labradoodle puppies for sale in scotland central

Conclusion Getting Prepared The labradoodle varies widely in hair type and color , so the colors used will vary too. It might be helpful to gather several colors to choose from before starting. Pick different shades of brown, red, green, and neutral tones, such as cream. Also, pick a black color for outlining and adding depth. Step 1 The first step is to draw some basic guidelines for the body. Start by drawing a circle for the head, then connect a rounded bean shape to the circle for the body. Space the eyes and draw the head. Step 2 Now draw the eyes. They should be higher up on the head and somewhat far apart. Sketch them in a sideways teardrop shape with short hair arranged around the eyes and toward the side of the head. The eyes should be somewhat dark with small pupils. Step 3 Continue with the nose. Draw the fur on the snout by starting with short hairs on the top and then gradually making them longer as they flow down the sides. Also, draw the strands of hair into a point. The nose should be symmetrical — but not the snout hair! A tongue out pose allows a splash of color. Step 4 Time to move on to the mouth. The mouth will be open, so start by drawing the tongue from the edge of the fur by the snout. The tongue should be covering most of the teeth with a bump on each side. Then draw a thin bottom lip below the tongue. Next, draw thick medium-length hair surrounding the mouth and jaw area. Step 5 Shape the head by drawing the fur between the middle of the eyes and flowing up and out to the sides of the face, getting longer the further away from the face. Ears longer than the snout — for Labradoodles and Cockapoos. Step 6 Draw the ears now and have them flopping behind slightly like he is running. Step 7 Draw a collar with a tag for a little extra personality. For the collar, draw a half-circle around the neck, add the little ring, and attach a tag. The tag can be a standard oval, or you can personalize it and make it any shape you want. This drawing is based on a photograph on my Labradoodle Max Step 8 Now move on to the body. Start with the front right leg by drawing straight lines from the body, with the paw slightly facing the viewer. Step 9 Draw the left leg now by going out towards the viewer and then drawing the paw drooping down. You will not see the paw because the fur will cover it. Details like toys or collars can add a splash of color. Step 10 Move on to the back and chest now. Connect the legs by a line with hair that will be the chest. Now, draw lines extending from the neck and the left leg outwards. That will be the back. Add fur to contour the body. Step 11 Draw the left hind leg connecting from the back and left front paw, angled toward the viewer and straight. There should be no detail on the paw as the fur will also cover it. Practice drawing wavy hair, it is a mainstay of Doodle dog drawing. Step 12 Only a tiny section of the right hind leg will be visible. Draw it out from the middle of the left back leg and have it curved down and around until it connects slightly higher up from the left hind paw. Add fur. Step 13 Now for the tail! Draw it out from the back and slightly to the side of the body to add movement to the picture. The tail should be covered in long strands of hair that appear to blow in the wind. Lots of brown… use lighter colors to highlight even if your own Labradoodle has a coat that is not light. Use black paint around the inner ears, mouth, nose, neck, chest, and right front paw. It will add shadows to the painting and give it more depth and realness. Step 15 Paint the rest of the drawing in your preferred labradoodle colors! Allow to dry completely before hanging up or framing. Our step-by-step guide on how to draw a Labradoodle! About Labradoodles The labradoodle is a cross between a labrador retriever and a poodle. It is a very intelligent and friendly dog. These adorable pups are affectionate, loyal, and playful. The perfect kind of dog to bring to life through art! The labradoodle coat ranges from four to six inches of straight to loose curls. Their color also varies widely and can come in several shades, from chocolate to cream to red. Most labradoodles have dark hazel to brown eye color. The colors you choose will be up to you. You can look at images of labradoodles for inspiration or if you have one for a pet, use them as your muse. Conclusion This easy step-by-step guide can make anyone a beginner artist, but most importantly, it will give you the information you need to create a work of art for your favorite furry friend! You can even make this activity into a fun night with friends and see who can come up with the best creation. Labradoodle drawing A standard Labradoodle is a first generation hybrid dog that is created by breeding a purebred Standard Poodle with a purebred Labrador Retriever. A website called TheDogPeople. Labradoodles make great family pets as they are happy and easy to train. They have different coat types that need lots of brushing but tend not to shed. Labradoodles also have energy to spare and need lots of exercise. Drawing a Labradoodle calls for a plan to make sure you get all that curly hair in place. The curly lines are then traced, and the light ones erased of course. This two step approach may seem like it takes more time, but in the end helps avoid a lot of extra erasing and frustrating. After all, if your light sketch looks like the beginning of a dog, then the added curls are just an added feature of a very cute Labradoodle dog. Lightly sketch the rest of the head. Draw the body and front legs, lightly. Add the back legs, very lightly. Draw over the head with wiggly lines. Add wiggly lines over the body and legs. Draw wiggly lines over back legs. Add tail, more squiggles and horizon. Trace with marker and color. Labradoodles can potentially have one of several different fur types. For starters, the color of their fur can be anything, from black, to white, to brown, or anything in between. Their fur can be short and fluffy, long and straight, or coarse and wirey. Labradoodles are hybrid animals, bread from standard Poodles and Labradors. They were bread as allergen-free guide dogs, and over time they became great family dogs. Here is a Poodle and a Labrador. Combine them and you get a Labradoodle! Step 3. Labradoodle puppies are adorable! Their fur is not very long when they are young, but it lengthens as they grow. The closely resemble Labrador puppies at this early age, but with wavy fur. Step 4. Here's a quick demonstration on how to draw their paws. First sketch in some basic guide lines. The figure on the far left will be the underside of the paw, the middle figure is the side of the front paw, and the figure on the right is the side of the hind paw. As you can see, the front paws of a dog have a large pad on the bottom with 4 smaller pads as toes. Each pad has a claw sticking out of the top. There is also a dew claw on the side of the paw and an additional pad on the back of the leg. The hind legs do not have dew claws of the fifth pad. Labradoodles have a lot of lengthy fur which tends to cover up parts of the pads and claws. From certain angles, you cannot see the pads or paws at all because of the excessive fur. Step 7. To draw a Labradoodle, we should first sketch in some basic guide lines. Use a 2H or harder pencil and draw very lightly so that the lines are easy to erase after we ink. Draw a circle for the head connected to a bean shape for the body. The dog will be running in our general direction. Start with the eyes. They should rest a little high on the head and be far apart. At this time, they will appear almost too far apart, but they will look more proportionate later on. The eyes should be teardrop shaped, but sideways. They should be very dark and surrounded by thin hair that comb around the eyes and towards the sides of the face. Next, draw the snout and nose. The nose is the shape of a bloated upside-down triangle. It has two small nostril opening and a thin slit in the middle. The fur on the snout should be short on the top and longer on the sides. It should be blowing in the wind somewhat and the strands should cluster together into points. Draw the lower jaw and mouth. The mouth should be open so the chin should hang well below the circular guide line. The tongue should be hanging out slightly, covering most of the teeth. Keep in mind that the lower canine teeth will cause the tongue to rise up as it falls on top of them, creating humps on either side of the end of the tongue. There should be a thin lip along the edge of the mouth. The fur of the lower jaw should be thick, but not too long. Now draw the shape of the head. Notice how the fur starts in the middle of the eyes and combs back evenly in all directions. The fur gets longer as it get further away from the face. Step .The ears should be large and flapping in the wind as the dog runs. Be sure to draw the underside of the ears, but since there is so much long hair on the ears, we should not be able to see details of the inner ears. To give more character to the illustration, give the dog a collar and tag. We should only be able to see a small portion of the collar at this angle, but it should wrap around the neck creating a partial circle shape. The dog tag can be any shape you wish, be it a bone, fire hydrant, oval, or in this case a circle. It should be attached to the collar by a metal ring. Let's move down to the body. Draw the right leg very straight and pointing towards us slightly. We should be able to see the pads of the foot as the dog takes a step forward. The fur on the legs should be pointing downwards and be thinner on the back of the leg. Don't forget to draw the tips of the claws sticking through the fur a little bit. The left leg should be bent upwards and the paw should be dangling down. The top of the paw will be covered with hair so that we cannot see and details of the paw. Next, draw the back and chest of the dog. The back should have plenty of hair strands combed over one another, but we should only be able to see a small portion of the dog's chest since the left leg is raised so high. The fur on the chest should loosely hang down. Also draw lots of strands of hair on the side of the dog's body that are blown back in the wind. The left hind leg should be very straight and pointing towards us as it is planted firmly in the ground. It should be almost parallel to the front right leg. Again, the paw will be covered in fur and we won't be able to see details. The upper portion of the leg should be hidden from view behind the left front leg. We should only be able to see a small portion of the right hind leg. The paw and lower half of the leg should be visible behind the left hind leg. The paw should be higher up than the left paw at this angle. Finally, draw the end of the tail behind the dog. It can be pointing in pretty much any direction you wish, since dog tails move freely as they run. Just be sure to draw it covered with many long strands of hair that blow in the wind. We can now ink our image! Use either a brush and ink or Micron markers. A brush works best since you can feather the fur and easily create fine tips that gradually get thicker as they near the body of the dog. Be patient and be careful not to erase any unneeded guide lines. When the ink has dried, erase the pencil marks with a kneaded eraser. You can add a greater sense of depth to the image by giving it a little shadow. Our dog is light colored, so don't add too many heavy shadows. Again, a brush works great for feathering the dark to light. Add shadow to the underside of the ears, the side of the nose, the inside of the mouth, the underside of the head, and underneath the chest. Also black out the pads of the paws. And that's pretty much it! If you need to make corrections, you can use white ink or opaque white paint. You can also use it to add more highlights to the fur if needed. That's how you draw a Labradoodle! Good job!

