deciduous teeth start erupting when puppies are around 3 weeks old. This is also when puppies can start eating solid food in addition to nursing. The premolars—the teeth used for chewing—follow. When Do Puppies Stop Teething? Typically, large- or giant-breed dogs erupt their adult teeth sooner than small dogs. The baby incisors are the first to fall out, and adult teeth push through the gums to take their place. The incisors and canines erupt first, around months. The premolars follow when a puppy is months old. The adult molars grow in last, at months of age. While puppies only have 28 baby teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth. That said, teething pain may cause your puppy to become more mouthy or more destructive at home. This is a temporary period, and puppies need to be redirected to appropriate chewing opportunities, like toys. How to Care for a Teething Puppy Taking care of a teething puppy involves offering lots of options for chewing—particularly soft toys, rubber toys, and chilled or frozen toys. Your puppy may prefer harder or softer items, depending on his teething pain. Cold items can help soothe any pain and inflammation, so try giving your pup chilled or frozen treats, like blueberries, green beans , or carrots. The Best Teething Toys for Puppies To keep your puppy from chewing your furniture, give him a few toys that are great for teething, such as:. Most of the time, people assume that they are just being destructive. Actually, we need to understand that puppies are chewing, more often than not, to relieve some discomfort. There are some important lessons your puppy needs to learn in these stages that will make life much easier as they get older. You can expect your puppy to stop teething when they are 6 or 7 months old. Puppy Teething Timeline If you are new to the puppy experience, you definitely anticipated some of the fun playtime and cute cuddling. However, there are probably other things that you did not anticipate that may drive you crazy. Behavior problems like chewing and biting are one of the most common reasons that people get rid of their dogs. When it comes to teething biting and chewing , you should understand what the puppy is going through. Knowing when your puppy will transition from one stage to another will help you have patience when you get the most frustrated. Weeks 2 to 4 Your Lab puppy was born, like most mammals that I can think of, without any teeth. He will still be with his mom, so there is not much you need to know about this period. At this stage, his teeth will still be too gentle for dry food—so he will still be nursing throughout this stage. Weeks 5 to 6 By this point, your puppy will have all 28 baby teeth. With his teeth in place, your Lab puppy should be introduced to soft, wet dog food. Lots of breeders will just use the same dry dog food they plan on feeding as the dog gets older. Click here to see how I like to prepare dry dog food for puppies in this stage of tooth development. Just use the puppy food you will be transitioning them to before they go home. When you are ready to use the soaked dog food, place it in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is the consistency of baby food no lumps. When you are ready to feed the puppies, you can mix it will some warm water or put it in the microwave for just a few seconds to take the frigid edge off. This is also when your puppy will start dropping his baby teeth. It will not be uncommon to find little, rice-sized puppy teeth around your house. On the other hand, you may not see the teeth if your puppy swallows them while eating. No big deal. This is because his mouth hurts. The gums are irritated and chewing on stuff gives some momentary relief from that discomfort. Anyone that has cared for a baby understands how miserable the teething process can be. It is no uncommon for a baby that is teething to be very miserable. They develop a fever, become very cranky, lose sleep, start to drool uncontrollably, rubbing their cheeks, etc. Especially his mouth. Puppies chew on everything… even you! Anything to get some relief from the teething process. Your vet will appreciate your helping your dog get comfortable with having his mouth handled. The frustrating part of this stage is how often you will get bit. It is just a part of the puppy game. And, when you do get bit, it hurts because his puppy teeth are like little needles. They do not need to bite down hard to cause some serious pain. Although the purpose of this article is not to get your dog to stop biting, here is a video that will help you through this stage. If you notice any puppy teeth remaining with the adult teeth, you should contact a vet and have them pulled. Problems in Labrador Puppy Teeth There are lots of different problems your puppy can experience in conjunction with teething. Retained puppy teeth are the most common. The puppy tooth is considered retained if the adult tooth has emerged. The adult tooth does not have to be fully grown in order for the tooth to be considered retained. As I mentioned above, make sure that you get your dog to a vet to consider having it pulled. Missing teeth are not necessarily a problem. If the adult teeth are starting to come in, it is possible to find a spot where the puppy tooth has fallen out, but the adult tooth is still just below the gum surface. Also, the angle helps you get anything that might be caught between the