labradoodle puppies for sale vic under 500
Confidence Protectiveness Husky Golden Retrievers are inclined to enjoy their alone time. They are not prone to having separation anxiety. However, it is not recommended to leave them alone for too long. You could find them trying to escape the house. Because of their nature, it is advisable to have this pet when you have a large backyard. This mixed puppy is known to be friendly and gentle to the family members. They usually get along with all the members and are affectionate to children too. They can be fans of cuddling. Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppies can be excellent watchdogs. With proper training and sufficient bonding with their owners, they are obedient and alert to suspicious people. They are quite protective of the family members when there is a threatening situation. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever pups tends to have independent thinking. This trait comes from their Husky origin. At times, they may come off as obnoxious and act on their volition. They may be disobedient to your commands. When dealing with this behavior, it is crucial to remember that you need patience in caring for them. This mixed breed dog has a strong prey drive. They tend to chase smaller creatures. Be sure to keep an eye on other small animals such as cats and squirrels. Backyard Breeders Rescue Shelters Professional Breeders If you will spend money, I highly advise buying from professional breeders among these options. These people take good care of the dogs and prevent inbreeding to guarantee minimal health problems. Reliable breeders can provide you with results of genetic testing for the parent dogs and offspring, as well as records of vaccination and other pertinent documents. They also provide health clearances for the parent dogs. However, before buying from professional breeders, you can also consider visiting your local shelters to check if there is an available Golden Retriever Husky puppy and if you can adopt it. There are also rescue-centers that are breed-specific and non-profit. However, it is remarkable that the mixed breed of Golden Retriever and Husky do not shed much, and it is considered part of the low shedders. Aside from the aesthetic purpose of grooming, there are a lot more reasons to accomplish this activity. Developing a more intimate relationship Maintaining the cleanliness and physical health Bringing out the natural oil on the coat Avoid issues like bug infestations Checking anomalies and possible health problems Here is a list of the tools and equipment you will need for grooming this pup: Slicker Brush Cotton Ball Nail Clipper A regular grooming routine is essential in keeping the shiny and healthy coat of your Husky Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A fundamental step in the grooming routine is regular brushing using a slicker brush. Other steps include giving a bath, trimming the nails, and cleaning its ears. The use of a slicker brush over a pin brush is advisable due to its purpose of untangling mats or knots in the fur. Also, it helps in removing debris and loose hair. It can run through the thick layers of the double coat and facilitate effective grooming. Another advantage of this brush is its massaging quality since it has long pins. Massaging the skin of your pup will stimulate the production of essential oils for moisturizing the coat. Also, this will increase the blood circulation and promote health for the dog. This activity should be done at least once a week to decrease the amount of shedding and avoid matting of fur. In brushing the whole coat, you need to brush places of matting and thicker fur more diligently. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. Cutting matted fur should only be done when you cannot brush out the mat. The next step is bathing your pup, especially when it is smelly and dirty. Some people proceed to trim the coat of the puppy before bathing it. It is your discretion if you will follow the steps to the dot. After lathering with shampoo and then rinsing the coat, you can opt to blow-dry the coat. The frequency of bathing will also depend on your decision, based on the smell and sanitary condition of the Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. After the bath, you will proceed to brush the coat again. Then, you will initiate the trimming process. In trimming, you should avoid trimming the entire coat. The double coat of your puppy functions as an insulation against the fluctuating weather. It also traps warm air on a cold day and cool air on a hot day. Usually, groomers use clippers for this process. However, you may opt to use thinning shears for cutting parts of the coat. You need to trim the fuzzy hair growth around the edges cleanly. You will trim the fur between the toes next. For cracked dog pads, you can apply Vaseline as a regimen. In trimming the legs, you will cut the unkempt fur to achieve symmetry and balance. The fur on the front of the legs is shorter than that on the back. The hair on the back of the legs should flare out slightly behind the dog. Similar with the legs, trimming the chest and neck should aim to remove the unkempt fur. It should be noted that you will move the thinning shears with the direction of hair growth. After the neck and chest areas, you will trim the fur around the ears. This step will help fend off parasites. Lastly, you will trim the tail. For this step, you will trim the length by tapering the tail, starting from the base to the tip. Part of the grooming process is checking for wax buildup in the ears and signs of an ear infection. You can clean their ears with a cotton ball and a dog-specific ear solution. You should never use a cotton swab for their ears. You can also use a cotton ball with mineral oil or microfiber cloth with mineral oil to remove debris from the eyes. The frequency of this activity depends on the rate of its toenail growth. Long names may break, and cause irregular gait and infection. If you do not have this much time in your hands, you should schedule appointments with trustworthy groomers around your neighborhood. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever Puppies Health Problems Most of the Husky mixed with Golden Retriever dogs are free of fatal and congenital diseases, primarily because of their enlarged gene pool. Their average life span is 10 to 13 years. One condition you need to prevent is heat stroke. Since this breed has a dense and double coat, they do not tolerate heat as much as they tolerate cold weather. You should protect your puppy from overexposure to the sun and keep it well hydrated. Even if there is a reduced risk for the usual health conditions from the parent breeds, it is important to know the possible diseases your puppy may acquire, especially when it gets older. One these health problems is a cataract, an opacity of the eye lens. When your dog acquires this disease, its eyes will appear cloudy. One of the possible health problems is hip or elbow dysplasia. This is an inheritable disease wherein the thighbone does not attach properly with the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia involves joint laxity due to different growth rates of the bones of the elbow. Vaccinations are weapons against fatal diseases. There is a generally accepted guideline of puppy vaccination. Some of the recommended vaccinations are measles, rabies, and DHPP which is the combination of vaccines for distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. By knowing the possible serious health issues of this mixed pup, you can be more watchful when your pup manifests some warning signs related to these possible conditions. Golden Retriever Mixed with Husky Food Requirements The following factors determine the amount of food you will give to your Golden Retriever mixed with Husky puppy: Age—choose a chow that is age-appropriate; our essential guides to the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food will help you find the right one! Size—depending on the size, some pups will thrive on the best dry dog food for small dogs whereas others will be better off with the best large breed dry dog food Metabolism Level of activity The kind of food recommended for this mixed breed is dry food, preferably one of the brands featured in our best dry dog food guide. Commonly, medium to large dogs is given three to four cups of nutritious dog food, divided into two meals. Just like with human food, there are brands you should avoid at any cost. For your convenience, we singled out some of the worst dry dog food brands. Meanwhile, Golden Retrievers have a big appetite and are at risk for obesity. This classification means that you should provide them with lots of mental and physical stimulation. The duration of physical activity would be enough to maintain its weight and protect them from lifestyle diseases. I recommend walking, running, playing with Frisbee or tennis ball for your Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. If the Golden Retriever Husky mix puppy does not get enough physical and mental stimulation, it may exhibit behavioral problems. These problems include inappropriate barking, chewing, and causing property destruction. This breed is intelligent and fast learners. However, their independent side may antagonize your directions if training started late. An effective way to facilitate the training is by initially having short training sessions. To avoid possible destructive behavior that can be traced to their Husky origin, you should employ obedience training and leash training. You need to assert yourself as the leader by having consistency and clarity. A reliable way to do this task is making the puppy wait for its food. This act will establish your role as the provider and keeper of all the resources, such as the treats, food, toys, and other assets. During training, it is possible to encounter mischief and fluctuations in concentration. A way to prevent this situation is keeping the sessions short. However, you should be cautious and never leave your child and the dog alone. This action could aggravate and provoke the pet. Aside from the appropriate training for the dog, you should teach your child to avoid disturbing or playing with the pup when it is eating or sleeping. Golden Retriever mixed with Husky pups are affectionate to families. They have an innate loyal character, and they enjoy being around people. This trait is probably attributable to its Golden Retriever parent. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know youcan get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. This is my 1—year-old Goberian. She is just so adorable and very quiet. Ben gets to run along the beach nearly every day and almost everyone that meets him asks what breed of dog he is and exclaims how gorgeous and friendly he is towards them. He's very smart and it took no time at all to get him housetrained. Now he's working on a full arsenal of tricks. He was supposedly the biggest one in the litter. He is around 35 lbs. He has his 16th month check-up on the 15th. I am curious to see how much he has grown in a month. He is a sweet-tempered dog. He is also extremely smart. He has been easily trained, house and in general. His mother was a one-year-old Golden Retriever and his dad was the Siberian Husky. Both were full-breed. His mom's name was Molly and dad was Smokey. Mom was all brown of course and dad was brownish, grey and white.
Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Old chocolate Labs I have been writing about Labradors for many years now, and there is no doubt in my mind that they are all wonderful dogs. But the chocolate Labrador is special. Meet Rachael, my Beautiful Brown Lab All Labradors are beautiful, of course, but brown Labradors will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I am unashamedly biased! You see, I am lucky enough to share my life with Rachael. A female chocolate retriever from a mixture of American and English Lab lines. This is Rachael as a puppy. This page is a celebration of what is for me, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Rachael has been a huge source of inspiration for this website, so this is a little tribute to her and a thank you for all she has taught me. Where do Chocolate Labs come from? But they had been around for some years before that. The Labrador breed was developed mainly by a couple of English aristocrats in the s, from dogs they had imported from North America. Although our early Labrador Retrievers were predominantly black, some of these original dogs carried the genetic information required to produce chocolate puppies. Just as some also carried the information required to produce yellow puppies. If mainly black dogs were bred from, you may wonder how a brown puppy was ever born! To understand that, we need to take a peep at the genes that carry the code for coat color in the Labrador retriever. How is the Chocolate Color Inherited in Labradors? The instructions that tell your dog what to look like, and what color to be, come packed in genes. And genes come in pairs. This is true for the gene that determines whether or not the Labrador will be brown this gene is called b or black B. Every Labrador has either two genes for a black coat BB or two genes for a brown coat bb or one of each Bb. The color black in Labradors is dominant. That means that if a Labrador has one gene for the color brown, and one gene for the color black, the dog will be black. This is because his black gene switches off the brown one. The brown gene just sits hidden inside him doing nothing in particular, while the black gene takes control of his coat. What about Chocolate Labs? So for a chocolate Lab puppy to be born, he needs to have those two chocolate genes, one is not enough. However, a black Labrador can sneakily carry a brown gene Bb and pass it along to his children. This is how the color brown can and did remain hidden in generation after generation of black Labradors. Shedding chocolate Labs can appear paler as the undercoat shows through more when deep in shed. In old age their coat can also fade, especially around their face. Why were Chocolate Labs not Wanted? So if there were always brown genes in our Labrador population, there have always been occasional brown puppies. All that was required to produce some chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies was for someone to mate a black dog carrying brown Bb with another black dog carrying brown. And hey presto, some of this litter of puppies are brown! And of course in the days long before DNA tests,, there was no way of knowing for sure that a black dog was carrying brown, until he had made some brown puppies. By which time it was too late! It seems bizarre to us now, in a world where chocolate is such a popular color in dogs. But in the early s only black would do. When did Chocolate Labs become Popular? By the s and 30s a few brown or liver Labradors as they were then called were making an appearance on the shooting field. But for some years more, brown was not widely acceptable to Labrador enthusiasts. Chocolate Labs are loving dogs, full of warmth and enthusiasm That preference continues today, and we still often name our brown Labs after favorite snack bars and chocolate flavored drinks! The s was a turning point in the popularity of the chocolate Lab, but interest grew slowly at first. Gradually, the public began to demand more chocolate Lab puppies, and gradually breeders began to produce them. Over the next few decades, Chocolate Labradors became increasingly popular both in the show ring and as pets. In the shooting community, where Labradors were expected to do a job of work, the preference for black continued. This continued throughout the late s, and into the present day, particularly in the UK. American Chocolate Lab American chocolate Labradors were bred to work, and are also known as field Labradors. The chocolate Lab has now become more established in the working community, but they are harder to find. There is a rumour going around that this is because brown Labradors are a bit stupid! But is it true? You might also have noticed that chocolate Labs are rarely seen as seeing eye dogs. Chocolate Lab Characteristics Just like you and me, every dog is a product of both his environment. As well as the genes he is born with. We have seen that many chocolate Labradors come from show Labrador lines, and these bloodlines tend to have certain characteristics in common. Characteristics that are passed along from parent to puppy. Chocolate Lab size varies quite a bit. Show Labradors English are often more heavily built, and somewhat slower and physically less agile than their field bred counterparts. Some English brown Labs may reach 80 or 90lbs without being fat or overweight. Whereas American chocolate Labs are often lighter. My Rachael, for example, weighs less than 60lbs. Most males of her build will weigh five or ten pounds more. English chocolate Labs are also more likely to have a chunky Labrador head and thick otter tail. And while some feel that the chunkiness of the skull has been taken too far in show lines, there is no denying the beauty of a classic Labrador head. A brown Labrador is more likely to be from these show types of bloodline and are therefore more likely to share these general characteristics. But there is more. Chocolate Lab Temperament American Labs may have a more intense retrieve drive, or urge to chase and retrieve things than their show bred cousins. In short, they are desperate to please. Over many generations this biddable quality has been bred into our working Labs alongside their retrieving and hunting prowess. This has given working dogs a rather different temperament from our show stock. Chocolate Lab Intelligence In show dogs you may see a more robust temperament. An English chocolate Lab is often less concerned over the little ups and downs of life. Nothing is taken too seriously. Many English chocolate Lab owners report that their dogs are especially playful. And I have certainly found that to be the case with Rachael. She adores soft toys and spends hours playing with her Flat Squirrel! However, they may less distractible, more focused and therefore easier to train. This can certainly give the impression of a dog that is pretty smart. These dogs may also be more likely to be black. English Labs are still highly intelligent, highly trainable dogs. The differences between field and show might give you the edge in competition. They are also becoming increasingly irrelevant as we switch to more modern methods of training which are much better at motivating dogs to engage in the training process. We mentioned earlier that the color black has long been favoured by the working retriever community. Experienced, working gundog enthusiasts are less likely to buy a puppy that is not from working lines, and when they do, they are more likely to choose a black dog. Unsurprisingly this means that most working lines of Labs are predominantly black. Black is also a great color for a hunting companion. A yellow dog really stands out in the countryside, even in poor light, so even when yellow dogs became more common, they were not so popular with the hunter. Brown dogs are better camouflaged but became more numerous much later and were embraced first by the pet and show communities. Are Chocolate Labs Stupid? To my knowledge, no study has ever been carried out on the differing intellectual abilities of Labrador of different colors. Everything you hear is based on personal anecdotal stories, often passed along in fun. At least to begin with! She has very intense retrieve drive, but is less naturally keen to share the outcome with anyone. She is also easily distracted and because of this she has taken me a little longer to train than my working line Labs. But it is most unlikely that there is any distinct difference in intelligence between dogs of the same breed that happen to be a different color. Being chocolate does not make a dog stupid Even if there were a difference in learning ability between different colored dogs, it does not mean that one caused the other. The answer lies in the behavior and temperament of dogs from different bloodlines. Types of chocolate Labs The difference in trainability is in short a feature of the difference between the field bred dog and the show bred dog. Not a feature of the color of the dog. It is a coincidence that many chocolate Labradors are English in type, and many black Labs are American in type. Because of this coincidence the characteristics of the show bred Lab tend to be attributed to our brown friends. While the characteristics of the field bred Lab tend to be attributed to our black dogs. So you can see how the myth got started. The fact is, that chocolate Labs from working lines are just as easy to train as black Labs from working lines. But you are less likely to meet a chocolate Lab from working lines at the moment. But rest assured, your chocolate friend is not stupid. With modern training methods you can easily teach him to be a well behaved and obedient dog. Chocolate Labrador Shades Unlike our yellow Labradors — which come in a wide range of shades, the color chocolate is pretty consistent in puppyhood. Most chocolate Labs are quite similar in color. As the old hair dies it starts to lose some of its color, and the dead hair is much paler than the glossy new coat that will soon appear. And though some chocolate Labs are darker than others, even when taking the stage of moult into account, variations between individuals are fairly small, with one very contentious exception. The Silver Labrador. Silver Labs Are Chocolate Labs Silver Labradors have a gene which dilutes the color chocolate and makes it a pale, silvery shade. Some people find this very attractive, while others regard it as an abomination. There is no doubt that a hundred years ago, there was no coat dilution gene in our Labrador Retrievers. We know for sure that this gene has appeared quite recently. The strongest theory is that the gene arrived through cross breeding a Labrador with a dog that carries