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Active, eager to please and easy to train — with the waggiest of tails and smiliest of doggy faces — when it comes to being a good-natured family pet, Labrador Retrievers tick all the boxes. How trendy is your dog? The breed has certainly come a long way from its hard-working Canadian roots — in 16th century Newfoundland, the ancestors of the Labrador Retrievers we know and love today were used to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. Labs will try their hardest to beg, steal or borrow just about any kind of food , even if it will do them absolutely no good at all. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for feeding Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Shop sensitive puppy food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behaviour than in other breeds. Researchers discovered that this variation occurs more frequently in Labradors chosen as assistance dogs and might explain why these canines seem more trainable with food rewards. When searching for the best diet for Labradors, look for recipes that are made from premium ingredients such as lamb , turkey and salmon to ensure excellent quality and superior taste. Shop high-quality Burgess dog food. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements. They also need a little bit of fibre in their diet to help maintain a healthy gut. Burgess Sensitive dog food range caters for your dog at every stage of their life — all the way through from puppy to senior. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old and nursing mothers. Sensitive adult dog food is designed for dogs over the age of 12 months. For dogs over the age of 7, sensitive senior dog food is the perfect food for your Labrador dog. Our Labrador has a sensitive stomach and took to this change of food well. Healthy and balanced! We tried various diets, and this was the only one that settled him. She produces smaller poos! Dry kibble dog food is widely acknowledged to be a great way to deliver a nutritious, balanced, complete diet. The best dry food for adult and puppy Labradors is carefully crafted to provide exactly the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that your dog needs, in an easy-to-feed form. When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet. How often should you feed a Labrador Retriever and how much? Puppies, with their small stomachs need three or four small meals a day, while adult dogs generally have two meals a day. Sometimes, elderly dogs benefit from three or four smaller meals. If you feed treats for training or when out on walks, this should also be taken into account. Remember that treats should be just that — something special, fed occasionally, in small amounts. Feeding frenzy? While some dogs like to savour every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behaviour and allow them to slow down. What foods are dangerous to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some of the main foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet. If you suspect your Lab has eaten any of the following, consult your vet immediately. Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Chocolate, coffee, tea Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Fat trimmings Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Gravy If made from meat juices, it can contain high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Mouldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic raw, cooked, or powder Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Excessive salt If eaten in large quantities, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps in large amounts Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Xylitol This artificial sweetener sneaks its way into all sorts of foods — from peanut butter to jellies and jams and is highly toxic to canines. After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. Is a Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? These easy-going, rewarding dogs have high energy levels, and will thrive on lots of attention, positive reward-based training , plenty of exercise as well as the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. Making sure he or she gets the proper nutrients is one of the most important, if not the most, an important part of your job. The health and happiness of your big pooch depend on it. Whatever you do and whatever you choose, remember to pay attention to your dog, not the food. Read the labels on the packaging carefully, mentally taking note of all the good ingredients and all the ones to avoid. This alone should help you choose the best dog food for your Labrador. Image by Patrick Zbasnik from Pixabay We cannot stress enough that cutting back on puppy food is something you should not do. Do not sacrifice quality to save a few bucks. Kibble Other than the ingredients, wet or dry dog food options are also something to think about. For your Labrador pup, kibble could be a better option. Why is that? Well, dry food tends to have more complete and balanced nutrition. Everything included in a dry food recipe will be tailored to the specific ratios most suitable for your pup. Check out some of the best grain-free puppy food choices. Another important benefit to eating kibble over wet food is that larger breed kibble is bigger. This slows down their eating habits and prevents bloating, a potentially fatal health issue. Dry kibble benefits the owner as well. It is easier to store and lasts longer than wet canned food. And last but not least, the price point is significantly lower, and it will put less strain on your finances. Just make sure they get enough water at all times to stay hydrated. Chondroitin and Glucosamine These are the two ingredients in dog food that specifically treat joint problems. You can find them in supplement form on shelves at the supermarket, but ingesting them through food intake is the best way. Taurine and L-Carnitine Taurine is a protein chemical. Chicken is often found in pup food as the main ingredient. Look for these two ingredients when buying food for Labrador puppies. Look for food with a higher calorie count, fat and protein than adult dog food because puppies grow at such a rapid rate. Speaking of adult dog food, read more in this article to know if your puppy can eat adult dog food. The best food for lab puppies will have the right amount of everything, perfectly balanced. The answer is yes. A puppy needs more nutrition than an adult, as they are still growing. Because Labradors are large breed dogs, make sure you get food for larger breeds. Dog food for them will be formulated with ingredients to meet their unique health requirements, many of which are bone and joint related. If you get dog food that is breed-specific, the food will be developed for their digestive, coat and energy needs. The brands will make sure their food meets the caloric intake needs of your Labrador puppy. Check this article to know if your dog needs large-breed food. Vegetables are as good for them as they are for us! What they get from vegetables are the proper vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidants it will have. Here is a small list of what other ingredients to look for. Vitamin A and E — For a healthy coat and a strong immune system. Calcium but not too much and phosphorus — These are for bone and dental health. DHA — This is for healthy cognitive development. What Ingredients Should I Avoid? By-Products Everything tastes good to your dog. They could use disturbing things like rendered parts from the slaughterhouse as meat fillers. Extremely unappetizing! Artificial Ingredients Artificial ingredients are not added for health benefits. If made with good quality ingredients, your Labrador puppy dog will love the taste of their food. Cost For a lot of us, the cost of puppy food is a big concern. Higher quality and more expensive brands will use better ingredients. Conclusion Every little piece of advice here is a general suggestion. As we always say, look at the dog, not the food. Monitor their exercise levels to determine if they are getting the right amount of nutrients in their food. Your vet should be your best friend aside from your Labrador when choosing the right food for your dog. To make sure your feeding habits are doing your dog good, you can take your large pooch to the vet to get an evaluation every few weeks. When a dog is spayed or neutered, their need for energy consumption decreases. Expert Tip Try a basic stainless steel doggie bowl for feeding your pup. As for water, try a heavier bowl. Did You Know? This globally loved breed is one that continuously makes it onto the top 10 lists for the best animal for a family, easiest to train, dogs that great with kids etc. But did you know that this popular breed originates from Canada? High five to all the Canadians out there! They come in three distinct colors: Yellow butter , chocolate brown and black. Labs are from the north and they love water since they are retriever dogs after all. If you have a Lab puppy, be sure to take a look at our life jackets for dogs article! Jess Jess is so thankful for the loyalty and love from her fur babies. Similar Posts. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. Checking out their history, coat color, grooming, behavior, health and breed traits. German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are growing in popularity, because they combine the reserved protective nature of the German Shepherd with the friendly exuberance of the Labrador Retriever. Watch a German Shepherd Lab mix puppy grow up! What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a designer breed, a cross between a purebred Labrador and a purebred German Shepherd. Their other names include Lab Shepherd mix, and Sheprador. This is usually a medium sized breed, that is friendly, active, and intelligent. Looking at the parent breeds can help us get an idea. Popularity: An up and coming mixed breed! Purpose: Companion or working dogs. Weight: Up to 90 pounds. Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, protective. To get a better understanding of this mix, we need to learn about its parent breeds and where they came from. There, smaller dogs used for waterfowl hunting were mated with Newfoundlands. Just like their water-faring ancestors, modern Labs are used as hunting dogs and even service dogs. And as we mentioned previously, they are incredibly popular family pets. The breed was developed as the perfect herding or guide dog that was strong enough to endure the toughest of conditions. Eventually, Shepherds became popular military and police dogs, and the breed was recognized by the AKC as a member of the herding group in .They are extremely popular as police dogs, guard dogs, and service dogs, too. There is often a strong hint of both Lab and Shepherd, with a German Shepherd-like dark saddle markings and ears that are typically neither erect like a Shepherd, nor fully dropped like a Lab. Often, but not always! One thing we can predict more reliably is size. Lab Shepherd Mix Size A common deciding factor when it comes to purchasing a dog is the potential for full-grown size. A Lab Shepherd mix will always be medium- to large-sized dog. A Labrador German Shepherd cross can weigh up to 90 pounds and measure up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder once fully grown. Most will be between pounds and inches tall. This is quite a sizable pet to accomodate in your home! German Shepherd Lab Mix Colors As mentioned previously, it is hard to predict the exact physical characteristics of a hybrid puppy. Or they may more closely resemble just one of their parents. Generally speaking, these mixes can be solid-colored. Or they may resemble the Shepherd with its characteristic black markings on the face, back, and legs. Traditional Colors But not necessarily! Due to the way their genes are carried, a German Shepherd black Lab mix could, however, also potentially be another traditional Lab color. Not to mention white, as German Shepherds can be sometimes. Looking for a yellow Lab mix? Just remember that the color of the parents does not guarantee the color of the pup. Or something in between! Additionally, both the Lab and Shepherd have double coats. A double coat means a soft undercoat is below the rough top coat. So their hybrid offspring will also exhibit a double coat. Even more so during shedding season! Both of these breeds can be prolific shedders. So as a Lab Shepherd mix owner you will need to invest in a good grooming tool as well as a good pet hair vacuum! They will be a clever dog, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. But their watchdog and guard dog traits will vary from pup to pup. Preparing to bring a dog into your home? The Labrador and German Shepherd hybrid is a mix of two breeds. Therefore you can only guess what his temperament will be. This is true even when taking the general temperament of his parents into consideration. Since Shepherds are popular police dogs, they are often portrayed as vicious attack dogs. They are not usually randomly aggressive dogs, but can be protective. Socialization in this manner will help a Lab Shepherd mix puppy to feel comfortable, thereby reducing their need to guard their property or family. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes friendly? On the other end of the spectrum, the Labrador Retriever is a typically good-natured but sometimes excitable dog. You must note that with any mixed breed, the temperament of a hybrid dog or puppy may more closely resemble that of one parent breed than the other parent breed. When breeding for a German Shepherd with a Labrador, the traits and personality characteristics of their Lab Shepherd mix puppies will be hard to predict. You will therefore most likely gain a puppy who is clever, and requires lots of mental and physical stimulation every day. Long walks, lots of retrieving games and training is essential for a German Shepherd Lab mix throughout their lives. Best Training Methods It is very important to use positive reinforcement training methods with breeds such as German Shepherds and Lab Shepherd mixes. These smart cookies work really well when rewarded for their efforts, and can make exceptionally fun training partners. These breeds are both also know for the strong bonds they form with their families. German Shepherd Lab Mix Exercise You will need to commit to exercising and training your mix every day, come rain or shine. When considering welcoming this mixed breed into your home, you should plan for lots of walking, running, and playing. Or they may develop various issues as they age. A few common canine ailments include hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. However, hybrid dogs like Black Lab and German Shepherd mixes may inherit the conditions that their parents are prone to. For instance, both GSDs and Labs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This will determine what health conditions they may pass on to their offspring. Furthermore, it is very important that you make sure that both parents have good hip and elbow scores and clear eye certificates less than a year old. A hybrid puppy typically has the same life span as its parents. So the Sheprador mix can be expected to live for approximately 10 to 14 years. Both German Shepherds and Labradors are larger breeds, so a Sheprador puppy will definitely need some space to stretch his legs. Your dog will need a large secure backyard. Your German Shepherd Lab mix pup will also need company! Labradors in particular do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. Neither of these breeds are well suited to homes where people are out during the day. What do German Shepherd Lab mix puppies need? Labs are very bouncy puppies who love to chew. German Shepherds require intense socialization to reduce the possibility of their guarding you or your property. Both parent breeds have dense double coats that require weekly grooming at minimum. In short, this mix could be a good family dog if its parents have been health-tested. And if you have the time, energy and space to commit to socializing, training and exercising them well. She understood many words and could swim, play ball and balance on a beam. She loved people and other creatures but was ready to stand her ground if necessary. Teagen is almost 7 now. He is always happy, loves everyone and will kiss you forever if you let him! We rescued Teagen from a shelter when he was 9 months old and he became an instant part of our family! Teagen is small for his mix of breeds he weighs less than 60 lbs. This is one of her newborn babies who we named March" "This is Russell. He is walked on a regular basis , and loves to play fetch. I took this picture during our rare white winter here in Virginia in the front yard. He was brought home by my wife after her visit to a girlfriend's house over the holidays. I did not know what to expect, but I have no complaints about our ol' man. She gets very excited to see anyone and is very lovable. She likes tearing the stuffing out of her toys before she'll play with them. Once in a while she will get into the garbage and chew things she's not supposed to. She has an insane ball drive and as such is incredibly easy to train. She is great with other dogs and with people including kids. Loves chasing a ball into the water and is eager to please. Her double coat requires a good brushing at least every week in the summer time, but she tends to stop shedding in winter. Not really an apartment dog. This dog will keep you busy!! He weighed over 90 pounds before he was a year old. He is a total sweetheart who thinks he's a lap dog even though he lives outside. He is not high energy, but seems to prefer lying around on the porch. He is full of curiosity and loves water. He is smart and playful, but is a great large indoor dog at the same time. Ace has the coat, loyalty and guarding ability of a German Shepherd, but the gentleness, energy and goofiness of a black Lab. He is 10 years old and weighs approximately 70 lbs. We love our Acey boy. Exceptionally trainable and obedient dog. Two of the best breeds rolled into one. She was 2 months old in this picture and was already getting big! We adopted her from our local SPCA. Her and her sisters were found as babies in a dumpster. She is very peaceful and loves to lie on a blanket on the floor at my feet. As a puppy she did not like to be outside alone and peed a little when she met someone new. I look forward to seeing how beautiful both Luna and Ally become. We were lucky enough to find him at a rescue league when he was eight weeks old. He brightens up our lives every day, he is a social, well-behaved, and loyal dog.Great addition to our family!!!

