labradoodle puppy feeding guidelines

Kenya Labradors breeds the best, so YOU will live with the best. Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" in order to offer you the most outstanding family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. We specialize in English-type chocolate and black Labs of exceptional quality and brilliance. See our website for photographs, pedigrees, and information! Why Labradors? Our home is on 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, we could have chosen ANY breed of dog.Why did we choose Labradors? We chose to love, train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because we believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill our every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and agility. They are off-the-charts bright and eager to please — loving, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with SO MUCH love, devotion and intelligence — sure to become an important member of your family. It was an easy choice for us. World's Most Popular Breed of Dog! That's a BIG title and with good reason! It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Labrador Retrievers - Central California We started with one dog, as many people do. Read our story. Now we strive to produce the best quality Labs possible, specializing in chocolate and black colors with the English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold looking dogs, and especially athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve, but can just as easily kick back to watch movies with you. Our Labs are super friendly "people dogs" that are good with young children and the elderly, and for announcing to welcome visitors. Please contact us for a phone appointment. We don't post our phone number here because we are often outside with our dogs, and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became quite a challenge. Establishing a first contact by email allows us to agree upon time where you will receive our full attention. We appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "contact us" or fill out the quick form — at the bottom of every page. Unless we are at a dog show or hunt trial, we will get back to you typically within the day. We look forward to meeting you! Sorry, we do not ship. Kenya Labradors does not sell puppies via the Internet or to pet dealers. You must be physically present to purchase a Lab puppy from us. We also do not cross-breed Labs to make designer dogs. We breed amazing English Labradors and take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You just might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Chico is about to turn two, and Chomper is a year and a half old. We picked each of them up from Reilly Lane at eight weeks old, and they immediately made themselves part of the family, and are absolutely the best of friends! They love people and love playing with other dogs. They are happiest outdoors running, chasing squirrels and birds, and especially playing in water or snow! They enjoy walks and are great jogging partners! We were so lucky to find Reilly Lane Labradors when the time was right to add a new puppy to our family. Communication has always been great, and the process was smooth and simple. Kelly is very knowledgeable, and has been wonderful answering all of our questions and offering advice, before and after purchase! Cathy Cassavaugh It was such a pleasure working with Kelly. She was and is always very responsive to any questions I had during and after the process. She truly cares about breeding the healthiest puppies with the best personalities. Transitioning Finnegan home was super easy and smooth. Micaela Caulkins It was such a great experience working with Kelly. She was super helpful and answered every single question I had no matter the time or day. I recommend her to anyone looking for a lab and will be doing business in the future! Adam Reilly Lane Labradors has exceeded our expectations! From the moment we were interested Kelly gave us knowledgeable information and always kept us updated on our puppy. She is more than helpful and truly cares about her puppies! Kelly is very responsive to any questions at any time of the day. She sold us our first red lab puppy in August , Dexter. We get many questions about his breed. Also, everyone loves his color! We always refer those that ask to Kelly. We highly recommend Kelly at Reilly Lane Labradors! Thank you for everything! With that being said, Kelly is an amazing person and breeder! She truly cares about her dogs and wants to make sure the puppies go to good homes. She makes sure all of them are in good health, and checked over by her veterinarian, and even ensures they have all of their necessary vaccines and deworming before giving them to you. This has been such a smooth process with her. Kelly answers any and all questions in a timely manner, and still will check in to make sure my girl is doing OK. I love being able to openly communicate with Kelly still to this day, and being able to update her on my baby. I can truly trust and depend on her and will definitely be getting another puppy from her in a few years! Thank you so much!!! Katie Marshall When we were first actively looking for our new family member I was searching all over and then came across Reilly Lane and contacted Kelly by text. From the first text to the first phone conversation Kelly was great and very responsive and answered all of our questions promptly even though I know she lives a busy life. We could not be happier with our decision to get Boone from Kelly. She share pics from birth and was a memorable experience every week getting updated pictures with all the pups in their color coded collars. My wife and 2 sons would look at the pics and started to get to know the pups and it was a great chance see their growth. Boone is very smart and even at this young age he is showing signs of being an excellent hiker, swimmer, fetcher, hunter and lifelong family companion. Thanks again from the Nagy family Rob and Agi Nagy I looked everywhere and was just not having comfortable experiences or liked the dogs I was seeing. Until I came across reilly lane labs!! Kelly was amazing and so kind since birth of puppies texting me updates all the time and pictures and always responded so quickly. We still keep in touch she is so kind. I got my black lab Bear from her and he is the most handsome sweetest good fur baby ever!! Bear is so smart!! If I ever get another lab I am def coming back here!! The dogs are gorgeous!!

As affectionate and intelligent pets, Labs are the perfect fit for families who can give their pups lots of love and activity. And when you combine these traits with other personalities from popular breeds such as German shepherds, corgis , and huskies, the mixes are sure to melt hearts. A Bit On Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed Health and Genetics Before adopting a new puppy, it's important to understand the health and genetics of the breed in order to provide all the loving care you can. When dog breeds mix, traits from both parents present themselves in the breed, creating both adorable physical characteristics and loving personalities as well as various health risks. Theresa Entriken , DVM, says health risks aren't meant to discourage pet parents from choosing mixes, but it's important to stay alert for as your pet ages. Early signs typically include noisy panting , a raspy bark and tiring easily with exercise, but later signs can include vomiting and muscle weakness. Before adopting, make sure to research breeders carefully and avoid breeders who aren't putting the puppies' health and safety first. And be sure to consult a veterinarian to learn about the health risks of both parent breeds. Now, on to these fun-loving mixed dog breeds! Along with being adorable and easy to train, their curly poodle coat offers minimal shedding for us allergy-suffering dog lovers. Whether you're looking for a companion to explore the outdoors or a puppy to train, this mix is sure to deliver the fun. These intelligent dogs are full of energy and affection, making them the ideal companion for any active owner. The caring and active personalities from a Lab and golden retriever makes this crossbreed a perfect fit for anyone looking for a loving, active dog. Beagles are natural scent hounds and Labs love to have fun outdoors, so this gentle mix will want long walks to sniff every corner they can. Finding black Lab Golden Retriever puppies for sale? The black Lab Golden Retriever mix is still a Goldador. But, by using a black Lab parent, many breeders aim to get puppies with a black coat. A black Lab Golden Retriever mix will have the same general traits as any other Goldador. They will be friendly, energetic, and playful. Black Lab Golden Retriever mix dogs are also great with kids and other animals. Especially when they are socialized and trained well from a young age. This dog is simply a puppy with one Golden Retriever parent and one black Labrador Retriever parent. Since the genes for a black dog coat are dominant, many breeders hope that they will get black Goldador puppies when they breed with a black Labrador parent. But, first generation mixes like this are quite unpredictable. A Goldador with a black Lab parent will usually have a black coat. But, in some instances, puppies may have lighter, or golden coats. Other than their coat color, their traits will vary as much as any other Goldador dog. It will depend which parent they take after the most. Generally, you will have a medium to large dog. Typically, a Goldador will grow between .They usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds as adults. Females are often smaller than males. In terms of coat type, this mix will have a double layered coat that sheds all year round, and more heavily during shedding seasons. Their coat may be slightly longer if they take after their Golden Retriever parent, with some feathering around their legs and chest. However, a puppy must receive two recessive genes one from each parent to have a non-black coat color. So, it is much less likely that your puppies will have golden or chocolate coats if they have a black Lab parent. If your heart is set on a black Goldador puppy, let your breeder know. They may be able to give you first pick of the litter to ensure you get the shade you want. Both parents of this Goldador mix are known to be friendly, energetic, and loving. Especially toward their close families. Generally, when they are well socialized as puppies, they will get along very well with everyone they meet. This includes other pets and even young children. However, since they are quite large dogs, they can accidentally bump and hurt young kids during play. Socialization is Proven to Help Studies into dog behavior have shown that socialization from a young age helps to prevent behavioral issues in older dogs. This includes aggression and fearfulness. So, you should train and socialize your black Goldador mix well from a young age to get the best of their temperament. You should also meet the parent dogs to see what traits your puppy may inherit. If its parents are friendly and keen to meet you, your puppy will often be similar! Most families get on well with a black Lab Golden Retriever mix. They tend to love everyone they meet, especially when socialized and trained from a young age. These dogs need families that have plenty of time to dedicate, and who can take their dog with them everywhere. Plenty of Energy On top of this, a black Goldador is a very energetic dog, that comes from two hardworking, athletic parents. A black Lab Golden Retriever mix will usually be as healthy as its parents. Mixed breed puppies like this are vulnerable to the same health issues as their parent breeds. Common problems to look out for include: Cancer big issue for Golden Retrievers Hip dysplasia. Mixed Breeds By K9 of Mine Staff 19 min read July 14, 23 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Labrador retrievers are well known for their even-tempered personalities, loyalty, fun-loving natures, and complete devotion to their family members. In fact, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the US — a position the breed has held for 27 years straight! Take a gander and share your thoughts in the comments below! Note: K9 of Mine does not endorse irresponsible breeding — please keep in mind that this photo collection is intended for enjoyment and pooch appreciation, not as any kind breeding recommendation or resource. There is very little official data about mixed breed dogs, so the photos displayed here are chosen based on information given by owners. We are unable to personally verify the breed heritage of the pooches shown here — instead, we must simply trust that owners are truthfully describing their dogs with they share photos of their mixed breed canines. TL;DR: Just enjoy the cute photos of doggos! The Basics of the Labrador Retriever Before we introduce you to some of the cutest Lab mixes around, it is important that we talk about a few of the basics of Labradors. This will help you decide whether a Lab mix may be a good fit for your family! Labradors usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Labs have moderately long lifespans of about 12 years, though some reach even older ages. Labs are members of the sporting group, who were originally bred to help fisherman tend nets, until their owners started using them to retrieve downed birds. Labrador retrievers have a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and they usually get along with most two- and four-footers they encounter. Labs are full of energy and often make superb running or hiking companions. Labrador retrievers can make great pets for first-time dog owners, so long as you provide plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. Labs are people-oriented dogs, who thrive best in homes that are rarely empty. Labrador retrievers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze. Labs tend to shed pretty heavily, thanks to their thick double coats. Labrador retrievers do often suffer from a few common health problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. No dog breed is perfect for all situations or scenarios, but as you can see, Labs are certainly one of the most appealing breeds in the world and they have quite a bit to offer the right family! Without further ado, here are some Labrador designer breeds that are sure to steal your heart. In some cases, like the Labradoodle a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle , the names are pretty popular and used widely. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes also produces some puppers with pretty adorable coat color patterns , which just adds to their appeal. These pups are best paired with active owners. But while they may have blockier builds than typical Labs, most of these guys and gals are big softies, who love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Like Labs, American bulldogs excel at a wide variety of tasks, making them great all-around dogs for families, farmers, hunters, and more! Labs are lovable goofballs who are all about fun and games, while Akitas are no-nonsense pooches, who project an air of competence and quiet dignity. One pooch in the litter may take after the Lab parent, while another may more closely resemble the Akita. Name aside, these playful pups have energy levels that are off-the-charts, so be sure you have a big yard and plenty of time to visit the park before adding one of these dogs to your family. Well, the Beagador may be just the thing! But, they can be a bit aloof around strangers. But when you cross a bullmastiff with a Lab — a dog who views all strangers as potential pals — all bets are off! These mixes can be a bit of a house-keeping headache, as Labs shed pretty heavily, while bullmastiffs are Olympic-caliber droolers. Labs have held the 1 spot since , but the cocker spaniel has sat atop the popularity pyramid in 23 different years since the s. Note that there are two different corgi breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi , and each will produce a slightly different version of this mixed breed. Either are considered Lab Corgi dogs. Doberdor Labrador Retriever X Doberman Pinscher A post shared by Charli the doberdor charlithedoberdor Given that Dobermans and Labs are both very affectionate dogs who bond strongly with their owners, Doberdor mixed breed pups will make great companions for individuals and families alike. The Doberdor loves his human family and will make it known with endless puppy kisses and loyalty. Wanna see more Doberman mixes? Check out 15 of our favorites here! You may just want to consider the Dalmador. Labs make pretty good jogging partners themselves, and Dalmatians can run for days. Honestly, there are a variety of Dalmatian mixes available for fans of polka-dotted pooches. Dachsador Labrador Retriever X Dachshund. Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article. This little guy continues to grow and learn every day. He tires himself out every day trying to keep up with the big pups. But his favorite thing is still chasing leaves. He is so proud when he finally catches one! He just loves spending time in the yard, exploring whatever he can. On nice days, he just loves to lay in the sun like every other lab! Rocky is a cutey. Those eyes still get me every time! Rocky will be available soon and will make some lucky family very happy with his adorable puppy ways. He pleasantly surprises me in so many ways. Rocky has been really making progress in housebreaking. Baby steps. He now eats two meals a day, instead of 3 smaller meals. He seems pretty content with this. In fact, since I leave the door open all the time, he goes in when he feels like it. I do think he would be just fine if a baby gate kept him in a room. Today, I brought him to a small party, just to see how he would be in a strange place with a number of people. Once again, Rocky surprised me. He was confident and calm, taking pets from everyone and exploring nicely. He met their resident lab, all 85 lbs. He is mature beyond his age. He just loves people and snuggling. He is bright and eager to please. We will keep working with Rocky although he is awesome just the way he is. February 16, Today Rocky and I got to spend some real one-on-one time. We spent time outside where he loved chasing balls and even bringing them back to me. Of course, once the fur sibs were back, he was right back in the pack. Even though Dolly is 3 times his size, he loves to play tug with her. One of his new, sneaky things is to grab my sneaker or slipper and steal it. By the time the day is done, the three of them are hogging up the couch again! Rocky really is a sweet little guy. February 14, This little guy is a total love bug! He is never far from wherever I am. Even while I am working, he is sitting under the desk or nearby. He has discovered soup bones and tries to carry them in his mouth, even though they seem a bit too big for him. February 12, Rocky did pretty well on his first night here. Even so, he was perfectly fine heading outside on his own. Between the walks and finding every stick in the yard. Rocky napped a good bit. He definitely loves the attention and snuggling with anyone who is around. Rocky is also a bright little guy. In one day, he has learned where the food and treats are kept and also caught on that ringing the bells on the doors means go outside. February 11, Rocky is an 18lb. This morning, before the sun came up, Rocky rolled into town. After a quick trot, he was ready to roll. Since we live close, the ride was short and he was great in the car. He settled in quickly and really is amazing. No doubt he will be gaining on them soon! He was good meeting the neighbors and getting pats from everyone. He has settled nicely, finding his bed as well as his toys. He is finally getting tired, making himself right at home on the couch with his new brother! More tomorrow! 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.

Although there is only one Labrador breed, there are two widely recognized sub-types within the breed. Our breeding program focuses on the "English" type, also referred to as show or bench type. We feel that the English lines produce dogs better suited for family pets, which is the main focus of our program. Just let us know what you're planned purpose for a dog is and we can recommend the lines and breeding best suited to your needs. We have litters throughout the year and produce all three recognized colors.You are welcome to call anytime for more info! All puppies come with a written health guarantee against genetic defects. If you are just looking for a pet, your puppy will come with limited AKC registration papers, which you can fill out and send in to complete the registration process. Full AKC registration is available for puppies placed in breeding or show homes at additional cost. If you are seeking full registration, please let us know when you first inquire so that we can give you the appropriate information. Ground shipping is available at buyer's expense. I can provide info on shippers I've personally dealt with for you to contact. Most people prefer to fly in and take their puppy back home as a carry-on. Nanny service possibly available. Some of our puppies in Patriot Paws' service dog training program!! All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. Puppy Buyer Beware of Scams! We strive to produce quality Labradors with conformation, great temperaments, natural retrieving ability, enthusiastic but trainable and genetically sound companions. It is our goal to provide you with a great companion. Our labs are our own personal pets that we have had the honor of raising. We feel so blessed to have this wonderful Labrador breed in our life. Our labs have brought us so much joy, love and happiness. They are more than just another dog, our Labradors and their offspring are part of our family. In addition, we hope they will become be part of yours. We are a small reputable Labrador breeder of AKC hunt, show and field lines located in the North Texas area just 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, Texas in a country environment. We have only has a few litters a year and believe in the breeding of well-tempered, intelligent Labradors from proven champion bloodlines. We are not a business like a pet store, kennel, boarding facility, training facility or a puppy mill. In addition, put every effort into trying to do it right and pass on amazing bloodlines. Some of our puppies and dogs have been featured on the 99 Nationwide Nascar, and labels of national pet products! Whether you are looking for a yellow, white or black Labrador puppy for a good a hunting companion, quality show dog, service dog, search and rescue dog or an addition to your family, we can accommodate. We are proud to say our dogs make wonderful companions. All puppies are raised from birth by our family. They are part of our family from day one! Please enjoy your visit here, viewing our Labradors both past and present and reading testimonials from our Labrador puppy owners. We update this site often with upcoming litters, testimonials, and pictures of our dogs and lab puppies. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies! Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies.

They are home trained, AKC registered and up to date on all their shots and vaccines. These puppies will make a perfect addition to any pet loving home since they are well socialized with kids and other pets. They love kisses and playing which makes them get more addicted to you. If you are looking for a pet or a companion, please contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. These puppies have excellent temperaments and a great conformation. They are great around children and would make a great addition to any family. They come with a one year health guarantee with all shots and their vaccine records. If you are looking for a pet or a companion please contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. So gentle and affectionate. I have one male and one female left out of a litter of 4. This is a great breed for families with children. Puppies and now ready for a good carring home. We specialize in the miniatures, with the smooth coat. Excellent quality and very good temperament. Text me. .Text me .Text or WhatsApp at.They are vet-checked, registered and have complete shots. B is xx. He is very sweet and playful. He is very thick and compact, amazing quality confirmation. He is vet checked and comes with health certificate. He is ready to go current on vaccines and deworming. She has been vet checked and is up to date on all shots and wormer. The breeder also provides a 30 day health guarantee and she can be AKC registered. Please contact the breeder today for more information on this cutie! For more update pics and info text xxx-xxx-xxxx View Detail Beautiful English Bulldog We have a litter of 4 beautiful English Bulldog puppies looking for their forever homes now. They all have individual and unique personalities. Pups have been raised in a family environment and around large and small dogs. All babies are ready to go to their forever homes information. I developed serious allergy and cannot keep her. Only interested buyers please contact me View Detail We have 2 English bulldogs for sale We have 2 English bulldogs for sale. One is red and the other is fawn. Both are top quality males. They have nice big blocky heads, huge nose ropes, are very short and stocky with lots of muscle and wrinkles. He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. Our website is dedicated to connecting you with reputable English Bulldog breeders across the USA, ensuring that you bring home a healthy and happy furry companion without breaking the bank. Finding the perfect English Bulldog puppy at an affordable price can be a challenging task. However, our platform simplifies the process by curating a list of trusted English Bulldog breeders who offer these delightful companions at budget-friendly rates. We understand that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and companionship that a lovable English Bulldog can bring to their lives. History of English bulldog puppies Cheap near you! The national dog of England, their strong heads, loose skin and short legs give them a very distinctive, amusing appearance. Bulldogs are generally gentle, affectionate dogs that love to be around their families. They are excellent with children and have a medium-low activity level that makes them great for apartment or city living. These loveable dogs are loyal to a fault and are sure to make you smile. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. Temperament of english bulldogs Temperament is a crucial factor to consider when bringing a new furry friend into your life. English Bulldogs are known for their gentle, friendly, and affectionate nature. They make excellent companions and are particularly good with children, making them a fantastic choice for families. Despite their somewhat serious expression, they have a fun-loving and playful side that will bring joy to your everyday life. This Bulldog puppy is a very social and sweet baby girl who loves everyone she meets! She is raised with children that play with her daily. This gal will steal your heart the second you look into those puppy eyes and when she gives you one of her famous puppy kisses. She will make a fantastic addition to any family. This puppy is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Her momma is Kayla. This puppy is anxious to meet her new family and begin her life of adventure with you! Call now!

