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For dogs under the age of 7 years, visit your vet every year. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat your dog for parasites and worms. Dogs that are over the age of 7 years should visit the vet every 6 months. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat for parasites and worms. Responsible dog owners get their pets vaccinated regularly, wormed, and treated for parasites such as fleas. Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost. One of the health problems that toy poodles are prone to in later life is diabetes mellitus sugar diabetes. The hormones associated with estrous heat in the female can trigger diabetes. Therefore, it is wise to get your female toy poodle spayed. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Small but resilient, toy poodles often live well into double figures. They do however tend to suffer from health issues as they age. Diabetes, poor teeth and heart disease are most common. These issues, once identified, can often be managed in order to help your pet live a long and active life. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. Some Final Words After you decide on a toy poodle and the gender, you still have to decide on the type of food you will feed him or her. Plus, you have to learn how much to feed your little puppy. Once you make all the decisions, the rest should be easy. To learn how to feed your toy poodle and what food you should use, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that your little fell or gal will be healthy for years to come. Take a few minutes to see how important this information is. You do not want to feed too much to your little pet. It is easy for a dog to gain weight and become too fat. Then you have the difficult task of getting them to slim down. That may be harder than it is for you to stick to a diet. You can feed them a little less if you want to but not too much less. Their growing bodies need the nourishment of nutritious dog food. Many dogs may whine if they are only fed once a day and the reason for that is that they are probably hungry. However, you do not want to serve them large meals each time you feed them. Split the amount up over the number of times they eat so that they get the same amount of food. Also, you may give more food if your dog is a little more active than average. While you do not want to over-feed your pet, you also do not want to underfeed them either. For the most part, this will be up to you. Many people like to feed their dogs only once a day. But if their day is active, your pet may be hungry again in the evening or at night. It is not cruel to feed a dog once a day but if your pet is hungry, you should make allowances in the schedule to make sure they are getting their full nourishment share each day. To add a little variety to their diet, you can mix in some human food. The type of human food you give your toy poodle should be healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. For specific foods to share with him or her, talk to your vet. A lot of times, poodles and other dogs will decide which human food they like. While some people recommend up to three times a day, there is a risk of over-feeding your pet and giving them too much food. Of course, if your pet is very active, then you may give them some extra meals or snacks but not too much. The risk of over-feeding your poodle is great and your treasured friend may develop different diseases if you overdo the feeding portion of their day. There are some foods that your pet should not or cannot eat. Some of those food items are chocolate, xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts, raisins, or drink alcohol. While these items may make your dog beg for some, resist their puppy dog eyes, and say no. Every dog owner and vet have their own personal favorites. You can choose any one of the top brands on the market today be wary of the cheap off-brand varieties. Those cheaper foods may fit your budget, but they are not as healthy as the top brands are. They do not have the very best or healthiest ingredients in them. Some Final Words Feeding your pet is a bit of trial and error. With every dog being different, you have to find the right amount of food and the right number of feeding times for your dog. Make food adjustments as you monitor their weight and their growth. Taking care of your pet means making sure they are getting the proper diet and exercise as well as the right amount of food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As your Toy Poodle puppy is maturing and growing, it is crucial to provide it with the proper diet and our Toy Poodle feeding chart will help you. This comprehensive manual is packed with advice that will assist you in providing appropriate portions. Provide a healthy and well-balanced diet tailored to the specific requirements of your Toy Poodle puppy. Until they are six months old, Toy Poodle puppies should eat three or four small meals a day. The six-month mark marks the time when you should begin reducing their daily intake to two meals. Toy Poodle Feeding Chart RER is the amount of energy a Toy Poodle puppy needs at rest to keep their vital organs working, including their respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Hence, your Toy Poodle puppy would require about calories per day in order to keep its body running normally while at rest. You should talk to your vet about how much food and how many calories your Toy Poodle puppy needs. Begin feeding your dog wet puppy chow and other solid foods around week 5. Have patience as your dog undergoes the transition to a new diet. Provide quarter cup of food at each of three to four meals a day. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, and transition your puppy to a dry kibble diet. Keep an eye out for signs of diarrhea and make sure they have plenty of water. Provide plenty water and keep an eye out for symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. It may be beneficial to eat only twice or three times a day instead of six or seven times a day. Maintain a steady supply of fresh water and watch for signs of diarrhea or weight gain. Toy Poodle puppies require a high-quality meal that has been developed just for them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bloating, gas, or constipation. You should start transitioning your Toy Poodle to an adult diet as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for any signs of bloating, gas, or an allergy. Never stop providing a healthy, age-appropriate diet and plenty of fresh water. Maintain a healthy, age-appropriate diet while keeping an eye out for tummy troubles, allergies, or excess weight gain. Toy Poodles are prone to being overweight, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed them. You should feed them twice a day, each time with about a half cup to three quarters of a cup of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on indicators of gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, or weight gain. High-quality protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a healthy diet. A 4-pound Toy Poodle puppy would need roughly calories per day, or calories per pound of body weight. Their calorie requirements will rise as they get taller. Try to eat meat, fish, and eggs as protein sources. Puppies need DHA and other essential fatty acids for proper brain and eye development. Before they reach about six months of age, Toy Poodle puppies should be fed three to four small meals every day. Take into account their age, and degree of activity when determining the appropriate portion size for their meals. To find out how much food your puppy should be eating, talk to your vet. You should also provide your puppy access to clean water at all times and steer clear of feeding it any human food or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight or nutritionally deficient. Kibble vs Wet Food For Toy Poodle Puppies Puppy kibble and wet food are both good options for feeding your toy poodle, but they are not identical. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and it helps maintain dental health by stimulating jaw movement and cleaning teeth. Nevertheless, puppies of the toy poodle breed may have trouble chewing and digesting this food if they have dental problems or a sensitive stomach. Conversely, wet food may be more appealing to fussy eaters because of its quicker digestion and higher moisture content. More moisture is provided, which is great for toy poodles because they often become dehydrated. It can get pricey and go bad rapidly if left out for too long. Toy poodle puppies can do well on either dry kibble or wet food, or a mix of the two, but the best option will ultimately depend on your dog and his or her preferences and dietary needs. The changeover is expected to take around a week. As the puppy becomes older, they can transition to adult food by eating a combination of the two, with the amount of adult food increasing as the puppy food decreases. You should also be sure to provide your toy poodle with high-quality adult dog food. There are a number of potential causes if your Toy Poodle puppy is not eating. Puppies often lose their appetite at times of rapid development, teething, or stress. But, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, you should take him to the vet to rule out any serious health problems. If your dog is picky eater, consider breaking up their meals into several smaller servings and giving them more often. You may also try moistening their kibble with warm water or chicken broth. You should also make sure your puppy gets lots of activity and drinks plenty of water. Toy poodle puppies, should not be freefed, or let to graze on food left out all day. Puppies have special dietary demands that must be met in order to guarantee they grow and develop normally. Overeating, obesity, and behavioral issues including food guarding and hostility are all possible outcomes of a freefeeding regime. Providing your toy poodle puppy with measured meals at set times throughout the day is advised. This will control their eating habits and make sure they have enough to eat to be healthy. This dry dog food is made for developing puppies who like smaller kibble. DHA from fish oil promotes brain, vision, and learning health. An antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix also boosts immunity. Pros DHA from fish oil for brain and eyes Healthy immune system form antioxidant and vitamin E and C No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Comprehensive and Balanced Nutrition 2. For If you have a small-breed puppy like the Toy Poodle, this is the perfect supper for them. This dry dog food is designed for your growing small-breed pup. The first ingredient, farm-raised chicken, delivers quality protein to help your little companion grow strong muscles. It contains 22 essential nutrients, including omega-3 DHA, which improves cognition and makes your pup smarter and more trainable. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Depending on age, poodles may require different levels of calories, protein, and other nutrients. Also, there are a variety of different types of dog food formulated for puppies and adult dogs. Therefore, feeding amounts may also vary based on life stage, lifestyle, size, and body condition. Toy poodle puppies need a lot of protein for their muscles, calcium for their bones, and calories for growth. How much to feed a toy poodle puppy is what we want to guide you on in this article. Too little or too much of any nutrients can harm your puppy. Maintain a good weight Sometimes, all you need to do is serve your toy poodle puppy with just the amount of food he needs. That is how you maintain a good weight for the puppy. When the pups are very young, they rarely get too thin or too fat. At this stage, they usually eat what they need, not more, not less, as long as the food is available. How to determine how much food to give to the puppy To determine how much to feed your toy poodle puppy, first find out the number of food calories the puppy needs for proper growth. Likewise, determine the amount of protein and calcium your puppy needs for proper muscle growth and bones to stay healthy. You should give any poodle under twelve months old dog food for puppies only. Be specific when choosing the right food. Make sure you take food that is labeled puppy food and is meant for toy dogs. The right frequency for feeding toy poodle puppies Puppies are often fed more than adult dogs because they still have small stomachs that can only accommodate small amounts of food, but that also need to be filled more frequently. Therefore, feed a toy poodle puppy small meals but regularly. The most preferred amount is four meals per day until the puppy is three months old. After that, feed your toy poodle puppy three meals daily until he turns six months old. Finally, give him two meals daily from when he is six months through adulthood. What to serve your puppy and how to do it Commercially dry kibble is one of the most popular options for toy poodle puppies. Besides being reasonably priced, it contains balanced nutrition for the puppies. Also, kibble is convenient and good for the little and delicate teeth. You can add a little warm water to the food to make it easy to eat and moisturize it. Also, you can add a little canned food to whatever food you are serving for extra flavor and nutrition. Another convenient feeding option is wet food. Canned food is majorly wet food and is digestible. Many of them are full of balanced nutrition. Give your puppy more wet nutritious food if he needs better hydration or has a problem with his teeth. Canned food usually contains 75 percent moisture, which is a lot more than the 6 to 10 percent for dry food. Final Verdict By now, you should know how much and how often you should feed a toy poodle puppy. It is a skill that, when learned, you can be an excellent owner or breeder. That is why you should take this information seriously. With the right amount of food every day, your toy poodle puppy will be strong, healthy, and growing appropriately. Related Posts. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. 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. Share Us. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? 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About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. She has a loose curly fleece coat and will be 50lbs full grown. Marion has a medium energy level. Marion is a sweet girl that loves people and toys. She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go to her bed on command. She has also been well socialized and is doing well on her house-training schedule. She has a wavy fleece coat and will be around 50lbs full grown. Jolie has a playful medium energy level. She loves to play, be with her people, and cuddle! She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash and go in her bed on command. She has also been well socialized and is doing well on her house training schedule. She has a wavy fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Lily has a playful energy level. She absolutely loves toys and is very confident. She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go in her bed on command. He has a wavy fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. He has completed his Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go in his bed on command. He has also been well socialized and is doing well on his house-training schedule. Molly has a playful medium energy and loves to explore. She is fun, loves treats, and is a good worker. She has a curly fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Olive has a medium energy and is very confident. She is explorative, loves people, and sweet. He has a curly fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Dude has a medium-lower energy. He is a pleasing boy that loves toys, to cuddle, and is very sweet. Gus has a medium energy. He is very playful, loves treats and toys. Posie has a medium, playful energy. She is playful, fun, and a best friend type of puppy. Reese has a medium, playful energy. She is a sporty girl that absolutely loves toys. Pebbles has a medium energy. She is gentle, sweet, and loves people. Charm has a medium energy. She loves to cuddle and be in your lap. She would make an excellent emotional support puppy. Cheerio has a playful medium energy. She is sporty, outgoing, and playful. Raisin has a playful medium energy. She is a good worker, gentle, sweet, and loves to cuddle. Froot has a medium energy. She is a good worker, gentle, loving, and loves toys. Toast has a medium energy. He is a cuddly, loves people, and loves toys. Graham has a medium energy. He is very sweet, gentle, and would make a great emotional support puppy. He is medium size approx 30 to 35lbs , with a loose curl non shedding silky soft fleece coat. He is dark chocolate colored He is a laid back and very sweet, he is a goofy boy. He is a fun loving comical young dog, he will have you laughing. He is doing very well with his puppy training and eager to please. He would make a great family companion in any household. He is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. He is good for the groomer and up to date on all puppy care. We do not leave him unattended in our home as he is still a puppy. He will need redirecting in his new home as he has only know our home our family and friends, this will take about a week or two. Her parents are Charlie and Hero. She is a very happy go lucky little girl, with a loving personality. She is well socialized and she is good with children. Buttons is doing well with puppy training and she is eager to please which has made her easy to train. She is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. She sits, comes when called and we are working on the leash. She is very easy to groom and up to date on all shots and puppy care. We do not leave her unattended in our home as she is still much a puppy. She will need redirecting in her new home as she has only know our home our family and friends, this will take about a week or two. She can be spayed at 8 month. He is standard size approx 50 to 60lbs , with a wavy curl non shedding fleece coat and he is beautiful blue merle color. He has a very laid back disposition and a goofy but sweet personality. He is doing well with his puppy training and eager to please. She is a mini to small medium size approx 25lbs , with a loose curl non shedding fleece coat. She is a chocolate merle with a white chest,one green eye and one blue eye. Blossom is a happy playful little girl with comical personality. She loves playing in the water and she is a very social with everyone she meets. She is very smart and eager to learn which has made her easy to train. Blossom is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. She does very well for the groomer and she is easy to bathe. She comes when called sits and she is walking on a harness and leash. She is also doing well in our home however I do not leave her unattended in our home as she is still a puppy. Blossom is up-to-date on all shots and worming and she can be spayed at 8 months of age. He is medium size approx 35 to 40lbs , with a curly non shedding coat. He is a red phantom with a with white on his chest. He is a very laid back little lover boy. He is medium size 35 to 40 lbs with a curly non shedding coat. Cyress is doing well with his puppy training, eager to please. He would make a great therapy companion. He is good for the groomer and eager to please. Why choose an older puppy? We have raised these puppies in our home from birth and are much further in their development. Depending on the age, they may already be crate trained, doing well with potty training, basic puppy training, etc. They are very well socialized with other dogs and lots of people. Many bad habits that puppies form from age eight weeks on will be avoided, such as chewing, barking, jumping on you, etc. Why do we have these puppies? Often times they are breeding prospects held back as potentials and then released. A few are selected to be raised into older puppies for people wishing for a puppy that has started training as a family member or as therapy and service companions. Older dogs available: Why choose an adult dog? Trained, loving dogs! Why do we have adult dogs available? These dogs are awesome! Raised by a family or us in their home as a guardian family. Additionally, we are committed to a lifetime of support for our dogs and their families. Please fill out our online puppy application if you are interested in one of our puppies. To adopt a puppy, please fill out our online application ; no deposit is required until your application has been reviewed and approved. These puppies are priced according to their age and level of training. All older puppies are in excellent health and will be spayed or neutered according to age. Our puppies have a 3-year health guarantee and are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, worming, grooming, and a flea treatment. You may qualify for guardianship. There are often older dogs and puppies available in our guardian program. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles Older Puppies and Adult Labradoodles This page is for older puppies that are house trained already and started with basic training. We do also have the occasional adult dog that needs a new home. If you are wanting a dog but are NOT wanting the puppy stages and potty training, then this may be a good option for you. Lacey is a sweet natured and fun dog wanting to be adopted into a family of her own. She was mainly raised during covid lockdowns, so she is friendly with people but a bit reserved about meeting new people, which she overcomes when given a few minutes and a few treats! Lacey will suit a family with older kids, or a retired couple who would love to have a four footed buddy for going on walks or exploring the beaches etc. She does have an allergy to chicken but is fine with all other proteins we have tried, so we just avoid feeding her chicken and she does great. Turkey is fine as is fish and red meats. Please feel welcome to give us a call at .Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles is a premium rated labradoodle breeder. All our labradoodles are fully health tested and our labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic guarantee against genetic health issues. Come fall in love with a labradoodle! Many times we have adults that we are thinking of retiring, to increase your chance of adopting one of our dogs please complete our adult application online FIRST and then send an e-mail. Please be specific about your interest in an adult. Provide as much information as possible about your lifestyle and family. Please specify why you feel an adult is best for your family vs a puppy. When these dogs retire from our programs they stay with these families. It is very rare for a dog to be returned to be re -homed, I have personally had only 2 in 17 years. When our dogs that live with us retire from our program they will be fully tested and in an age range of years old. They are priced based on age, training and health testing. We would almost never have any dogs available that would be 6 mo -3 years of age. Watch our website we will post adults in advance of being available so that we can make the best possible match. With a reservation we will keep a puppy for additional training, and taylor the training to your specific situation. Additional fees will apply.