They could take on traits from just one parent or any combination of traits from both of them. An Akita tends to be loyal, devoted, and dedicated to their families. They do tend to get along well with children, but they tend to be wary of strangers and they have a high prey drive. Although they tend to be quiet dogs, they will bark to alert you. This makes them good watchdogs. On top of that, Akitas have an instinct to guard and protect. This makes socialization and training early and often particularly important for this breed. You may be able to expect a similar temperament in your Akita Mix. However, the other dog breed in the mix could affect their temperament. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed can help prepare you for all of the possibilities. Meeting the mother dog can also give you an idea of what temperament to expect in your Akita Mix puppy. Akitas are moderately adaptable dogs that can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need to be happy and healthy. Due to their protective instincts and high prey drive, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. A mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of the potential health concerns common to one or both of the parent breeds. From the Akita side, the potential health concerns to be aware of in an Akita Mix include hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, and acquired myasthenia gravis. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross. Also, talk to them about the genetic and health history of both of the parent breeds. Although Akitas love their family and prefer to be near them, they also have an independent nature. They are highly intelligent and pick up training quickly, but they can also have a stubborn streak. This can be difficult for a first-time dog owner to navigate on their own. The other parent breed could balance this out, but you still need to be prepared for a potentially hard-headed pooch. As such, puppy training classes are recommended. Regardless of owner experience, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. Akitas have a dense double coat that will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and moving to daily brushing during seasonal shedding can help your dog be more comfortable and contain a lot of the loose fur to your brush. Bathing is on an as-needed basis. Monthly nail trimming is usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Many dog owners overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. Practicing good dental care for dogs can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. Akitas tend to have a moderate activity level. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually sufficient for these dogs. The other parent breed could affect the exercise needs for an Akita Mix. By talking to the breeder about the other parent breed, you can get a good idea of what sort of energy range to prepare for in your puppy. A fully-grown Akita usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other dog breed in the mix can seriously affect the size you could see in a fully-grown Akita Mix. So, make sure you talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. Akitas generally live for years. The other parent breed in the cross could have an effect on this for an Akita Mix. Talking to the breeder about it can help clarify to what extent it could be affected if at all. Featured Akita Mix Article. Leash Manners - She is still learning. Socialization - Duchess needs continued socialization throughout her life with people of all ages, genders and races as well as other animals including dogs and cats if she is to grow up to be a well socialized adult dog. Energy Level and Exercise - Duchess is very high energy and will need a lot of exercise and discipline. Daily Structure and Schedule - She will require structure with someone experienced with the breed. Temperament - Duchess is an alpha dog and needs someone who understands her needs. Obedience Training - She is very intelligent but also high energy so will require a lot of patience and guidance with obedience training. Behaviors - Duchess is a puppy so she still behaves just like one -- mouthing, chewing, jumping, etc. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years. Life Span Did You Know? The Akita is a striking working breed that originated in the Akita province of Japan during the s. These dogs were bred to protect their territory and families from the Yezo bear that overran the small island. In addition to watchful guardians and protectors, Akitas also worked as hunting dogs. Later given to the Emperor, the breed became a symbol of good luck, specifically happiness, good health, and a long life, throughout Japanese culture. Not only did this strong and dedicated breed protect Japanese royalty, but they were also used to hunt large game, such as deer, wild boar, and bear. Helen Keller was gifted an Akita while visiting Japan in and is credited with bringing the first Akita to the United States. One of these was Taro, a male that was the first Akita to be registered in the U. One of the facts about Akitas is that it is still considered a symbol of good luck in Japan to own an Akita. These dogs make popular companion dogs and are known for being alert, loyal, and fearless, which makes them excellent watchdogs. The Akita is an extremely loyal dog that is affectionate with their families and protective of them. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with children and can get along well with other animals that are part of the family. Akitas are one of the dog breeds that are good guard dogs. They are generally quiet dogs and use barking to alert you. They are good watchdogs because of this and their protective nature. Due to their protective nature, they are naturally suspicious of strange people and animals. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller prey-type animals. An Akita may do well with smaller animals they were raised with, socialized with, and that they recognize as part of their family Even well-socialized, an Akita may remain wary of strangers and may be aloof with them even after being introduced. It can take a while for an Akita to warm up to someone new, but once they recognize you as someone familiar and safe, they will open up and let you see their playful, affectionate side. Poor socialization is one of the common causes of aggression in dogs. This intelligent breed should be socialized early and often with people, especially children, other dogs, and pets. If you decide to bring an Akita into your family, you will need to start socialization as early as possible and continue to socialize your puppy into adulthood. This will help them have a more favorable temperament when encountering unusual situations. Akitas are moderately adaptable dogs. They do best in homes with fenced yards where they run. Although they can adapt to apartment living if enough time is dedicated daily to exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they are generally not best suited for it. Their protective nature can make them territorial. This, paired with their high prey drive, means they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. As a fluffy, double-coated dog breed, the Akita thrives in cold weather and is one of the dog breeds that love winter. As with other dogs, they are sensitive to heat. They also get bored easily and do not like to spend a lot of time alone. Although they are one of the most independent dog breeds and can be aloof at times, they thrive on human companionship and like spending time around their families. They may be okay with some alone time, but mostly, they prefer to have their favorite humans within their sight so they can observe quietly and protect them. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Akitas can include hip dysplasia, acquired myasthenia gravis, thyroid issues, progressive retinal atrophy, and some immune systems disorders that can affect the skin and hair. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Akita puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure that they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a thyroid evaluation at a minimum. Akitas are also one of the breeds that are at a higher risk for bloat in dogs. Bloat can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips. Akitas are highly intelligent and loyal dogs. Although they pick up on things quickly, they are also independent and can be quite stubborn. As such, they are generally not recommended for first-time dog owners. Novice owners can successfully socialize and train an Akita, but puppy training classes or enlisting a professional dog trainer are recommended. The Akita has a soft and dense undercoat and an outer coat that is straight and coarse. Although they tend to shed a little, they will blow their undercoat and shed a lot when the seasons change. Weekly brushing and daily brushing during seasonal shedding are usually enough to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal dental care for dogs. Although the Akita is not a high-energy dog, they do still require a moderate amount of exercise each day to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime or time to run are usually enough. Because they get bored easily and are sturdy dogs, they may be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure you keep activities low impact until puppies finish growing and the vet clears them for high-impact activities to prevent damage to developing bones and joints. Fully-grown Akitas usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. On average, females stand inches tall and weigh pounds while males stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Akitas generally live for years on average. In Japan, a statue of an Akita is associated with health, happiness, and a long life. It is common to give a small statue of the dog breed to a family who has just had a child. When it comes to famous dogs , Hachiko, or Hachi, is the most famous Akita. He waited for his owner to come from work at the train station every day. One day, his owner passed away unexpectedly and never came off the train. Hachiko spent 9 years at the train station waiting for his owner to come home. His story has been told in many books, documentaries, movies, and more. Featured Akita Article.