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. 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Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. However, whilst Pugs tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Pug puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Pug biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do Pugs bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive Pug, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do Pugs bite a lot? When Pugs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why Pug puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your Pug puppy biting the most. Some Pugs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a Pug biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. Pug puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your Pug puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Pug thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your Pug suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your Pug puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Pug from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As Pug owners we can imitate this behavior! If your Pug puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your Pug to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Pug will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a Pug puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your Pug puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a Pug puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your Pug is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. What you do is put a bowl in front of your Pug then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Pug puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The Pug will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your Pug know you are in charge Older Pugs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your Pug to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your Pug puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your Pug on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A Pug that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Pugs. Something to consider though is how long your Pug could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult Pugs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a Pug If you get bitten by a Pug and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Pug from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Pug puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Pug, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. Proven Ways to End The Nipping! February 24, by Susan Puppy biting is a part of the process of dog ownership, but it can also be frustrating and excruciatingly painful. If you have a pug puppy, you have most likely wondered how I get my Pug Puppy to stop biting? This breed is known to be stubborn. However, you can stop the painful nipping problems with the proper training knowledge without using any painful training collar like choke, prong, and electric collars. You want to address the symptom, not the cause. As mentioned above, puppies bite for several reasons, but the most common reasons are teething and interaction with the world. Other reasons your puppy keeps biting you could be: Fear: If you happen upon a puppy that is startled, their first reaction may be to bite or nip at you. During the exploration process, they learn how hard they can bite while interacting with humans and other dogs. Playtime: Young puppies and older Pugs if not appropriately trained will nip as they play. Both puppies and dogs use their mouths to interact with people and dogs. Puppy Biting vs. Puppy Nipping vs. The bite may break the skin and lead to infections that a medical doctor may need to treat. Biting Biting is when a puppy or full-grown dog bit down hard on someone or something. Instead, it is a sharp pinch. It is still painful and can cause injury to people who have thinner skin than dogs do. Nipping can also cause holes and tears in your expensive clothing. Small breed dogs are known to be ankle biters. If ignored, your dog will do this behavior to the mailman, neighbors, and other people, which will cause significant problems for you. Mouthing Mouthing is when a dog or puppy gnaws or puts its mouth around your hand, arm, or another part of your body. Both puppies and dogs will use their mouths to pull at your shoe, clothing, etc. When Do Pugs Stop Teething? Puppy nipping and biting can last until your puppy is five months old or until they have their full set of grown-up teeth. Do Pugs Bite? Instead, they use their teeth, barking, and body language to let us know their feelings. At some point in their life, your Pug will show signs of aggression or fear by barking as a way to let you know to stay away. The final stage will be your dog snapping and possibly even biting you. Unlike other breeds, Pugs are a gentle breed that loves being around people, even children. Is Pug Dog Bite Dangerous? Puppies are prone to biting, and while not life-threatening, it is still excruciating. You may need a bandaid or ice to soothe the cut. There are several humane ways to train your puppy to stop biting. With the proper training, time, and patience, you can train your Pug to stop sinking their teeth into you. How to train a Pug Puppy Not to Bite? Here are several steps you can use to stop your Pug puppy from biting. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Access to Chew Toys If your puppy is teething, make sure she has access to several types of chew toys with lots of different textures. Teething puppies will bite and chew on anything they can find, even your hands and fingers. A great way to keep your puppy occupied is to give them a chew toy instead. It puts their attention on the toy and teaches them what they can chew on. Say goodbye to painful bites.We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Get them used to you touching their face, paws, ears, tail, etc. While Pugs love to be pet especially belly rubs , not all dogs enjoy you touching certain parts of their body. Some dogs are sensitive to people touching their paws and will nip when touched. It could be because their feet hurt or are ticklish when they are touched? The more you get them used to let you touch them as a puppy, the easier it will be to cut their nails as they get older. A tired puppy means less biting! Just remember not to overdo it. Also, make sure not to exercise them in the heat of the day. For instance, if you know your pups about to bite, you can move your hand away and put a toy in its mouth. If your puppy bites all the time when you bend down to greet them, have their favorite toy in your hand. Your excited puppy will bite the toy instead of your flesh, which is what you want. Most people make the mistake of correcting unwanted behavior after they occur. After doing it hundreds of times, your Pug would sit before they greeted you, and the unwanted behavior would be gone. If this is your puppy, give them the treat with an open palm. When your puppy becomes overly excited, grab their favorite snack, and ask them to sit. It teaches your puppy to want to interact with you and helps you raise a well-behaved dog at the same time. Giving them the treat too early will only reinforce the biting and unwanted behavior. The treat training method teaches your dog to respond to you rather than merely behaving impulsively. The puppy backs away, even for a second before the fierce playing resumes. As a Pug owner, you can mimic this behavior! When your puppy bites too hard, make a high-pitched yelp or squeal sound. The key to this type of training is to ignore your puppy for a while. The training sounds harsh but does work very well, especially for this breed. Pugs are companion dogs, and they want to please you. Some people make the mistake of biting the puppy back to show them how it feels. One jumps and bites on the other dog, and eventually, the other dog gives and starts biting them. Before you know it, the two dogs are fighting, and the people have to break it up before it escalates and someone gets hurt. Teach Them Not to Bite Over Food Pugs love to eat, and one of the most common reasons a puppy will bite is when they feel you or other pets threaten their food. Start by petting your puppy while they are eating. Keep repeating the process every time at mealtime. Quitting too early will cause your puppy to revert to its old habits of biting. Puppy biting can take anywhere from a couple of days, weeks, or even months with extreme biters. Instead of losing your cool, take them for a walk to tire them up. Puppies enjoy being around people and will quickly learn to behave correctly. After all, the goal is to get them chewing and biting on toys, not your flesh. Check out some of the best crates for Pugs that are perfect for sleeping and training. When they calm down, you can let them out of the kennel. Your Pug will fear you and cringe or run away when you approach her. She may respond defensively and attempt to bite you because she sees you as someone who will hurt her. Your puppy may see your gentle tap or slap as an invitation to pay, which will set your training back. Training time will become playtime and will be more likely to bite or nip at you. Never play tug-of-war or wrestling games with your puppy. These types of games encourage biting, jumping, grabbing, chewing, etc. Also, avoid using choking, electric, and prong collars as they will be painful to your pup. Final Word? This guide will help you properly train your puppy, whether dealing with teething or nipping issues. It takes time to train your Pug puppy not to bite. Implementing proper training can help strengthen your bond, which will help your dog become a well-behaved adult. However, when they realize how much work goes into training them, many are surrendered to shelters. You now have the tools you need to teach your Pug puppy to stop biting. Good Luck! Email There is nothing more gregarious than pug puppies. Seemingly born and breed with boundless enthusiasm, these little fellas are sure to bring in more sweet cuddles your way. However, along with the fun and the attention, some pug puppies tend to bite. Some may end up hurting others without even trying when they get carried away during play or when fear for something sets in. It is important to cut this rambunctious behavior before it gets out of control. Take Charge—Consistently! Pug puppies belong to a naturally good-natured dog breed. While it is very rare for them to bite in an aggressive manner, training them how not to bite will also curve their nipping or chewing. Here are ways how: While training is important, it is also vital that such be done consistently. You can engage in social isolation or time outs by walking away and ignoring the pup. It also helps to cry out when your pug bit too hard. This somehow gives the pug puppy the idea what is not acceptable. Young tots, for instance, tend to be very playful. They run and shriek engaging pugs to be hyperactive thereby, adding to the problem at hand. It is also wise to use some anti-bite or anti-chew deterrent. It can be easily washed off your hands, too. Consider the idea that your pug puppy may be teething. Thus, a teething toy can come handy during training. Try to calm the pup by talking in a gentle voice while stroking it. But remember to keep your hand away from easy preying of its mouth. Make sure to stop the game when not in play. It is important to keep safe during training. A biting pug pup must be handled with utmost gentleness and care consistently. Rough play will not only encourage it to bite, it also ascertains such behavior as it grows. Keep them in a fenced surrounding when you have young children in tow. Never go to the point of threatening a young pug with rods or sticks. Preying on their fear will not help in the long run. Like a small child, a reward is essential when learning how to train pug puppy not to bite. Pug pups naturally crave for attention. Preventive Measure Is Best Becoming a new pug parent is an enjoyable task. There is so much to enjoy ahead of you! Knowing how to train pug puppy not to bite is but a small pebble in your shoe. It requires patience and persistence but most importantly, consistency. The key is to realize that teaching your pet not to bite is your responsibility. You would not want it to grow with behavioral issues, would you? Your precious little pup has turned into a vampire. How do you stop it? What are the best tactics to prevent Pug biting, chewing, and gnawing on people and property? Why do Pugs bite in the first place, anyway? Do Pugs bite their owners? Pugs have been known to bite their owners. Here are some signs that you might have a biter: They nip at you during playtime. They try to lunge and bite people or animals. You come home to destroyed objects such as chewed-up shoes or remotes. Another sign of a biter or potential biter is if they use their mouth a lot in general. However, if you notice that your Pug puts everything in its mouth, it might have become a habit that you need to break. Why is my Pug biting? For example, do they bite things when they get angry or stressed? This is the equivalent of a toddler having a temper tantrum. It can also be compounded by things like separation anxiety where your Pug self-soothes by gnawing on objects with your scent. Do they have any medical issues? Last but not least, your Pug might simply have a habit of chewing on things. How do I get my Pug to stop biting? There are many tips and tricks to stop a Pug biting, and you can employ a little trial and error to figure out which ones work for you. Ignore them whenever they bite. If your Pug is biting to get attention, take the attention away. Buy them toys or teething objects. Get them used to your hands being around their mouth. Some dogs respond instinctively to the perceived threat of a hand near their face and mouth. You can re-condition this response by slowly and incrementally petting them closer to their snouts. You can also deliver more treats by hand or palm! Another option is enrolling in obedience courses such as the ones available at the Pupford Academy. They have a multitude of training modules that can help with biting, leash walking, crate training, and more. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, you can de-fang your vampire and turn them back into a sweet and snuggly pup. Good luck!