Puppies are limited AKC registration, which means they are adopted as beloved pets and not for breeding purposes. You must specify if you would like to adopt a male or a female. Once the deposit is received you will be added to the adoption reservation list. We will follow up with a confirmation text. You will be notified once our precious puppies have arrived!! Usually "pick outs" are scheduled once the puppies are between 5 to 6 weeks of age. Thank you for your understanding. Time to Go Home! Please make sure you are prepared for your precious new arrival!! Puppies like toddlers need a childproof home! At 8 weeks of age, your precious bundle of joy is able to go home with you! At this time the balance in the form of cash is due. We will take as much time as needed to answer all of your questions and to make the transition from our home to your home as easy and comfortable as possible! Every Puppy goes home current and up to date on Shots and Wormings. Puppies will have been Well Socialized! We will have started the crate training process of your precious new puppy. No problem!!!! We understand!!! Feel free to call or text us with any questions or concerns that you have. We are glad to help out!!! Thank you for visiting our little website!! The "Golden Retriever Buddies" Family! Nice easy website to navigate and look at golden retrievers Tyler Stokes 2 years ago Angela is the most caring breeder I have ever met! She was super friendly throughout the entire experience. Angie was wonderful to work with, knowledgeable, and just an all-around exceptional breeder. I got my puppy last Saturday and she has been such a delight in my life and is a great work from home buddy! Golden Retriever Buddies was professional, loving, and honestly the easier experience ever. Our little guy is beyond perfect. Thank you for giving us the perfect addition to our family!!! Sydney Murrell 2 years ago I reached out to Golden Retriever Buddies with a general inquiry on price, and Angie promptly responded back. I was impressed by the timeliness of the response, and the time she took to lay out the details of the process. She also was kind in expressing her condolences for our recent loss, the reason for my inquiry as we were looking for a new family member. Just from my initial interactions, I would recommend Angie and Golden Retriever Buddies to someone looking for a new pup! Mitch Monocchio 2 years ago Angie and Golden Retriever Buddies did an absolutely amazing job keeping me up to date with schedules, timing and everything in between. They were incredibly thorough in their follow-up as well as feeding, training, and vaccination schedules. I am so thankful i found them for the most important addition to the family! All of their puppies are adorable and perfectly healthy. Thank you so much! We connected with Angie about getting a golden retriever and she was so knowledgeable and gave us so much information to prepare us. My husband and I were first time puppy owners and she went out of her way to make us feel ready for this new chapter. Not to mention the puppies are perfect! We love our girl Juni and she is the perfect addition to our family. I feel everyone needs a golden buddy in their life! Thank you Angie for everything!! Lauren Stohlman 2 years ago Angie was wonderful to work with - very responsive and informative. We ended up getting our Golden Retriever puppy from another breeder only because the timing worked out better for us. Angie was able to find another owner for our sweet reserved puppy and she graciously gave us back our deposit without me even asking. Rachel Pan 2 years ago I want to start by saying that I did not end up getting a Golden Retriever puppy from them because my own circumstances changed. But they were such a pleasure to work with that I would recommend them to anyone interested in getting a Golden … Jeannette Cabahug 2 years ago We have been looking for the perfect addition to our family for the past year. We wanted to wait till our kids were old enough to be responsible to take care of a puppy but also be young enough to grow up with a little buddy. After searching for months we came across Golden Retriever Buddies and decided to message them. From the moment we got our first response till now it has only been the most pleasing and wonderful experience with Angie. She is so personable and very informative answering all the questions I had about their puppies. I know that ANY breeder could have cute and healthy puppies but speaking to other breeders, hands down Angie made the experience extraordinary. I felt like the other breeders seem to be more concerned about the business aspect of the process and Angie was more concerned about my family and putting a puppy in that perfect family. During the whole process up till now she has been in contact with us every step of the way. Whenever I contacted her with any questions she would respond in a timely manner and her responses were with pleasure and I didn't feel like I was bothering her like some other breeders I spoke to. I understand that this is a business transaction but also this is not a small feat, we are basically adopting another "child" to love and cherish. I definitely recommend Golden Retriever Buddies to anyone that wants a smooth and joyful experience from beginning to the end. G Flores 2 years ago Exceptional breeder! Angie is very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly! Her beautiful goldens are healthy, happy and loved!! She puts a lot of time and love into her puppies and it really shows. Her home and puppy area is very clean and sanitized. Golden Retriever Buddies is the best of the best!! We are very glad we found her! Courtney Cilman Angie was super responsive and helpful! After a close friend adopted a puppy from Angie, they were so impressed and because we were also searching for a high quality breeder. We visited Golden Retriever Buddies. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by Angie. In no time we saw the love, care and attention she gives these dogs, we knew we had found the best of the best. Ryan Fullarton 3 years ago Angie was the absolute best breeder to work with. The care she has for all of her pups and parents really shows in how happy and healthy our puppy is. She is willing to answer any questions and teach you how to best take care of your puppy. She was even extremely willing to work with me as I proposed on our puppy pickup date. Our little girl has been so healthy and happy that people are always asking us where we got her and I gladly tell them about Angie at Golden Retriever Buddies. The puppy we adopted from them a few years ago has been been a huge blessing to our family. Our Princess is not only beautiful on the outside but is just as beautiful on the inside! She has an adorable personality and has so much love in her heart. She continues to be very healthy as she comes from excellent bloodlines! I would definitely buy from them again! If you are looking for a top quality Golden Retriever puppy.RJ McCarthy 3 years ago We recently purchased a puppy from Golden Retriever Buddies and our experience with the owner Angela and our new puppy has been great. We visited a few breeders before deciding where to buy a puppy and it was an easy decision after … Nancy Chadwick Footsteps of Jesus 3 years ago Great breeder with excellent dogs. Very loving and clean environment! Laura Ackermann 3 years ago Angie was very easy to work with, and we are absolutely thrilled with our new puppy, Sadie Mae! We purchased from her for a number of reasons: 1. I liked what she says about her puppies on their website. They are a Christian family and God is good! Their puppies are exceptionally adorable! Angie responds quickly to inquiries, is reliable and easy to work with. Our puppy was obviously raised with lots of TLC and love! As far as she knows, there have been no health issues with any of their puppies. If we were to get another Golden puppy, we would absolutely purchase through Golden Retriever Buddies again. I am so in love with my girl! Angie was so organized and available for any questions I had. Angie loves when I text her with updates of my pup; it proves how much she cares for her dogs. I highly recommend this breeder. Angie was great to work with: quick to respond to texts, answered all of our questions, prepared us for taking our puppy home, and gave us lots of recommendations. She was also very flexible about setting up a time to come choose our puppy and to pick him up. The fact that she starts crate training with them is great because Colombo adapted to his crate at our home very quickly and was sleeping through the night within a week or so. We did a lot of research on breeders and paid close attention to who had ethical breeding practices, and Angie certainly does. She clearly shows the puppies a lot of love. We've sent her a few "pupdates" on Colombo, and she always seems happy to receive them. I definitely recommend reaching out to her if you're looking to purchase one. Jake Vitti 3 years ago Amazing breeder, Angie truly cares about every puppy from her litter, very transparent and will give you any advice or paperwork you need. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for amazing puppies Eric Valencia 3 years ago Definitely recommend Angie and the Golden Retriever Buddies Family. Super easy to work with very upfront about everything. Very helpful throughout the whole process and you can tell she cares about each individual puppy. Thank you for giving me a little bundle of joy, which let me tell you is very smart and loving thanks to Angie. We will continue to do the same. Dustin Cole 3 years ago Just picked up a golden here last night and she's really great. Highly recommend this breeder. Thank you! We got our puppy from you seven years ago and she is the absolute best dog we have ever had! You guys are awesome! Carmela 3 years ago Golden retriever buddies are the best of the best!! Dear sweet Angie.We were blessed with one of their puppies years ago and the whole experience was pure delight???????? Disney Image via Disney The virus took hold of the set rather quickly. It was February in British Columbia, the perfect time and place to film exterior winter shots, but an environment that only helped the illness spread faster. Production tried to prevent impending disaster, quarantining those infected, giving them IV drips in between scenes. But it was too late. The virus had already sunk its teeth into so many. Those who are acquainted with the movie, who know that the titular Buddies are the offspring of the golden retriever who broke the animal barrier and set state records for high school basketball and football in Air Bud and Air Bud: Golden Receiver, probably think fondly of Snow Buddies. But the behind the scenes story of the making of Snow Buddies is much darker than that, a tale of negligence and malfeasance in the thirst to expand profit margins and corner the dog movie market. Before Snow Buddies began filming in early , Keystone Productions purchased 25 golden retriever puppies from Alex and Suzana Schock, who ran a commercial breeder out of White Lake, N. Of the 30 dogs acquired by production five more had been bought from a Canadian breeder , 15 were on set. The other 15 had been showing signs of illness for about two weeks, and were being treated by local veterinarians. They were eventually diagnosed with giardia and coccidia, a parasitic disease common among young dogs. Movies are generally required to only use dogs eight weeks or older, primarily because of the health complications that can arise if a puppy is separated from its mother earlier than that. As many as six puppies fell ill to that particular virus. The production team behind Snow Buddies had, whether they realized it or not, basically fashioned their set into a death trap, and thrown a bunch of animals with underdeveloped immune systems into it. With so many already exposed, the 30 puppies were removed from the set. And then a bad situation got worse: three dogs were euthanized due to intestinal complications. The death total rose to five when two other puppies perished. The cancelation came one day after a horse named Real Awesome Jet was euthanized after an on-set accident. Though the show had been renewed for a second season immediately after it premiered, HBO had to change course. Disney would do no such thing with Snow Buddies. Having shipped away the first group of puppies—sick, but still living—production hired 28 new golden retrievers, who were all subsequently exposed to parvovirus. Finally, filming was temporarily suspended. But the controversy surrounding the movie was far from dying down. PETA reportedly received no response. There was plenty of finger-pointing when it came to determining a culprit for these dog deaths. Keystone, and even AHA, placed blame on the breeders, who were actually accused of falsifying dog documents. Even at the time, the puppy-killing virus that swept through the Snow Buddies set barely registered. Since then, five other Buddies movies have been made. Fortunately, those subsequent productions managed to not kill any dogs.