the dilute coat color gene. A breed such as the Weimaraner for example. This seems rather less likely. Not as silver itself. A bright Future for the Chocolate Lab Throughout history, there have been a number of famous black Labradors, and we tend to associate yellow Labs with the all important role of working as assistance dogs. This is not because chocolate Lab dogs lack the qualities or abilities of black and yellow dogs, but simply because the popularity of the color is a relatively recent phenomenon. There are as we speak, plenty of chocolate Labradors serving in the military, working as assistance dogs and in the shooting field. Maybe you have a story to tell about your own chocolate friend, or maybe you are just starting out on your journey to finding a chocolate Lab to share your life. We have some tips for searching in the right places. The other way, is to buy a chocolate Lab puppy and raise him yourself. There are pros and cons to both rescuing an older dog and raising your own puppy, I go into these in some detail in The Labrador Handbook. It may well depend on what stage of life your family is at and on how experienced you are with dogs in general, and with Labradors in particular. You can buy both books from Amazon by following links above. If rescuing appeals to you, and you are ready for the challenges and the many benefits of giving a dog a new lease of life, there are plenty of rescue societies that specialise in Labradors. Rescuing can be a wonderful and fulfilling way of bringing a lovely brown retriever into your life, so do consider it thoroughly. You can find lots more information here: Is a rescue Labrador right for you and here The right dog for you- Puppy or Rescue? If now is not the right time for you to rescue an older dog. Or if you are getting a Labrador for a special purpose — as a hunting companion for example — you may be better off with a new puppy. If someone wants to sell you a puppy much younger than that, alarm bells should be ringing. You also need to make sure you buy your puppy from the right place. This means choosing the right breeder. And avoiding puppy mills and pet stores. If you want a puppy for hunting, you need to go to a breeder that specialises in field-bred dogs. If you want to get involved in the world of showing, you need to go to a breeder that breeds Labradors for the show ring. It is possible to train a show dog for work, though he or she is unlikely to get far in high level field competitions. It is not normally possible to succeed in the show ring with a field bred dog. Keep this in mind. Chocolate Labrador Puppy Health Labradors of all colors suffer from inherited disorders. Please, please make sure your puppy is from health tested parents — it may all end in tears if you omit this important step. Their parents should have good hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests and be PRA clear too. But does picking a chocolate Lab puppy set you off on the wrong foot in terms of health from the start? Are Chocolate Labs Unhealthy? In a study hit the headlines hard, and had a lot of chocolate Lab owners in a panic. Their research suggested that there is a link between Lab color and not just health, but lifespan too. Over 33, Labs were studies, with .Giving a good sample size. Chocolate Labs in the study were more likely to have dermatitis, which matches with some colloquial findings of owners of silver Labs with skin problems. Ear problems are also more common, and this is in fact something Rachael has even suffered with in the past. Gastrointestinal issues were more common with chocolate Labradors too. Chocolate Labradors live on average for just .At least according to this study. Interestingly, they were least likely to have degenerative joint disease or dental problems. It reduces the chances of your pup becoming ill. But it is also important to look at the coefficient of inbreeding. Chocolate Labs get their color from a recessive gene. This means that to ensure you have a litter of chocolate puppies you need to breed from two chocolate parents. Reducing gene pools will always increase health problems. Finding a puppy with a very low coefficient of inbreeding will help you to avoid some of these problems. In addition to health testing, of course. It would also be sensible to avoid a chocolate Lab puppy with parents with a history of ear or skin problems. You can find out more about health issues in Labradors in this article: Health screening for Labrador Diseases. And there is lots of information on finding a good breeder here: Labrador breeders — how to find a good one Training and Exercising your Chocolate Labrador My advice for training and exercising your chocolate Labrador is to figure out what type of lines your dog is from and adjust your expectations accordingly. Then to follow a good positive reinforcement training programme. Make sure you exercise his mind as well as his body. Even if you never intend to take him hunting, he still needs a job to do, retrieves to complete, toys to find, streams to cross and so on. If your dog is from show lines, he too needs training and plenty of exercise, but he may also need plenty of play. Toys and games, and other dogs to interact with. Training my Chocolate Lab Even at seven years old, Rachael still loves to play with other dogs and with people. She is hugely enthusiastic about meeting people and dogs and prone to be over-friendly. And I have to make a special effort to ensure that she is not allowed to interact with visitors until she is sitting calmly. On the plus side, I have had to spend less time socialising Rachael than I would with a field bred lab. As she takes everything in her stride. Too friendly! You may find she is intensely friendly and rather distractible, so this aspect of his education is important. Above all, treat your chocolate labrador like an individual. He is far more than just a product of his breeding and environment. He is a unique character, there will never be another quite like him Caring for an old Chocolate Lab As the years pass by, we leave behind one set of challenges and they are replaced by new ones. Failing eyesight, stiff joints, and declining hearing. However, these senior years can still be happy and fun filled for many dogs, especially if you keep your dog slim. If your chocolate friend is quite heavily built as many chocolates are, you need to be extra careful to keep an eye on his weight as he ages. More body weight means more stress and strain on joints, this can aggravate problems like arthritis in older dogs. I personally think that elderly chocolate Labradors are particularly beautiful, with their greying muzzles and kind eyes. Of course, you will want to make your old friend as comfortable as you can. Tell us what is so special about your chocolate Labrador and why you think they are the best. The breeder was unable to sell Koda due to a severe overbite. Brookline will provide him with the dental care that he needs while in foster care. March 12, Hi! Lots happening lately. She was super nice and the other ladies there told me I was handsome and a really good boy — of course I was, no doubt about it. They checked out my mouth and told my FM and FD that one of teeth needs to be taken out. So that tooth is going to come out this week — good riddance. February 13, Koda here with the a pupdate! One adventure after another since I gave my last pupdate … a box showed up on the doorstep filled with lots of fun stuffies and tugs that I love having in my mouth! Oh, and tasty, yummy treats that I share with my FB. I try to share my toys too, but that is hard sometimes cause we want the same one most of the time. We go for walks around the neighborhood every day and let me tell you there are some great things to sniff and these things called sticks and twigs that I love to pick up. Sometimes I do that to tease my FB and sometimes he does it to me! One day last week, I went for a car ride with FM to the Vet. She said I was a little timid or shy — not sure what she means. I just wanted her to be close to me while the Vet lady, who was very nice and gave me treats, checked me out. You better believe it baby! The nice vet lady said my overbite or underbite was not too bad and my soft palate looked good. But it might take a little while to get an appointment. We really love to play and I love to run after my FB. He loves to tease me with a twig, ball or stick so I will chase after him. But boy is he fast! I rest in between all of my bursts of energy or activity. At night, I go to bed in my crate around or 10 and get up about .Next week, I go to the Vet, whatever that means. I hope there are lots of nice people there for me to meet. FM says I am a little shy or cautious when I see new things or people — today I got very bouncy and alert when these things called leaves were blowing around. So, I pounced on them and decided they are no big deal, but fun to chase and pounce on! Time for me to go outside and do some business and maybe bounce around with Dunkin. January 30, Wow! What a whirlwind! Yesterday 2 super nice ladies, picked me up from my farm and the next thing I knew I was at this big park where I met two knew people — FM and FD. We walked around a little bit before I was back on the road. I liked it when she would scratch my head and behind my ears — I really liked that! Next, we got to this new place with all new smells in the back yard and I have a foster brother, Dunkin! I was fussy and whined for about 15 minutes when I got in my crate. Today, we all went for a little walk and spent time in the back yard. FM and FD are working with me on potty training — something about reading my signals. Adopt Your New Best Friend! If you need additional information about the adoption process or whether you are in our coverage area, please send an e-mail to our Rescue at info brooklinelabrescue. Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is a c 3 non-profit volunteer organization funded entirely by donations. Donations are always needed to help with veterinary costs, transportation, and supplies for our dogs. For information on donating to BLRR please click here.
Any photos that are not mine, I have permission from owners to post. I will also include facts about new testing for modifiers and intensity genes that have been found within the last year or so. Some very exciting things will be coming our way for color testing! There are three legitimate and ethical breed clubs that are the main registries in the US and Canada for solids and these are their breed standards. Please do not be fooled by breeders trying to sell you dogs registered with these clubs. On the flip side however, dogs registered or shown in the clubs above do not guarantee quality dogs or an ethical breeder. Any dog not owned by myself past or present, have been given to me with permission from their owners. Huge thanks to their owners for their permission and photos and their breeders for bringing these beautiful dogs into the world! Cream "e" E locus-photo Harper Alue Poodles Cream is a color that tends to fade into white as the dog ages. As puppies they can either have a cream coloring behind the ears or their whole body can be cream. As adults they can retain spots of cream behind the ears like Harper here. Some dogs do keep a cream tint into adulthood like the dog below. Creams should have dark eyes and dark inky black pigment in their points; their nose, eye rims, lips, and pads. If you have a cream born with liver points, they have incorrect pigment. Creams should have black or self colored ie clear nails. White "e" E locus We have the last in the E series, white! White is timeless, white is classic. White Poodles should have dark eyes, nice dark inky black pigment on their noses and eye rims. They should also have black or self colored nails. Whites can also get what is called "snow nose" across many breeds; in the winter, their dark pigment will fade into a liver color that will then return in the summer. This is not the same as poor pigment. You will see white Poodles with both dark, almost black looking skin when shaved in a Continental, and they can also have white skin. Dark pigment is preferred but there is nothing wrong with a dog with light skin. With whites, there are a number born with a slighty creamy tinge to their coat but grow out into a white coat. True whites, called "ice white" in the breed, are rather rare. Reds tend to fade to an apricot color or a light "washed out" red. There are of course reds who do not fade, but when purchasing a red be aware it's a possibility. There are breeders working towards breeding dark, holding reds, but that can also be a catch .Reds should have dark eyes and dark, inky black points; eye rims, lips, nose, and pads. If a red has liver pigment or spotty pigment, that is incorrect and is a major fault in the breed ring. Reds should have black or self colored ie "brown" nails. Apricot is a less intense version of red. Apricots tend to keep their color more, but they also can start out darker and fade to a shade of dark cream. Apricots should also have dark, inky black pigment on their points, however amber eyes and liver points are permitted but not desired. Apricots should have black or self colored nails as well. Apricots and reds are the "newest" color in the history of the breed, so unfortunately the history with these lines and how the popularity of them exploded, they were bred for color for a very long time before temperament, structure, and health were put first. Brown "b" b locus Firstly it needs to be said that Poodles are not chocolate, they are brown. Brown is recessive to black, which is why it is "b" instead of "B". Brown Poodles will always have lighter eyes, liver points, and self colored nails. Browns, like reds, are affected by fading. There are browns that are holding, but when purchasing a brown be aware fading will happen to a certain degree. There are breeders that are working towards breeding holding browns, and there is inherently nothing wrong with that as long as temperament, health, and breed type come first before coat color. Black "B" B locus Black Poodles. Timeless, classic, stunning!! Blacks should be born inky black and should stay inky black. However, you will hear the term "bad black" which is different from a blue dog. A bad black simply refers to a dog that does not hold it's coat pigment. A black dog who's coat has been sun damaged does not mean it is a bad black. Black dogs should have dark eyes, inky black pigment from top to bottom! Blues will look black when they are born, but there is an "old breeders tale" that blue and silver puppies will have white hairs in between their toes, but that is not a blanket truth. Blue Poodles will fade at varying speeds and degree. The two blues included are siblings but have not faded to the same degree. Most will fade into their 5th and 6th birthdays, but there are also some who hold onto a very slight blue tint for years. Blues will have dark eyes and dark pigment on their eye rims, noses, lips, and paw pads. Nails will also be black. One that is my personal favorite and one that has stumped us for quite some time! Silver is a recessive to black like blue. Silvers are born black and by their first face shave their face should start to be silvering. Silvers, like blues, do not fade on a set scale. It is thought there are modifiers in play that determine how blues and silvers clear and to what degree. You can see silvers from a darker color all the way to platinum silver. Silvers should have dark eyes and dark inky black eye rims, lips, nose, and paw pads. My favorite brownies! Silver beiges are brown based silvers, and like silvers, you will see by their first face shave a silver brown color. Silver beige Poodles are born brown and lighten with age, by two most are a beautiful silver color with a stunning brown hue, but all fade at different speeds and different shades. Silver beige Poodles will have light eyes, liver points, and self colored nails. In the past, these dogs were culled as an attempt to remove them from the gene pool. This did not work, and as simple recessives they pop up often even in seemingly all solid bloodlines. Just one copy of dominant black KB will cause a dog to be black or brown. Seal and ghost tan are potential exceptions, but we're not getting into that just yet. The pattern produced will depend on what the dog has on the A locus. The 4 genotypes on the A locus in order of dominance are; agouti aw , sable ay , phantom at , and recessive black a. Agouti poodles are breathtakingly beautiful. Certain poodles are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "phantom sables". This isn't genetically possible, and oftentimes these dogs are in fact agouti, and may have characteristics of both a phantom and sable dog. A sable dog can be nearly solid cream, or appear agouti. Often, they will be mostly solid cream or apricot with black ears and tail, along with black hairs mixed in on the back. Sable puppies change significantly as they grow. The only thing you can guarantee is they won't be the same color as an adult as they are as a puppy, and that they will be gorgeous no matter the final pattern! It produces the pattern most commonly associated with breeds such as the doberman or rottweiler. Phantom poodles will usually have tan "eyebrows", cheeks, chest spots, lower legs, and under the tail. It is striking and beautiful! There are also modifiers that can cause what we call creeping tan or saddle tan which can cause the tan areas to grow and spread, much like what is seen in some German shepherds. This modifier is still being studied and isn't fully understood. It is unique as it doesn't produce a pattern, but actually causes the dog to be just black or brown. This is one reason color testing is important. A solid black dog could produce patterns very unexpectedly in a breeding program. Combinations Patterns can be produced on a dog at the same time. You can have a dog that is both parti and sable. The dog would have the white areas to the coat, and the colored areas would be sable. The same goes for brindle. That would cause the colored areas of the coat to be brindled. You can have a dog that is parti, phantom, and brindle. This would be a parti colored dog that also had tan points, and within those tan points there would be striping. There are many possibilities and combinations. It all depends on what the parent dogs both express and carry. Two such patterns are seal and ghost tan. Both of these patterns will express occasionally in dogs that are genetically dominant black. For some reason in these dogs the pattern from the A locus leaks through and expresses in a unique way. If a dog is sable or agouti on the A locus, this pattern will show up slightly. If they are phantom, you will be able to see faint tan markings. It does seem to be inheritable as some poodle breeders are breeding these dogs and getting consistent results. Solid Colored Poodles The beauty of a solid colored poodle! Solid color poodles come in a wide range of colors. There are the darkest blacks to the stunning ice whites. There are colors that hold throughout a dog's lifetime and colors that clear or lighten. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots, and creams a solid colored coat may hold varying shades of the same color. This is frequently present in somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in tipping of the ruff. Browns that hold their color throughout their life are rare. Most browns and their dilute shades will clear over time. Silver-beige and cafe-au-laits are easy to confuse. Silver-beige puppies are born brown and often have white between their toes or on the back of the foot. When you trim the face hair of a silver-beige puppy closely you can see the color change beginning. Silver-beige puppies usually clear to their adult color in the first 2 to 3 years of a dog's life. Cafe-au-laits differ from silver-beiges in that they are usually born a light brown or tan color. The dilute colors of silver and blue dogs are usually born black. Silver dogs carry two genes for silver, while blue dogs carry one. You will find silvers in a wide range often referred to as grey, silver, or platinum. Blue dogs are not a "bad black," but a color of their own. A gorgeous blue is a stunning color, with blue-toned skin and a black coat when the dog is young. Over time the black changes, often going through a brown tipped phase until the coat becomes a blue color. Reds and apricots may also change colors. Some are born lighter and then darken for several years, while some fade to apricot within a year or two. There are reds that hold the red mahogany color and some that fade. We have had several reds that surprised us and darkened during their first year of life. Cremes may hold their color or change to a very bright white. Cremes may often turn white except for the creme color remaining on the ears. There is no crystal ball to tell what color some dogs will mature to. I have had blacks they stayed black for all of their 16 years. I have had a dark red toy that faded to almost creme by the time she was 8 years old. I have had apricots that were born almost creme, darken to a beautiful apricot in the first year and then hold that color. Based on our parents' colors and genetics we can usually determine what color our puppies will be. We do know our blacks are true blacks and not blue or silver. We do genetic color testing on our poodle parents. Poodles that are a dilute color which we have very few of, can be much harder to predict the final color. We don't understand all of the modifiers that impact color and cause a poodles coat color to evolve. Clearing may take as long as three years. Some people have even found that their poodle change colors over the dog's entire lifetime. That's part of the charm of a poodle - the color changing process sometimes surprises us despite our best guess! We have solid colored black, creme, apricot, and red standard poodle puppies for sale, make sure to check back often to see available puppies. Our waiting list fills up quickly, fill out an application and get the process started.