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Tulsa Oklahoma and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. He had received a request from a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband was allergic to longhaired dogs. This breed has since gained worldwide popularity and remains a very sought-after breed today. This breed is the perfect mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Personality and Temperament This Labradoodle is known for having a very loving, caring, and pleasant personality. They are very smart dogs and eager to be a part of your family. They also tend to be very social and interact well children and other pets in the home. They are not aggressive dogs and have very warm and approachable demeanors. They make marvelous family pets and are known to quickly bond. Appearance and Grooming Labradoodles do not shed heavy and do not require excessive brushing. Most do well with standard grooming every six to eight weeks. Making sure your Labradoodle is properly groomed will allow him to look and feel his best. Care and Feeding Labradoodles do best with a balance of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats. This breed also tends to do well being fed twice a day with meals spaced apart every twelve hours. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. At maturity this breed weighs between fifty and sixty-five pounds. They have an average life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Fact: This breed is considered a very smart dog who trains with ease. Fact: Labradoodles have different coat types and are not known for heavy shedding. Petland is honored to offer first-class Labradoodle puppies, and our caring team of puppy specialists will help answer any questions you may have. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodles are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, ear infections, and hypothyroidism. Do Labradoodles shed at all? Although Labradoodles are known as non-shedders, there are some of them who still undergo shedding, most especially the Labradors with hair coats. How should you feed your Labradoodles? But, bear in mind that however you feed your Lab, be careful not to get your Lab bloated or underfed. A Labradoodle has an average lifespan of years. Can Labs go for hunting? How big do Labs grow? The average male Lab can grow up to 22 to 24 inches while the female one can grow up to 21 to 23 inches, and both can weigh as much as 50 to 70 pounds. Is it safe to leave my Lab all alone when we are out? Labs are social dogs and they need to be around people or other dogs most of the time, hence it might not be safe to be away from your Lab for too long, to avoid behavioral problems such as depression, frustration, and unhappiness. Does gender matter when getting a Labradoodle? Not at all. Both genders of Labs make awesome family pets. You can decide to either adopt or buy any gender of your choice How much do Labs puppies cost? The cost of buying Labradoodle puppies varies, depending on where you are buying from. Contact us today to learn more about the cost and availability of our Labs When can I start training my Lab? Get yourself an adorable tiny Labradoodle puppy to keep you company when you get home from work. You can sense the warmth dogs have for individuals when you embrace and spend time with your puppies. At our store, we have mini labradoodle puppies for sale to be purchased that you will become hopelessly enamored with from the beginning. Our young doggies are painstakingly breaded to fulfill superb rearing guidelines, which is why they are outwardly engaging. Visit our shop or telephone us from any place in Tulsa, OK, to get yours now. 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Dark yellow urine How to Check for Dehydration at Home A well-hydrated dog is generally active with shiny bright eyes. Methods to estimate for dehydration at home include checking the gums, evaluating skin elasticity, and monitoring urine frequency and color. The normal texture should be silky, shiny, and feel moist. Dehydrated dogs will have dull colored, sticky, and dry gums. Normal turgor results in the skin quickly falling back into place. The skin of dehydrated pets will lose this elasticity and fall back into place more slowly. Urine in a normal, hydrated dog should be pale yellow in color. Dehydrated dogs with normal kidney function will have concentrated dark yellow urine and will urinate less frequently. Practice these hydration tests on a healthy dog, so that you can better see the difference in a case of dehydration. Remember: these are rough tests. For example: Are bowel movements normal or is there diarrhea? Is your dog urinating normally? Are they licking their lips or drooling, which could suggest nausea? Is there any vomiting? Is your dog coughing? Have you noticed any trouble breathing or labored respiration? Does your dog appear to be in pain? Is your dog limping? Hunched posture? Reluctant to move? Can you see any wounds on your dog? Does your dog have the same behavior and activity level? Are they playing or greeting you at the door like normal? Or are they lethargic and less active? Any abnormality is cause for concern. This can be compounded if your dog is very young or old, pregnant, nursing, or has medical problems such as diabetes or kidney disease. Learn more about causes for dehydration here. Fill the bowl daily with fresh, clean water. Soiled bowls. Bowls with dirt, molds, insects, or soap residue can discourage a dog from drinking. Wash and rinse the water bowl thoroughly with weekly cleaning in the dishwasher. Bowl types. Some dogs have bowl inclinations. Try a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic to see if your dog has a preference. More bowls. Adding additional water bowls around the house or outdoors can encourage dogs to drink. Having more bowls can ensure there is water for every pet. Optimize accessibility. Bowls should be easily accessible to dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues. Dogs should not have to go upstairs or downstairs to get water. You can also periodically take the water bowl to your dog to encourage them to drink. Pet fountains. Some dogs enjoy fountains and will drink more when available. If you use a fountain and your dog loves it, make sure you keep it clean. Some dogs will stop using the fountain if the water becomes moldy. For an unknown reason, some dogs will lick water from your fingers. Offer water to your dog by allowing them to lick water from your hand or your finger. Canned food. Canned dog food has a much higher water content than dry dog food and can be a very good source of water. You can also add extra water, giving the canned food a gravy consistency. Flavor the water or food. Offer your dog broth, flavored water, or add moisture to dry food. Warm water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth can be added to canned or dry food. It works well to add the water or broth about 30 minutes before trying to feed. Mix Pedialyte with water in a ratio and offer small amounts at a time. Adding an ice cube to the water bowl can encourage some dogs to drink. You can also freeze broth into cubes or inside toys and offer them outside on a hot day. Water quality. Consider the quality of your water. Did something change? Some homes are on public water, while others may be sourced from a well or spring. Trying a different water source, such as bottled or filtered water, can encourage dogs to drink. If traveling, consider taking a gallon jug of your home water and their familiar bowl with you. Syringe water. As a last resort, you can use a syringe to give your dog water. Fill a syringe without the needle with water, place the syringe between the teeth and cheek, and slowly offer a small amount. If they swallow well and accept it, wait 5 minutes, and offer more. If your dog coughs or gags, stop. How much you offer will depend on the size of your dog. Try offering a dog less than 10 pounds about 5 ml 1 teaspoon , a medium size dog 40 pounds 15 to 20 ml 1 tablespoon , and a large breed dog 30 to 60 ml 2 to 4 tablespoons per dose. If your dog swallows the water and does not vomit, repeat in 1 hour. Gradually increase the quantity and frequency. In general, if your dog is so sick that you need to give fluid by syringe, they would benefit from the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. You can generally purchase a syringe from your vet, at most pet stores, or at your local farm supply store. Treat pain. Dogs in pain, such as dogs with arthritis, may not want to get up and walk to the water bowl. Treat their pain with medications as provided by your veterinarian. While it is important to get your dog to drink, it is equally important to not allow your dog to drink too much. When To See the Vet Ultimately if your dog is not drinking, the risk of dehydration exists. It is best to see your veterinarian to help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment if needed. They can supplement fluids through an IV or by subcutaneous fluid administration. How To Prevent Dehydration in Dogs Tips to prevent dehydration in dogs include: Ensure your dog always has fresh, clean water. Never leave your dog for more than 12 hours. Water can be spilled or knocked over. Ensure your dog always has shade when outside. Provide opportunities to exercise during cooler times of day, such as morning or evening. Keep trash covered to ensure your dog does not ingest items that will cause gastrointestinal distress leading to fluid loss. There are many reasons that a dog may not be drinking water. Any disease or problem that causes nausea or impacts metabolic function can cause this problem. Learn more about the many possible causes of dehydration in dogs. What should I do if my dog is not drinking water? If your dog is not drinking water, look for other clinical problems. Are they vomiting or having diarrhea? The best thing to do is to call your veterinarian. How do I get my dog to drink water? If your dog is not drinking, the best thing you can do is encourage water intake. You can do this by flavoring the water, offering fresh water in a different bowl, or offering some canned food. How long can a dog go without drinking water? A dog can live a few days without water. How long depends on how quickly they are losing fluid or not taking in fluids. For example, if a dog is not drinking as well as having vomiting and diarrhea, they are both losing fluids and not taking fluids, which can cause faster and more severe dehydration. Give them a little time. If they go into a shaded or cool environment and have access to water, most dogs will drink when they are thirsty. There have been reports of bloat in dogs that drink too much after exercising. Drinking too much can be as big of a problem as drinking too little, and can ultimately lead to water intoxication. Is this a problem? There are some dogs that love to drink from puddles. Rainwater has a different smell and taste compared to chlorinated tap water, making it more appealing to dogs. While this is not a problem for most dogs, there is a risk of the puddles being contaminated with bacteria, molds, and even automotive products like gasoline. How much water should I let my dog drink? The general rule of thumb is that dogs should drink about 20 to 40 ml of water per pound of body weight per day. Their water consumption will vary depending on if they eat canned food, which contains water. You can measure their water consumption daily to see if it is more or less than those listed above. If your dog is ill, please call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Additional Articles:. If this is the reason, there is no need to worry! A slight decrease in water consumption due to reduced activity is no cause for alarm. However, consult a vet if your dog persistently refuses to drink. Dogs should never go more than a day without water. Learn more 2. And thanks to their acute sense of smell, dogs know how to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar sources of water. However if the smell of the water is not recognized as familiar, your dog