tooth and the gum. Pet Republique Finger Toothbrush This is the instrument you need if you want to really focus on a specific tooth and give direct attention. That stuff can cause serious problems for K-9 teeth. You can check Chewy. I about died. I grabbed a bag of these and within one month, I could visibly see the difference in the plaque buildup on her teeth. I am not exaggerating. The next time I took Lady to the vet, he could not believe the change. Now, he suggests them to all of his clients that have dogs with plaque build-up. Click on this image or this link to see what these are selling for today at Chewy. Best Toys for Labrador Puppies that are Teething There are a number of toys that you can get to help your puppy deal with the discomfort of teething. The benefit of getting some of these is that you can start training your puppy what is okay to chew and what is not. If you do not have one or more of these toys close at hand, you will find it very difficult to get your dog to stop chewing on your stuff. I think they are some of the very best dog toys on the market. Make sure you check out this video on how I use KONG toys to help with crate training and training my dog to be quiet. You can grab them from Chewy. This might be the most useful dog toy on the market. The polymer is completely safe for your young dog. The nylon rope relieves the discomfort from teething. Puppy Proofing Your Home Puppy-proofing your home is more about avoiding the point where you start to resent your puppy. Remember He is only a puppy and his mouth hurts. Any relief at all is going to be welcome as far as he is concerned. The frightening thing is how fast your puppy can destroy your favorite stuff. Puppy-proofing your house is as much about keeping your stuff safe as it is about keeping your puppy safe. So, make sure that electrical cords are tucked out of sight. Baby gates or doors are a great way to control where your puppy can and cannot go in your house. These are a great way to limit where your puppy can go in your home and thereby reduce the number of places you have to puppy-proof. Check out this metal gate from MidWest. It is a great option and will bring you some peace of mind. Provide Puppy Teething Toys Puppies love to chew! Your hands: Many puppies at this age are learning bite inhibition aka the ability to control the strength of their bite. Freezing Treats and Toys Cold treats can ease the swelling and pain of tender teething gums. While ice cubes may be too rough on their teeth, frozen carrots cut into small, chewable chunks, are an easy solution. Puppy-proof Your Home Your puppy wants to chew everything, including your shoes, sofa and lots of other things that will be aggravating to replace. Here are a few simple strategies from our experts to try: Hide personal possessions or put them out of reach. You pup is going to be especially drawn to anything that smells like you their favorite thing in the world. Shoes on the floor of a closet, laundry in basket, your phone of the couch— these items are simply too enticing for a teething puppy. Put them out of reach for safety and know that teething does not last forever. Protect electrical cords. Cords, whether electrical or from your blinds or curtains, that are on the floor or within reach, are another temptation for chewing. Move cords out of reach upward, of course or utilize tools such as cord covers if moving cords upward and out of reach is not an option. Install child-proof safety locks on drawers and cabinets. It might feel like overkill but installing child-proof safety locks on lower drawers in the kitchen can help prevent a chewing puppy from getting into foods or linens stored within. Use gates to close off rooms that you do not want them to explore and find fun thing upon which to chew. Learn how to puppy proof without sacrificing your sense of style. Redirect the Behavior Chewing is going to happen. Getting angry and scaring your pup is not a solution. Be prepared to distract them from gnawing on your prized possessions by providing appropriate toys under supervision such as those listed above. Of course, accidents are going to happen. Positive reinforcement will go a long way to teaching your puppy. Practice Proper Dental Care For now, you can skip the dog tooth brushing. More on this here. Instead, pet parents can start familiarizing their pups with elements of tooth brushing without actually scrubbing their super-sensitive! This will help put your pup on the road to good dental health, avoiding trouble like periodontal disease. When to Call Your Vet For most puppies, teething is mildly uncomfortable—but routine. Sometimes, though, a call to the vet might be necessary. If you spot these issues, give your vet a call. As a pet parent, you can help during this transition by providing appropriate dog toys, introducing dental health habits, and watching out for signs of trouble. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. Read our puppy stages guide to learn more. Most puppies are born without teeth and go through a process known as puppy teething. From birth to six months, sharp puppy teeth erupt from the gums in the jaw in a predictable timeline. Puppies go through teething stages during the development of their teeth, including sore gums, and eventually—the eruption of 28 baby teeth. During teething, puppies may target all kinds of unexpected objects to gnaw and chew on, like baseboards and shoes, to relieve the discomfort. However, most dogs never outgrow the urge to chew. Pet owners are encouraged to learn about how their puppy's teeth grow in so they can best handle their dog as it ages. During the first two weeks, you'll notice your puppy nursing and first opening its eyes. Weeks 2 to 4 In the front of the mouth, narrow-edged teeth known as incisors will begin to emerge. The incisors are the first to appear at about two to three weeks of age. Puppies have six incisors on both the top and bottom jaw. Premolars and molars also begin to grow behind canines the pointed teeth between the incisors and premolars at three to six weeks of age, with three on the top and bottom of each side. Four needle-like canines appear at age four weeks and frame the incisors, one on each side, top, and bottom. Weeks 5 to 8 The last molars appear by six to eight weeks of age. When the deciduous teeth don't fall out on time, puppies may appear to have a double set of teeth. Retained baby teeth should be extracted by a veterinarian so that permanent teeth have room to grow. Sometimes, a crowded mouth pushes teeth out of alignment, resulting in difficulty eating or poor dental hygiene which can lead to periodontal disease. All of your puppy's 28 baby teeth are expected to come in by this time. This is when puppies start to learn how to eat moist and soft puppy food. Weeks 12 to 16 Breeders often let their puppies go to their new owners' homes around eight weeks. Baby teeth will begin to shed, and permanent adult teeth will start to come in. This process is painful for dogs, so providing puppy safe chew toys is recommended. This is a good time to socialize your dog more, look and touch the inside and outside of its mouth, and prepare for teeth brushing. If there are any baby teeth left, let your vet know so it can be removed. Permanent teeth replace the milk teeth tooth-for-tooth and add four premolars and 10 molars. Most pups will have 42 permanent teeth in place by about seven months of age. Signs to Keep an Eye on During Teething While it can vary somewhat between breeds , there is a progression you can expect as your puppy develops new teeth. It's important to begin handling your puppy's mouth while it's young so you can periodically check for any potential tooth problems. Any type of facial swelling, changes in eating habits, unexpected night awakenings, or rubbing of the face are signs of possible oral discomfort. You'll want to take your pup to the veterinarian if you see: Two teeth occupying one spot in your puppy's mouth. This can cause the adult tooth to come in crooked, possibly causing later problems. These are common symptoms of periodontal disease, a large oral issue for dogs. Broken or cracked teeth. This can cause the nerve of the tooth to expose itself, causing your dog pain or infection. Crooked teeth or malocclusion misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. While some breeds have a trademark bite, unusual ones could cause chewing issues. Loose adult teeth. Most often, this is caused by trauma to the mouth or from gum loss due to advanced periodontal disease. It could also be a sign of illness. How to Keep Teeth Healthy Schedule a visit with your veterinarian for an initial dental exam for your puppy. This examination will include a look at the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Ask your vet to demonstrate how to clean your pup's teeth. This way, you'll know what brushes, toothpaste, and techniques to use. Get your pup used to the idea of tooth brushing around six months when its adult teeth start to come in. Regular brushing will prevent plaque, stinky breath, disease, and other medical problems. It's ideal to brush your puppy's teeth daily, but once or twice a week will work. The Purpose of Each Dog Tooth Different kinds of teeth serve various functions, based on the position of the mouth and the shape of the tooth. With some breeds, the shape of the jaw impacts how each type of tooth functions. Most dogs have V-shaped upper and lower jaws which allow the mouth to be opened very wide for grasping and capturing prey—or grabbing and holding toys during play. There are several ways dogs use their teeth: Dogs use their incisors to rip and scrape meat from bones. They also use them as a grooming tool to nibble burrs or dirt from their fur. Dogs use their two canine teeth, found on each side of the jaw on the top and bottom , as pointed daggers to inflict stabbing and slashing wounds. Dogs have eight premolars in the upper jaw and another eight in the lower jaw. They also have four molars in the top and six in the bottom. The extra molars are designed to crush and are used to process vegetable foods and bones. Dogs have specialized carnassial teeth composed of premolars and molars. As they pass each other during the mouth's closure, these teeth act like scissors. The carnassial teeth are innovations of the carnivorous animal that requires shearing action to process flesh. A normal bite looks like this: The lower canine teeth are situated in front of the upper canines. The upper incisors overlap the lower incisors. The upper premolar points fit into the spaces between lower premolars. The upper carnassial teeth overlap the lower ones. Malocclusion refers to the abnormal "bite" or fitting of these teeth. Malocclusion can be normal for certain dog breeds due to differences in the shape of the jaw and