Mix the two breeds, and you get the best of both worlds! Great family pets These hybrids make incredibly loyal pets that are a great choice for families with children as well as elderly owners who want a loving companion dog that is well-suited for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. .They are loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. At the same time, they are gentle and patient with children. Their gentle nature and loyal personalities make them an excellent addition to any family. They were bred for bull-baiting Originally bred in England, these dogs were used for bull-baiting, a popular sport that involved pitting a dog against a bull. But then bull-baiting became illegal However, in bull-baiting was outlawed in England and so the English Bulldog faced the very real possibility of becoming extinct. Fortunately, they were very popular in England and so they were then bred to be gentle, affectionate, and even-tempered companion dogs, instead of dangerous guard dogs. English Bulldogs are Gentle Giants In fact, despite their fierce appearance, these kind-hearted dogs made wonderful guardians for young children! They have a calm and patient temperament and are very loyal to their families. English Bulldogs were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in the s, and today they remain one of the most popular breeds in the United States. .They still have some health issues While they still have some health issues due to their breeding history, breeders have worked to reduce these problems and produce healthy and happy dogs. In the early s, English lace workers who were displaced by the Industrial Revolution moved to France and brought with them their Toy Bulldogs. These bulldogs were crossed with Parisian Ratters. The resulting breed was the French Bulldog, which became a favorite of the Parisian elite. The Frenchie we love today They were originally bred by crossing English Bulldogs and Parisian ratters to create the ionic Frenchie that we all know and love today. Their flat faces can lead to breathing problems, and they may also be prone to hip dysplasia and allergies. Frenchies are popular Did you know that Frenchies are the 2 most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club?! They are loved for their affectionate nature, playful personality, and adaptability to city living. You see Frenchies everywhere nowadays — it seems like everybody has one. Everybody seems to have a Frenchie nowadays.Check out the most famous celebrities that have Frenchies! However, in modern times, the explosion in the popularity of the French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix led to numerous breeders mixing the two breeds during the s in America. They have a unique type of rolling gait when they walk and although you should expect quite a bit of variation in any hybrid, the French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix always has a stubby nose and a square-shaped head. A fully grown French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix stands at around 13 to 15 inches at the shoulders and can weigh anywhere between 28 to 55 pounds. They have a short coat that comes in a wide range of colors and can have either floppy or pointy ears. This is largely due to their short muzzles and generations of breeding. This means that a French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix will also tend to be susceptible to similar types of health problems. Frenchie Health Guide An in-depth guide on nearly every health problem affecting Frenchies. Learn about Frenchie Health Lifespan French Bulldogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years whereas an English Bulldog has a life expectancy of around 10 years. Consequently, a French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix has a life expectancy of between 10 to 12 years, although in some cases they can live well into their teens Common Health Problems. January 29, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are two of the most popular breeds globally. A lot of people find this to be a very controversial topic. Some argue that purebred dogs tends to have more health complications and that cross breeding like this can producing a healthier dog. There are many bulldog breeding experts that carry the belief that genetic testing to identify congenital issues and controlled dog breeding are the best ways to control risk and avoid breeding dog hybrid mixes with genetic health issues. Bulldogs are typically small to medium size dogs. They come in the colors of fawn, red fawn, black or blue brindle. Bulldogs can be very stubborn, which is why training is so necessary. Bulldogs are known for their big head and large body. Bulldogs should be fed high-quality food that meets all of their nutritional needs. The French Bulldog has been recognized by all major kennel clubs in the United States and many countries worldwide. Its facial features are well-known for its gentle expression and adorable appearance. It is a small dog weighing between pounds. The English Bulldog is also known as a watchman. This breed is related to other brachycephalic breeds in that they have short muzzles, eyes, and flat chests. The Bulldog was originally bred as a farm guard dog in England. It is widely known for its barrel-shaped body with short legs. Because the Bulldog was originally bred and used as a farm dog, it was often associated with retrieving games from the fields and water. Its short legs were malleable enough to maneuver into these areas quickly. French Bulldog French Bulldogs are usually between 11 and 13 inches in height , reaching an average weight of eighteen to twenty-eight pounds when fully grown. However, some have been known to exceed thirty pounds. They have muscular bodies and sturdy legs. They also have large-sized ears with rounded tips. Their coat is short and smooth on their body, with a dense undercoat that is coarse and wiry on their legs and feet. Their coat comes in various colors, including blue, black, brindle, and fawn. They have an average life span of 11 years. With their large size and muscular bodies, French Bulldogs are excellent guard dogs. Mine certainly lets us know every time someone comes to the door. They are shy around new people but will become more relaxed around them as time goes on. As for kids, they love being around them and will get along fine most of the time. English Bulldog English Bulldogs are also large dogs reaching an average weight of seventy-five pounds when fully grown. They have compact, muscular bodies with short legs. They have small ears that are rose-shaped and rounded at the tips. Their coat is short and smooth on their body with a dense undercoat. Their coat comes in many colors, including blue, brindle, fawn, or red, to name a few. They have an average life span of 8 years. Like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs are guard dogs due to their protective nature towards family members and home. However, as they get more comfortable around people, they can become very friendly and affectionate. Children are one of the best reasons to own an English Bulldog as their fun and playful little dogs. These include dental problems, allergies, vertigo, and vision problems. The following are some of the essential canine health issues that can affect a Bulldog mix. Hip Dysplasia This is a condition in which the ball and socket joint of the hind leg bones do not fit together snugly. This can lead to hip pain, arthritis, and reduced mobility. It mainly affects one eye in about a third of the cases and usually starts from six months to four years. A tumor of the red blood cells, called a hemangiosarcoma, usually occurs on the spleen or heart. Other cancers that occur less often are lymphosarcoma, mesothelioma, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytosis. Bone cancer is rare but highly malignant. Skin Allergies Skin allergies such as atopy, contact dermatitis, and seborrhea can affect a Bulldog mix. Other skin problems that may not be directly related to allergy include demodicosis, mange or other parasitic infestations, and ichthyosis. Patellar Luxation Patellar luxation, or knee dislocation, can be a severe ailment for a Bulldog mix. The patella is usually more mobile in small dog breeds and less mobile in large dog breeds, but it is not as mobile as it should be in Bulldog mixes. Heart Disease Heart disease is a big concern for Bulldogs and the number one cause of death in this breed. The high blood pressure found in bulldogs can often lead to heart failure, and it is important to be proactive about this concern. Be sure to follow some tips in this article to find a reputable dog breeder. It is always best to call them in advance to see if they have any puppies or dogs available who fit your desired breed or breed mix. Facebook has many breed groups that allow people to publicize their business, so it is beneficial to be a member of these groups when looking for a specific breeder. You should also check for breeders in local pet supply stores or kennels. These traits make them great for apartment living or smaller homes. They are also suitable for ownership by elderly owners and those with limited mobility. Brush the coat only when it is dirty. Little to no brushing is needed during the first two years of its life. This will keep your dog happy and out of trouble with its nails, teeth, and skin. Excessive brushing can cause bald spots in high traffic areas. If full-face wrinkles develop, it is possible to have them surgically removed. Frequent Baths The Bulldog mix will need frequent baths and nail clipping to avoid the buildup of dirt and grime in its fur. It is important to sterilize the nails when clipping to avoid disease. Exercise A Bulldog mix will need daily walks. You will have to take it on daily walks. The walks should be in some form of the harness or lead so that the dog cannot move too quickly, run away or jump away as this could lead to injury or shock. Fur And Coat Shave Puppy coat cut during the first week may be easier to manage while growing into their adult coat. English bulldog mix has a short, smooth and fine coat that sheds very little. This specific breed needs little grooming to keep its hair looking healthy. Otherwise, you may have a dog that escapes regularly and ends up running away from home. They should be cared for in pretty much the same ways as any other breed of dog at home. Caring for them involves having your pet spend time in your lap while you are watching TV or taking them for daily walks outside to freshen up their breath. They love chasing and catching toys and enjoy playing fetch with you or taking a recreational jog through it. It would help if you were keen as many French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs like to get into trouble around water for fun and swimming. Try keeping their toy away from water sources. The average lifespan of the two dogs is 11 years. However, some have been known to live up to 15 years old. You should not just look for any vet in your area for this dog breed because different cities require different types of vaccinations and blood tests. Speaking of vaccinations and blood tests, you should take your pet to the vet for several reasons. Among them are pre-breeding vaccinations and rabies vaccinations. You should ensure your pet receives an annual checkup which involves medical tests for their heart ultrasound , hips, thyroid levels, and eyesight. Neutering is recommended for most breeds of dogs for both health reasons and behavioral ones. Spaying or neutering is always recommended for French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs as they tend to have more health problems when having puppies. Grooming When it comes to grooming, the longer coats of English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs will require a lot more care than other breeds of dogs. Brushing them out on a daily basis is necessary, along with frequent baths to keep their coat smooth and clean. Their nails will also need trimming every month to avoid any injuries from sharp nails and ear cleaning every couple of weeks to prevent any infections. They both have been known to shed more than other dogs and require weekly brushing to keep from becoming overgrown. Both French and English bulldogs are considered moderately intelligent as a breed. Both French and English bulldogs are very loyal. Both French and English bulldogs have some health issues that they are predisposed to. Both breeds tend to have a similar temperament. They are generally peaceful dogs who, despite their intelligence, can be easily controlled. The French bulldogs tend to be more compact with larger, more erect ears than English Bulldogs. The English Bulldog can come in virtually any color and pattern. However, the French Bulldog is more limited to browns, tan, and fawns. Although, there have been a lot of new color variations emerging like 4. French bulldogs tend to be more outgoing and docile, while the English Bulldog tends to be a little more independent, streetwise, and sometimes water-wise. This might be a harder to find hybrid dog mix but there are some breeders breeding them. They are classified as bully breeds, which are short-haired dogs with short coats. They are considered excellent watchdogs because of their small size and high energy level. Many people have significant responsibilities, so these characteristics make them ideal for small families and single individuals. Take a look at the Frenchie Chinese Crested mix. Share on facebook. For fans of all types of Bulldogs, crossing a French Bulldog with an English Bulldog might seem like a good way to get the best of both breeds. But is it a good idea? When you cross two different dog breeds like the French Bulldog English Bulldog mix, the result is called a hybrid. The practice of mixed breeding comes with plenty of controversy. Hybrid vigor means the improvements in form and reduction in inherited disease associated with crossbreeding. However, many other people believe that controlled breeding and genetic testing are the best way to reduce the risk of genetic defects. Origins In 13th Century England, bullbaiting was a popular sport. In order to fight staked bulls, these dogs were ferocious with huge jaws. When bullbaiting was outlawed in , the Bulldog faced extinction. Fans of the breed began the long process of transforming the vicious bruiser into a companion dog with a sweet, mellow disposition. In the mids, a toy Bulldog that weighed about 12 to 25 pounds became popular, particularly with lacemaking artisans around Nottingham. When the industry relocated to northern France, toy Bulldogs made the journey as well. Their thick-set, well-muscled physique with wide shoulders and sturdy limbs are equally unmistakable. Even their characteristic rolling gait is distinctive. They stand just 14 to 15 inches, and males can weigh up to 50 pounds. Their short smooth coat is glossy, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They are considerably smaller than the English Bulldog, standing 11 to 13 inches and weighing under 28 pounds. However, since these two dogs are quite similar and have a shared history, the appearance will be a little more predictable. You can expect a medium-sized dog with an athletic build and short fur. Their heads will be square and oversized, the muzzle short, and ears can be erect or floppy. Despite their violent history and surly appearance, the English Bulldog is not prone to aggression. These breeds do have some differences. The English Bulldog has kept his propensity for courageousness, which makes for a good watchdog. The Frenchie was bred to be a lapdog, opting to play and be pampered. Both, however, can have a stubborn streak. Training Your Dog Puppies are likely to want to urinate at certain times of the day, so following a potty training schedule is a good way to reduce the number of accidents. Crate training will also help with bladder and bowel control. Despite being stubborn, the French Bulldog English Bulldog mix is also a people-pleaser, which can help with training. As with all breeds, early socialization and positive reinforcement training techniques from a young age is the best way to ensure your puppy develops into a well-adjusted adult. Moderate exercise consisting of minute daily walks will suffice for this breed. Extreme weather has a big impact on their health. Brachycephalic breeds have a tendency to overheat. They should never exert themselves in hot or humid weather because their short muzzle can make breathing very difficult. They should never be left in the sun without access to shade and water. Pools are hazards for this hybrid too, as they cannot swim. Their short legs and stocky bodies mean stairs should also be avoided to reduce the risk of back problems. Health Issues Often mixing two different breeds is a way to reduce the chance of inherited health problems. In the case of the French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix, both parent breeds share some serious health and conformation problems. Which makes them more, not less likely in their puppies. Brachycephaly Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome refers to the effects that a flat muzzle has on the respiratory system. Signs of this condition include snoring, panting, overheating, exercise intolerance and gastrointestinal problems. Over time, these symptoms can worsen and cause permanent damage. Surgery is often required to allow normal respiration. Their wide-set protruding eyes are prone to eye disorders such as corneal ulcers , which can potentially cause blindness. Dental problems are also a result of their conformation. Because they have the same amount of teeth as any dog—with less space to fit them—tooth decay is also quite common. It causes intervertebral disc disease IVDD and other spinal malformations. Both the French and English Bulldogs are predisposed to screw tail. This condition can also cause severe back problems. In some cases, it can impact anal glands. You will need to check the tail area every time your puppy poops to keep him clean and avoid infection. Grooming and Feeding The short, smooth coat of the French Bulldog English Bulldog mix is fairly low maintenance, requiring an all-over brushing once or twice a week. They will do best with a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food. As both parents are prone to obesity, be mindful of calorie consumption. Being overweight exasperates conformational issues such as joint and back problems. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for El Paso Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in El Paso? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in El Paso? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. We're dog lovers and applaud the work of reputable shelters. And so wouldn't try and sway you away. But we can point out big differences. For example, shelter dogs rarely come with background information. When you select a Golden Retriever for sale in El Paso through Uptown you can have complete health and history info that could prove invaluable. What are the dietary requirements of Golden Retrievers? As the best El Paso Golden Retriever breeders will advise, protein is super important for these big and energetic pooches. Many owners like dry kibble, as it also aids with dental hygiene. Just be sure that the protein comes from meat or fish, rather than meat by-products. Are the Golden Retriever puppies for sale in El Paso available for in-person pickups? Each of the Golden Retriever breeders in El Paso that list pups with Uptown may have different policies regarding transportation. Best to speak with them to see what your options are. How is Uptown different from other places with the Golden Retriever puppies for sale El Paso breeders are offering? In-person visits to all of the Golden Retriever breeders El Paso has sounds wonderful. But that's impractical. Even if you can make all of the trips, you will only see a fraction of the number of the pups available to you through Uptown. And you can search the vast offerings from the country's top breeders and businesses in complete safety! What's the difference between a purebred and a mixed-breed dog? Purebred dogs, like the El Paso Golden Retriever puppies for sale on Uptown, are bred to specific standards that are repeated over litters, with their lineage recorded. Purebreds have predictable traits. A mixed-breed dog, sometimes called a mutt and we do love mutts! Are Golden Retrievers considered to be "designer dogs? So if you were to take a Golden Retriever and cross it with a Dalmation you end up with a Goldmation. Dim the lights and put on some mood music for a Golden Retriever and a Pitbull and you'll get a Goldenbull. The possibilities are almost endless! How does Uptown Puppies work? Just start searching through the pups. Maybe you're wide open about the breed, or perhaps you're focused on a pup like an El Paso Golden Retriever for sale. When you find a puppy you like, contact its breeder. Get your questions answered and then talk about transportation. In just a short time, that pup will be yours! Each of the El Paso Golden Retrievers for sale through Uptown can have complete "nose-to-tail" checkups. That means health checks of every important aspect of your potential new puppy. You can be sure you're getting a healthy pooch because our network's professional breeders and businesses provide documented proof. And you don't want the cheapest Golden Retrievers for sale El Paso has to offer. Bargain puppies probably come from disreputable breeders, amateur "backyard breeders" or puppy mills that churn out dogs putting profits over care. These pups tend to have health problems that can cost you in veterinary care later. What are the origins of Golden Retrievers? There, a fella with the fancy title of Lord Tweedmouth really! The final result was a Golden Retriever!
Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Puppies Establishing an efficient exercise routine for a German Shepherd puppy is extremely important for your GSD to live a healthy lifestyle. While there is no exact science to knowing your German Shepherd puppy exercise limits, it is best to slowly ease into a routine and your puppy will gain stamina over time. Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Accordingly, if you normally walk your puppy first thing in the morning, your pup will start to expect and look forward to those morning walks as soon as you roll out of bed. Try and establish an exercise routine that you can maintain long term, so your puppy can grow to learn the routine. The American Kennel Club UK recommends two exercise sessions of 5 minutes per month of age during puppyhood 1. When Allie was a puppy, I found short walks multiple times a day worked well. I started Allie with short minute walks times a day as an 8-week-old puppy. This served two purposes, to get some of her energy out, as well as getting her used to walking on a leash. Finding the Right Length of Walks for Your Puppy Although there are many recommendations as to how long to walk your German Shepherd puppy, it is best to look to your puppy for clues on its limits. Start with 10 minutes, 2 times a day. If you find your puppy is still a ball on energy increase it to 15 minutes, or you can add in a third minute walk. You want to find the walking time that is right for your individual GSD puppy as all puppies are all different and will require different amounts of exercise. Keep in mind, that it can be dangerous to push your German Shepherd puppy beyond his or her limits at a young age. If your German Shepherd puppy show signs of being tired or exhausted, stop the walk immediately and allow your pup to rest. Final Thoughts Establishing a solid exercise routine for your German Shepherd puppy is an important step in establishing the framework for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to walks, I would include short play sessions in the yard with a ball or play with toys in the house as well. The most important thing with walking a German Shepherd puppy is to start with short walks and play sessions and build on that process as your puppy grows. How much exercise does your German Shepherd puppy need? Your puppy does not need nearly the amount of exercise an adult dog does. Adult German Shepherds require two hours or more of exercise every day. And within that time, the duration of exercise depends on intensity. Your dog would not spend an entire two hours performing high-intensity exercises unless in formal training. A typical routine would include 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercises such as jogging, vigorous playing, or other activities. Some examples are practicing Shutzhund, preparing for herding or agility trials, or learning search and rescue. The remainder of the time dedicated to exercise, you should spend on training, ongoing socialization, and moderate- and low-intensity activities. You can include warmup and cool down in a moderate or leisurely walk. Keep in mind any puppy who is not full-grown does not need to engage in rigorous exercise for extended periods. What is the five-minute per month rule? However, one rule that makes sense as a loose guideline, is to exercise your pup for five minutes per month of age. You can do an exercise session twice a day. If you bring a GSD puppy home at ten weeks old, your exercise guideline would tell you to work with her for about .A six-month-old puppy , which you may be tempted to treat as a miniature adult, should still only get about half an hour of exercise twice a day. By 10 or 12 months , your Shepherd is up to his quota of nearly two hours split into multiple sessions during a day. However, you should still limit jumping and long-distance running until you are sure your puppy has finished growing. How do you know when your Shepherd puppy has stopped growing? This closure signifies your dog has finished growing and can engage in exercises that may be too strenuous for bones that are softer when lengthening. Once growth plates close and the joints no longer have laxity from extreme youth, you can take exercise to the next level. How can you tell if your Shepherd has stopped growing without a radiograph? According to Animalso. Use particular caution with certain working lines as they may not reach full maturity until the age of three years. Even though Czech and Eastern German lines have lower incidences of hip dysplasia than show dogs, you still need to treat their growing bones with care. Common beliefs notwithstanding, if you neuter a German Shepherd at a young age, the decrease in testosterone generally will delay growth plate closure. You will notice that neutered male German Shepherds are often taller than their unaltered counterparts. Therefore, assume if you neuter your dog, he will physically mature a little later. Mentally he will mature worlds ahead. How does hip dysplasia affect German Shepherd puppies? Hip dysplasia is a growth abnormality that affects most large-breed dogs and many small breeds as well. As you likely know, the hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone or femur, and the socket is the acetabulum or cup in the pelvis. In dysplasia of the joint, the femoral head grows at a different rate than the socket. Rather quickly, the femoral head no longer fits correctly or congruently within the socket, affecting function and causing scrapes across the protective cartilage, according to ACVS. Inappropriate looseness of the joint exacerbates the condition by allowing too much movement within the joint. Depending on the severity, affected puppies and dogs may show mild to life-altering symptoms. Signs of joint laxity or looseness usually occur first, although they may go unnoticed. Visible space between the head of the femur and the pelvis — Sometimes you can feel the excessive space when you cannot see it. Crying out in pain — Even if it has not progressed yet to degenerative joint disease, joint looseness can be painful. Abnormal gait — Your puppy may appear to bunny hop in the rear legs or exhibit other gait abnormalities that you would not classify as obvious lameness. Lame — Your dog will show lameness if she is in pain. Difficulty getting up or laying down — Your puppy may even show consistent reluctance to get up. Decreased interest in playing, especially if it involves running. Exercise intolerance — Your pup will play, but not for as long as you would expect. Maybe your dog seems to tire easily. Difficulty negotiating stairs — Joint looseness greatly affects the athleticism of your dog. Will not sit square — Many trainers advocate you enforce your dog sitting square as a sign of true obedience. Dogs with hip issues, they are unable to sit comfortably unless their hind legs are to one side or the other. Joint laxity can be difficult to judge in young dogs. Puppies have a greater degree of laxity than adult dogs to accommodate growth. Joint laxity should limit how long you walk a German Shepherd puppy , especially one under six months old. Joint laxity means your puppy will experience significant instability when walking, predisposing her to stumble and fall. Signs of osteoarthritis mostly manifest as pain, dysfunction of the joints, decreased range of motion, and even grinding sounds as the leg moves. Degenerative joint changes, believe it or not, can occur in puppies only several months old. German Shepherds do not typically have a problem with obesity. Although it seems counterintuitive, too much nutrition is not an ideal thing for the GSD. If a large-breed dog grows too quickly as a puppy, he can be more vulnerable to hip dysplasia if he already carries the genes. The dilemma comes with balancing exercise requirements and nutrition, so you have a happy and fit puppy who is not overweight but also does not overexert herself. How does exercise affect hip dysplasia? Although hip dysplasia has a large hereditary basis, over exercising a puppy can exacerbate the problem in a dog who might not otherwise develop any symptoms. It is important not to allow your puppy to run excessively or jump during her growing months. Moreover, if your puppy has excessively lax joints, overstretching during long and strenuous running or launching and landing for jumps can cause direct injury to the hips and surrounding soft tissue. Your puppy can also injure her growth plates. An X-ray at an early age gives you an idea if your puppy is already showing the effects of DJD or degenerative joint disease. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you further if your exercise program is too strenuous for your puppy based on any changes in the joints. How do you know your puppy overexerted himself? You may occasionally find that your puppy overdoes it. Perhaps you took him to a birthday party for his Labrador friend, and you did not have the heart to break up their play session. Most of the time, a play date that gets out of hand or a walk that runs over the anticipated time allotment will not cause any permanent damage. You can assess your pup the following day for signs of overexertion and know to take it exceptionally easy for the next day or two. Listen to your puppy Although you should leash-train your GSD at a young age, starting as soon as you first bring her home, there is much to be said about freeform exercise. The biggest benefit of your puppy exercising a good part of her time in the early month off-leash is she can self-regulate her activity. You will notice when puppies are tired or become sore, they will stop dead in their tracks. Make sure your puppy is in a safe environment, and she can engage in fairly unrestricted exercise on her own. When you are walking your puppy on a leash, under no circumstances should you push her to go beyond the point where you are dragging her, or she sits down and refuses to move on? You may have to carry her the remainder of the journey. As your German Shepherd approaches adolescence at five to seven months old, you will have to monitor his exercise more because what he can do will begin to exceed what he should do. Running over rolling terrain for miles or training strenuously for pursuit work is not ideal for an immature Shepherd and can be potentially harmful. Best length of time to walk a German Shepherd puppy: you know best! When facing the question of how long should you walk your German Shepherd, use the rough guidelines of five minutes per month of age a couple of times a day. Otherwise, allow your pup to dictate her level of tolerance for playing and romping. You can spend additional time with your puppy building a bond through affection and play, while still limiting duration. Your pup will need some time during the day to herself and sleep. This video shows the progression of a puppy and how his exercise abilities change. It perfectly illustrates how the young Shepherd dictates how much exercise he can tolerate. Notice, in the beginning, the interaction with his owner is a large part dependent on easy contact. As the puppy progresses in age, he gradually attempts more. If you watch puppies even three and four months old engaged in self-directed play, their actions are marked by frequent pauses to rest or think about the next move. Rarely will you see a German Shepherd laying still, but as in the video, puppies will take time to rest if left to their own devices. Swimming is a great form of exercise, but not all German Shepherds love water. This video shows that just because your German Shepherd puppy is not on a leash does not mean you are not walking her. Training should take up a good portion of your walks or exercise sessions, whether on- or off-leash. As much of a brilliant pupil as this puppy is, her session should not be longer than 15 minutes. Notice her yawn, which can be a sign of tension or a wandering mind, indicating the exercise should move to something else or stop.