Visit our instagram page or send us a message through facebook, instagram, or text. If you don't find the puppy you're looking for in our Available Puppies section, please contact us. We might have some younger or newborn babies with the traits you want! Our prices are shown as Pet prices family dog and companion pet , but if you're a breeder and you want to add one of our puppies to your program we also offer full breeding rights AKC registration. However, depending on age, some puppies may need vaccine reinforcements after purchase and delivery. Buyers are also responsible for providing the rabies vaccine, which must be administered at 5 months of age. Deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another available puppy of your choosing if you change your mind. Be aware that some apps have a daily limit and we will need the entire payment before you can keep the puppy. All sales are final. For Texas-based dog lovers, we can meet halfway depending on your location. If you are out of state we offer airport pickups or nanny service for full delivery. We can always arrange transport to help you get your perfect puppy anywhere you are. Contact us by phone, message, Facebook, Social Media or email. All social media is linked below! Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. Are you interested in purchasing a French Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. 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? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Adoptable Animals Thank you for choosing adoption! If you're interested in one of our adoptable animals listed below, you can speed up the adoption process by filling out an online adoption questionnaire. Once submitted, the online application will be emailed to our adoption office. Paper applications are available at the adoption office. If you have any questions, stop by our facility, email us , or give us a call at .If you are looking for your lost pet, click here. Step 1 View available pets online under "Adoptable Animals. If the location or bio of the pet you are interested in says "foster," it is not at the shelter, so please email foster sanmarcostx. Step 2 Come by the shelter during our open hours, call , or email animaladoptions sanmarcostx. Before heading to the shelter, please check online to verify your top picks are still available. If they are not, we can still help find what you're looking for. Adopters need to show a valid, Government-Issued I. Adopters will have a conversation with our adoption counselors and volunteers regarding the best pet options for you. While there is nothing that prohibits pets being kept primarily outdoors, you must have proper fencing and outside housing ready for your pet to keep it protected from the heat and inclement weather. Pets are almost always happier inside with their family. Renters should confirm pet policies with their landlord or property manager. If a pet is returned because the landlord would not allow it, the adoption fee will not be refunded. We have answers. All you need to do is take a look at the gorgeous San Antonio French Bulldogs for sale on our site, plus expand your search to cover other areas of the US if you like. If you see a puppy you like the look of, simply connect with the business posting the add and take it from there. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The French Bulldog puppies for sale San Antonio on Uptown are tiny little dogs with big personalities. These little dogs are a little bit silly, a lot affectionate, and masters at getting their owners to obey their every bark! French Bulldog puppies San Antonio are descended from the larger English Bulldog, but these days Frenchies are way more popular! Why are French Bulldogs expensive? French Bulldog breeders in San Antonio and anywhere else need to include a few extra steps in their breeding programs compared to most other breeds. The small pelvis of a Frenchie means that firstly, thay have to be artificially inseminated and secondly, puppies must be born by C-section. The higher price of Frenchie puppies compared to other breeds is down to these extra expenses that French Bulldog breeders San Antonio have to cover. Can I meet my puppy before I buy them? How do you deal with transparency of breeders of French Bulldogs for sale in San Antonio? We check that each business with French Bulldogs for sale San Antonio meets our high standards. How do I know my puppy will be healthy? The companies we work with are fully committed to taking care of their puppies' health. That means each pup will have a full veterinary examination, from their sweet nose to the tip of their tail, and you can get copies of their results. Of course, we always recommend taking your puppy for a checkup with your local veterinarian once you welcome them home. Do you recommend a specific type of food for French Bulldogs? Some pups may need a diet formulation, others will be just fine with a standard, high-quality brand. Do you sell cheap puppies? None of the companies in our network set out to produce cheap puppies. How much exercise does a French Bulldog need? Between 20 to 30 minutes exercise per day will be enough for these little pups. The flat face of Frenchies means they can have trouble breathing in hot or humid weather, so shorter walks and more time in a cool space is required in summer. Is the French Bulldog a good family dog? Each French Bulldog for sale San Antonio is waiting to find their forever family. These affectionate pups love plenty of cuddles, and to be involved in every adventure their family takes. However, no dog is perfect! Of course! She is comical, lively, and she thrives on human companionship. Minimal exercise needs and a low barking tendency make her perfect for apartment living. The breed has flourished as an adored companion eversince. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your French Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to French Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in French Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for French Bulldogs. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections French Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in French Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your French Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Intervertebral disc disease. Note how the cushion of the disc materal has extruded and puts pressure on the spinal nerves. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even drag his back feet or be suddenly paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. As with so many other diseases, weight control helps to prevent this problem. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in French Bulldogs in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older French Bulldogs. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Notice how the lower lid curls in towards the surface of the eye to cause irritation. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your French Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Because your Frenchie has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea the protective covering on the eyeball are the most common injuries. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Call us right away if he has any problems with his eyes. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Spinal Deformities French Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Narrow nostril openings make breathing air in more challenging. Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your French Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and French Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! It affects French Bulldogs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. A microscopic image of a Demodex mite. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Skin Infections Your French Bulldog is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria and yeast can readily gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog. We will examine him for this problem, but let us know if you see signs. When symptoms are severe, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed. Taking Care of Your French Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Frenchie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Check her facial wrinkles and eyes often. Her droopy skin and eyes can collect debris. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your French Bulldog needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your French Bulldog counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process. Reesie came into the care due to being discarded from a local puppy mill. Reesie is very active, happy, and a loveable puppy. She will bring much love into the household. Reesie is exactly what you would expect from a Goldendoodle puppy, she is adorably goofy, friendly, super playful, and so sweet. Reesie has three modes: asleep, awake but cute and cuddly, and pure playful puppy! Doodles are mixed breed dogs and therefore exhibit a spectrum of behaviours that are present in the breeds of their parents, however there are some behavioural characteristics that are very common that people should make note of. First, Doodles have a tendency to be very social dogs that do much better with their people around and engaged with them more than not. A Doodle that is left alone for long periods of time regularly can develop depression, anxiety, become obsessive about certain activities and these can result in other destructive behaviours. Doodles also have a tendency to be high energy dogs that need an abundance of mental and physical exercise, especially as they are growing into adulthood. These are not couch potato dogs that are content with a few short walks a day. If you have a more laid back lifestyle and are a homebody, a Doodle will NOT likely be a great match for you. They are very intelligent dogs who like to work, so taking them beyond basic training is highly recommended to help them live their best life. They like to push boundaries and challenge you and many Doodle owners have claimed their dogs are always two to three steps ahead of them! I would like to make very clear here that Reesie is NOT hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dogs and expecting to do this without sneezing you are out of luck! She will not be a suitable dog for allergy sufferers, sorry! Reesie also requires regular brushing as his fur will easily mat up if not kept up. Regular trips to the groomer to keep her nicely trimmed will also be required. There is quite a bit of upkeep with this coat type and it can become a huge mess quickly so the time and energy to keep up this type of coat will have to be taken into consideration as well. This is quite the undertaking and not something everyone wants to take on or has the time or desire to do. If you have the time and will to take on a big commitment, then Reesie just might be the right girl for you. Reesie is a very smart dog and a quick learner, she is doing a fantastic job with house training, sleeping in her crate at night and has the basic commands under her. Though she is very young she has caught on to going to the door when she needs to go potty. She loves knowing she will get a treat after. Her new humans will need to stay on top of her housetraining so she can continue with her progress. She is not very happy with her crate time during the daytime, we work on this daily and are finding that a routine is the way to go with her. Her picking up on training is going very well, she knows the commands, come, sit, down, paw. Consistent work is need on commands, so her new humans will need to dedicate time for this many times throughout the day. She can be left alone for short periods, as