Now in Indianapolis area, Indiana! We have Top European bloodline German Shepherd puppies from titled and health tested parents raised in our home to yours! We breed West German showlines and West German working lines. Phone: Email: [email protected] Our fall litter is here! Ready to go home in October we have 3 beautiful males available! Training dogs professionally since and breeding German shepherd puppies since , we have relocated to give an even better life for our beloved dog family and to be closer to our training club to better title our dogs! Located in the Indianapolis Indiana metropolitan area we are nestled on a beautiful plot of 10 acres in the quiet country. The dogs absolutely love it here and so do we! Here at Aus Gerstbrei German shepherds, our dogs happiness and well being is very important to us and we love beautiful, healthy, stable temperament dogs. We only breed from health tested and titled parents to ensure that our families get the absolute best puppies we can provide for them. We also keep from our own program and train ourselves so we know what we are breeding and what their strengths and weaknesses are so we can choose appropriate mating partners to make our dogs even better. Improving the breed is very important to us. .We fly all over the world to the best studs that we may find the best suitable partners for our girls. We breed black and red West German Showlines and sometimes will use some West German working lines in our program. I grew up with dogs and was always fascinated with things you could teach them and how much love an animal could offer to a human. In my adult life I originally started working with rescue dogs out of college, and helping foster and rehabilitating them which was a very rewarding experience and taught me a lot, especially patience! As I worked my career as an artist I also became fascinated with the sport of IGP to bring a dog to its highest point of drive and have control and such a trusting obedience relationship with them. I had started hunting for my first IGP dog and had a very hard time coming up with dogs with good health and good temperament from breeders. I had a dog but he lacked the qualities to get beyond a BH which we worked hard for and developed many health issues. I had then decided to get exactly what I wanted in a dog I would pursue breeding my own and start my own bloodline. Families are my biggest client so the need for a stable dog that can settle is very important when breeding future generations. I am still a huge supporter of rescue and I do still accept board and train clients from time to time when we are not preparing for trials or raising a litter. Our prices reflect on the hard work, training, and expensive titling and health testing we do. If you can not pay for a well bred dog from tested and titled parents we highly recommend checking out your local reputable German Shepherd rescue. Some great dogs can sometimes find their way into rescue at no fault of their own. We are located about one hour from Indianapolis, Indiana and also about two hours from Louisville, Kentucky. Please call or email to inquire about trained dogs, German shepherd puppy litters, or about our board and train program. We are German Shepherd breeders and trainers in Indiana. We have answers. All you need to do is to check out the available puppies, and send through a message to the breeder of any who catch your eye. What makes Uptown different from other places with German Shepherd puppies in Indianapolis? Are there any Indianapolis German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? This is a very important point for us. Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale Indianapolis? Breeding healthy puppies in an ethical way takes a lot of dedication and time. Not to mention money! Sadly, the cheapest puppies will often come from puppy mills or backyard breeders. We love shelter dogs, and know that the decision whether or not to rehome a shelter dog, or find your puppy from one of our breeders, is a decision that only you and your family can make. As long as you do your research and choose a reputable organization, then either option is totally the right decision for you! How do I know that my German Shepherd for sale in Indianapolis will be healthy? We know they take incredible care of their puppies, and they all get regular health checks. Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies Indianapolis, or do they need more exercise? German Shepherds are an incredibly active and athletic breed, so they definitely do best when given the opportunity to spend plenty of time outside. Almost as important for this clever breed is the chance to stretch their brains too. Regular training sessions, games, and food puzzles will all give your dog the opportunity to show how smart they are! How big will a German Shepherd for sale Indianapolis grow? German Shepherds are muscular and noble large dogs, with males usually maturing to be a little larger than females. Their height can vary from 22 - 26 inches tall, and a healthy weight range would be from 65 - 90 pounds. Whichever end of the scale your dog ends up on, they will always make an impression on whoever sees them. What will an Indianapolis German Shepherd for sale be like to train? The German Shepherd breed is well-known for their intelligence, so you can be sure that training sessions will be rewarding for you both. These dogs love the chance to learn, and enjoy the challenge of regular training. Signing up for puppy training classes is a great way to learn how to get the best from your clever dog. We Are Dedicated! We simply love German Shepherds! As one of the premier reputable German Shepherd breeders indiana has, we focus on healthy GSD puppies for sale that are exceptional quality. From their amazing working dog traits to their loving and compassionate companion dog personality, we love German Shepherds and have dedicated our lives to the betterment of the breed. Full blooded, sable, solid black, silver, no matter what we love this breed! We are also passionate about training in a variety of working areas including obedience, puppy training and basic training. You have many choices when it comes to who you adopt your new German Shepherd puppy from! We are honored to know that so many people choose us because we believe in healthy, happy and beautiful GSD puppies. From our health clearances to our excellent pedigrees, we take pride to knowing our German Shepherds are top of the line! So no matter if you are searching for a German Shepherd Breeder in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio, we hope to earn your business through honesty, integrity and ethical breeding practices! Puppy Links.

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. Most Labradoodle puppies are ready for adult dog food around the age of 16 months. The dietary needs of growing puppies are different from that of adult dogs. For this reason, puppy foods are formulated specifically to support their rapidly developing bodies. Getting too much or not enough of certain nutrients can cause serious health problems and affect their development. Labradoodle Puppy vs Adult Food Labradoodle puppies need about twice as many calories relative to their body weight compared to an adult dog. They require more protein to support growing muscles and a different mineral balance for their rapidly developing bones. Puppies also digest food and absorb nutrients differently. Likewise, an adult dog should not eat puppy food. They contain too many calories for a full-grown Doodle and could lead to obesity or orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Swapping Puppy Food for Adult Food Once your Labradoodle has reached maturity, you can transition him to an adult formulated dog food. For the next few days, mix equal portions of each food. Finally, after several more days, serve only adult dog food. The amount you should feed a Labradoodle puppy depends on their age, weight, genetics, and activity levels. Portion sizes also depend on the type of food and how nutrient- and calorie-dense it is. Most commercial foods come with feeding recommendations on the label. Make sure to divide the total daily amount into multiple feedings spaced at regular intervals throughout the day. The smaller and younger your Labradoodle puppy is, the more often he needs to be fed. Puppies under three months are particularly at risk for hypoglycemia. After this, you can change it to two meals. Underweight puppies can benefit from staying on puppy food for a little longer than average. As there may be another underlying health issue contributing to their low weight. But in some cases, the Poodle parent could be a Miniature or a Toy Poodle and will be considerably smaller. The best way to determine if your Labradoodle puppy is the right weight is to run your hands down his sides. If the ribs are protruding, he may be too thin. Most people choose commercial dog food, but raw and homemade diets are becoming more popular. Puppy nutrition requires a delicate balance. If you decide to prepare meals, work with your veterinarian to ensure they contain everything a growing Labradoodle needs. If you are not sure whether your puppy can have eggs , or cheese, or some other human food as a treat, you can search this site for more information. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Dry food or kibble is the most popular kind of commercial dog food. When choosing from the myriad choices available, select a high-quality formula made specifically for puppies. Choose a kibble that lists a quality meat protein as the first ingredient. Avoid brands that have large quantities of carbohydrates, such as cereals, corn, and soy, as well as any that contain artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors. This will differ a little between brands, but as a general rule for your Labradoodle around 16 months is the right age to switch. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Wet Food While kibble is usually a better option for Labradoodle puppies, wet food does have some advantages. Loose stool can also be the result of a wet food diet. Labradoodle puppies require a diet formulated to support proper growth and meet their nutritional needs. Depending on the parentage, Labradoodles will reach maturity between 10 and 16 months. Once they are fully-grown adult dogs, they have different requirements and need adult dog food. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. You might be able to find a dog at a local shelter near you, but you could always contact Labrador Retriever breeders if you want a puppy of your own. The popularity of Labrador Retriever puppies has caused many people to unethically breed the dog for their own financial gain, resulting in sickly and aggressive dogs. By carefully considering your Labrador Retriever breeder, you can get a wonderful puppy that is healthy, happy, and well acclimated. Below are five Labrador Retriever breeders in New Jersey. Every one of these breeders are certified and approved by various Labrador Retriever clubs for ethical breeding standards. You can trust any one of these breeders to love your puppy just as much as you will. By raising their Labrador Retrievers within the home of a large family, all of the McClan Labradors are adaptable, friendly, and great for all families. McClan Labradors specializes in all Labrador Retriever coats, including yellow, black, and chocolate. All Labrador Retrievers bred by StormyC Labradors are raised within the home for friendliness and compatibility. They are also bred to be work and show dogs. No matter what the purpose of your Labrador Retriever is, StormyC Labradors likely has a dog for you. This breeder sells all Labradors Retriever coats, including yellow, chocolate, and black. As a result, Weymouth Labradors only breeds the official colors, including chocolate, yellow, and black. Weymouth Labradors is a great breeder if you are looking for breeders that are careful to not over-breed their dogs. As a small hobby kennel, Weymouth Labradors only has litters occasionally, ensuring the health and happiness of all their puppies. Paradigm Labradors raises their dogs to be obedient, agile, and great within all households. So, you can relax and unwind with one of these labs or show them off at a dog show. You can learn all about the Paradigm Labradors dogs on their site, which introduces you to all their boys, girls, youngsters, retirees, and litters. Unlike many other lab breeders, Shadowbrook Labradors primarily only focuses on black labs, but they occasionally breed chocolate and yellow labs too. No matter what coat style the lab puppy belongs to, all the dogs are bred for superior health and personality. Shadowbrook Labradors are especially great for showing and training purposes. Because they are bred and raised on a farm, they also make phenomenal family companions due to their flexibility and gentle nature. Related Read:. We're proud to have recently found new homes for the these lovable labs. Loading labs.Labs4rescue is proud to be associated with the following organizations Combined Federal Campaign CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, raising millions of dollars each year. To support Labs4rescue, click here and enter our Charity .Animal Charities of America Animal Charities of America ACA is a federation of America's finest national organizations working to protect and enhance the lives of all animals whether farm, domesticated or wild. America's Best Charities Each charity on their site has been carefully screened to ensure every charity listed is a qualified non-profit, provides ongoing program services, and is financially accountable. Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Committed to seeing the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home. About Us Labs4Rescue is a volunteer, c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing a new life for rescued or displaced Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Mixes. Our goal is to promote and advance responsible pet ownership. Useful Links. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Why do I want a show lines pug puppy? I'm only looking for a pet. Experience the ultimate joy of owning a pug puppy from Companion Pups! We go beyond the conventional notion of keeping show-quality pugs exclusively for show homes. We believe that everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to their furry family members. Pugs were bred to be people's companions, and we are passionate about bringing that exceptional companionship to your home. Purebred doesn't always guarantee superior breeding or adherence to pug standards. That's why our show lines ensure that you not only get a pug with the correct look but also the perfect personality, temperament, and size. Our show line puppies possess a special charm that makes them thrive in a multitude of environments which makes for the best family companions ever —happy, playful, and confident, without being hyper or spastic. They are intelligent, attentive learners, embodying the chunky, wrinkly look and adorable nose roll that pug enthusiasts adore. By choosing a show line puppy from us, you're selecting a well-balanced, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal companion that exceeds all expectations. Experience the beauty and trainability wrapped up in the healthiest pug puppies. Our AKC and International lines are health tested and our pugs are pre-spoiled, ensuring a delightful addition to your family. Welcome to Companion Pups, the home of the Kisses' Line of Pug Puppies, where our pugs literally give you kisses and are eager to shower you with love and affection! We'd also like you to know you can always expect a quick response from us as well so you are never left waiting and wondering when you'll hear back. It's our goal to be here when you need us for the life of your pug. Welcome to the Companion Pups family! The Pugs that they produce are well-suited as family companions and emotional support dogs. They offer both AKC-standard colors as well as non-standard Pug colors. Potty-training and litter-box training are done as soon as their puppies start moving around. And like the other Pug breeders in this list, complete vaccination, deworming, and other basic puppy necessities are given to their puppies. The pricing of their puppies mostly depends on the color. The rarer their shade, the higher the price. Future owners can also choose from a limited or full AKC registration and unlike other breeders that only have one year guarantee, they offer two years for congenital defects. Testimonies from previous buyers can be read on the website to further prove the credibility of the breeder. They also offer daycare services where your puppies can socialize with other dogs. You can also get your Pug groomed afterward. Talk about an all-around breeder! They also organize Pug fests and other fun activities for all adopted puppies and their owners. All the Pug breeders included on our list passed our standards. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. There are other ways to find these popular pups. These platforms can help you find more options to find Pug puppies for sale: AKC Marketplace — This platform can give you a list of registered AKC breeders who have met specific health testing and breeding standards. Potential buyers are given an overview of the available Pug puppy and can directly message the breeder for more details. PuppySpot — This is another popular platform for finding Pug puppies for sale. Users can filter by state, size of the pup, and preferred purpose. Just make sure to read the description because some of them might be mixed breeds. Good Dog — Many registered Pug breeders are also available on this user-friendly platform. Puppies from champion dogs are often priced higher than normal pedigrees. They would need regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, medications, vitamins, and other needs. You also need to consider buying items that will make your new Pug feel comfortable in its new home. The summarized expenses for these items can be seen in the table below: Type of Expense. They have black and fawn pups for sale. They have a friendly family oriented breeding program for their loving pups. Most of their pups have great personalities since each receive love and care. They screen them for genetic defects and only breed those quality pups. All pups receive their first shots, dewormed, and groomed. They are prepared for adoption to their forever home. Whether you are on the east or west side of Montana, Raize Pugs is one of your best options for buying healthy pug puppies. You can find pug puppies for sale from Raize through their Facebook Page. See their customer reviews and the photos of their lovely pups. They also offer a lifetime support for all their small breed pugs for sale. If you buy it from an AKC registered breeder, expect a high price but for quality pug puppies. This is similar price for those puppies groomed for dog shows. All puppies you buy from a trusted breeder are in good health and temperament. These puppies can socialized with other dogs and animals. Are Pug Puppies Expensive in Montana? The price of a purebred pug puppy differs from state to state. But you can expect to pay a higher price for AKC quality puppies for sale in Montana. There are various reasons why they are costly, not just in Montana but to all states. The below are the reasons: Pedigree breed of dogs Most puppies were delivered through C-section There is a high demand for them Most moms of these quality puppies require extensive care Veterinary services needed to maintain their health is costly Despite these things, a lot of people still like to have this AKC quality pug puppies. How to choose the best pug puppy in Montana? This toy breed is clever and loyal making them adorable to have. But you need to know the essential factors to choosing the right puppy in Montana. To guide you on that, the below are some things you need to do: You can contact a local pug dog club in Montana to get a referral or a list of reputable breeders. You can also go to the Pug Dog Club of America to get advice. Try to see the parents of the pug puppy. Ask the breeder if they can show the parents to you. Observe the conditions of the place where the pugs are staying. See their health record and observe the physical conditions of the pug puppy. If it is, that means the pug puppy is healthy and well groomed. It also tells the health condition of the pug puppy. How to choose a reliable Pug Breeder in Montana? Most pug breeders have a passion to care for their pups. Offers a health guarantee An honest dog breeder has nothing to hide from you. They can confidently issue a health guarantee proving that their pug puppies for sale are in the best of health without genetic defects. They can give you the medical record of the pup along with a puppy pack. Issuance of a bill of sale A trustworthy buyer will issue a bill of sale to you once you buy a pup from them. This is like a contract stating all the responsibilities of both sides for the transaction done. This is one good practice for most breeders since it tells you they are willing to take accountability on their end. Deworming is also important and must be part of preparing the pug puppy for sale. Pug Parents must be healthy To ensure the litters are healthy, the breeder must provide a health clearance for the pug parents they have. If they can show you this, then you can trust them. This is a good way for you to also know if the pug is purebred or a mixed breed. Allows physical viewing A reliable pug breeder is also confident in letting you see physically their pug puppies. They must have a physical shelter or barn for breeding their pups. You can better judge the personality and health of a pup if you see them on site. Follows the right age for selling a litter The right age for a litter to be separated from their mom is when they are 8 weeks old. If the buyer sells them at a younger age, that means they are not following the best practices. A litter must have enough time to mingle with their mom and other pups for socialization. They also still need the breast milk of their pug parent at a younger age, so that must be observed. They can answer all your inquiries Most of all, a reputable pug breeder in Montana is confident in answering all your inquiries about pugs. That is essentially all related questions to caring for and breeding pugs. Knowing that they are in the industry for quite some time, that gives you the idea that they know the best practices. Takeaway We hope you enjoyed reading the article and that it helped you find the best pug puppies for sale in Montana. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to anyone above. They are more than willing to help you get the best AKC quality pug puppies in Montana. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards,