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 Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. 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. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. It's time to talk about Labradoodles. This combination Labrador retriever and poodle is an excellent family dog who's often sought out by allergy sufferers because of their minimal shedding. The ever-popular Labradoodle is immensely trainable and, unlike some dogs, a good fit for first-time dog owners. On the larger side, these pups can take up some space-but are great with kids and will adapt to their family's lifestyle. The standard version, which is a Lab bred with a standard-sized poodle, can grow to be about 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. If you're searching for a dog on the smaller size, it's possible to also find mini Labradoodles, a hybrid of a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. The loving, loyal doodles are a fun addition to any family. They're prone to zoomies and more than happy to play with the baby. Labradoodles are healthy dogs and need exercise, though the amount of running, playing, or swimming might depend on their makeup of Labrador and poodle genes. But regardless of the genetic breakdown, you'll need to get used to trips to the groomer. These pups are hairy. A quick note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles aren't the same. Australian Labradoodles are crosses between a poodle, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Appearance Like many Labradoodle characteristics, your dog's appearance will depend on the generation you're looking for. To illustrate: Martinez breeds F1 half Labrador, half poodle , F1b 75 percent poodle, 25 percent Lab , and F2 87 percent poodle, 13 percent Lab Labradoodles. The half-Lab F1s will have longer, wavier hair and will still shed, Martinez says. The F1bs and F2s will have more poodle-esque hair that's tighter, curlier, and generally won't shed. They'll often look like little teddy bears as puppies. Labradoodles are often thought of as hypoallergenic -even though no dog is truly an allergen-free animal-but generally the F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers. Martinez recommends people with allergies spend time with their puppy before they adopt. His customers are required to. They'll come in around inches tall, Martinez says. As for colors, Labradoodles run the gamut. You'll find them in black, white, cream, red, chocolate, or a mix of those colors. Taking after their poodle brethren, these fluffy boys and girls need to be brushed frequently , too. Temperament Martinez loves the dogs he breeds-he owns 10 himself-and was especially effusive about how Labradoodles act around people, families , and children , even kids who might not know exactly how to pet or interact with dogs "They love people," he says. But not only can these pups live with cats -Martinez says several of his puppies have gone on to become therapy dogs , meaning they're calm and affectionate enough to visit schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to offer psychological and physiological support to patients and people in need. Some Labradoodles go on to become service dogs , as the breed creator originally intended. But don't confuse them for docile dogs. They still have big personalities-Martinez describes a typical day with his dogs as "entertaining"-but mischievous behavior can be counteracted with training , which Labradoodles quickly pick up on. Genesis Service Dogs , which breeds Labradoodles to help children and adults with special needs, says the dogs will mature slower than their Labrador retriever brethren, so they'll be puppyish for about a year and a half. Then they'll become even more affectionate toward their humans. They're mostly quiet, keeping barking to a minimum, but Labradoodles' energy level can vary based on their generation, Martinez says. The dogs with more Labrador genes F1s will be more energetic than the ones with more poodle in their blood. Labradoodles will often reflect the energy levels of their owner, Martinez says, but they're still descendants of sporting dogs who like having something to do. Whether that means long walks together or playing games in the yard, a Labradoodle will be happiest with any activity he can do with you. Living Needs Labradoodles are flexible when it comes to where they live. While the standard Labradoodles are bigger, they can still reside in an apartment, though generally Martinez admits smaller dogs, potentially miniature Labradoodles, are better suited for living in smaller homes. If you do live in an apartment or smaller home where yard space is limited, make sure you can regularly fit in enough exercise and play for your active pup to blow off some steam, like a visit to the local dog park every so often. Labradoodles certainly won't turn down a house with a big, fenced-in yard , though. Martinez lets his group of pups spend plenty of time outside, where they'll be just as likely to lay down for a spell than run around on the doggie playground equipment. They do need exercise, though. If Martinez sends a puppy home with someone who works all day, he advises them to invest in a dog walker so their doodle is able to stretch his legs during the hours he's left alone. But if you have the time and like to explore, a Labradoodle could be the perfect hiking partner. And since poodles are considered water dogs, some Labradoodles like to swim , too. This breed is good for all ages, Martinez says, but Labradoodle owners will still need to put the work in with positive reinforcement training and to meet their activity needs. He subscribes to the oft-used mantra: There aren't any bad dogs, just bad owners. Care It's important to start training your Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labradoodles are considered smart dogs and will pick up what you're teaching very quickly. Martinez says they may even understand some commands within the first day. Labradoodles are smart enough that daily training doesn't take too long. Martinez recommends three or four sessions of 10 minutes each day to accommodate the dogs' short attention spans, which is like that of "a young child," he says. They're so easy to train and quick to learn that even first-time dog owners can fare well, Martinez says. But if you don't have the time or know-how to train, obedience school is the answer. Once he's learned to recognize the basics, your doodle will start making those classic head tilts when you mention their favorite words walk, car, treat. According to Martinez, early socialization -both with other dogs and people-is important for Labradoodle puppies. Martinez says he lets the puppies he breeds spend their early days with his adult dogs to get them used to other dogs at a young age. If your vet says it's safe, you may want to have your new Labradoodle puppy meet other humans and dogs in their first few weeks in their new home. When it comes to exercise, three to four walks a day will suffice which is why you might need a dog walker. Otherwise, swimming, hiking, or some playtime in the yard or at the park will help your dog immensely. Labradoodles do enjoy their activity, but Martinez says they'll spend just as much time lounging around to relax. Grooming is another integral part of caring for your Labradoodle, but it's probably best to outsource it. These fluffy boys and girls need regular trims. Martinez sends his dogs to the goomer for a haircut every six weeks, regardless of whether they're F1s, F1bs, or F2s. Regular brushing is a good idea, too, because you don't want your Labradoodle's hair to get matted or uncomfortable. You'll also want to keep those ears dry and clean , and don't forget to keep up with the nail trimming and tooth brushing , either. Health Here's another reason Labradoodles are good for first-time dog owners: They're a relatively healthy breed over their years of life. But being the ideal combination of Labs and poodles also means Labradoodles can be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. Labs, for instance, will commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia , so the risk is there for Labradoodles as well. Doodles can also run into problems with myopathies, diseases that damage muscles , and exercise-induced collapse. For anyone looking to adopt a Labradoodle, Martinez couldn't emphasize enough: Make sure your breeder conducts DNA tests on your puppy's parents to find any genetic abnormalities. The same goes for having their hips and elbows tested and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the breeder you're considering doesn't do that testing or says it isn't needed, find someone else. Martinez notes that Labrador retrievers are happy to eat just about anything and everything. While your Labradoodle will likely be a bit pickier, be sure to keep any weight gain in check since they may have a tendency to overeat if they're allowed to. History Australian Wally Conron is credited as the modern-day creator of the Labradoodle, breeding the first one in the late s. He was trying to create a guide dog that would also be hypoallergenic, by breeding a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. Clearly, his efforts were successful. The breed exploded in popularity, and since it is the combination of the U. People seek out the Labradoodle for its trifecta of cute looks, friendly demeanor, and minimal shedding. While the Labradoodle is the seemingly ideal dog for people with allergies, Conron has said he regrets his creation. Because of the intense demand for these "designer dogs," Conron has expressed concern over the bad actors who breed Labradoodles in puppy mills-and the inexperienced and sometimes misinformed breeders who fail to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to new generations. Labradoodles have belonged to several famous owners, including golfer Tiger Woods, actress Jennifer Aniston, and actor Henry Winkler. Doodles certainly earn their keep on Instagram, so if you need some extra fluff in your life, the Dood Squad is a good place to start. Was this page helpful? Contact General Information and Canine Behavior The pages within the Homecoming Prep segment of our website are private and can only be accessed through the link provided through email and through the link on the Prepare For Puppy page. The button on this page is titled Homecoming Prep. Once you are in the Homecoming Prep section of the website you will need to use your back button to navigate the pages and return to this Homecoming Prep home page. General Information The following links and attachments include general information concerning your puppy. This will help you prepare for your puppy's arrival and get you started on the right foot. Click each page above to see a larger image in a readable size. Puppy Behavior The following links and attachments include general information on caring for your puppy. Please be sure you, your children and all family members understand the signals your puppy is giving you. The puppy is not a toy and not meant to be held at will. Set limits on how many times a day no more than 4 that your child can hold the puppy. Children should only be allowed to hold the puppy if they are seated. Too much handling can physically hurt the puppy as well as begin the process of the puppy not tolerating your child. No walking around carrying the puppy. This is true for all children under 8. Puppies will chew on and sometimes ingest toys. If ingested, the pieces can lodge and cause your puppy to have to undergo surgery that is not always successful. Puppies generally do NOT like to be hugged. Puppies will jump up on people. There are two primary responses that most dogs will respond to. The first is to cross your arms, hiding your hands, and turn around showing the dog your backside and being very still. If your dog continues to jump on you they are not responding to this method and you should not continue trying it. Instead, step right into the space where there front paws are on the ground, being careful not to step on their feet. Repeat this behavior each time your dog jumps and instruct all people who your dog interacts with to do this same thing. Puppies and dogs in general will feed off of the people around them. Those who are very exciteable and talk in high pitched tones will create a dog who responds to seeing people by becoming super amped up and difficult to follow simple commands. Try to limit this. It's not in the puppies best interest to repeatedly be encouraged to escalate the excitement level to this high level. This is when the dog will become less focused and less able to follow your guidance. Keep in mind that your dog will feed off of you, your tone and your energy level. But will you recognize the signs? Imagine your puppy is growling at a child. Could you have prevented this from happening? Perhaps, but you have to know what to look for. Click below to learn more. The Family Dog: Stop the 77 Puppy Development Stages Click the link below for a great resource to learn about your puppies development. Once you get to this site, click on Puppies, then development stages. Use your back button to return to this page. This is usually the first place pictures and video show up. We also have a private Facebook page for owners of our puppies. At this time, you can join this group by answering a few short questions. It is titled Legendary Labradoodles Owners Group. There is info about grooming, vet care, training and all sorts of topics. There are links in the footer of this page to our main Facebook page, not the owners group and our instagram account. If you click on the icon it will take you to our pages. The term dates back to at least [1] but was unpopular at the time. Labradoodles are, wrongfully so, considered a good choice for people with canine dander allergies, even though most dogs produced from this mix will shed. Hair, saliva, and even bodily fluids can cause allergic reactions in humans. However, they also state that hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems affecting Labradoodles. He mistakenly took credit for naming the Labradoodle in .Perspective owners of this mix should be aware that not every dog will have a calm and sweet demeanor, as it is far more likely the owner will get a dog who has high grooming requirements, high mental and physical needs, as well as dogs who have skin, eye, heart, elbow, hip, and thyroid issues common to this mix. For example, a Labrador-Poodle mix named Fang had a recurring role on the Get Smart show starting in .Conron hoped that the combination of the low-shedding coat of the poodle, along with the gentleness and trainability of a Labrador retriever, would provide a guide dog suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. He also felt he was to blame for "creating a Frankenstein ", adding that problems were being bred into the dogs rather than selectively breeding away from problems and towards a recognizable standard. He is further quoted as claiming: "For every perfect one, you're going to find a lot of crazy ones. Conron was referring to the craze he initiated of unscrupulous breeders crossing Poodles with multiple other breeds to create " designer" dogs in order to take advantage of the "doodle" trend. Follow-on guide-dog breeding programs[ edit ] A group of Labradoodle assistance dogs Currently, as with other mixed breeds, [14] Labradoodles are not considered a purebred or breed by the AKC and other major kennel club associations in North America and across the world. Technically, they are a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. However, in the AKC began allowing owners of mixed breeds to register their dogs through an alternative listing program to receive an AKC ID number. Guide Dogs Victoria no longer breeds Labradoodles; [10] however, they are bred by other guide and assistance dog organizations in Australia and elsewhere. Their first, Jonnie, graduated in November .Breeders in Australia have gone on to develop the Australian Labradoodle which also includes spaniels in the mix for early generations of the mix. However even these dogs can have widely varying coats and temperaments. They vary widely dog to dog, from low shedding like a Poodle to high shedding much like a Labrador. These dogs are not hypoallergenic, and contrary to popular belief do, in fact, shed. Australian Labradoodles come in standard large , medium, and mini size. However these sizes are not well defined and thus can vary largely. The crown prince and princess of Norway own Labradoodles. The first crossing of a poodle with a Labrador does result in variations in terms of appearance, size, coat, and temperament. So while most Labradoodles share some common traits, their appearance and behavioral characteristics can and often will be widely variable. These dogs are considered to be double coated, which often results in extreme matting when the dogs are not properly brushed every day. This is because the undercoat of the typical labradoodle will be straight, like that of a Labrador, while the outer coat will be curly, like that of a Poodle. This results in hair that can easily get trapped and cause extreme discomfort, pain, and even limb loss in dogs with extreme matting. It is imperative for perspective owners and current owners of this mix alike to understand and meet the grooming needs of this mix. Labradoodles often display an affinity for water and strong swimming ability from their parent breeds. These coats generally appear with the Labradoodle having a flat coat without the curls the dogs are known for. A Labradoodle with an undesirable coat may look more like its Labrador retriever mother or father with a longer nose. These dogs may also have curly fur around the legs and tail. Breeding line issues[ edit ] There is no consensus as to whether breeders should aim to have Labradoodles recognized as a breed. Some breeders prefer to restrict breeding to produce F1 hybrids bred from a poodle and Labrador rather than, e. F2 hybrids bred from two Labradoodles to ensure relatively uniform genetics among the Labradoodles, while maximizing genetic diversity of individual dogs to avoid inherited health problems that have plagued some inbred dog breeds. Black Labradoodle Others are breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodle over successive generations, and trying to establish a new dog breed. These dogs are usually referred to as multigenerational multigen Labradoodles or multigeneration Australian Labradoodles. Two Irish water spaniels and soft-coated Wheaten Terriers were used in some Australian Labradoodle lines. Curly Coated Retrievers were used too, but these lines were unsatisfactory and are no longer used for breeding. Infusions occur with early generation breedings. Multigeneration breedings do not use any breed other than Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodles also generally have poodles and Labradors in their pedigrees that come from European lines, whereas other Labradoodle lines tend to rely heavily on American stock. Thus the frequent misnomer of "American" Labradoodle when referring generically to a Labradoodle. Coat texture and color[ edit ] Labradoodle coats are divided into three categories: wool, fleece, or hair. Wool and hair coats do not apply other than to early generation Labradoodles. Labradoodles' coat colors include chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue-ish gray. Coat patterns can be solid, white abstract markings, parti, phantom, or tri-coloured. There are three main types of the coat texture of a Labradoodle. This can be a hair, fleece, or wool. Poodles and Labrador retrievers can have hip dysplasia , and should have specialist radiography to check for this problem before breeding. The parent breeds can also have a number of eye disorders, and an examination by a qualified veterinary eye specialist should be performed on breeding dogs. Joint dysplasia[ edit ] Elbow dysplasia is a known common issue in the parent breeds, similar to hip dysplasia. This issue becomes more prevalent as a result of rapid growth during the puppy stage. One study has found that UK Labradoodles have a higher incidence 4. Cataracts are common as well 3. From their friendly, playful personalities to their intelligent, eager-to-please natures, there are plenty of advantages to owning labradoodles. What Are Labradoodle Puppies? Not only was this new breed low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but it was also incredibly friendly and intelligent. Their sociable, affectionate natures make labradoodle puppies great for new owners and experienced pet parents alike. Most labradoodles require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can be easily fulfilled by walks or games. Intelligence: Thanks to their poodle parentage, labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent. Their natural curiosity and eagerness to please makes them fairly easy to train which is why labradoodles are common candidates for therapy dogs. Most mother dogs give birth to anywhere from one to 12 puppies at a time, with the average being just a few pups around five to six. It can be hard to single one puppy out — each one is adorable! Here are a few important factors you should look out for. Size Every new pet owner wants to go home with a healthy puppy. If a puppy is much smaller than its littermates, it may have a congenital or genetic issue that could affect its lifespan. On the flip side, if a puppy is the largest of the litter, it may be stealing food, which could mean it has trouble listening to commands. Personality The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its siblings and mother dog can be very indicative of its personality. When examining a litter, watch how the puppies interact with one another. A withdrawn, shy pup that keeps to itself may have aggression and biting issues in the future. An aggressive, independent pup that bullies other dogs may be reluctant to listen to commands. Meanwhile, a friendly, relaxed pup that gets along with its littermates will likely be easy to train. Playfulness The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its littermates can tell you a lot about its personality. But what about the way it acts around you? As you greet the puppies, observe how they behave. The puppies that rush forward and are interested in playing are more likely to be sociable and friendly. See if any puppies roll over on their backs — pets that exhibit this behavior tend to be more easygoing and trusting, which will come in handy while training. Gender For many prospective owners, the gender of their new puppy is probably inconsequential. However, if you already have a dog at home, gender may be an important factor to consider. According to many experts, male and female canines tend to get along better than two dogs of the same sex. Thus, if you have a female dog at home, you should consider getting a male pup and vice versa. Appearance Many prospective dog owners have a certain look in mind when searching for a new pet. For example, some people may want a puppy with a solid-colored coat, while others like multicolored pups. If you have any appearance preferences, look for a puppy that meets those expectations. Generally, you can expect labradoodle siblings to look pretty similar. However, there may be some slight differences — for example, one may have a traditional, golden curly coat, while another has a few spots of white. The only thing you can count on for sure is that all the labradoodles will share a distinguishable curly coat. Legs: Is your desired puppy walking and running normally? Any limping indicates a paw or leg injury. If this spot is larger than the size of a dime, the puppy may experience bone problems in the future. Stomach: Check to see if there are any protrusions or hernias around the belly area. Moreover, the puppy should not be scratching its eyes and ears excessively. Reputable breeders should answer your questions thoroughly and do everything they can to help you find your perfect match. Here are some good questions to ask. How Does the Puppy Behave in General? No puppy acts the same way throughout the entire day. The breeder will let you know if the puppy is a good match or if another puppy might be better for you. Before you take any puppies home, try to get some more specific information about them. For example, you could ask what activities a puppy enjoys. If you exercise frequently and want a labradoodle puppy that can keep up with your excursions, the breeder can direct you to an active puppy. On the flip side, if you prefer to stay in, the breeder can introduce you to a calmer, lower-energy puppy. For instance, if the breeder says a puppy likes spending time with people and learning new tricks, it suggests that the puppy will be more responsive to training. What Do the Parents Look Like? Generally, standard labradoodle puppies grow to be anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height. You can get a better idea of what your new labradoodle puppy is going to look like by observing the parents. For example, if the parents seem too large, you might want to try another litter. In some cases, you may be able to meet the parents of your new labradoodle puppy in person. Are the Puppies Health-Tested? For example, ear discharge could indicate an infection, while a dull coat suggests skin allergies. Make sure the breeder health-tests all their labradoodles for common puppy diseases. Get a Labradoodle Today! There are probably plenty of healthy, friendly puppies within a litter that would fit well in your home. The best way to find the right puppy is by observing the litter, asking the right questions and working with a high-quality breeder. All our trained labradoodle puppies go through health and coat testing, as well as obedience training and housebreaking that meets therapy dog standards. Learn more by contacting us today!