may simply refuse to drink it. Planning a trip somewhere new? Bladder infection or urinary tract infection can also cause a decrease in thirst. Aging An older dog may also avoid drinking water. It could simply be that getting to the water requires too much effort, or that the sense of thirst may be diminishing along with its appetite. Older dogs get less exercise and therefore may not be as thirsty as younger dogs. However, older dogs need to maintain adequate hydration levels, so if drinking seems to be an issue, switching to a moist food might help. As always, consult a vet before changing dog foods. If they experience fright or pain, they typically associate those negative feelings with the circumstances in which they first experienced them. If your dog has had a bad experience while drinking from the water bowl, for example someone accidentally stepped on his tail or paw, he may associated those negative accidents with the action of drinking. To remove the fear of drinking, you can try to use a new water bowl or you can try to put his water bowl in a different place. At puppy age, many animals produce the lactase enzyme, responsible for decomposing the lactose. After the breastfeeding period, many dogs lose this particular enzyme and are not able to metabolize lactose anymore. Symptoms of lactose intolerance:. Your dog may need to be weaned from its mother and getting him or her to drink from a bowl can be a monumental task. Or they may be recovering from an illness or surgery and need to be retrained on how to drink. Either way, it takes some effort to get your puppy to drink again and on its own. But to entice them to drink, you can feed them lactose-free milk, a little broth or even some fruit with a high-water content. Another good way is to feed him or her moist dog food. That way they will get water regardless of how much they drink from a bowl. How to Stop Puppy Diarrhea? Click here to learn more. That means larger dogs need a lot of water while smaller ones can do with little amounts. When your dog is not drinking, you can try to change the water temperature. Some dogs like it cold, so they drink out of the toilet. Instead of feeding your dog water at room temperature, put some ice cubes in it. The cool temperature should entice many dogs to drink again. Take your dog for a good walk. The hot temperatures should motivate your dog to drink something. Or you can put their water or food bowl in a different place where there are no distractions. You can also try changing bowls to see if that is what stops your dog from drinking. Dogs do get a little fussy sometimes when it comes to bowls. Other methods include splashing their nose, play water games, keep his or her water fresh at all times or moisten his or her food. There are lots of tricks to use when you are worried about your dog going long intervals without water. Puppies start drinking from almost the minute they are born. After about a month after birth, your puppy will start drinking water. Puppies start to eat real dog food at this time as well. Do not try to give your newborn puppies water prior to the 4-week benchmark. Your puppy could get sick, and water does not contain the nutrition they need at this stage in its life. If you do give them water before 4 week is up, they may get a little sick. It is best to wait a little bit and let your puppy get all the nutrition they need to be healthy before giving them any water to drink. Some dogs just take a little longer than others. There are several good reasons why this situation arises. One is that they are too busy playing and having fun to notice they are thirsty. A second reason is that they do not like the water temperature. Some dogs like their water nice and cold and others prefer room temperature. The former dogs tend to be the ones who drink out of the toilet, as that is almost the coolest water in the house. A third reason would be that there is too much noise in the house. Some puppies like peace and quiet when they drink or eat. Reason number 4 is that they are stressed. That stress can come from having a new baby in the house, they are new to the house themselves and so on. The good news is that they will or should return to drinking on their own in a little while. Need to know How to Get a Puppy to Eat? Click here to find out. Some Final Words Getting your puppy to drink is vital, but you should not panic. There are some good tricks to try that should entice them to drink again. You just have to be patient and watch your puppy. If the non-drinking lasts for some time, then call your vet to see what can be done. Sometimes an illness will; cause your puppy to stop drinking and they will need medication to start drinking again. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It has even been called the most important nutrient with regards to survival. What if your dog is not drinking enough water? Then, multiply that number by 50 to determine approximately how many milliliters of water per day your dog should be drinking. Most dogs drink plenty of water to meet their hydration needs. But what if your dog is not drinking water? Here are six possible reasons why your dog is not drinking enough water. However, just having a bowl out for them may not be enough. You have to consider the quality of the water, the placement of the bowl, and the number of bowls available. If the water is dirty or contaminated with debris, your dog may refuse to drink it. Since some dogs may have preferences on how they like their water placed, you may need to offer water in different locations or elevations to see what they like. There may be times when a dog is denied access to water by another animal in the household. This is known as resource guarding. Also consider whether your dog may have had a frightening experience in the area where the water bowl is. Some dogs are more noise-sensitive than others, so having the water bowl in a noisy area like a laundry room or high-traffic hallway may discourage them from drinking as much water as they should. Change in Water Source Many dogs are sensitive to the taste of the water that they are commonly offered. For example, a dog that has always been offered tap water from a municipal water source may find drinking well water off-putting if the family moves to a new home in the country. Likewise, if your dog is accustomed to drinking distilled or bottled water and you switch to tap water, he may drink less than he should. In these situations, try to help your dog gradually adjust to the new water by mixing the two types and slowly phasing out the old water type until your dog accepts the new water. Type of Food The type of food your dog eats contributes to their hydration. Some types of foods contain less moisture, causing your dog to drink more water, while others contain more moisture, so your dog drinks less. If only dry kibble is fed, your dog will need to drink more water to meet their hydration needs. However, if your dog eats only wet or canned food, they will get a large amount of water from that food, so you may notice her drinking less water. If you are feeding a kibble-only diet, keep an eye on water bowl levels to make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Dogs with an infected or broken tooth and tumors in the mouth often find it painful to drink. Bad breath can be a sign that your pet is suffering from an oral issue. If you suspect any of these conditions, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine the best treatment. Nausea There are some diseases that can cause nausea in dogs, and nausea can cause a dog to drink less. Kidney disease often causes increased thirst in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses and kidney enzyme levels rise, dogs often become nauseous. This nausea may then result in decreased appetite, decreased thirst, and possibly even vomiting. Diseases that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, such as pancreatitis and gastroenteritis, may also cause nausea. There is a phase of rabies in which affected animals refuse to drink water. Thankfully, rabies is a preventable disease since safe and effective rabies vaccines are available through your veterinarian. While not terribly common, disorders of the part of the brain called the hypothalamus may cause dogs to not drink water. If your dog stops drinking water and also exhibits unusual behavior or changes in gait, seek veterinary help immediately. Water is a basic need for all living creatures. Seek the help of your veterinary medical team if you see unusual changes in thirst. Featured Image: iStock. Grota decided at an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. A native of Indiana, she grew up in a home where animals were.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Luckily there are some easy ways to make sure your Pug is drinking enough: 1 Never assume that your Pug knows how much water he needs. It will be up to you to oversee this. Keep the guidelines in mind see above. If you have a goal each day of how much your Pug should drink, measure it. Water that is not changed out during the day can become filled with slimy particles of food and can even have a top layer film of saliva that makes it very unappealing to dogs. In addition, room temperature water is often ignored over nice, cool water. Clean the bowl daily with hot water and soap and refill it as needed pouring out old water, not just topping it off. While dogs generally take a drink after getting back from an exercise session , it's best to bring water along for the walk and offer a break at the halfway point of a short walk or every 20 minutes or so during longer outings. This will help your Pug cool down, get their breath under control and refill on fluids. To make this easy, you may want to use a canine travel water container like the H2O4K9 Dog Water Bottle and Travel Bowl in which the lid serves as a bowl; this is made of stainless steel and holds 9. Canine water fountains can be a great help with Pugs that are not overly interested in their water bowl because they are attracted to the sound and sight of the flowing water. Certain fruits are healthy and safe for dogs to eat, are low in calories, and the natural sugar fructose is absorbed slowly due to the fiber content and therefore will not spike insulin or cause a 'sugar high'. These can be given fresh or frozen, alone or mixed into food, and most Pugs love the taste of these fruits. Whether it comes from surface water lakes, reservoirs, etc. Tap water can contain as many as 60, chemical compounds of which only 91 are regulated via the Safe Drinking Water Act. Some of the compounds commonly found in tap water include: Prescription drugs - Filtering systems cannot catch the fine particles of many drugs that are expelled in people's urine including birth control meds, beta blockers, anti-anxiety meds, and even Viagra. Arsenic — This has been classified as a cancer causing agent yet is allowed to be in tap water. This chemical that was once used as rat poison has been shown to cause both brain and kidney damage. Chlorine — This is added to water to kill bacteria however it has been clinically proven to cause serious cell damage, leading to tumors. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids — These two by-products of chlorine are thought to cause cancer and reproductive problems. Factory runoff, pesticides and even rocket fuel — These and many other compounds are allowed to be in tap water and only deemed safe if drank by healthy humans over 6 years old and this is based on simply one 8 oz. What to Do: There are a couple of effective choices to make sure that your Pug is drinking clean, safe water: 1 Connect a filtering device to your kitchen sink - This type of device typically attaches to the faucet from under the sink and has replaceable filter cartridges. This can be installed by a plumbing professional or homeowners with DIY skills. You can choose from a wide variety of sizes, depending on if it's just you and your Pug or a larger family. A recommended one is the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher ; you just fill this with tap water and as you pour the water out, it removes all chemicals and toxins, leaving pure, fresh H2O. A gallon contains 16 cups and therefore would last about 5 days Changes in Thirst When a puppy or dog is suddenly not drinking as much as normal or has a noticeable increase in thirst, the most common reason is a health issue. This type of change should not be overlooked. Some common health issues that cause increased thirst polydipsia or decreased thirst adipsia include but are not limited to: Diabetes. How to Get My Pug To Drink More Water One of the best ways to get your Pug to drink more water is to keep a variety of water bowls in different places around the house. Stick to the style of bowl you know they like. Some dogs will stop drinking water if they are not feeling good or have a medical condition that has caused them to stop drinking water. You can also teach your dog to drink on command. You can even consider rewarding them with a treat for good behavior. It all boils down to the tone in your voice, after all, Pugs just want to please their owners. We like nice cold water because it just tastes better right? Well, your dog is the same way. Yes, I said debris. It could be more on hot days. It is designed to circulate and filter water, so it stays cleaner and tastes fresher. Some dogs tend to drink more because they love drinking from the running water. My sister-in-law has a fountain and her dogs love it. Take their doggie bag with a stack of dog biscuits, a portable water bowl, and some fresh water. Whenever we took Mindy with us anywhere, we always carried a portable water bowl like this. Make sure that you offer your dog water every 10 or 20 minutes. Veterinarian Patrick Mahaney , says that Brachycephalic dogs like Pugs find it hard to drink out of narrow bowls and deep bowls. Wider and shallow bowls are much better for Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs or other short-headed breeds. This is what we used to use for Mindy and she loved it. You can even take them to the dog park and let them roam around and play with other dogs. Just make sure you have a harness ready, in case one of the other dogs acts up and you need to get quick control. If you have a back yard, you can let them roam around your yard and play. As an occasional treat, you can also use a low sodium broth or instant bone broth to make it even more enticing. You can even use diluted carrot juice. Just soak the dry dog food in the low sodium bone broth, until all the liquid is absorbed, then serve it to your pooch. This is a great way to replenish electrolytes your dog has lost due to dehydration. After all, you want your dog to drink more water, not get used to the bone broth. At one point there was a nasty Internet cube rumor that said it was dangerous to give dogs ice cubes. Well, according to Dr. There are some dangers with cubes and dogs which are: Dental damage to teeth from chomping on ice Not monitoring your dogs while chewing ice cubes can cause a choking hazard. Why not try this flavored ice bowl to see if it gets your Pug to drink more water. At least once a week. Slime build ups on the bowl over time can contain harmful bacteria for your pooch. Read this article to find out how to give your pooch watermelon. You can even add pieces of the fruit to their water. You can even add other fruits such as blueberries, and apple cubes to help get your dog to drink more. If you notice that your dog is drinking more water from your garden instead of their water bowl, try using filtered water to entice them to drink more. Tap water is known to contain high amounts of chlorine, which can be one of the reasons Fido refuses to drink water from their bowl. Mindy hated drinking tap water, we only used filtered water. We use this filter, which you can attach to your existing kitchen faucet. This will allow some of the nasty chlorine flavor to dissipate. If your budget allows, you can even give them bottled water. If you have a two-level house, place bowls both upstairs and downstairs. Older Pugs with joint problems may avoid drinking if the water source is too far away. If you make the water accessible and within reach, your dog is likely to drink more H.Would you want to walk a mile every time you wanted a drink of water? Take your pooch out for potty breaks every few hours instead of making them hold their pee for eight hours. If you have an older dog, then invest in a pet door and let them have access to the backyard. Of course, this only makes sense if you have a fenced yard. We had a pet door for Mindy, so she could relieve herself whenever she needed to go. Try switching up their food or at least mixing some wet food with their dry food. A combination diet will help increase their water intake while you get them used to drinking more water from their own bowl. They may have to give your pooch a saline IV or administer fluids to help restore the fluids in their body. The veterinarian may also want to test for any medical problems that can be preventing your dog from drinking such as dehydration or kidney disease. Your Pug needs water to survive, so make sure they are drinking plenty of H20 especially in the summer. I have no doubt that one of these tips will help you get your dog to drink more water. Absolutely NOT! Some juices such as grape and cherry are extremely toxic to dogs. They have a lot of sugar and can give some dogs an upset stomach due to their high acidity levels. Can my dog drink unsweetened tea? No, tea and coffee should be avoided. They both contain high amounts of caffeine, which can be toxic to animals. Some herbal teas are good for Pugs , but you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving them some. What about giving my dog milk? Read this about giving dog milk. Dogs need to drink in order to remain healthy. Your dog can get seriously sick very quickly if they stop drinking enough water. You will want to know some of the common reasons for your dog to stop drinking so that you can be sure about when it is time to take your dog to the vet. If you are ready to learn some more about why your dog is not drinking enough water, you need to keep reading. Bladder Infection A bladder infection is one of the most common reasons that dogs stop drinking water. This can be a very painful condition, and dogs are usually also not hungry when they have a bladder infection. If your dog has been urinating in places that it should not be, or if they are urinating more often than normal, this can indicate a bladder infection. When combined with a lack of thirst and hunger, this can indicate that your dog needs to see the vet for additional workup to get rid of the infection. Old Age Older animals can show a declining interest in food and water. This can be due to a lack of appetite or disruption of the normal signals that lead to thirst. Dogs that are older often have underlying conditions that leave them not feeling very good, which can lead to nausea and pain of various kinds. This can lead to a lack of thirst as well as a lack of interest in food. There are medications that can be used to help your older dog to feel better, and your vet can also make sure that your dog does not have a more serious condition going on that is causing them to stop drinking. Ingestion of Poison or Bad Food When dogs get into something that is bad for them, they can make themselves very sick. This might be something poisonous , or it could simply be food that has gone bad. When your dog has eaten something it should not have, this can lead to nausea, which causes a lack of appetite and a lack of thirst. This is often the very first early symptom of this problem, and it will eventually be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious symptoms. Poisoning cases are often on a very short timeline, so if you think your dog might have been poisoned, you will need to get them to the vet right away. Dental Issues Dogs with sore mouths are often not interested in eating or drinking. This can lead to other significant health risks over time, and you will need to address the dental issue that your dog is suffering from right away. This might be broken teeth, abscesses , or dental disease. Bad Smelling Water If you have recently moved to a new place and the water is different than your dog is used to, they might think that it smells bad and be unwilling to drink it. If their water has been contaminated in some way, they might also be unwilling to drink it until it is cleaned. Not every dog is really picky about the smell of their water, but in some cases, even the change from well water to city water can make a dog stop drinking. You might need to use a safe flavoring agent for their water until your dog gets used to the water in your new locations. If the water is just not clean, you will need to make sure that it is cleaned up so that your dog can drink it safely again. Anxiety Some dogs are prone to being anxious and fearful, and this can lead to an unwillingness to drink or to eat. Dogs that have been sacred in some way while drinking might connect the fear with the act of drinking. Issues with fighting between animals in your home over food and water can also cause anxiety in fearful dogs. You can resolve this problem by helping your dog to be more secure in its eating and drinking location and by separating dogs who should not eat or drink together. Getting the help of a dog trainer can also make it easier to resolve this kind of issue. Your dog might need a creative solution to feel safe when drinking or eating, and professionals can offer this kind of solution in most cases. Dog trainers can be very helpful with complex behavioral issues or issues rooted in fear. Dogs cannot go too long without drinking enough water without getting sick. You will probably only have a few days to figure out why your dog is not drinking. For more information, contact EVCC by calling one of our locations. You can trust us to help you and your pet whenever you need us. Water is an essential part of life for dogs, just like it is for humans. Dogs should consume one ounce per pound of body weight every day to ensure that they are hydrated. The only sweat glands on a dog are on his paws, and those are not enough to keep him cool. The higher risk factor of dehydration comes from their inability to cool their body as quickly. Water is the key to keeping your dog cool, healthy, and happy. Change in Weather One reason that your dog may not be drinking much water is a change in weather. When fall comes around, many dogs will slow their water intake causing their parents to be alarmed. Without a high level of exertion, they may not be as interested in slopping up a gallon of water as soon as they reach their bowl. They might not be as lively and may not eat or drink as they normally would. This was one of their many survival tactics developed centuries ago. Bladder infections or urinary tract infections are two major culprits of reduced thirst. It could also be diabetes or kidney disease. Old Age As your dog gets older, he may start to drink less water. Associate the Activity with a Negative Experience There are also dogs that may associate drinking water with a negative experience. If you adopt a shelter dog, he may refuse to drink out of the same type of bowl that the shelter provided because he associates it with a negative experience. There are an abundance of reasons he could have negative feelings. If you suspect this to be the case, try buying a new bowl that looks totally different and placing it in a new location. This might clear the issue up right away. The pain of the cold water on sensitive teeth will make him avoid it. In this case, your dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety. That kind of change can really affect your canine companion and he may lose his desire to eat and drink. Your dog will need to get used to new surroundings, new smells, and new sights. It can be overwhelming for them just like it is for us and one reaction might be to ignore his water bowl. You can also give your pup ice to snack on. Try a new bowl or a new place to place the bowl to tempt him. They will be able to provide additional advice.