she does have separation anxiety. We are working with her on this daily so that when she is ready to leave to go to her forever home she will be better. She does have, and likes her night routine, getting some quite cuddle time before hand. She can sleep 6 hours through the night, as long as she does her duty right before bed. You will need to be patience with her not wanting to be in a crate especially during the day. She just wants to be with her people so much and with her energy level for her to have to hold that in for long is just not fair to her. With the energy Reesie has and the amounts she runs around now as a pup, a large yard would be important. I can see playing fetch will be a big part of her life and she would love to be able to do this in her own yard. As well will be a great helper with any yard work, or just lazing around with a toy or bone. If she does not get outside enough she will be like a toddler in the house and grab anything just to keep busy, will definitely keep you on your toes. If you try to be stern with her she looks at you with those big loving eyes that melt your heart, so you will need to be a strong leader. You will realize very quickly why the proper exercise will be a must. Reesie will require her people to be very active and athletic as she is going to need a good amount of fast paced exercise as she matures into an adult dog. She is not a dog that will be content with simple walks, this is a dog that requires running, hiking, dog sports etc in order to be sated. She needs this daily outlet of physical activity in order to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Reesie could happily go to a home with children age 8 or older. That being said Reesie would make a fantastic companion for a family with older children as she is lots of fun and has a wonderful playful energy. Reesie is in a home with two foster siblings, that she is smitten with. She would do well in a home that has another playful dog that is male. She is a very confident female pup and will not enjoy sharing her home space with another female dog; there can only be one queen in the palace!! She is still learning her boundaries and is growing fast so a dog that will be a larger dog like her when she is fully grown is best, one that can handle a spunky pup bothering them. Her forever family will need to be confident with a large adult goofball of a dog. Reesie LOVES making her humans happy and loves being praised, will sit in front of you with a hug smile. She has conquered the come, sit, lay down commands. While working on her commands daily, we will also introduce a new command every second day, she is now working on shake and pretty sit. Out of all the puppies we have fostered I have not seen one react so fast and be so proud as Reesie when she is called. Even though she learns fast we want to remind potential adopters that she is very new to the world and so she needs guidance and support. She is a good puppy, but a puppy none the less and puppies are tiring and need constant support while they grow and navigate the world. Having previous puppy experience, or experience with a high energy dog would be a great asset for a potential adopter. Reesie likes going on walks with her foster siblings by her side and alone, but she is not fond of the leash attached to any of them. Periodically she will jump up and try to pull it. Her zig zagging is still going strong. We love taking out our puppy fosters on big adventures, so they are introduced to many things in the environment, like noises and objects. Once Reesie is older she will need a few long walks a day. She is fantastic on fetch, brings it right back to you for her next throw. If she gets the needed amount of exercise physical and mental she will be an outstanding girl. If she plays hard she will crash hard, which will be one of your favourite times with her as she loves to snuggle and cuddle. She will lay right on your lap, belly up and rubs will put her right to sleep. She is loving, goofy, and super sweet. She is clingy and curious and a companion animal through and through. We cannot wait to see Reesie in her forever home so that she can continue to give her whole heart to her people. Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog If you've been considering dog ownership, why not find out what it's really like with us before making that big commitment. That's why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially controlled environment. Or know someone who has? Many people who are bereaving find it very therapeutic coming to The GRE because they are reminded of the joys of having had their pet and receive the healing love and attention they've been missing. We're based in the quiet countryside of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills with a 10 minute walk to the beach. Makes a perfect Wedding Gift and we do Gift Certificates. You can book out our grounds dogs included of course for up to 6 hours of dog-filled fun. Enquire below. Additional Expertise and Accessibility Learning, Social and Behavioural Difficulties Additional Expertise and Accessibility We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients and children and adults with Down syndrome. The GRE is fully wheelchair accessible and we have ample parking for minibuses and coaches. We'd love to see all of you at The GRE but we don't accept walk-ins because we have a limited capacity, all bookings must be made in advance via the 'book now' button on our website. If you want to book, please press the 'book now' button on the bottom of your screen. Otherwise, fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we are not offering 3-hour sessions for Summer but please get in touch if you still have a 3-hour gift certificate to use. See our Privacy Notice A three-year-old German Shepherd in the care of Guide Dogs has given birth to an astounding 16 puppies in one litter. The puppies, now eight-weeks-old, were sired by golden retriever Trigger. Mum Unity with some of the 16 pups Image: Guide Dogs UK It is hoped these crossbreed puppies will have the loyalty and drive of a German Shepherd, and the friendliness and confidence of a golden retriever. Aesthetically, the puppies are dark with medium-length fur, and some have golden tinges dappled around their faces and bodies. A litter of 16 Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix puppies attend a health check-up at the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa Guide Dogs is proud to run the biggest and most ethical programme of working dogs in the world by meticulously health testing all of its breeding dogs who live with volunteers, so each puppy has the best start in a loving home environment. The next step for the puppies is to come into the Guide Dogs National Centre near Leamington Spa for one week before being individually placed with Puppy Trainers across the UK, as these 16 now have. The puppies will begin their guide dog training at between months old. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow DevonLive. Not house trained not fixed. Puppies will come with health record. Mom and Dad are on-site. Well acclimated to children and other animals. They have been vet checked, had their first vaccinations and have.Mother is a purebred Golden Retriever who is very friendly and love swimming. Father is a.Ready to go with 1st shots and.Are you ready to add a bundle of joy to your family? Look no further than our exquisite litter of Golden Retriever puppies! These lovable.Please text is if your interested in meeting them 2 puppies left. They've been raised around.Puppies are 10 weeks old. Got first vaccine shot and dewormed 2 times. Very playful and well.Call or text only. Friendly playful well tempered and seriously good.Mom and Dad are both purebred golden retrievers. Puppies were born august 9th, Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Both blonde and white coat available. Damn is English Cream, fully health tested including DNA thyroid, hips and elbows, echo cardiogram and.These pups are F1b and will be roughly lbs full grown. They will be vet checked, dewormed, and have first shots before they are.We have a sweet litter of Pure Tiny Yorkies Born on July 15th, consisting of 4 healthy babies 2 girls and

They cherish the company of children and are quite comfortable with other animals and pets, especially if you have trained them to grow up together. These dogs are fond of people and love to be around them, and hence, it is tough for them to cope with solitude. They need the company of the owners, and in return, expect their care and attention. With all these graces and goodness, they are perfect for first-time dog owners. This large breed is comfortable living in apartments, provided you help them meet their regular exercise needs. Care Exercise These active dogs have a high level of energy, which they can burn down by sufficient amount of exercise. They also love swimming. But be present with them when they do. Take your GL out for a long brisk walk or a jog at least once a day, for a minimum of 30 min. This should not merely keep it mentally sound and physically fit, but would also strengthen the bond between you and your companion dog. Your dog would also appreciate if you indulge it in some everyday games. If you have an open yard, it can simply roam around freely, which should also add to its fitness activities. But make sure your yard is fenced and safe where you can easily free it from the leash. Grooming Use a rubber curry brush to groom it. If your dog has already started losing hair, we recommend that, you brush it daily. Otherwise, only a weekly session sounds good. This should remove all its dead and loose hairs. To avoid ear infections, do not forget to rinse the inside of their ears when they come out of the water. Also, take care of their teeth by brushing them every week to keep away possible plaque buildups. Because of their hefty built and other associated genetic factors, they are prone to a few issues like elbow and hip dysplasias, PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy , diabetes, cataracts, and certain skin conditions that are especially prevalent amongst yellow labs including allergies, hotspots, dry skin, sun burns etc. Train it to socialize from a very young age, right after adoption. Let them know people and mingle with your children and other pets at home, and practice obedience. This should work. They would grow up to a happy dog without much anxiety and concern of its surroundings. Teach them tricks like retrieving, and enthuse them in agility games like flyball, Frisbee, etc. Do take the lead and let your dog follow you. But insist on sober and gentle training methods. Praise them as they succeed, give them treats, toys and gifts. However, if you choose dry dog foods, do stick to high-quality foods only, and those that are meant for the dogs of its size and energy. But divide the food into two equal meals. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