About our adoption process About our adoption process Our puppies are worked with every day to build a strong loving bond between human and dog. We provide them with new and exciting challenges and things to discover daily. This builds confidence while fulfilling their never-ending desire to learn. We also play thunderstorm, fireworks and shotgun CD'S to get them used to these sounds while t Show More Our puppies are worked with every day to build a strong loving bond between human and dog. We also play thunderstorm, fireworks and shotgun CD'S to get them used to these sounds while they are safe and happy with mom. This is in hopes your pup will not be scared of storms or the 4th of July. Check out our reviews! Iit is your responsibility to call the airport and get the details on flying with puppy. We prefer that you come here to pick up your puppies, but we know that is not always possible. We will deliver for a fee. Breeding rights will be considered after interview. Our main concern is none of our puppies ever end up in a puppy mill shelter. We breed for temperament and health above all. The pretty colors are an extra bonus. We can tell you how many deposits we currently have for a given litter. The first deposit received get first pick of litter, second deposit received get second choice and so on. You will have a "pick number" according to which order we received your deposit. When it's your turn to choose we will work with you if you need or want help choosing. Most families have followed the litter on Facebook or the website and have a few favorites in mind before our call. We have TWO puppies looking for loving homes as soon as possible. Our F1 Labradoodles want to be your friend! Our latest F1 Labradoodle puppies will soon become one of your "friends! Phoebe is Mom, a silver Labrador Retriever, who weighs around pounds. Augie, our cream-apricot stand Poodle, is the Dad and weighs about 70 pounds. All our puppies received their first shots and a vet exam. He likes to run and play fetch in the field or splash in the water. Lots of Labradoodle to love! He wants to play and simply show you lots of love. I'll be there for you! To ensure our females have the best possible care and attention they deserve in a family of their own, the Guardian Family Program is an opportunity for selected families to welcome one of our dogs into your family at no initial cost. Guardian family is responsible for any other vet care, as needed. A successful litter is four or more healthy puppies. During her first heat cycle after turning two years old, she returns to the farm to breed. She stays on the farm for days. The gestation period is between 58 — 68 days. About days prior to her estimated due date, she returns to the farm to whelp and nurse her puppies. This is for about weeks. Northern Pine Doodles and our veterinarian, with the input of the family, determine the health and timing of breeding. If we determine the female is unable to successfully breed, she is spayed and becomes the family's pet at no cost. Interested in learning more about our Guardian Family Program? Contact Joe at for more information. Available Females for Guardian Program Call or text Joe at to learn more about becoming a guardian family for a female first-generation chocolate Labradoodle. The parents weigh between pounds and we estimate the puppies will be a similar size. We currently do not breed mini-doodles. Labradoodles, especially F1b, are great for families that may experience allergic reactions from pet dander. The dogs will lose hair, like you and I, but won't shed like other dogs. They are great with kids, friendly, and loving companions. Feel free to read more about our puppies from current owners on our Facebook page. Family-raised, our dogs love people and aim to please. Our owners rave about our puppies' temperament, which are friendly, smart, and loving companions. Because they are three-quarter Poodle, the puppies also are hypoallergenic and low shed. We specialize in Poodle-hybrids, or Doodles. Stud services are also available with a cream or chocolate Standard Poodle. Joe Francis and Sue Brague Wagner are the owners and have a great love for dogs. I am interested in more information about available puppies or would like to be added your litter announcement email list. We named Gabby because as a puppy she was in the middle of her litter and always was the playful one! Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 small shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! She loves cuddling most of all but loves to follow "dad" around the yard. We know she will make a great pet. Zaylee connects with her eyes, looking straight into yours, and tries to reflect your excitement. She was easily trained and loves to be pet and cuddled! Zaylee loves the coolness of the cornfield dirt.Name: Zaylee - loves cuddling, and walks Status: Retired - Looking for her forever home. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! If he could follow you around all day, he would be so happy. He enjoys being held, going for long walks and just looking and smelling everything. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket. Is there room in your heart for Cheese? He has the longest tongue for such a small guy. Do you have room for him? I got Roxy in January and she is such a good girl! At 5 months she already knows how to sit and give kisses. Thank you!! Just wanted to tell you we are delighted with our new mini GoldenDoodle we got yesterday! She is the sweetest pup! Meet Elsa! She is so smart! Rolls over, shakes, rings a bell to go outside! Her little personality makes me laugh every day. My wife and I absolutely adore our female Whoodle pup that we purchased from you guys. Midnight is the sweetest pup and has so much love to share. We will hopefully be back this coming fall or spring to bring home another puppy. Good morning, I wanted to share a few pictures of our red minature goldendoodle we purchased from you. She is so fun, spunky, sweet heart and loves to play. She came into our home May .What a delightful, sweet dog. Thanks Valley View! I got her in Oct of .She is my sweet baby girl with lots of personality!! She is now 3yrs old and spoiled rotten!! We got Bear sometime in the beginning of and he is the best thing to ever happen to us. We drove three hours to get him and it was totally worth it. He is a very smart dog that can learn tricks in less than 10 minutes! His favorite trick is giving hugs! I have never met another dog that is this goofy. He loves eating socks, digging out of the trash and licking bellybuttons. He also farts when he stands and burps super loud. He makes me laugh and I love him so much! Thank you! This is Alfredo and we got him 15 years ago. This pup is Gizmo and we got her in January .We welcomed Winter into our family July of .She just turned 1 years old and is a very healthy beautiful girl. She enjoys the outdoors. She had an attitude the size of a horse and uses it to her advantage at times. She is spoiled beyond belief! The joy she has brought into our life has been amazing. Thank you for our beautiful girl. She is absolutely perfect! We have our two perfect girls now but if we ever decide these two need another sister we definitely will be back! Love the Beetcher family! This is Pixie Pickles. She is a great addition to our family. She is so friendly and has the best personality! We absolutely love her! Heston family We purchased a golden doodle from you Just before Christmas last year. We have been extremely happy with him, he is quite a character. Everyone who meets him, falls in love with him right away. Including my mom. I will attach a couple pics of Tucker also. Thank you very much. I hope you have a great rest of the day. Hello There, I bought Milo from April .Pandemic started then and since then has become my super companion. I remember his dad is called snow and mom is acorn. Are those 2 still alive? I just want to see what they look like. This is Milo now. He is soo happy and super clingy with us. But over all healthy dog. I will forever be grateful of the farm. He really helped me with my depression during the pandemic. Spoiled rotten is this dogs life now! Thank you so much we love her, and will definitely be back again when looking for another puppy. He will be 2 on January 14th he is the best and smartest pup we have ever had. This is Pixie Malshi. She joined our family in October .We fell in love with her picture online and the moment we saw her we knew she was perfect! She loves being around people and has the best personality. She fits in perfectly with our family. Hello, Just a quick update. We are not the original owners. He grew to be a 20 pounder. We have his teeth cleaned every year and has only lost 2 teeth. He is in excellent health. He was trained and certified as my PTSD service dog. He has taught himself other tasks to keep me safe including alerting me when my blood sugar drops. He has saved my life several times. He is my constant companion seeing me through life threatening surgeries and complications. I groom him as part of my PTSD therapy. Wherever we go he finds the one person who needs a hug. He is fantastic with kids. His soft mouth has help so many kids overcome their fears. We named him Harley. We are crazy in love with him! She is still very shy when it comes to people but she loves other dogs. She will start her puppy class on the 25th of this month. She loves her big sister Gabby. Her favorite toy is her elephant. She loves to snuggle and gives kisses she also loves to go for car rides.
The best dog beds: A buying guide Yorkie pug mix, the perfect pint-size companion If you are thinking about inviting a small dog to share your life with you, the Yorkie Pug mix may already be on your list of dog breeds to consider. Variously known as the Pugshire terrier, Yuggie, and Porkie, the pug and Yorkie mix is a small dog with a big attitude. While crossing a Yorkshire terrier with a Pug may give you the best of both breeds, it may also give you a lot of dog in a tiny package. Gaining an understanding of what characteristics your dog is likely to have is the first step in ensuring that the life shared with your dog is harmonious. Breed history Like all designer dogs, the history of the Pug Yorkie mix is rather short. To get an idea of what your dog is likely to be like, we have to look at the history of the parent breeds. Like a lot of dogs, the Yorkshire Terriers ancestry is a bit murky. Eventually producing the Yorkie as we know it today. They were also used for hunting underground for much larger prey like foxes and badgers. The Pug In contrast, the Pug has only ever been a companion dog. Pugs were brought to England by Dutch Traders, where their popularity soon spread and increased under the royal patronage of Queen Victoria. With an established history as a companion dog. Pugs are affectionate and devoted to their owners and are well known as the clowns of the dog world. When you consider both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, the only thing they have in common is that they are both small dogs. With this in mind, the one thing that we can predict is that the Yorkie Pug mix is a little dog. The Pugshire has an average height of around 12 to 15 inches high and weighs around 7 to 12 pounds. As for the rest of their appearance, there can only be rough estimates of what you might expect. The Pugshire tends to have a leaner look than the Pug but is more stocky and sturdier than the Yorkie. In contrast to the Pugs squashed face. The Pugshire is more likely to have a slightly more elongated muzzle with the help of its Yorkie parentage. Nevertheless retains the round face of the Pug. The ears vary from dog to dog in that they may be erect like the Yorkie or flat like the pug. But typically, they fall somewhere in between. Similarly, the tail of the Pugshire may have a curl, but it may also be straight. Typical colors are black, fawn, steel blue, tan, or any variant of these hues. Masks and dark shading on the face are also possible. The coat itself is medium length, longer than the Pugs but shorter than the Yorkies, and tends to be fluffy rather than silky like the Yorkshire terrier. They are energetic and spirited that are likely to chase anything that crosses their path. Bold and adventurous, Yorkies are fearless and will protect their owners and property against much larger foes. Because of this, they make good watchdogs and are devoted to their owners. Also, they are intelligent and affectionate but are known as a stubborn breed. Pugs are charming, sociable, and mischievous. They are even-tempered pets and get along well with both people and other animals. The Pug remains an excellent companion and is devoted and affectionate. Pugs err on the side of laziness and, despite their willingness to please, have a similarly stubborn streak to that of the Yorkie. They respond well to training with positive reinforcement but are not a dog that will win obedience competitions. So what happens when you combine the two breeds? The Pug Yorkie mix at its best Devoted, affectionate and easy going, a dog that just wants to be around you. Both playful and gentle they are tolerant and mischievous and exceptionally charming The Pugshire is a lovable, energetic dog that likes to play. Devoted, loyal, and protective, they are intelligent companions with an independent streak. Tolerant and easy-going, they rarely show aggression, so they make great pets for a family with children. Nevertheless, they are bold, brave, and assertive. Prone to separation anxiety, the Pugshire terrier cross does best when included in family life. The Pug yorkshire terrier mix at its worse Stubborn, vocal and over-protective. It does mean that your small mixed-breed dog has a lot of energy for its size. A minimum of thirty minutes a day is required, with additional playtime during the day. However, if your Pugshire has inherited the squashed face of its pug parent, be careful of over-exerting your dog in warm weather as they can quickly overheat. A weekly brush to remove any knots will do. Also, depending on the length of their coat, your dog may need a professional trim from time to time. Although the Yorkie is a non-shedding breed, this does not mean that your Pugshire will be. In fact, it is much more likely that your Pugshire will molt. But it will be moderate rather than heavy like that of the Pug. Despite the list below, Pugshires have a relatively long lifespan at between 12 — 16 years and are considered to be a robust breed; Breathing problems including ESP Elongated soft palate. Tracheal collapse and stenotic nares Eye problems including; cataracts, distichiasis, dry eye, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PDE Pug dog encephalitis Patellar luxation Yorkie Pug mix highlights The Yorkie pug mix has plenty to offer and is a lot of dog in a small package. Like any other dog and dog breed, the personality of individual dogs varies. Always research both the breed and breeder if buying a puppy thoroughly. However, if you decide to share your life with a Yorkie Pug mix, you can expect a loyal and affectionate dog. Fundamentally easy-going, but with the energy and spirit of its Yorkie parent, the Pugshire may be the ultimate companion dog. Some of them are carbon copies of one parent or the other, while others represent an equal mix of their parent breeds. So, virtually any blanket statements about these dogs should be taken with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, all you can count on when you bring home a Pugshire Terrier is that the dog will be small. Their exact origins are unknown. Accidental Pugshire Terriers might have even been what inspired a breeder to start crossing the two breeds on purpose. One thing we can say for sure is that the purposeful breeding of Yorkies and Pugs has only really caught steam in the last 30 years or so and predominantly in the United States. Most Pugshire Terriers suffer from little dog syndrome. Little dog issues notwithstanding, Pugshire Terriers are great at eliciting laughter. These dogs need plenty of activity, but they can get that by simply goofing off for your benefit. It would crush their fragile little egos. Pugs, on the other hand, are less so. Regardless, Pugshires tend to be highly intelligent dogs. However, this often works against their owners as much as for them. As far as temperament is concerned, these are