mouth. For instance, the flat-faced brachycephalic dog breeds like Bulldogs have a normal malocclusion because their lower jaw is longer than the upper. However, this allows the teeth to fit incorrectly, which can cause mouth damage as the dog chews. Thus, a veterinarian or veterinary dentist with orthodontic correction should be aware of malocclusion. How to Bathe Your Puppy Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. A time when puppies lose their baby teeth and the adult ones start to emerge. With any luck, teething will go smoothly for your pup with minimal hiccups during that time. The majority of dogs, however, get in a great deal of discomfort when they are teething, which is when chewing comes in handy. It is common for puppies to develop sore gums during the teething process, as their adult teeth begin to poke through the gums. To alleviate teething discomfort, chewing helps soothe the teeth. As your pooch grows, it is normal for them to nibble and chew. Here is a guide to lab puppy teething, including information on when or what you can expect from the teething process with just a few symptoms as their adult teeth develop. Puppies teeth begin to appear around the time of weaning, which usually occurs between weeks of age, but depending on the breed, they can appear as late as 8 weeks of age. Beginning with their first tooth, a puppy gets 28 teeth, temporary teeth, referred to in different ways like milk teeth, deciduous teeth, or just simply puppy teeth. At this stage, your puppy loses his baby teeth and replaces them with permanent ones. After 3 months, puppies begin to lose their baby teeth. At around 4 months, it is likely your puppy will have some missing teeth. These teeth are remarkably sharp, designed to help them successfully adapt to carnivorous life after tasting meat for the first time. A few of the theories regarding sharpened teeth are associated with introducing solid food and assisting the pups in controlling their biting instincts. Once the root is fully reabsorbed the tooth becomes loose and is easily knocked out when the lab Puppies eats or chews his toys. Teething Gels For Puppies Fairly speaking, there are those who favor teething gels made for puppies. Our recommendation is to speak to your veterinarian if you are considering teething gels. There is disagreement regarding the efficacy or even the danger of teething gels. Like how do you know if your puppy is teething or not? What if your puppy is going through mental turmoil, chewing everything she encounters. Chewing Puppies chew by nature, however, if he suddenly shows a significant increase in her chewing behavior, it may indicate that he is teething. Make sure to give him his own toy because otherwise, you will regret it. Constant Drooling Puppies that are teething experience intense gum pain which leads them to constant drooling. When chewing, it gets even worse. Turn Into A Slow Eater As soon as the puppy starts to teeth, his mouth starts hurting and it gets even worse as he tries to eat. As a result, his eating rate slows down. Some may even stop eating. If possible, give him something softer and less chewy to eat during this time. Consult with your vet to get a list of soft foods that are suitable for him. Frequent Whining Every puppy whines while it is young. However, if you observe unusual whining even after he is past the whining stage, such behavior may be indicative of teething. Moreover, lab puppies who are teething often whine as they chew on toys as well as when they eat. Swollen Gums Plus Bleeding If you find blood on your puppy toy, do not panic. Unless the toy is drenched in blood and the puppy keeps acting the same, there is no need for further concern. Remember — It is possible for swelling and discomfort to persist for some time, so do not be shocked if the symptoms persist. However, if the bleeding seems excessive compared to normal teething, consult your veterinarian right away. Look Out For The Lost Teeth Most puppies lose their teeth while playing, so keep an eye out for teeth in his toys after he chews them. Owners of lab puppies often save their teeth to preserve their memory. If you wish to do the same, simply wash it, dry it well, and keep it in a safe place. This would be a great contribution to a memoir about your pet. Ideal Teething Toys for Lab Puppies As the lab puppies starts to teethe, the majority of pet parents are devastated to see their beloved puppies tearing up their house, devouring shoes, TV remotes, couch cushions, or digging through the garbage. We have listed some of the best toys that you can gift your pooches to cheer them up. Nylabone Key Ring Toy. Does teething make puppies ill or aggressive? Puppy teething can make biting worse , but your puppy also bites in play and he needs to learn to be gentle with his mouth. Chewing is also a natural behavior for teething puppies. It also helps the puppy to shed those teeth that are loose and ready to come out. As well as suggested toys for teething puppies. How long does puppy teething last? With human babies, we tend to associate teething with sleepless nights and grumpy infants. With puppies, our concerns tend to focus more on biting and destructive chewing behavior. How many teeth do dogs have as adults? Labradors are lucky. Unlike some modern dogs breeds, they have a full sized jaw bone with plenty of room for their teeth. Most adult labs have a beautifully designed