This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Puppyhood is a time when positive experiences can pave the way to a life as a well-adjusted and happy adult, while negative experiences can lead to long-term problems. Having an understanding of the rapid transitions between stages of development during this period can help owners support and nurture their pet through puppyhood and adolescence. Neonatal Period 0—2 weeks Newborn Golden Retriever The newborn puppy is blind and deaf, with eyes and ears that are neither fully formed nor fully open. This stage is all about growth and survival, and the pup spends all his time either sleeping or feeding. These antibodies will endow him with some immunity from serious illness for the next 6 weeks, at which point he can mount his own response to vaccination. The mother must stimulate the bowel and bladder to empty by licking the perineal region under the tail, as the pup cannot control this himself. Transition Period 2—4 weeks 4-Week Golden Retriever As anyone who has every bred a litter of puppies will tell you, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing the young pups open their eyes for the first time. Although their vision is blurry, and consists mostly of shadows and light, they clearly begin to respond to visual stimuli around two weeks of age. This also coincides with the ears beginning to function, meaning the pup is suddenly exposed to a wealth of sensory stimuli. He begins to urinate and defecate independently, although the mother is likely to continue helping. His appetite grows exponentially, and the mother needs extra nutrition during the next few weeks to keep up with his demands until he can eat solid food for himself. However, his focus is still very much on feeding, and interactions between pups are limited to gnawing and competing for the best suckling spot between two and three weeks of age. Toward the end of this period, pups will show clear signs of recognising their mother and siblings from a distance, and owners who have spent time with the litter up to this point will probably also be rewarded with squeaks of excitement when they approach. Socialisation Period 4—7 weeks 6-Week Golden Retriever By four weeks, the incredible rate of development means that our little pup is now mobile, alert, and very curious! Exploratory behaviours are seen from this age, meaning the pup begins to push boundaries in every sense to develop his own perception of the world. He will begin to wander from his mother and siblings, although he is initially likely to be retrieved by the mother any time she feels he is being a little too brave. Littermates and familiar humans are clearly recognised, and the pup begins to devote much of his time to play. This serves a number of purposes, providing much-needed stimulation to the growing brain, as well as allowing the puppies to establish a pecking order. The more boisterous and exuberant pups will assert themselves as the dominant members of the family, usually getting to lie on top of their siblings when sleeping, as well as securing their places at the most productive teats when feeding. Their increasing strength and enthusiasm mean that the mother may begin to find it difficult and uncomfortable to feed the pups as much as they demand, and so now is also the period when weaning begins, with the pups being introduced to soft food and encouraged to lap from a dish. This is a messy business! For at least the first week, the pups will get more food in their hair than in their mouths, and for large litters, the owners may need to help out with cleaning and grooming, using a wet flannel to remove the worst of the caked-on milk or food. This is called the socialisation period for a very good reason, and it is vital that pups are exposed to humans during this time. Stray puppies rescued after this point will always have, to a greater or lesser extent, an in-built fear of people. Gentle, regular handling is essential at least twice a day, though in reality, pups will benefit from much more. Although children are great at playing with and socialising puppies, one must be careful that the pups are not handled roughly or dropped. Aside from the risks of injury, painful or stressful experiences can have a lasting impact. Fearful Period 7—12 weeks Week Golden Retriever By 7—8 weeks of age, the pup has learned basic etiquette and behaviour from his mother. Siblings begin to become more competitive, and the playful battles for supremacy become a little more vigorous and heated. He has hopefully received adequate exposure to humans, and by avoiding negative experiences to this point is now confident enough to explore the world. However, this confidence is superficial, and the pup is now aware enough of its environment to realise that its mother and siblings do not themselves have full control of their lives — much of this control lies with their owners. For this reason, it is around now that pups begin to gravitate toward humans, and those that do not receive a lot of one-to-one attention during this period will again have issues with fearfulness and nervousness throughout their lives. During this phase, pups also begin to develop the capacity to learn basic commands, and the very brightest may begin to appreciate the importance of housetraining. Harsh correction, physical punishment, and shouting are all to be avoided. Now, and always, the dog will respond best to positive feedback when he behaves as desired. Juvenile and Ranking Periods 3—6 months 6-Month Golden Retriever While these stages are considered separate by some authorities on the subject of development, they overlap considerably, both in terms of time and behaviours. The puppy has learned some basic commands, has an appreciation of good behaviour, and has more or less mastered use of his growing body. His energy levels seem to increase daily, and owners need to be prepared to indulge in periods of play, as well as introducing daily walks to help vent this energy. As a normal part of this phase, most pups will begin to attempt to move up the social hierarchy. This is perfectly natural in the setting of a pack of dogs, where the youngest and strongest members of the pack will make the most useful senior figures, to the benefit of the other dogs. By progressing from the earlier games of wrestling with his siblings to the point where he is ready to physically challenge other dogs, the pup ensures both the security of the pack and his own position within it. However, as we have taken dogs out of this natural setting and placed them within our human families, this is not a behaviour we want to encourage. Any signs of aggression, such as bites which pierce the skin, or snarling, must be quickly dealt with by placing the pup away from the family, using a lead if necessary. By diligently and firmly set the ground rules of acceptable behaviour, the pup will quickly realise where the boundaries are, and will learn to happily accept his position in the family structure. Being too permissive or forgiving of this kind of behaviour can lead to devastating behavioural problems later in life. Of course, some chewing or biting is legitimately explained as teething behaviour. Obedience training is important throughout this period; juvenile puppies, like children, are veritable sponges, looking to soak up as much information as possible. Puppy training classes are an ideal environment for the stimulation they provide, but also for the guidance and input of a behavioural expert. Adolescence 6—18 months Month Golden Retriever Our puppy is now almost an adult — how time flies by! Although close to physical maturity, he is still learning, and will continue to sometimes behave inappropriately and have higher energy levels than an adult dog. It is important throughout this period to continue reinforcing all the good habits taught to this point, to practise regular obedience training, and to provide plenty of exercise. Adolescence passes quickly in some dogs, who may appear mature in every respect by one year of age, but can drag on in others; for example, the Lhasa Apso is known to retain puppy-like characteristics well into adulthood. One must remember to be patient during this period, providing corrective guidance when needed, but not expecting perfect behaviour at all times. Remember, we were all teenagers once! Puppy Timeline in Review Neonate - The pup is blind, deaf and helpless. He relies on his mother for warmth, food, and to help with bodily functions. He spends all his time feeding and sleeping. Transition - The senses awaken, with the eyes and ears beginning to function. The pup becomes aware of his surroundings and makes early attempts to explore his surroundings. He may show an interest in tasting food. Socialisation - Within the safety of his litter, the pup begins to venture further from the mother, and spends much of his time wrestling and playing with his littermates. Humans are recognised, and the pup begins to enjoy being handled and spoken to. Weaning is almost complete. Fearful - The pup gains an awareness of the world beyond his litter, and is ready for a new home. He will bond strongly to his owners at this point, but is sensitive to stress. He is capable of understanding commands, but needs gentle encouragement in training. Juvenile - The growing pup is energetic and boisterous. He needs regular exercise and obedience training to help control his increasingly mischievous behaviour. Ranking - He attempts to establish a higher position for himself in the family structure. Behaviours, such as chewing and growling, can no longer be tolerated, even in play. Strong leadership from the owner helps assure the pup he should remain submissive. A consistent approach to training and discipline, combined with patience, will help the pup through this phase and toward a happy adult life. Popular Dog Breeds. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden retrievers are in demand the world over. They are popular because of their versatility. Goldens make awesome family pets because of their wonderful dispositions. They are also great at hunting and amazing show dogs. You might be wondering what is wrong with your Golden. Overall, there will be nothing wrong with your Golden since growth is not a linear process for any breed. Instead, it might occur in spurts, especially the first 24 months of their life. However, it is crucial to monitor your puppy carefully during this vulnerable stage. It might be both fun and educational to watch your little golden puppy grow and develop. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy. In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction. During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once. Fourth and Fifth Month During the fourth and fifth month of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, especially the sixth month, the puppy is already acting like a spunky puppy with full energy and teeth emerging. Make sure to train good habits in them by laying down consistent rules. Be cautious that your puppy might suffer their second fear impact. It might occur during the fifth month or later. During this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, the puppy will act like a typical puppy—full of unlimited energy and plagued by growing teeth. Promote good habits in the puppy by enforcing rules. Be vigilant about the second onset of fear-impact, which might happen around the fifth month or later. Keep in mind Goldens are eager to please and are extremely trainable. Training classes give them a chance to stimulate their need for physical, social, and mental activity. You must establish a good working relationship with your Golden to build solid obedience skills. You should be able to overcome the challenges of handling a rebellious teenage Golden successfully. You should bond with your dog and develop trust. They will be exploring their potential and form friendships with other dogs and animals. It should be noted that not all dogs will like other dogs. Dogs are just like their human owners. Growth milestones At this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, they will tend to have a short attention span. They require various activities to expend energy. You might find that they will be teething at this stage. Goldens were bred to carry stuff in their mouth, such as waterfowl. You might find that your Golden will enjoy picking up things with its mouth. Keep in mind that your Golden enjoys communicating. These dogs can be motormouths as well. They will be whining and barking. At this stage, it is crucial to focus on their style of communication. They must know the difference between friendly vocalizations and aggressiveness. Moreover, a dog owner must be able to interpret the body language of their puppy. It should be noted that puppies might undergo a fear stage. Training enables your puppy to work through their common fears that might arise during this developmental stage. Purposely expose them to loud sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and crying babies. They should also witness unexpected movements such as awkward elderly movements and children playing. Exposing them to these will help them develop coping skills. It prevents them from being fearful and recognizes these events as normal and harmless. Purpose of training The purpose of training at this point is to establish schedules, rules, and routines. It is the time to lay down boundaries and expectations in the household. Make sure to explore and discover the talents and interests of your puppy. Most owners ask the breeder for a calm Golden who will simply sit on the couch with them during evenings. After this, they will find that their Golden will be happy to sit by their side at night and watch TV. Training is extremely crucial. Pet owners tend to prepare well for the baby stage, which is 2 to 6 months. However, they find themselves shocked and underprepared to handle their rebellious teenage Golden retriever. Unfortunately, this stage lasts much longer. The sudden spurt can send them to behave in extreme ways. They might be cranky, occasionally feisty, and have bouts of brooding. It is crucial to find friends for your puppy. They must interact with other dogs to release their pent-up energy. They must engage in play such as frolicking and wrestling. Similar to children, they will have their preferences. Respect the choices of your Golden. Although they are over the teething stage, the Golden must indulge their instinct to have something in their mouth. You can stimulate this need by giving toys and instructing them with commands such as drop, leave, and fetch. Keep in mind that at this stage, your puppy will require increased levels of physical stimulation. Engage them in exercises such as fieldwork, diving, and obedience. Scent games and hunting also prove exciting. It also helps them establish crucial traits such as teamwork and respect. At this point, your Golden retriever has overcome a difficult stage, and their well-mannered behavior becomes established. But keep in mind that another fear stage might occur. They are nearing 18 months and are closer to two years of age. You might find that their rebellious tendencies are diminishing. Female Golden retrievers might enter 1 to 2 heat cycles. Once they reach 12 to 24 months, they will need adjustments in their nutrition. Their caloric intake will depend on their growth and physical activity levels. Goldens are born athletes and must be slim and lanky their entire life. Adult female goldens should be in the range of 55 to 65 pounds while male Golden should be in the range of 65 to 75 pounds. Mature Goldens at 18 to 24 Months Training Training at this point should be well ingrained in your Golden. It helps if you were to provide activities that are fun and enjoyable. Growth Milestones Once they reach two years of age, the Golden will have reached the final phase of growing. But male Goldens will need another year to finish their full physical maturation, especially the development of their head and facial structure. In this stage, males and females should be neutered and spayed if you have no intention to breed them. Making sure your Golden meets the breed standard of weight can be a challenging task. Teenage Goldens require higher numbers of calories. But as their calorie needs peak, there might be changes in their body, especially if they have undergone sterilization. Weight control becomes a challenge. Their physical activity needs should be met. Goldens have athletic requirements similar to an Olympic athlete. The temperament and traits of the Golden come into full bloom at this point. It may be only nascent at the previous stages, but now it is fully manifesting. Purpose of training Keep in mind that their physical and emotional development is fully complete. The owner must take advantage of this period and build a strong training and foundation with their Golden. If you invest time and effort in the first two years of your Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, you will have the perfect dog of your dreams that will be your companion for life. Ideally, you should help them grow slowly. There are plenty of dangers associated with a dog growing too fast. Risks include bone diseases and arthritis. These conditions are even more prevalent in large breeds such as Golden retrievers. Overfeeding with low quality food results in growing too fast. When you examine ingredients on dog food labels, the first ingredient should be an animal protein source. If you find that your puppy is gaining weight, make sure to cut down the calories you give them. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Make sure your dog is within the weight range of the stage they are in. Managing their food intake and activity levels keep them healthy and fit. Final Thoughts You must know the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages so you can meet their needs and requirements. It is crucial to monitor not only the health of your developing puppy but also their training. Puppyhood is the time to instill good behavior to have the perfect dog companion that obeys your household rules and commands. When you invest time and effort in training and interacting with your Golden, it creates the huge potential that they might just become your ultimate friend. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! But how long will your bundle of fur stay a puppy? Puppy which begins at birth and continues until the end of rapid growth, generally lasts between months depending on the breed of the dog. Puppies have a sensitive period for socialization which runs roughly between three weeks and three months. Below are some things to consider for safety, nutrition, socialization and training: Purchase books and videos by professional positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorist. Puppy proof your home- keep electrical cords safely away from chewing, toxic materials should be stored in a safe place including medications and plants. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew items, toys and games. Supervise your puppy at all times or make sure they are in a safe pen or crate area no free roaming without supervision. Safety: Crate training, on leash, fenced yards, transportation safety restraint, temperature in cars, no riding in open truck or with windows wide open. Consult your veterinarian for approval and get your puppy started in a puppy class at weeks. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class. This is something that your puppy class will help with if they have supervised play time with other puppies. If you have a well-mannered older dog, they may help you in teaching your puppy or young dog proper etiquette. Puppies will often follow and mimic older dogs behaviors. Enjoy, love and be kind to your puppy at all times. Young Adult starts when the puppy stage ends, and young dogs go through a period where they are still maturing both socially and physically. This stage usually lasts to about years of age. If your dog has behavioral issues fear of loud noises, aggression, separation anxiety, food guarding, excessive barking, etc. Some dogs may not enjoy being petted or made over by lots of new people in a structured setting, but they would be outstanding in nose work or dock diving. Dogs burn energy three ways; with their paws, brain and mouth. Mature Adult stage continues for the next quarter of their expected lifespan. At this time, you and your dog have a routine and they are well trained and happy. Below are some suggestions and signs you should look for as your dog matures: Continue to keep your dog active in physical and mentally stimulating activities that are suitable for their age. Make sure they are still getting social interaction with people, animals and new environments. Behavior changes can be due to medical problems and not out of spite. If a potty-trained dog starts urinating in the house, it may be a sign that there is an underlying medical problem that should be examined by a veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you have concerns. Seniors are in the last quarter of their life. This is a time that you may need to alter things in your home so that your dog can easily get around and be supported properly. Non-skid rugs or mats, harnesses, doggie boots, ramps, and orthopedic beds may be needed at this time. Senior dogs can still enjoy walks, car rides and fun activities; being with you is their greatest desire. Moderate activity, nutrition and frequent health examinations are key to keeping your best friend happy, healthy and enriched in their golden years. Below are some geriatric symptoms to be aware of: Weakness, lethargy. Optional equipment include muzzles, indoor gate, training books, dog whistle, targets, and potty bells. Only begin the training when the puppy is at least 8 weeks old. Studies show that starting earlier than that could result in behavioral issues later on, primarily because you are prematurely separating the puppy from their parents and siblings. Once you have confirmed that the age is right, start to seriously connect with your golden. Build trust and help them to develop obedience skills, both of which are solid foundations for successful training. Growth Milestones Your golden will already be active and playful at this point, so start to expose them to activities where they can burn off their energy. Attention span at this time is short, but they can communicate well. Mostly they will bark, whine, or growl. Take time to understand how your pup communicates. Specifically, analyze the sounds and body language. Your dog will go through a fear phase as well, where loud sounds could make them act up. It could be a thunderstorm, shouts from people, fireworks, etc. Even unexpected movements could create fear. Purpose Early-stage training builds a solid foundation with regard to rules, schedules, expectations, and routines to be followed at home. Training At this age, it would be best to focus on only behavioral training. You can start crate training as soon as your pup is about 8 weeks old or thereabouts. The truth is, you will have to crate your dog at some point in their lives. You can also use it to house train your puppy, stop destructive chewing, nurture chew toy habits, stop problematic behaviors … the list goes on. Just make sure you choose the best model for your golden retriever, specifically a spacious one that will still be able to accomodate them as they grow into adults. Overcoming Fears The best way to help your dog face and beat their fears is to first take them to puppy classes. Group-based training will help you identify and manage the fears that cause your pup to misbehave. Expose them to loud sounds and unexpected movements, and also teach them coping skills. Socialization Socialization should be done in the first three months. Your goal should be to make sure the pup reacts positively to other dogs, people of all ages and sizes, different situations, and everything else they will encounter throughout their life. Provided you do this well, the outcome is going to be a confident, happy golden free from psychological disorders. Socialization will shape their personality, plus it hugely influences how a dog is going to interact and relate with its surroundings. Leash training will definitely be a part of this socialization, so go ahead and get your pup used to walking on a leash and wearing a harness or collar. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males.