Loves to chase his tail and pesky flies, he is a soft-at-heart pup who has a Big character. A change in our circumstances unfortunately means we are unable to keep him although we would most dearly love to. A loving home for him is needed. He's had a health check from the vet and comes from healthy and well-tempered parents. Absolutely loves his food so will be able to train fully. He understands pointing to indicate a direction for him. House trained, microchipped and wormed. He is good at being protective over guarding the household and is not in the slightest territorial over food or toys. He will allow you to take a bone or food off him with ease. He loves to play ball more than anything, and loves walks, long grass, new scents, chewing on moon bones and chicken. This lovely pup needs a sizeable garden and ideally, someone who is used to similar breeds and has time to train him fully. He has great potential. He would be ideal for flyball. He can jump up - he is only a puppy so can be trained - and will certainly grow up into a big, handsome dog. He has excellent parentage. He is a stunning boy and whenever we go out always attracts compliments. A good choice if you're looking for a good-natured furry friend that will be your loyal companion and protector for years to come, He is very loveable characterful boy with a great personality and a goofy soul who just wants to play. Replies to msgs after 7pm .We are proud of our German Shepherd dogs and pride ourselves on the very high level of personal service and support that we provide to both GSD breeders and pet owners, especially valuable when you are mating German Shepherds for the first time. Visits for mating your German Shepherd can be arranged to take place at our premises or, alternatively, arrangements can be made for our German Shepherd stud to visit the bitch in most areas of the UK. Rehoming There are times, unfortunately, when a new home has to be found for one of our offspring. We are only too pleased to help out here as well. We show details of these dogs, together with pictures when they are available and we can put you in touch with the dogs present owner. Whether you are a Breeder, Pet Owner or just interested in German Shepherds, we hope you find our site helpful. If you need any more assistance or information, please contact us or leave a message - we love to hear from you. This section is updated constantly, so please check regularly if you are looking for a GSD puppy. In these pages, we list puppies that are ready now and litters available shortly. Puppies For Sale Important Announcement! Ovulation Testing See our new section on this topic, because it is important to correctly predict when your bitch is ovulating and ready for mating. Click here Our Litters and. Top German Shepherds off championship bloodlines Limerick German Shepherd Age: 3 months 1 Male, 1 Female We are delighted to offer for sale our beautiful, intelligent, well-bred German Shepherd puppies. Born just a few months ago, these alert pups are already showing signs of their brilliant lineage. We have two female and one male puppy, all boasting a striking black and tan coat. Their father, a jet-black German Shepherd with a unique white Mallon streak, is a brilliant guard dog. His lineage includes top protectors from Ireland, England, and Germany, with a sire sheet available for viewing. He also boasts a lineage of show dogs. The mother, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd, is not only intelligent but also a wonderful guard dog. She too comes from a champion show dog lineage. Both parents are our family pets and can be seen upon your visit. These puppies have been vet checked, wormed, and vaccinated. We are looking for good homes only, preferably with people who have experience with German Shepherds. Located in Limerick. Mother in last picture. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder, so read on for tips on how to make the best decision for you and your dog. Research: The first step in choosing a German shepherd breeder is to do your research. Once you have a list of potential breeders, narrow it down by doing more research on each one. Find out how long they have been breeding German shepherds, what their breeding practices are, and whether they have any health concerns with their dogs. Health Screenings: A good German shepherd breeder will have their dogs health screened before breeding them. This means that the parents of your puppy will have been checked for common health problems that can affect German shepherds. This is important because it helps to ensure that your puppy will be healthy and free of these conditions. Temperament Testing: A good German shepherd breeder will also temperament test their dogs before breeding them. This means that they will evaluate the dogs to make sure that they are good candidates for breeding. They will check things like how the dog responds to strangers, whether they are aggressive, and how well they socialize with other dogs. This is important because it helps to ensure that you will get a puppy with a good temperament. Ask For Reviews: Once you have found a few potential German shepherd breeders, ask for reviews from people who have purchased puppies from them. This can be an excellent way to get first-hand information about the breeder and their dogs. Visit Breeder Permises: After you have done your research and asked for reviews, it is time to visit the breeders in person. It is also a good opportunity to ask the breeder any questions that you may have. These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a German shepherd breeder in the UK. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect breeder for your new furry friend. If you know any great German Shepherd Breeders who live in UK, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in UK? It really helps others who are looking for German Shepherd puppies in UK. And we believe there are many but we thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If your friend and relative looking for a German Shepherd Puppies in the UK, you can share this post with them. Post navigation.

The third week in the puppies' lives marks a big shift here at Madcap - we're entering the puppies' critical socialization period, and now the real fun begins. Things are going to begin flying fast and furious at us as far as developmental periods and windows of opportunity go, and we're thankful that we mapped out a plan from the time we confirmed Pippi's pregnancy. The next nine weeks will be the most powerful ones in the puppies' lives and what we choose to do or not do during this period can completely change the outcome for their futures. Getting all the bases covered in a timely fashion and scheduling all the activities and visits the puppies will need is a much bigger job than most new breeders anticipate! Why do I call this a "race against nature? People often think there is something "wrong" with an aggressive or fearful dog, when in fact that's normal - you have to do some pretty strong interventions in the first 12 weeks of the puppy's life in order to shape the kind of dog you would want to live with. Why should this be so? We go into this in depth in Puppy Culture, but suffice it to say this is an adaptive evolutionary strategy tied to the mobility of the puppy. Puppies don't have the mobility to travel too far from the protection of their family before they are 8 weeks old, so it stands to reason they should trust everything they meet. By weeks old, they have the wherewithal to wander off and get into trouble - it's a very good thing, from a "survival in the wild" point of view, that they should mistrust and fear stuff they encounter at that point. Bobcats, high and unstable surfaces, bodies of water - the world is full of dangerous stuff. In the wild, fear of the unknown is an excellent adaptive strategy. It's not so good when your dog goes to your daughter's soccer game and perceives the bleachers as monsters and the other children as a threat.So it's a "race against nature" because the puppies' biological clocks are ticking and that window of opportunity is closing a little more each day. Contrary to what you might read on the internet, you don't have until four or five months to get this socialization work done - a great deal of the most important and irreplaceable socialization experiences should take place when the puppy is still with the breeder. Sure if important things were missed by the breeder, you can still try to make up for it later, but it's a long hard slog up a steep hill, and the hill gets steeper and steeper every day after 12 weeks old. Luigi Meatballs, soaking up the love with Sonya's mom, Linda. It would hardly be useful for this puppy to be afraid of things, because he really can't run away or defend himself. His evolutionary strategy is literally to be so cute and trusting that we immediately want to protect him. I know, I know, people will tell you that the socialization window is more flexible, but in my experience with touching hundreds and hundred of puppies, there is a vast difference between working with an 11 week old puppy and a 14 week old puppy. Your experience may be different, but that is mine. And that doesn't even take into account all the protocols that should have been done during early developmental periods - protocols which can never be done effectively at any later point in the puppy's life. There are windows of opportunity that close as early as five weeks old. I hate to sound like a broken record but that's why we made Puppy Culture - it's five plus hours on this topic so if you're interested in learning more, it's all in there. To that end, in this first week of the socialization period we begin inviting potential puppy owners over to meet us and help begin the socialization process. We also introduce at least one new toy, visual object, or experience to the puppies each day during this week. In practice, we usually are introducing several new things to the puppies each day, but we make a note of at least one new thing just to keep the record straight, because it's easy to get mixed up when you're so tired! Here are some of the puppies having a time with Tuesday's enrichment item - it's an awesome toy I picked up at Tractor Supply. I love it because it has a furry outside crinkly part, plus a squeaker and a bungee inside. It's important to take note that we take the enrichment items out of the whelping box after the puppies fall asleep. I don't believe in cluttering up up the puppies' environment with a lot of stuff that's going to get dirty anyway. They're learning how to walk now, so they need unobstructed space in which to move. Of course, as they get a few days older and move into their weaning pen, they will have toys and objects to play with all the time. New toys are great "novel" items - we buys them by the box full from Pet Edge. It's amazing how you can put three toys down, one of which is new, and the puppies will swarm to the new one. But something as basic as being taken out to walk on the living room rug for a minute is equally novel and good. OK, sometimes we leave the toys in when the scene is just too cute to break up.Most puppy toys are more for an 8 week old puppy than a three week old infant - Babies R Us has great tiny toys for infant puppies. Pricey, yes. If you have the time and stamina you can haunt baby consignment shops and find tiny toys there sometimes, too. Breeders tend to get "Gadget Envy" when it comes to enrichment items. Not to worry. But I want to put your mind at rest on this point - it's not rocket science, and many great enrichment items cost nothing and don't have to be fancy. Remember, these little lives have been on this earth for about 21 days - something as simple as a crinkly bag of baby wipes is like a trip to Paris for them. Yes, adding a potty box counts as a "new thing. Our puppies will meet four different families this week. Laurie is an old "virtual" friend whom I've know for almost a decade - so wonderful to finally meet her in person and possibly place a puppy with her! We can now check off the box next to "People With Tattoos and Cool Jewelry" on our socialization list. The aftermath. The puppies can hear now and sound becomes a very important tool in shaping their personalities. This is a deep subject that could be a whole article, but I'll distill it down - there are three basic areas of importance when it comes to sound at this age. Our goal is to balance these three types of sounds to create emotional stability and low stress levels: Ambient Environmental "Centering" sounds: A recent study has shown that