set of forty-two teeth. This is a perfect mouthful for crushing bones and for ripping and tearing up meat! Just like people, dogs can have problems with their teeth. Tooth decay is common and teeth can get broken. Usually this is one of the premolars that sit between the long canine tooth, and the big molars at the back of the mouth. How many teeth does a Labrador puppy have? Like human babies, Labrador puppies are born without teeth. And, like human babies the first set of deciduous baby teeth are lost during infancy. These are replaced by bigger, stronger grown up teeth. This means your puppy will only have twenty-eight teeth until he cuts his grown up ones. When do Labrador puppies start teething? That first stage in the teething process involves the cutting of the first teeth through the sealed gum. In addition, this phase is pretty much over once you collect your puppy at eight weeks old. When do puppy teeth fall out? At this stage your pup loses his baby teeth and replaces them with permanent grown up ones. Loss of baby teeth begins after the puppy is three months old. The chewing may help to relieve the discomfort in his gums, but you need to watch him carefully. Make sure he is not swallowing bits of blanket or toys that have come apart. Some people claim that their puppies are more irritable during teething but I have not personally found this to be the case. How do puppies lose their teeth? Once the root is fully reabsorbed, the tooth becomes loose and is easily knocked out when the puppy eats or chews his toys. However, his gums may be a bit irritated or sore. But a word of caution before you rush out to buy some. Puppy teething gels Understandably, some people want to use puppy teething gels. However, we recommend you have a chat with your vet before using puppy teething gels. As opinions vary as to whether or not gels are effective or even harmful. You might also come across a cracked tooth. This may need to be seen to by a vet to avoid the risk of infection. Infection can be quite painful. It simply means he has knocked one of his loose teeth out a bit roughly, before it was quite ready to fall out. Most of the time, your puppy probably swallows his baby teeth along with his dinner, or while playing. You may occasionally find a baby tooth, which you can keep as a memento, but they are tiny and quite hard to spot! What are the best chew toys for teething puppies? Without doubt, the most useful toys you can buy your teething puppy are Kongs. You need to fill the hollow center with mushy food and freeze them. Your puppy can then spend up to half an hour of bliss removing the frozen contents. This soothes his mouth and relieves boredom another common cause of chewing. You can buy lots of other chew toys but I find these to be the best. When will my puppy stop teething? Many puppies will be done with teething by about seven months and almost all puppies will have a full set of adult teeth at eight months old. This is because there are reasons other than teething for the enthusiastic chewing that so many Labradors seem to have. Does teething cause diarrhea or fevers? There are a great many claims for the effects of teething in children, from fevers to rashes and upset tummies. These claims, tend to be associated with that first stage in teething. In other words when the baby goes from no teeth at all, to a set of deciduous teeth. This stage is over in puppies before you bring your own puppy home. Over the next few months, your pup will lose his baby teeth and grow his adult replacements. This is the equivalent of what happens to older school-aged children, not what happens in human babies. If in doubt contact your vet In addition to this, there is little or no evidence to suggest that teething causes anything other than teeth in puppies. It is really important not to delay veterinary attention to small puppies that are not well. A small, sick puppy can become seriously ill very quickly. However, there are problems that puppies can have with their teeth. The first is to do with the structure of the jaw. The second is to do with the position of the teeth as they grow through the jaw. If you are looking for a puppy to raise as a working retriever, or for the show ring, this is something worth checking for. Sometimes teeth that look slightly misaligned will level out when the adult teeth come through, and vice versa. Periodontal Disease is a common and sometimes severe problem in dogs. Just like in human, dental hygiene is important in dogs! Have your puppy checked by your vet if you think he still has some deciduous teeth left in his mouth at six months old. Retained baby teeth can impede the growth of the adult teeth and cause problems for your puppy later on. The power of puppy teeth Despite a lack of molars puppies still have powerful jaws and very sharp teeth. From an early age, puppies are learning to harness that power and not to use it when playing or interacting with other dogs and people. This is a process called bite inhibition. Does teething cause biting in puppies Puppies tend to bite a lot when they are teething. But the teething itself is not the only cause. However, biting and growling is an important part of puppy play, that is often mistaken for aggression. Small puppies often bite too hard because the process of bite inhibition that we talked about earlier is not complete. They have learned how hard to bite their furry