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. The Labrador is a highly capable and versatile working breed as well as the number one most popular family dog in UK and several other countries around the world! But despite being a common pet dog, they are an extraordinary breed with a fascinating history and a breed profile full of superlatives. This includes fabulous intelligence and trainability, adaptability, friendliness and trust towards people and other animals, motivation for work, endurance, and a phenomenal sense of smell. This makes the Labrador a breed of choice for many canine jobs, for example, medical scent detection, military and security force scent detection, search and rescue, a service or assistance dog for the disabled and people with a broad range of medical conditions, an autism support dog, hunting dog and even a therapy dog! Adorable Labradors can make wonderful family dogs, but only if their needs are met. They have a really goofy and playful nature which is heartwarming for many people! And, their trusting nature and eagerness to please people means they fit in easily into a family and human society as a whole. They tend to be bouncy and full of energy, which makes for a great company on countryside walks, jogging and recreational dog sports. Their boundless affection makes them particularly lovable, which is highly important for a family dog. Labradors: What To Consider As with all dogs, there are some things that you absolutely must consider before you add a Labrador into your home. And, Labrador training is always going to be a big essential. With all of their amazing energy, intelligence, enthusiasm for work, and highly social nature, also comes a list of requirements for potential owners. Unfulfilled and untrained Labradors are likely to find themselves a job or another outlet to release that energy and frustration. This can lead to destructive or inappropriate behaviours and a dog who is simply out of control. Typical challenges can include pulling on the lead and lunging towards anything that interests them, boisterous and over-excited behaviour including jumping up, grabbing the lead in their mouth, crashing into people and objects, stealing food and other items, and running off to greet people and dogs instead of coming back when called. But what do you need to do to make sure that they grow up into perfect family pets? Check out our top tips below to find out more about training this sweet and fun-loving breed. Socialise them early! Early appropriate socialisation is key with this breed. This includes all kinds of places, people, animals and sensations that will be a normal part of their life by the time he or she is 12 weeks old. Self-control is a big part of Labrador training Teaching your dog self-control is a really important skill for a Labrador, or any dog really, to have. You can help teach them self-control through impulse control games and real-life situations. This will help with teaching them basic doggie manners such as how to politely greet people and other dogs with all four paws on the ground, how to wait for their food bowl or their lead to be clipped on, how to pass through the door politely without dashing through, and so on. All those skills require mental self-control and focus despite distractions, which is essential for an excitable and boisterous dog. Lead etiquette is always needed Teach your Labrador to walk politely on a lead from as early an age as possible. For a Labrador, the world is full of fascinating scents, posts and tufts of grass that must me scent-marked immediately, especially for males, dogs and people that he or she is absolutely delighted to see including strangers , and objects that must be immediately investigated. This makes it hard for them to remember that there is a person on the other end of the lead. But with lots of practice, patience and a smart way of rewarding that works for them, keeping an eye on their human counterpart can become a habit for your dog that will last a lifetime! Once this happens, training will become a lot easier. Even better, the whole family can get involved and play with the dog. Recall is vital Teach your dog a reliable, fast and enthusiastic recall as soon as possible. This is so that no matter what other fascinating things are going on, they will always turn on a penny and run like the wind back towards you! Having a great recall is not only useful for your day to day lives, but it is also a safety concern. If there is a potentially dangerous situation for your pup ahead, you can always recall your dog back to you and keep them safe! Their mental wellbeing and happiness is important too! So, make sure to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, including walks, swims, and sniffing opportunities. So, make sure that you provide them with something appropriate to do if you have to leave them alone. Food dispenser toys, puzzle games for dogs and appropriate raw bones can keep your dog busy and calm, and your furniture and shoes whole! Keep health and wellbeing in mind Always try your best to keep your dog slim and fit. Labradors have a tendency to become overweight because of their keen appetite. You can help to keep your dog lean by feeding them the right amount of nutritious food for their age and activity level, using their normal food as training treats wherever possible so that they can work for their food, and a versatile and appropriate exercise regime that you really stick to! And their appearance! And, regular health checks at the vet are important for any dog, to ensure that they are well and any potential health issues are caught early. Labrador Training Video We love our Labrador customers who come into Royvon for training or boarding! They really do make the perfect pets, especially with a bit of training to help them along their journey. Check out this video featuring Archie the Labrador to see more about what a well-trained Labrador can look like! Here at Royvon, we are passionate about training dogs of all breeds, and this includes Labrador training! Many owners come to us for a whole variety of reasons. Or, they may simply just not have the time to train their dog as they wish, and want to leave it up to the professionals. Whatever the reason, there is no shame in getting dog training help! In fact, you will be amazed at the difference it can make and how well behaved your dog will be, especially for problem pets who are hard to handle! We offer everything from group puppy classes to residential training tailored to aggressive or anxious dogs. Simply visit our website today! Enjoyed this post about Labrador training and want to learn about more dog breeds? We think you will enjoy this post about Rottweilers, or this one about Shiba Inus! How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. Jayne Coley offers some valuable tips for the shooting enthusiast who is training a young dog. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. It's also about education — teaching him the manners and patience that make for a nice shooting companion. I try to be aware of this at all times. There are various scenarios in which you can work on embedding such manners in your dog, and below are a number of examples based on my own experience. Patience and manners My young lab has to sit and wait when I open his kennel run gate and while I slip a lead over his head. I then call him to me and, with my other dogs at heel, we go for a walk. When I'm picking-up and the horn is blown to signal the end of the drive, I don't let all of my dogs race off together. I send them off one at a time, by name, with the keenest dog being sent last. And so I replicate this when I'm out walking them, too. We are the last house at the end of a no-through road, so once we are out of our gate, I slip the lead off and ensure that my lab remains walking to heel, before I send the dogs off one at a time by their name as we continue down a field. My young dog is usually sent last, and so he has to wait, hence all the time teaching him to be patient. I have built up this exercise slowly over time, keeping him on a lead to start with and sending him from a sitting position, then with the length of the lead just looped around his neck to make sure he is steady as each dog is sent off. In the morning, after feeding, I sweep the kennels and change the dogs' water. This is another opportunity to perform a simple exercise that teaches patience, by sitting him up in the yard when I get to his kennel. Again, I have built up the length of time that he sits and waits slowly as his concentration level is still very limited. Photo credit: Gerrard Slade Obstacles in the field When we are on a walk, my dog is happy to hang around with my other labs who usually range up to 60 yards from me. If they go any further, I call them back. I walk in open land, with no livestock, so I can see what they are doing, and the youngster can rummage in hedgerows and other cover, and negotiate and get into ditches, all of his own accord. From following my other dogs he has learned to wriggle under wire, cleverly twist through rails and confidently pop over wire sheep netting. All of these obstacles can crop up when we are out in the shooting field, so it is very useful if we can encounter them and become familiar with them in our own time, beforehand. Please remember this is what I do with my fairly laid back puppy. A mischievous puppy would probably have to spend a lot of time on a lead whilst out for a walk. It is imperative that