classical music has a de-stressing effect on shelter dogs,and hard rock music has the opposite effect. So we play a soft bed of classical music in the puppy room all day. Here are some of the Pandora stations we like - this is what we play for the puppies almost all day:. View fullsize Weaning - the recall whistle We are huge advocates of feeding a raw complete. Puppies are weaned to a complete raw. There are many great brands these days! From this age, and throughout the time they are with us, they will hear 5 pips on an Acme gundog whistle before we put down their food - at every meal. At first, this noise means nothing to them. But, by the time they are wks, they will have a very enthusiastic response to hearing their recall whistle. This means that our pups go to their new homes with a trained whistle recall. We also give our new owners an Acme whistle, so they can keep up the good work. If you prefer to use another pitch, the pups seem to transfer across, no problem. You can see the result of our recall training, in a video below! The weaning pen At the age of about 4wks, the pups are getting too big and too busy for the whelping box. They are moved to the larger weaning pen, still inside our house. You can see the toilet area. The rest of the pen is covered with washable hospital incontinence pads. The pups have lots of toys and equipment to play with. They continue to have a new object, daily. We also introduce crates at this age. Environmental enrichment This video gives an idea of the enriching environment we aim to achieve. The pups have toys hanging overhead mobiles ; tunnels to climb through; a wobble board which moves under their feet to get used to uneven surfaces - great for pups which will go on to be agility dogs ; crinkly plastic as their 'new object' and much more. The barrier challenge The Barrier Challenge starts at 4wks, and we repeat it daily with each puppy until they are having no problems navigating the barrier. The pup is given a little taste of the food, then moved away a short distance behind a barrier. They must figure out a way around the barrier, to reach the food. This activity greatly enhances problem-solving and intelligence, as well as developing the capacity to think when frustrated. Outdoor enclosure From the age of 5wks, the pups also start spending time daily in an outdoor enclosure. It's half the space in this photo to begin with, and then enlarged as the pups grow. This gives us more space for play equipment, adds to the socialisation experiences for the pups and also gives them room to chase and run. It also means we can properly clean out the indoor pen, ready for the evening when they return inside. Clicker training a default sit A 'default sit' is a 'sit-to-say-please'. When the dog wants something, they 'ask' for it by sitting, rather than jumping at it. Pups are also learning the important lesson that their behaviour has consequences which they can control. This concept leads to biddable and trainable dogs! View fullsize Group default sits After starting the puppies off individually, we can train them in a group. We feed each sitting pup, and ignore any jumping pups. This results in huddles of puppies, sitting when people approach the pen - instead of jumping up. The default sit is really about developing the concept of self-control in a very young puppy. The best way to get what you want later - birds! This video shows them, at 6wks, exploring an inflatable toy which we made into a ball-pit. We observe the puppies as individuals and note how they approach challenges and tasks. Car tripS at wks Many pups have a long journey ahead of them when they go to new homes. We ensure they are used to the crate and have experienced car travel before being collected. We don't put puppies down on the ground in public places, or allow them to meet strange dogs. We do hold them in our arms, carry them, and allow people to meet them. We also allow them to explore on the ground on our own land using the Avidog concept of 'Adventure Walks'. Pups stay on our laps or arms and do not go down on the floor. We get quite a lot of attention when we are out and about with pups and we aim to meet people before pups leave the litter. Trained whistle recall at 7wks As shown above, we begin whistle recall training when we begin weaning the puppies - by peeping the whistle at every meal time. This video shows the result of that training, at 7wks. All our puppies will go to new homes, with a whistle recall response and an Acme whistle. Puppy Aptitude testing We test our puppies at around 7. The later we can test, the better. Future litters will be assessed with the Avidog Puppy Aptitude Test. This test helps us assess a puppy's temperament and confidence. For puppies intended for working homes, we look for traits like independence versus dependence - and natural retrieving ability. We use these assessments and our own observations throughout the development of the puppy, to place each puppy in the right home. Owners choosing will only have a snapshot of the pups for the short time they are viewing them. We have much more information on each individual puppy and can ensure we will give you the best pup for your needs. The Puppy Party at 7wks The Puppy Culture protocol involves a 'puppy party', held around the age of wks. This provides a huge dollop of socialisation with new people; a new location; and training. Our parties are held on a disinfected hall floor, with everyone wearing shoe protectors. Thanks to my advanced students for their help and training expertise. Staying on past 8wks Sometimes pups need to stay with us past 8wks. Fortunately the Puppy Culture programme runs right up to 16wks - and we just keep right on with it. Pups will be vaccinated according to their age and travel needs, introduced to birds, socialised and trained with attention. It is hard to summarise the extensive work we do with pups before they leave us. So that you can keep their focus and attention in the field. Contact us about a puppy I want to introduce you to a fictional dog: Bosco. Now Bosco was raised as a lot of puppies are: in a kennel. The place was kept clean and they were given plenty of time to exercise. The owners played with Bosco here and there, but his interactions with the world were fairly limited. Bosco found a new family at 8 weeks old and grew up. Bosco would approach new experiences with fear and trembling. These would include going to new places, meeting new people, or encountering new objects. Sometimes his fear would get so out of hand he would growl and even snap if it approached him. His owners had to keep him home all the time. He jumped up on his owners whenever he wanted something a habit that was terribly hard to break him of. He was difficult to potty train because it was like he learned it was ok to go on his bed. He would charge through doors, bark incessantly, and snap if anyone touched his food. They might not be the full nervous wreck that Bosco was, but have similar traits. Some might wonder if Bosco was abused in some way in his first home. Bosco was never abused, just not properly trained and socialized during those critical first 12 weeks. Today I am excited to introduce you to a program that prevents dogs from becoming like Bosco: Puppy Culture. Keep reading to find out what Puppy Culture is, how it produces amazing puppies, and why we use it in our breeding program. Free Manding Guide What is puppy culture? Created by Jane Messineo Lindquist, Puppy Culture consists of a set of videos and a workbook that outlines the procedures and protocols of the program. The workbook is amazing! The critical first 12 weeks Some might wonder, why the first 12 weeks? Why not train and address behaviors when the puppies are older? They can absorb and process information much faster than an older dog at this young age. The best part is, the information given to them now will stay with them for a long time after. Puppies also have very little fear during their first weeks, so new experiences are approached with curiosity. To capitalize on this, Puppy Culture instructs you to introduce various objects, locations, and experiences that they might encounter during their lifetime; always in positive ways. This teaches puppies to approach novelty with calm, curiosity rather than fear. But more on that later. The first 12 weeks are a crucial time for shaping a puppy into the type of dog we all want. While training done later in life may work, it takes much more time and effort and some things are almost impossible to train out of an adult dog. Remember my fictitious dog, Bosco? How he trembled in fear at new experiences? This is not ideal for most dog owners. Our fast-paced, ever-changing lifestyles mean we need a dog who can take novelty in stride and learns to seek enrichment rather than cower at it. On the contrary, if they learn that new experiences are something to be happy about and look forward to early on, they will be able to continue that throughout their lifetime. The goal is that they approach new experiences with calm confidence. The way Puppy Culture helps with this is by encouraging breeders and owners to introduce a new object or experience to the puppies world every day from the time they can see about 10 days old. The new objects can be different surfaces to walk on, textures to chew on, toys, household items, etc. Experiences include exploring a new room in the house, hearing different sounds, or feeling water for the first time. As the puppies grow, the experiences become a little more complex and exciting. They get to go outside or explore different areas of the property, they will go to a local hardware store, take car rides, and even visit a beach if the weather permits. Grab the free Manding Guide! Socialization A poorly socialized puppy will grow to be fearful or aggressive toward new people and dogs. As you can imagine, fear and aggression toward new people and dogs can lead to some serious problems for the dog and their owner. Unless you plan to never take your dog out or have others come to your house, early socialization is critical! The Puppy Culture program includes a lot of instruction and guidance to produce well-socialized puppies. They suggest having the puppies meet a variety of people: old, young, men, women, people with beards, hats, coats, heels, and glasses to name a few. Then there are the ever-popular Puppy Parties! A breeder following Puppy Culture will invite a few guests who are experienced with dogs to help with training the puppies through a mini agility course. The Puppy Party ends in a meal around the table to show the puppies what it looks, smells, and sounds like when their owners entertain guests. As the puppies grow, they are given opportunities to spend time with other adult dogs to learn how to be good citizens of dog society. Breeders look for adult dogs that are firm, but gentle teachers that will set good examples for the puppies. Buy the Puppy Culture Program Potty Training If you are getting ready to bring a puppy into your home, potty training has probably crossed your mind a few times or a lot more than a few times. It can be daunting to plan for and exhausting to go through. Potty training is a lot of work. This works right along with their natural instincts to keep the nest clean. Then, they are taken outside on a routine to learn that they are to use the outdoors to go. Most litter materials have a natural smell to them so they have no problem transitioning to the outdoors. Communicating with your puppy Puppies have a lot to learn at such a young age. They need to learn how to get along well in the dog world as well as in the human world. Part of getting along means learning to communicate. The first part of communicating with the puppy is with the clicker. Its crisp sound makes pinpointing