playful and energetic dogs. However, you have to socialize and train them well, as they can be full of nervous energy, especially around children and strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, you may need as many family members around as possible to help you burn through all their energy. That said, families with small children should be careful, as these dogs can have hair-trigger tempers. The animal needs to be socialized to be around kids, and the kids need to be taught the healthy ways of dealing with dogs. All you need is a little open space, a bit of free time, and a playful spirit. Their Little Dog Syndrome can work for you in certain respects. They may even try to chase them off! However, that pesky Little Dog Syndrome can rear its ugly head at inopportune moments, so you should watch them carefully. As far as cats and other small pets are concerned, be careful. Pugshires also have a strong jealous streak, so they may not appreciate seeing you lavish attention on another animal. Owning one might be like having a Pug, it may be like having a Yorkie, or it could be a mix of the two. That said, there are a few things that are consistent regardless of how the dog turns out. However, feeding them the right food is just as important as feeding them the right amount. This will help them feel full without packing on excess pounds, and it will also help keep them regular. Given how small these dogs are, you should pay attention to the size of the kibble that they eat as well. Fortunately, most kibbles designed for smaller dogs use small pieces of kibble. As a general rule, they need at least an hour of physical stimulation every day to stay happy and healthy. A long walk will generally do the trick, or you can just have them race around your apartment. You need to be careful about not pushing them too hard, in fact. Just as important as physical exercise is mental stimulation. You want to tax their sharp little minds, so games like hide and seek, obedience training, or puzzle toys are all excellent ways to burn off that mental energy. These pups are stubborn. There are no two ways about it, so expect to find yourself locked in a battle of wills during most training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, and punishment will likely just cause them to dig in their heels and behave even worse. Be careful if you use food as a reward, though. Obesity is terrible for these pups, and they can easily get fat if you give them too many treats. Use them sparingly, and substitute praise and affection as much as possible. The fact that Pugshires are notoriously difficult to train makes them a poor choice for first-time dog owners. Pay extra attention to the hair around their ears and behind the neck. Bathing is largely optional unless they get visibly dirty, but if you do want to clean them, limit it to a few times a year. You should use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo. Their eyes should be given special attention as well, as Pugs are known for having eye issues. Clean away any discharge, and take them to the vet if you see any sort of problem. That said, they still have their fair share of health issues. In particular, obesity will cause all sorts of horrible health issues for your pup. Keep their waistline trim and slim. Do your due diligence before buying a puppy. Also, Pugs are vulnerable to different health conditions than Yorkies, although there is a certain amount of overlap. As a result, the issues that your dog will be most likely to develop will depend in part on which parent breed they favor. Minor Conditions. They have a deep bond of attachment with their owners, following them from room to room, longing for them to return home. This energetic breed is a great playmate for children, though parental supervision is needed when small kids interact with the dogs to ensure that they do not end up hurting their four-legged friend. Just like the Pug, they too might get jealous when the owner gives special attention to another animal canine or noncanine in the family or probably a child. Despite their high energy levels and playful disposition, they enjoy taking naps for a long time. These dogs are clever and would spend their intelligence to think over a given situation, and might even display obstinate behavior at times. Combined with its alert and attentive nature, its occasional bouts of yappiness may be a great alarm to warn the presence of a stranger, thus making them a good watchdog. Care Exercise Your dog loves to go outdoors for walks to indulge in its inherent curiosity and explore new surroundings. It is recommended that you take your dog out for a leashed walk for at least half an hour every day. Give the Pugshire sufficient playtime when it is indoors too, to help it get over any boredom and be energized Grooming Shedding is minimal to average. To keep the coat from forming mats and keep dead hairs away, comb it twice to thrice each week. Also, brush its teeth at least 3 or 4 times weekly to avoid tartar buildup. Shampooing it once a month is enough. Health Problems Your pugshire puppies tend to carry some of the genetic issues related to its parent breeds including periodontal disease, cherry eye, tracheal collapse, Legg Calve Perthes disease and patellar luxation. Training Because of the inherent stubbornness in the Pugshire just as their parents, a patient and firm trainer is needed who would be able to groom them in a tactful way through positive reinforcement methods, rather than being harsh. Obedience: Generalize your training to varying conditions. Continue with these variations until he learns to obey your commands consistently in all environments. If he is still adamant to get your attention, ignore him until he gets calmed and pacified after which you may pat or cuddle him. In this way he will gradually realize that to get your attention and love he would need to behave well. Socialization: To help them overcome their feelings of jealousy, get the other dog or pet in your family to interact or socialize with the Pugshire and pay equal attention to both or all of them alternately so that neither of them feels left out. Normal routine diet, recommended for small size energetic breeds. How much is a Pugshire puppy? Pretty cheap! Medical Expenses for a Pugshire can average per year. Insurance: We recommend every dog have health insurance. If you find you can not afford health insurance, please try to get your Pugshire puppy insured for the first year or two. We recommend TruPanion, because they are easy to communicate with. There are usually only puppies in a Pugshire litter, and the puppies are known for playfulness, jealousy, and being extremely devoted. Pug Yorkie Mix puppies will grow extremely loyal and bond with their owner very quickly. They will follow in your shadow and always be asking for affection and treats. Please visit the breeder and poke around first! Find a responsible breeder. A good Pugshire breeder will have a spacious clean home. They should be transparent and open. Good Pugshire breeders will want to meet you in person. FaceTime is usually a good way to check the Pugshire puppies living conditions if they are far away. Tracheal Collapse - please make sure they are wearing a harness and not a dog collar! They have lots of courage and confidence. They are great for dog sports and agility training and make great family dogs. Yorkies are traditionally rat hunting dogs. They were blue-collar pets used to clean out vermin in coal mines and cotton mills. They are a great lap dog and devoted to their owners. Yorkiepug Description The Pugshire is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Yorkshire Terrier. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Bruno passed recently but he was an amazing dog. He was low maintenance and only shed a small amount. He would get about walks a week. He liked to dig in the trash cans so we had to keep them up! He was a great cuddler, played with other dogs well, he stuck around the house when he was let outside, loved children, other dogs and all people. I feel that Bruno was an outstanding dog and very well balanced. He loved the snow, and water on hot days. He was truly an amazing dog with a one-of-a-kind personality and will be greatly missed. He is a really smart, playful dog. The trick I think to these dogs is routine, consistency and time spent. He loves to play and go for walks. He is also very loyal; on a trip to the bush for a week at 4 months old he never took off for longer than 20 minutes or so, and always came back to see where we were. I do watch the Dog Whisperer and everything I have watched works, kennel training, potty training , eating habits , and dominance. He responds best to positive reinforcement; treats are not always needed—he just wants you to be happy with him. Everything I have tried from Cesar works in about a week of consistency and training. They're very cute like a baby, but remember they think like dogs. He is our dog and he is 10 months and just a pure angel! But he does have the Yorkie personality which wants to investigate everything! Always into something. He has grown to the size of a Pug with the looks of the Yorkie and the temperament of a Yorkie! The other pups from the litter look completely different. They look more like a Pug but the size of a Yorkie. She is the smartest, sweetest and most energetic dog I know and we love her to death. They are pugshire sisters. Today is their 1 year Birthday. They are energetic and very clingy, lol! They follow me wherever I go. And they are usually side by side. They are tiresome but amazing! Is the Pugshire right for you? What should we call this yorkie and pug mix? Before we take a look at some of the traits with this dog, we need to know its name. There are a few different names for this cross breed. Many will continue to refer to it as a pug and yorkie mix, but others prefer the name Pugshire. This blend of the two parent breeds sounds like the ideal name for this cross — as though it were a true breed on its own right. With time, the Pugshire may be seen as its own breed, like some other crosses. For now, it is not recognised by the AKC or other leading organisations. Image Source What does a pug yorkie mix look like? As we mentioned above, there are some common traits with the Yorkshire Terrier and Pug that are very distinctive. How many of these traits are common in this cross breed pup? There are sure to be difference between individual dogs, even within the same litter. Still, there are some common physical traits that appear with most dogs, such as the small, darker muzzle, floppy ears and well-proportioned build. Then there is the pug yorkie mix size. They can be anywhere from pounds in weight, depending on their gender and the leaning of their genetics. Males that take after their pug father may be larger than females that take after a yorkie mother. The height is generally around inches. There are many pug yorkie mix pictures online, mostly from proud owners, that also highlight the coat and coloration of this dog. Many of these dogs tend to have a short coat, much like that of the pug, but with the golden browns of the terrier. Some also retain that black saddle marking often seen with Yorkies. This is a nice distinguishing feature. Then there are others that have a more medium length coat like the yorkie. Remember that pugs shed a lot, even though many class this mixed breed as a minimal shedder. Take the time to brush the fur regularly to keep it looking at its best. Alternative colors in this coat include black and blue. The black dog is a handsome little animal that can come from black pugs and Yorkshire terriers. What else do new owners need to be aware of when taking care of a yorkie pug mix? These grooming needs are just the start when caring for these small dogs at home. This means that they will suit apartment living pretty well. Even so, they still need to keep the weight off, stay fit and enjoy plenty of play time. They have a tendency to burn off lots of energy in walks and playtime, and then enjoy a good nap. This is a fairly long lived dog with the right care and attention. Unfortunately, there are a few important pugshire health problems that new owners have to watch out for. These issues could limit that lifespan if not controlled properly. Watch out for issues with the eyes and teeth, such as periodontal disease and cherry eye. Regular vet checks will help here. There is also the risk of tracheal collapse and other conditions with the airways because of those pug genes. Some will also struggle with joint issues like dysplasia and patellar luxation. Finally, there is also the potential for weight gain from those pug genes. This online guide offers simple information to help nervous new owners through the difficult first steps. What can we expect from the yorkie pug mix temperament? The personality of these Pugshire dogs should be positive and friendly with the right training. Most are affectionate in nature, because of the traits of their parents, and make great companion dogs. This affection is often clearly expressed with licking and touching. They like to be close to their owner at all times. They also tend to pretty good with children so work well as family pets. Obedience can vary depending on training and personality. Some dogs are highly obedient and caring, while others can be a little obstinate and act up if bored. This often comes down to their intelligence, so make sure to keep their brains active. Because this is such an alert little dog, it has great potential as a watchdog. It should have no problem barking at strangers or intruders. Some would say that it has no real awareness of its own size. However, it can bark a little too much if not trained appropriately. This could get annoying if they vocalize too much. There is also the risk of jealousy in this yorkie pug cross because this mix comes from two companion breeds. They may prefer to have owners to themselves, and try and fend off unknown dogs. This is where socialization can help. Finally, this attachment and devotion to an owner could lead to some separation anxiety. Try not to leave this cross breed alone for long periods. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! The best way to avoid these problems is to train your pugshire puppy early Training could be an issue here as this is a smart cross breed with that stubborn streak. However, all barking, obedience and socialization training needs to occur from an early age. This is the best way to ensure the best results. Those that do struggle when training these yorkie pug puppies should turn to Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer for help. This online guide is full of helpful, step-by-step guides on a range of behavior issues. It is accessible enough for new owners to use in the comfort of their own home. Finding a pug yorkie mix for sale If all of these pug yorkie mix characteristics are appealing to you, you will want to know where to get one for yourself. There are two options here: The first is to find a breeder with pug yorkie mix puppies for sale. There are sure to be plenty of breeders that see the potential in breeding these two small dogs. Search the local area for one that is knowledgeable and willing to let you into their home to see the litter. The second option is to turn to adoption. Check local shelters to see who needs a second chance. How much do pughshires cost? The Yorkshire terrier pug mix cost will vary depending on how you find them, and the reputability of the breeder. Those that undercut this price may be overbreeding dogs for profit, so avoid them. Also be aware that some may try and charge lots for a rare pug x yorkie, when there is really another dog in the mix. This is where it helps to meet the parents before committing to buying a puppy. Also remember that adoption is cheaper in the short term, but may come with medical and training costs if the dog was abused as a puppy. Only Embark uses research-grade.Hopefully all of this pug yorkie mix info has shown the true nature of this curious little cross breed. The pug yorkie mix does bring some of the best aspects of the parent dogs together into a cute little companion. They can be affectionate little companions and watch dogs, with minimal care needs. Make sure to find a healthy dog from a good breeder or shelter, give it the care it needs and enjoy their company.