you assess your dog from a young age and train him accordingly to get the best out of him. Advanced toilet training Having a dog that is happy to go to the toilet whilst on a lead is so useful. This might not sound very impressive, but it is surprising how many dogs are not comfortable doing this. For example, you might be shooting quite a distance from home, which involves a night away. You arrive at your accommodation in the dark, only to find it is on the side of a busy road with nowhere to take your dog to be clean. The best way to teach your dog this is to keep him on a lead first thing in the morning when he is likely to be desperate to go to the toilet. Further training I have been training my dog in our field, initially going over everything he learned at home as explained HERE. Training sessions are held for 15—20 minutes every other day, rather than every day, because I feel I get more from him — he is more responsive. Using an Acme .To call him to me recall , I also use the whistle — four quick repetitive pips, repeated as necessary. Photo credit: Andrea Moffat Marking thrown dummies Again, this is all about progressing steadily. Don't rush things. The grass in our field is quite rough, so I started off by throwing a dummy which landed in a corner and into the wind to maximise the chance of success. I now send the dog for a single thrown dummy by just saying his name, so he doesn't take his eye off the fall. Whereas I originally used a small dummy all the time, now that his pick-up, carrying and delivery are perfect, I am introducing all sorts of different types of dummies and balls for him to retrieve. A ball on a rope is good because I can throw it out a long way and he has to get his head down to wind it. Blind retrieves I have built on this so I can send my dog for memory retrieves down the side of a hedge or fence, on tracks which help to keep him on course. Once mastered with a single dummy, I then introduced more dummies, so that now I can have three out, dropping one at a time, 20 yards apart as we walk to heel. Once again, I think about the wind. I make sure it is behind us when I send him for the closest dummy first, because I don't want him winding the other dummies and swapping the intended retrieve for them. Directional training When working on directional training, I sit the dog on a track, with a fence behind, and stand several paces in front of him. The fence acts as a barrier and ensures that Trade goes sideways rather than back, upon my command. With my right hand raised high above my head, I blow the stop whistle one long blast then throw a dummy to land on the track some 15 yards to the right his left. Should he hesitate, with my right arm still held out, I quietly take a step or two towards him, repeating the command in a lighter but still positive voice. After repeating this exercise successfully, I throw the dummy to the left and do the same routine again. I then progress to having two dummies out, one either side of the dog, and send him for one, before sitting him back up out in front of me, throwing that dummy back out in the same place, and then instructing him to pick the other dummy on the opposite side. Charlotte Peters January 24, A well-trained labrador is a dog to be proud of. Read bringing home a puppy for the first time. Know your puppy well What makes your labrador puppy tick? Is it bold, timid? Before you embark on training spend plenty of time with your dog so you understand its character, strengths and weaknesses. The first thing you must do when you bring your new puppy home is to establish a strong bond. These first days are key before training a labrador puppy. If you have a solid foundation, gundog training will go more smoothly. Read why play training is essential for gundog puppies. Feed it in the crate and have its bed in there. Avoid using the crate as punishment. A crate will help with toilet training too, as dogs find it uncomfortable to urinate or defecate where they sleep. Initially, the puppy might jump up, but be patient and eventually the dog will sit. When it does so, immediately put the food bowl down. Then go along as a spectator so you can judge for yourself. Avoid puppy classes where the trainer treats the dogs as though they are more or less all the same. Maybe the dog is a little bit more sensitive. It could be that the trainer lacks experience. Once they seem to be getting it right, allow them a chance to perfect that skill before rushing ahead to the next stage. Hold onto the puppy and throw a ball. The puppy will probably see this and get very excited about running to pick it up. As soon as the ball hits the ground let the puppy go and once it picks up the ball give it lots of encouragement. The chances are the puppy will simply want to get back to you and will come running to the sound of your voice without thinking too much about the ball. Give the pup lots of praise and then take the ball. Remember the puppy is still young. Once or twice is quite enough at first and do not throw the ball too far. Try to use either an area of lawn or at least flat grass so that the puppy can see the ball. You need to make things very easy at this stage. So no rushing. This is rewarding unwanted behaviour. Read the risks of over exercising a puppy. Biting Most puppies mouth but dogs need to understand that their teeth should never touch us. Do not play roughly as this gives the wrong message. Puppies do need to bite and chew, so make sure they have plenty of safe items for gnawing. This article was originally published in and has been updated. If you are looking to bring a puppy into your home, then you will need to think about puppy training because this works best when you start early. Lab puppies require a lot of stimulation when they are young as they are active, and this is why it can be easy to train them when you start early. Training is a lot more than teaching your Labrador tricks because it is also a way to teach the dog to be obedient. Photo by Ben Owen on Unsplash When a dog is obedient, it will be easier to live with but to ensure this is the case, you need to start training your Labrador as early in its life as possible. This is something lab breeders can help with if you choose the right one. When to Start Puppy Training? Labradors are one of the most popular breeds of dogs. They are intelligent, gentle, and adorable animals that make great pets in families of all ages, but this is not all that Labradors can do. Labradors can also be great working animals, and they are used in a range of roles, from police dogs to emotional support animals. Again, this is due to their intelligence which makes them easy to train for all roles, as well as their gentle nature. Training is important for all puppies, whether they are coming into the home as a pet or a working animal, but it is especially important for Labradors that are required for a job. If you are looking to buy lab puppies specifically to be used as a working dog, then training is vital, and this needs to start from day one to ensure success in this area. You can speak to your breeder about the reasons why you are looking for lab puppies, and they can guide you through this training process. The best breeders will get your puppy started on training, with small rules that are introduced into their life from the beginning making them easier to train when you bring them home. Rules can be introduced to lab puppies from a very early age, and breeders can get them started with things such as potty training and simple obedience tricks. Once you bring the puppy home, this initial training will ensure the dog is obedient and will therefore be easier to train to fit into your routine. Many people believe that purebred labs will be easy to train because of their intelligence. However, even though Labradors are known for their intelligence, this may not be the main quality of the purebred puppy you choose. Puppies are bred for different reasons, and sometimes the intelligence of the breed is not the main quality that breeders are looking for. This does not mean that Labradors are difficult dogs, but training puppies can be a tricky process. This is why, if you are looking to bring a dog into your home, you need to be prepared to be patient and offer your new dog a lot of time to ensure they understand the rules of the home. Puppies who have been trained early will be easier to make obedient because they will already be familiar with certain rules. This is why some of the best breeders will start training their puppies from day one, as this will make them easier to train once they go to their new home. As lab puppies are intelligent, they can be easy to train, and they enjoy this kind of stimulation. The best way to ensure your puppy will be well trained is consistency which means developing a good routine with training your dog. Click here for more tips in training Labrador puppies. Many people look into getting a Labrador because this is a popular breed and one that can fit into a range of family circumstances. Their gentle, social nature makes them suitable for even young families, and the intelligence of the breed makes them ideal for working roles. There are many reasons why you may be looking to buy a Labrador, but you must consider how much work raising a dog can be before making a solid decision. Puppies of all breeds, no matter how intelligent or gentle they are, require a lot of attention in their early years. Bringing a puppy home is a fun experience, but it can be stressful for the dog, and you need to have a lot of time available to make sure your new pet is settled into their home. Buying a lab puppy is not a decision you can make lightly, which is why leading breeders will have large waiting lists for their available dogs. This gives you time to consider whether your home is ready for a new puppy and whether you have enough free time to train them. Reputable breeders will have a waiting list for their dogs because they are in high demand, and this gives you time to determine whether buying a Labrador is the right decision for you. You can speak to your local breeder about your interest in Labrador puppies, and they will be able to guide you through this process. Good breeders will be available for ongoing support and advice to their customers, helping to make the transition of bringing a new dog home as seamless as possible. Raising Labrador puppies can be a rewarding role, but it requires a lot of work which is why you should not make the decision lightly. Reputable breeders will be certified and accredited, ensuring they offer the best services to their customers. With the right training and attention, Labrador puppies can be a great addition to any family, and they are also excellent working dogs. Labradors are a popular dog breed for so many reasons! You may also enjoy:.