litter-mate and mother, but not how hard to bite on human skin. Teaching this is one of your roles. But once his adult teeth come through, it is a different story. His permanent teeth have to last him the rest of his life. For example, he may break a tooth. Therefore, he must be happy to have his mouth examined. This is something you can start when he is really small. Get him used to having his lips lifted up, and his teeth examined now, using food as a reward. If so, you may notice your new family member chewing on almost everything you and your family owns. Until then, keep in mind that this is all part of the life of a growing dog and is a very common symptom of puppy teething. Puppies will begin going out of their way to find items to chew on as they start growing their adult teeth. The sooner she gets the idea that she has her own belongings and you have yours, the better your relationship will be throughout her life. Frequent Drooling Puppies who are teething tend to have a lot of pain in their gums and mouths. Because of this, they usually drool more often than they did in their earlier days. Slow to Eat When a puppy is teething, her mouth hurts, and it hurts even more when she goes to eat. Because of this, another symptom that your puppy is teething is that she may start eating slower, even if she has been a voracious eater up until this point. Some puppies who have a lot of pain while teething may stop eating altogether. Although they usually will eventually eat something, you may need to speak with your veterinarian for some suggestions. Your vet can let you know what soft foods are safe for your puppy to eat at this stage in her life as well as any other supplements or ingredients you should consider to help her through her teething process. This is just part of the process of her body getting rid of her baby teeth and growing her new adult teeth. Just like with humans, this is all natural, and unfortunately some pain is involved. If you notice your puppy chewing on something for a long time and then see some blood on the toy or item, this is normal. If you do feel like your puppy is bleeding too much for normal teething, be sure to speak to your vet for more information. Additionally, puppies who are teething tend to whine while chewing on toys and while eating as well. This is also due to their sensitive teeth and gums at this time. Visible Lost Teeth Finally, one of the most common symptoms of puppy teething is visible lost teeth. For example, if your puppy chews frequently on her favorite toy, look for her baby teeth to be left behind in it after a good chewing session. If you want to do this, just clean off the tooth, let it dry thoroughly, and store it somewhere safe. Talk to a Vet for More Information About Puppy Teething Symptoms Remember that puppies go through the teething process twice in their lives, as opposed to human babies who only do it once. Newborn puppies have no teeth and start getting them at around 2 weeks of age. At around 8 weeks of age, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth, which is usually the stage that causes the most problems for puppy owners. It takes anywhere from four to six months for puppies to completely finish teething. This timeline varies depending on the puppy. While this is not a dangerous process for your puppy to go through, your vet will be able to offer additional advice on how to help your puppy go through this stage of life. Recent Posts.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Ginger and Pablo will be due mid-September and ready for new homes just before Thanksgiving! Please call or email for more information, or to see if she is still available, check our Instagram link for the latest updates! We offer payment plans, and discounts for teachers, public servants and good Samaritans! Our family strives to cultivate a lineage of healthy Labradoodles with intelligent, sociable, and gentle temperaments, as well as non-shedding coats. Our breeding program focusses on producing puppies who are ready to be working service dogs and loving companions. We offer lifetime support for friends and families in caring for their new companion. How beautiful it is to find someone who asks for nothing but your company Our love for Labradoodles began when we got our first dog Hazel Joy. As animal loving allergy sufferers, we were so happy to be able to have a pet that did not make us feel sick AND who was such a joyful addition to our family! She was great with our small children--never aggressive and very patient with their antics. We were inspired by our experience and started High Road Labradoodles so that we could provide others with the same positive experience. Our dogs live at almost feet in a dog mountain heaven. The closest main road is called The High Road to Taos, hence our name and our standard of care! They run free on our property and socialize with children, adults, cats, bunnies, and birds. Our dogs have a hand built adobe passive solar dog house with a doggie door and incredible views of the sunset! They are working dogs too--they are trained to alert us when visitors--both 2 and 4 legged-- arrive; they are also trained to watch and protect our children when hiking, and around the land. All of our puppies are whelped indoors, and grow up surrounded by the sounds of our home--laughter, singing, drumming, bangs and clangs, vacuums, television and music. We provide them with many surfaces to walk on--starting with wooly padding and advancing to brick, tile, and wood flooring. Eventually, they get to adventure outside and explore grass and the earth. At about 6 weeks, we "personality test" our puppies using Volhard's Puppy Aptitude Test, in order to gain a solid sense of each individual temperament. This goes a long way in matching puppies to homes where they can thrive! We give thanks and praise to the Most High God for all of His grace and mercy. We have had many happy customers and our goal is to pair you with a dog that will enrich your life! Thank you for taking time to explore our site and our furry guys! Please contact us with any questions or inquiries! Pablo loves hiking up in the mountains. Proudly created with Wix. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article.

Shihpoo puppies make great companion animals for just about anyone, but a retired senior would most likely be an ideal match. They love to be doted on, pampered, and loved. They are pretty versatile and can thrive in almost any environment—family home, apartment, or tiny house. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality tenfold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. They are also loving and make great watchdogs. Shihpoo personalities are described as friendly and playful. They are the size of your average lap dog, and their moderate energy level means they'd probably enjoy napping in your lap for hours. While Shihpoos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shihpoos are not as barky as their Poodle parent but will alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark every few minutes until needs are met. The Shih Tzu tends to shed more than Poodles, so a Shihpoo will be either low to non-shedding depending on whether it inherited its coat from the Shih Tzu side or the Poodle side. For the most part, Shihpoos will require brushing on a weekly basis in order to ensure the coat remains free from knots and snags. In addition, the toenails of the Shihpoo will need to be filed and their ears kept clean and dry. Several times per year, the coat of the Shihpoo will need to be trimmed. Make sure Shihpoos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as Shihpoos are prone to overeat and rapidly gain weight. We breed F1b, F1, and Multi-generational Shihpoos puppies. Below you will find more information on each type of Shihpoo Browns Babies offers. F1b litters are primarily for those with severe allergies, who want to be sure that their Shihpoo puppy has a non-shedding poodle coat. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. If possible, arrange to meet them and spend some time with them. This will give you some idea of their characteristic traits and, while there is no guarantee that these traits will pass on to your puppy, you should look for friendly, alert, and happy parents. Shih-Poos Are Considered Hypoallergenic Shih-Poos, like their Poodle parent breed , are often described as being hypoallergenic which prospective owners take to mean that they will not affect those with allergies to dogs. However, those with dog allergies are allergic to the dander that the dog produces, and not to a specific coat or hair. All dogs produce dander, which is effectively just dead skin cells. However, while there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, the Poodle is one breed that is known to cause fewer allergic reactions in sufferers, lending some credence to the claim. If you are allergic to dogs or have a condition like asthma, try spending some time with these breeds to see how you react and whether they trigger allergic reactions. Although they are best known as a Chinese breed, they actually originate from Tibet and it is believed that the nation sent dogs to Chinese royalty as gifts, and they were then bred with Pekinese or Pugs. Although the breed has long been popular in China, it was at its most popular in the 19th century. The Empress was so taken with the breed that she considered the dogs to be sacred. This popularity stems from the fact that the little lion dogs have a face that looks like a lion and Buddha was said to have ridden to Earth on the back of a lion. There is some debate surrounding its origins but the breed was either first bred as a water dog in Germany or from the French Barbet. On balance, even though the dog was once named the royal breed in France, it seems most likely that they are a German water dog by origin. Even their fancy hairstyle stems from their early working lives. Today, there are dozens of hybrid Poodle breeds available, including the Shih-Poo. However, they have been bred from two very well-known breeds that we can take information from. Shih-Tzus and Poodles both tend to be friendly and outgoing, and they should not be shy or nervous. This breed is known to get on well with people of all ages, especially those that show them love and adoration. They are very happy to be stroked and loved. This can be further encouraged through positive and continuous socialization at a young age. However, they do not always get on well with dogs outside the family unit but can make companions for existing dogs when bought as a puppy. Small dogs are known for being a bit yappy. They vocalize their feelings, to make up for the fact that they are small. While this is common in a lot of small breeds, it is actually less common in the Shih-Poo, which adopts the quieter nature of the Poodle. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will happily curl up on your lap for hours if allowed, and he will get on with all family members. He will also enjoy playing, so he is a good dog for older children. As ever, it is not recommended that families with very small children have this dog. Babies and toddlers tend to grab at things when concentrating on them, and this can lead to injury or cause the dog to nip. However, if you want your dog to live with cats or other dogs, it is better to introduce them slowly and at a young age. Shih-Poos do not cope well with being left alone for extended periods of time, so having another dog as a companion can help to alleviate loneliness, prevent boredom, and stop any negative habits that might form. He can make a great family pet for those with older children that know how to play calmly with a dog. He can also be integrated into an existing family consisting of other dogs and even cats. He will benefit from being fed high-quality dry kibble, and you should expect to feed approximately one cup of food a day. This is best served as two small meals and you should avoid free-feeding because this breed, like so many other dog breeds, has a tendency to overeat which can lead to weight issues like joint pain. This is thanks, in part, to their diminutive size. A short, brisk walk in the morning and another in the evening is ideal, and you can supplement this throughout the day by playing with a ball or small toy. He will, however, perform well in agility classes and these can be a great way to exercise his mind as well as his body. This means that you need to offer training at a young age to ensure that they are learning desirable traits and behaviors. Although they are intelligent, the Shih-Poo can be headstrong and stubborn, and they do not always take well to training. The short attention span means that your dog will benefit from short and relatively simple training sessions. You will need a lot of patience to get the desired results, so be prepared to put in some time and effort. Socialization should be considered an important part of training any dog, especially this breed. Good socialization teaches the dog how to behave around strangers and when meeting new people. It also introduces them to other dogs and helps prevent them from being nervous and unhappy. A nervous dog is always on edge and can become nippy. A good way to ensure socialization is with puppy classes. Your Shih-Poo might not want to learn new tricks or other behaviors but is likely to want to meet new people and make new friends, so they will usually relish puppy classes. You can also take walks at your local dog park, which will offer further socialization. Brushing their coat is vital, and you should do this twice a week. You may also need to trim the coat every year, especially around the eyes and face to help ensure that your dog can see properly. Small dogs are especially prone to dental problems, so brush two or three times a week, more often if your dog will let you. In general, you should avoid bathing dogs because it can strip them of natural, protective oils, but it is recommended that Shih Tzu and Poodle Mix owners bathe their dogs every month or two. This can help prevent skin problems that are otherwise prevalent in this breed. Brush at least twice a week, ideally three times, and potentially every day if your dog will let you. The breed also has the potential to suffer from skin and coat complaints. Regular and thorough grooming will help to prevent these problems and can provide them some relief if they are suffering any kind of insensitivity or rash. They can also become teary-eyed, and this can prevent them from seeing properly and may lead to them scratching and rubbing at their eyes, causing further problems. Wipe the tears away when you see there is a buildup and this will prevent your dog from having to do it and potentially irritate the area further. As such, you should be prepared to take them for regular veterinarian checkups and make sure you have good pet insurance because the costs can quickly mount. Despite these potential problems, the Shih-Poo has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years with some dogs living much longer than this. Minor Conditions. Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed , hybrid dogs like the shih tzu—poodle mix have no official standard. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzu—poodle mix. Additionally, shih tzu—poodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Shih Tzu—Poodle Mix Care The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzu—poodle mixes are similar. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzu—poodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. Shih tzu—poodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzu—poodle mixes still need some exercise. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. More energetic shih tzu—poodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia , patellar luxation slipped kneecap , and various eye problems including cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzu—poodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Many shih tzu—poodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzu—poodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzu—poodle. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.