labradoodle puppies for sale vic under 500 - We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.Consistency is the Key Puppies practice becoming aggressive as they play. They are enthusiastic about the entire play-acting stuff. Everything is part of the game. The most crucial aspect of the game is to create as much noise and seem as furious as possible. When puppies play, they bite, and occasionally when they try to coax their hapless owners into yet another game, they all growl or snarl viciously. Your dog will not only sound fierce, but he will also look fierce. His small face will be scrunched up, his lips sucked back, and his teeth will be seen. So, the reality is that all pups bite. And many puppy bites are painful. Some Labrador pups bite more than others, and biting a lot while growling or snarling is usual. Biting so hard that your eyes are wet and you occasionally break the skin is also bad. Puppies bite at hands attempting to pet them, at bare feet, and joyfully tug at clothing, all while trying to sound as vicious as possible. That is all normal. It also occurs in working dog homes when the dogs are kenneled or are not permitted unsupervised interaction with anybody other than their trainer or primary caregiver. That is not always the case in most young families. Everyone in many homes, especially while the puppy is a novelty, plays with the dog, and that may be rather physical. That excites puppies and tends to aggravate biting. Inexperienced puppy owners may sometimes unintentionally lengthen the biting period by rewarding the dog with attention when he bites. Want your dog to have the best name? How to Train a Puppy Not to Bite? A Labrador puppy is adorable on its legs. When that lovely puppy nips and bites, they suddenly appear less cuddly. However, while a puppy nip is unlikely to do a major injury when the Labrador is an adult and exerts full pressure on his jaws, this will result in a devastating bite. That is why it is critical to train a puppy not to bite so that it does not become a habit, and if he is caught off guard as an adult, he restricts himself from biting. As a result, you must be prepared to play the role of an Oscar winner for the sake of the child. The following are some methods that can help you to stop your Labrador puppy from biting. Use distance toys, like balls or tug toys, instead. When can a Labrador Puppy Climb Stairs? Click here to find out. Praise Appropriate Chewing Puppies like to chew, and giving the pup an outlet for their desire to have something in their mouth during times of frustration is a vital component of training them not to bite people. When you find the puppy chewing on a suitable thing, such as his toy, praise him. That will teach him that there are appropriate and inappropriate things to dig his teeth into. Teach Obedience Even though the puppy is young, practice simple instructions such as sit, stay, and look. That gets the pup to listen to you and provides you with a tool to get them to stop and calm down. Socialize Your Puppy A stressed puppy that has minimal contact with other dogs or puppies is more likely to develop biting inhibition problems. The approach is to immediately begin socializing with the puppy and have him play with other pups and dogs. Use a Houseline If your puppy nips at your hands when you go to pick him up or when he is overexcited, you need to find a better way to distract him. Using a harness and houseline a lightweight lead on your puppy indoors can be quite beneficial in these situations. Consistency is the Key When teaching your Labrador, it is also critical to remain consistent. It is unlikely that you will be able to drastically influence its behavior with just one training session. However, if you exercise it consistently over weeks and months, you will see considerably better improvements. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. When do Lab Puppies Stop Biting? Bringing home a little Lab puppy for the first time is very exciting. But as time goes on you may start to wonder if the biting will ever stop. I know I sure did when I first got my Lab. So, I did some research to figure out when my little guy would get over his biting phase. When do Lab puppies stop biting? As a general rule, a Labrador puppy will stop biting by the time it is 7 months old. At that age, your puppy will have all his adult teeth and will no longer bite due to teething. While the teething may stop at 7 months of age, your puppy may still bite for other reasons. Besides cutting teeth, they also mouth things as a way to explore, and they nip during play. Luckily, there are things you can do as a lab owner to curb that biting habit, even before the 7-month mark. Why Lab Puppies Bite If you are new to the world of young puppies, you may be surprised by how frequently your pup puts his jaws on something or someone! I can assure you, though, that the biting is completely normal. To some extent, the problem will stop by the time the puppy finishes teething at 7 months of age. Before this age mark, puppies are losing their baby teeth to make way for a full set of adult chompers. Provide him with ample chew toys. This will begin to teach him that biting people is not okay. In addition to teething, puppies bite and mouth things as a way of exploring the world around them. This is similar to the way human babies stick things in their mouths. It is their way of interacting with their surroundings. Being retrievers, lab pups are especially inclined to bite and grab things with their mouth. That is, after all, what they were bred to do! Biting is how your puppy interacted with his litter mates and mother during playtime. All the puppy had to do was nip at his brother or sister to initiate a game of tag and tumble. Unfortunately, your puppy is not going to get that same reaction when he nips at you. Redirect him to a fun toy instead. Things That Trigger Puppies to Bite Besides your hands, there are all sorts of things that can trigger a bite from your playful pup. Moving feet are a favorite target for puppies. Like with your hands, entice your puppy with a toy to pull their attention away from your feet. If they are persistent, separate yourself from them. Stepping over a baby gate would definitely do the trick. They can no longer target you, and the game stops. This is a clear sign to them that feet are not a toy. Another big trigger is excitement. A few things that might set him off are roughhousing and noisy behavior from kids or adults. Playing in a rough and physical way with your puppy encourages biting. If it escalates to this point, stop the interaction and give the puppy time to cool down. Next time, try to pet him more calmly. Throw a toy around and let him play with that instead. This same rule applies to children. Identify a toy for the child to use as they play with the pup. Keep games between the two short to avoid uncontrolled excitement. Teach your child what to do if a game does escalate into biting. An easy response to teach children is the tree method. Should your puppy start biting during play, teach your child to become a tree: Have them stand straight with their arms at their sides and have them look at their feet. The child should remain like this until the puppy calms down. By doing this, the child becomes boring to the puppy, ending the game as the pup loses interest. Teaching Your Puppy not to Bite Part of teaching your puppy not to bite is understanding bite inhibition. Bite inhibition refers to the puppy learning to not bite down too hard. Your puppy already learned some of this from their mom and litter mates. When puppies play and wrestle and one bites down too hard, the other pup will yelp, and play will stop. The same thing happens when nursing. If a pup bites down too hard on the mom, the mother dog will growl and move away. These things teach the puppy that biting too hard makes good things end. As new puppy owners, we can use this to our advantage. If he still tries to engage you, leave the room or step over a baby gate to separate yourself from him. After he has calmed down a bit, go back to playing with him. Repeat this process every time he bites down hard on you. Rather, begin with only the hardest bites. Use a toy and try to get him to bite the toy instead of you. Again, take it in steps. That is, putting his mouth on you, but not actually biting down. You have made excellent progress! Begin stopping play whenever your puppy puts his mouth on you at all. Related Questions How do I clean puppy bites? Clean the bite with soap and water, then apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to keep an eye on the wound and keep it clean as it heals. How do I punish my Lab puppy? Punishment is confusing and can teach your dog to be afraid of you. Instead, reward good behavior with attention and treats. When the pup misbehaves, simply ignore him or redirect his bad behavior. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:. Dogs , Puppy training Alex Andes Puppy Biting: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Curb It One of the most common issues we see poor dog training advice given for is puppy biting and mouthiness, so we're going to give you the most standardized professional advice possible for this issue. There's a reason why it's discouraged for non-professionals to give legal or medical advice to strangers on the Internet. At best, their advice could be wrong; at worst, it could it be potentially dangerous. We so wish the same rules applied to dog training advice. Puppies go through at least two fear periods in their first year of life, so when those sensitive puppy brains are involved, it's especially important to follow professional instruction! They go through an uncomfortable teething process that lasts for months. They play hard with their siblings, often using their teeth to successfully instigate play and attention. Herding breed dogs are predisposed to nip, herd, and chase small, fast-moving things. Young children often get the brunt of this behavior. Retrievers are predisposed to picking up and holding anything and everything within reach, including your hands and arms. A word on what to avoid: Above all else, avoid physical punishment when it comes to puppy biting. I have heard people given terrible albeit, well-meaning advice over the years, from squeezing your puppy's mouth shut, to pinning them on their backs, to muzzling them to stop the biting. Physical punishments like this range from silly and ineffective to cruel and downright abusive. In fact, you can create fear and aggression in your dog using these types of methods. So, what should you do about puppy biting? When you bring a puppy into your home, it's your job to create fair, consistent boundaries for unwanted behaviors, including when it comes to teeth on skin. Note: You are not putting your puppy in a time out. That involves way too much time, talking, and attention to be an effective punishment. You are either ignoring the behavior or removing yourself from it. That means play is over, fun is over, attention is over. Be as non-dramatic as possible. If the behavior is hard for you to ignore, go behind a door or baby gate where your puppy does not have access to continue nipping at you. If your puppy tries to nip at you when you return, remove yourself again. You should see a major decrease in the intensity of biting as well as the amount of biting attempts within a few days. An Important Caveat: Some puppies find the act of a person walking away reinforcing. If your puppy seems to enjoy you removing yourself as a game of chase, you can alternatively use the side of your leg not your knee, please! You may have to block them multiple times before they stop trying; don't give up! And most importantly, still avoid yelling or using your hands — bitey puppies tend to find both of these things very exciting. Remember, it's normal for young puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Things to keep in mind: Be sure to give your pup attention and praise when they are behaving nicely! All family members and guests MUST be consistent in order for this to work! Be aware that even doing everything right, this behavior may not go away entirely until months of age. Remember, this is a normal developmental period in puppies. For extra-bitey puppies, or those that are biting after months of age, this blog will help give you some additional tips and recommendations. Why Does This Work? A behavior that doesn't get reinforced will stop. Your pup will learn that we don't react to biting with play, attention, or even a negative reaction. All of these things can be fun for a puppy. Your pup will learn to self-entertain. Once they realize the nipping isn't working, they will eventually redirect themselves onto something else. Your puppy will seek out appropriate ways to get your attention, like offering a "sit" or laying at your feet. A few other suggestions: It's also important to have a management place for your puppy, such as a play pen or baby-gated bathroom. It gives you a break from your puppy, and is a calm place for your puppy to settle down if he gets too wound up. Make sure your puppy has plenty of rubbery teething toys, is getting daily exercise, and is not excessively crated. If his needs are not being met, the nipping will take longer to extinguish. Make sure your puppy is eating three meals a day. Things we may think are punishing, like pushing your puppy away, yelling at him, etc, can be considered fun, play-like behaviors for your puppy and can encourage biting. When doing the above exercise, be as quiet and calm as you can. When should you be concerned about biting in puppies? You should seek out a certified professional if your puppy: Is growling, snapping, or biting when a person comes near a resource. Food, toys, etc Stiffens and stares at the person before biting. Is consistently biting and breaking skin. Barks, growls, or nips not in play at new people entering the home. Snaps or growls at children. What if it's not getting better? Remember, we do not expect this behavior to go away entirely until at least months of age. We also need to take into consideration a dog's breed, social history, and any medical conditions that could be contributing. For example, if a puppy has an intestinal parasite that's depleting their nutritional stores, we often see an uptick in biting. For extra guidance with extremely bitey puppies, or those that are still regularly biting after 6 months of age, check out these additional tips. Need professional guidance on your puppy biting issues? We offer private and group online dog training that's accessible from anywhere in the world. More details here , or contact us. Biting is natural to puppies. But Labradors do have a tendency to bite more often than other breeds. Labs were originally born to retrieve game for their hunting masters. Other Reasons Why Dogs Bite Besides playing, your dog may have other reasons why they seem too mouthy. Below are some of the most possible reasons why. Teething Teething pups often feel discomfort and pain when during this period. Their gums can get itchy. This is their way of relieving the pain and discomfort they feel. This can start when your dog is three to four months old. It can last for a long time, normally around six to eight months. Besides random objects and your hands, your pup may also suddenly bite their siblings. When they do, the other one tends to squeal and react. Curiosity Pups are still in the phase of exploring every little thing in their new world. And that may include you. They will feel your hand petting and caressing them, so they might get a little curious. Communication Dogs have very limited ways of communicating with you. One of these is through biting or nipping you. They might suddenly nip or bite you to let you know that they are hungry. This normally happens when they feel trapped or threatened. For example, your child has held your little pup a little too tightly. Your pup may react and say they are hurt, anxious, or in discomfort by nipping your kid. That said, never make your dog feel anxious or threatened. But truthfully, it can be dangerous once your pup carries this habit into adulthood. Young pups have fewer teeth. These are also underdeveloped and duller than when they turn into adult dogs. That said, when an adult Labrador playfully bites you, you may end up getting hurt. Worse, it can turn into an actual wound and you might need to go to the ER. It may be normal but it could also harm any children in the family. What you can do instead is to help them focus this behavior to certain objects. The best thing is to get them chew toys that they can bite, nip, and chew whenever they wish. Labrador retriever may stop biting when they stop teething. This should be around 10 months or so as they normally have their adult teeth by then. But if they do continue this behavior, intervene and start training them. How To Stop Biting Start when they are younger pups. So, even when your dog is teething, give them toys and stuff they can actually bite. If they start biting you, be firm and say no. You can also give them treats when they stop biting you and focus on the toys. Association is the best training method as well as positive reinforcement. So when will my Labrador stop biting, you ask? It may take a while but repetition can help your Labrador learn not to bite. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts.
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labradoodle puppies for sale vic under 500 - It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Most of the questions are probably regarding the colors, so let me answer them. We will also touch on size, weight, some distinguishing characteristics, and why you should or should not own one. The difference is that one of the parents of a blue German shepherd had the recessive gene that caused the pigment responsible for the black color to be diluted into a lighter color. A blue German shepherd is actually gray with a bluish hue, but the eyes are piercingly light-blue. Blue German shepherd puppies are easy to spot among other colors, but the coat can drastically change once they are adults. However, there are older lines that are closer to the original German shepherd, like the working line used during the Second World War, that have slightly shorter coats and a straight back but retain the undercoat. These are more often associated with blue coat color simply because they have been selectively bred to preserve some of the traits. However, there are also show lines that produce blue puppies every blue moon. Read our article on all of the GSD colors you can imagine. The German shepherd male is usually twenty-four to twenty-six inches tall, reaching weights between sixty-five and ninety pounds. Females are slightly smaller at twenty-two to twenty-four inches tall and weigh fifty to seventy pounds. I think the most valuable trait of the blue GSD is the thrill of looking for it. They are extremely rare and thus valued as a gem among breeders. They usually cost a ton of money, and the stars have to align for you to find them at the exact moment you are looking for a dog. If you are looking for a dog that can perform almost any task given to it but want to avoid dogs with heart problems like the Great Dane or Doberman, your best bet is a blue GSD. They will outlive most other dogs in this category while looking like a million bucks. Conclusion Anyone who is feeling lucky should immediately check the websites of these blue German shepherd breeders. Finding a litter of standard colors or patterns is hard enough, let alone an unpredictable blue GSD puppy. The exclusivity of the blue GSD is fertile soil for scammers. Avoid websites that provide no photos, guarantees, references, or information other than the price and contact. The same goes for puppy mills. Do your research, and you will be safe. In this case, I did the research so you could enjoy the process of selection. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. When you are considering where to find blue-eyed German shepherd puppies for sale, you will want to consider your budget. Make sure your home is safe for your puppy. The puppy needs to interact with different dogs and humans every day and early. In case you have any questions regarding our German Shepherd puppies, or any questions regarding dogs generally, please get in touch with us. Puppies can be reserved beforehand. The puppy should be adequately socialized so it can easily come to be part of your loved ones. German Shepherd puppies for sale can be found on the web. The German Shepherd Dog is the most commonly recognized dog breed on earth. Some white dogs have a small bit of cream or little patches of tan. Although generally speaking you should examine the white German Shepherd dog as having the same health problems as GSDs generally speaking, there are a couple of hints that there might be a difference. But what do you know about German Shepherds? They are great companions to children and also ideal as watchdogs, and some even can detect explosives. You can always train your dog to fetch. He loves it when he has to go outside and fetch the ball. This can be quite stressful, but because of his short attention span and occasional laziness, you can make it fun. Then, with only a few minutes of training, you can teach him what to do when you throw the ball to him. You should get an older puppy from a breeder that is at least nine months old. During the breeding process, male and female dogs are put together so they could produce offspring to be bred. It is quite possible to find the puppies in crates in these shops. Make sure that they are kept as warm as possible during shipping so that they would be comfortable in the crate. If you are purchasing from a shoe shop, ask them how long they plan to store the puppy. The crate will make them feel safer as well as make them less stressed in the traveling process. Always remember to keep the puppy in the crate with you while traveling. However, if you want to travel with your puppy, please be aware that all animal laws vary from state to state and country to country. Never leave your puppy alone in the car, because you could easily fall asleep with them in the backseat. If you want to take your puppy with you, always bring a crate along to ensure that your puppy will be safe in your vehicle. Pups for sale usually arrive at the showroom on the same day. Just give them a warm bath and feed them. This should take only about an hour or two depending on how busy the showroom is. Then, the puppy should be outfitted with an identification collar and harness and will be ready to go out on the show floor in no time! Finding blue-eyed German shepherd puppies for sale is much easier now than it was in the past. That is because the market has become more competitive and that means that people are looking for more dogs. There are many breeds of dogs to choose from, but blue-eyed German shepherd puppies for sale are certainly no exception. Here are some tips on how to find your new dog. This may seem obvious, but if you are going to get a dog you want to be sure that it is going to be a long-term pet. Dogs also require a lot of exercise and time. A house pet is usually very adaptable to new situations. If you give a dog room to run around it can make a big difference in the way that he or she gets along with other animals in the household. Other dogs may need to be crate trained, so you will want to try to find a dog that can do this easily. It may take a while to teach a dog to just roll over and lie down to take a nap in a crate, but dogs need this to relax and they will thank you for taking the time to train them. A dog that is willing to sleep anywhere is a great choice. A great place to find adorable dogs is online. Many people like to find out about things before buying a puppy and that can save them a lot of money. Some great websites have blue-eyed German shepherd puppies for sale at reasonable prices. This is a wonderful idea for people who are just starting to breed dogs. You will be able to see what dogs are available and decide if you want to buy one. Some of these places have nice puppies and they might be exactly what you are looking for. In addition, you may be able to see if you like the particular dog and if you think it would be a good pet for you. Sometimes you will have to sacrifice the first puppy that you get, but that is okay because there are plenty of others waiting to be taken care of. A good idea is to check out all of the local shelters, as well as the dog supply stores and pet shops. You will find that your options for a blue-eyed German shepherd puppy are quite varied. The number of puppies available may be limited, but you should be able to find much more than what you are seeing in ads. Most likely, there is a breeder or rescue group that will help you find the perfect pup for you. If you are looking for a blue-eyed German shepherd puppy, the best place to look is online. You will have a better chance of finding the right dog for you if you try to go the route of online research rather than look at a store to see if the dog you are looking for is there. Share this:.