the desired behavior more accurate and therefore, more effective. It only takes a few sessions of clicking and immediately giving a treat for the puppy to learn what it means. Once the puppy knows what the clicker means, the next objective is to teach the puppy to offer behaviors to get a reward. The final way Puppy Culture teaches communication is through Manding. The idea is not that the puppy learns to sit on command, but rather to use a sitting position as a way to ask for what they want. If they want a treat, a pet, or to go outside, they learn to sit quietly in front of you to ask instead of barking or jumping. I made a guide that explains a little more about Manding and how to train it in your future puppy. Just click the button below! I did a lot of research before breeding our dogs, but still felt a little lost and confused on what I should be doing and at what time to raise the puppies to be excellent family dogs. I had never heard of it before then. As I started to watch the videos and flip through the workbook, I knew I had been given a tool of gold! The program gave us a path to follow with clear and easy instructions. Adding Puppy Culture to our program really was a turning point for us: we were finally able to provide the incredible family dogs we hoped for! The program was a lot of work, but it was so worth it! The owners reported the puppies were easy to train, took to new circumstances well, and were good with other dogs and people. After that first litter, I knew we could never go back! With this program, we are confident that our puppies will be excellent family dogs. It feels good to know that we can equip our puppies to do well in the world for their future. The good news is, puppy owners can benefit from the program just as much! If you are adopting a Puppy Culture raised a puppy, buying the Puppy Culture video and workbook can help you continue their training and socialization. While Puppy Culture is best for young puppies, the techniques and protocols can be used on any aged dog with great benefit! When you buy a Joley Aire puppy, we highly recommend getting the program a few weeks before taking your puppy home so you can get a start on learning it and planning for it before your puppy arrives. We do as much as we can to follow the protocols up until 8 weeks old so the puppy is ready to pick right up where we left off when they go to your home. They learn to adapt to new circumstances, become enrichment seekers, are well socialized, have a head start on potty training, have ways to communicate with people, and are easier to train. Puppy Culture has been a game-changer for our breeding program which focuses on wonderful family pets. We go through the program with every litter and can say with confidence that they have been given the best start at life. That means a lot! Free Manding Guide When most dogs and puppies want something they bark, jump, whine, and make a big fuss. This might be cute while they are little, but no one likes an adult dog demanding things like this! These undesirable behaviors can be a huge problem down the road! How would you like it if your puppy asked for the things he wants by politely sitting and making eye contact with you? That would be amazing right? This guide is for everyone: whether you already have a dog or are looking at purchasing a puppy in the future! The best part is, you can begin training right away and should start seeing results on the first day! Puppy Culture Purchasing Guide If you are interested in purchasing some Puppy Culture resources as a puppy buyer, here are the products we recommend: Get Started With Puppy Culture The Puppy Culture Video DVD or Streaming This is the flagship program that takes you through the first 12 weeks of a puppy's life and provides training and socialization protocols throughout. If you really want to know what your puppy has been doing while with us, the science behind the program, and want to continue their training seamlessly - this is what you should buy. Your puppy can go crazy every time something new approaches, or you can train them to look to you and actually focus more when they come. This is a great video to incorporate into your training education because when you don't have the puppy's attention, you can't control them. When Pigs Fly Book This book was written to help people train "impossible" dogs, however, the concepts and methods work incredibly well for any dog or puppy. If you are looking for one affordable resource, this is it. Puppy Culture Exercise Booklet Exercise is important! Learn more about it with this booklet. The Puppy Culture shop does offer some bundles that provide multiple products at a discount that are worth checking out. A continuing education unit CEU is a measure used in continuing education programs to assist the professional to maintain their license in their profession. CEUs are required to keep your certifications current. From early neurological stimulation, to aggression prevention, to potty training, manding, and leash walking, it's all here! Learn from top veterinary behaviorists, breeders, and dog trainers - scientifically proven to greatly improve outcomes for puppies! With step-by-step instructions on what to do at each critical juncture in the first 12 weeks of life, Puppy Culture is your guide to raising your puppies to be calm enrichment seekers, ready to take on life's challenges with love and joy to spare. Don't worry! You're in luck; the short answer is that Puppy Culture is for puppies of all ages. The science based training and protocols in Puppy Culture areperfect for puppies of all ages. Even though the film focuses on the first 12 weeks of a puppy's life, there are more than 30 lessons that are directed specifically to prospective puppy families that can be applied well after the 12 week mark- including manding, early leash walking, and crate training. We've conveniently outlined the lessons for you inour Guidelinefor Puppy Owners. We've also created a Glossary Of Terms to help demystify some of the terms you may come across within the Puppy Culture suite of resources. It'snevertoo late to get off on the right foot! Is this film really for me? We get so many people with older or younger puppies asking us if Puppy Culture can help them that we compiled a list of Puppy Culture Frequently Asked Questions, as well as a Puppy Owner Guide geared specifically toward Puppy Owners. Not sure where to begin? Start out with the essentials of the Puppy Culture Program! Want to raise a rockstar show puppy? Prime them for the show ring with our show puppy bundle! Ready to jump in with both feet? Get the full power of Puppy Culture with all of our products! What's in Puppy Culture? Puppy Culture is a guiding hand for you and your puppy. Our team of experts have bred, raised, and trained thousands of dogs, and we know from first hand experience what works best. We make that vast experience available to you, broken down into clear instructions, in short chapters that are easy and fun to watch. How you teach your puppy is as important as what you teach your puppy. Studies have shown that many common training techniques can actually increase aggression and problem behaviors, which can damage the human-animal bond. The Puppy Culture program will show you how to train your dog while enriching your bond with him, every step of the way. Real life proof that it works. Most puppy training videos appear to have been shot in one weekend, using a few easy-to-train puppies. How do you know those training techniques really work in the long run? Unlike other films, Puppy Culture tracks one litter over three years, so you can see the true results of our program. The truth about socialization. During this sensitive time, the puppy is as vulnerable to imprinting negative experiences as he is to imprinting good experiences. This means you need a good plan for socializing your puppy. Your Puppy Culture team gives you a plan and guides you through the process. How to be your puppy's advocate. A common cause of concern among breeders is littermate interactions and infighting within the litter. When do we step in? Define "Normal" First, understand that puppies are going to exhibit some degree of conflict between each other as they learn to communicate with and receive communication from their littermates and other dogs. This is natural, beneficial, and covered quite well throughout Puppy Culture. But, back to the original question, when, as breeders, should we intercede and how? I get in the middle of things when: 1. I sense that a puppy is learning something that won't serve it well such as aggression as a "go to" behavior option as an adult. A puppy is injuring another puppy. I just want a bit of peace and quiet. In this way, we can often solve our puppy problem without ever directly interceding. Here are some suggestions: 1. Enlarge the Weaning Pen: Often aggression and tension between puppies stops entirely if the weaning pen is enlarged. Increasing space reduces stress and pressure among individuals, common contributors to grumpy quarrelsome puppies. Aromatherapy: I might add a DAP diffuser such as Adaptil to the area where the puppies are at this point too. Break It Down: I have not done this but a good friend would separate her puppies into two random groups on days when they were unable to settle. This worked well for her. So, at Week 6, I enlarge the weaning pen to almost maximum size for the space available. The litter box hasn't moved so the puppies can still find it easily, but the other side now has enough crates for each puppy more on that later and there is lots of room for the puppies to play, rest, void, and also avoid each other. Tension went down and I had more peace! Some ideas: Puppy safe puzzles and games. Kibble dispensers - I like Kibble Nibbles and Wobblers for young puppies, but there are a huge variety of puppy safe kibble dispensers, so invest in as many as you can. Rotate toys regularly. In a particularly quarrelsome group of puppies I would give them a newspaper every day. The puppies would spend an hour or two shredding it and my bickering puppies became angels. The puppies played for an hour with this and then napped for two! Boxes are great, too. Another tip is to keep three bags of different toys and change them out periodically. A toy that a puppy had not seen for a week is magically new again! The secret to using passive enrichment to decrease tension between puppies is variety and novelty. By adding new and interesting things to our weaning pen, we can provide our puppies with a beneficial activity, exploration of their environment, instead of hen pecking at each other out of boredom. If you see signs that typical and desirable puppy play is devolving into fights or bullying, consider removing all the toys and equipment from your weaning pen, replacing it all with some toys, equipment and puzzles the puppies have never seen, or haven't seen for a week, and watch the puppies return to the darling biddies they were before. Kibble Nibble is an excellent passive enrichment option. Drop a few of these in with the puppies and watch them work, snuffle, and snarf up some kibble. I find Kibble Nibble to be one of the easiest kibble dispensers for puppies to learn to use, usually between ages 5 and 6 weeks my puppies are old enough to figure this out. But again, lots of different types to choose from! Experiment and see what keeps your puppies busy. Michele Martin of Twoemz Brittany gives an excellent example of passive enrichment. Take Me Out, Coach: Crate and Chew Often puppies who are starting fights are struggling with their own arousal mediation and fatigue. For these puppies I have great results with increasing my focus on crate naps and crate chew time. Sometimes removing just one puppy for a chewing session solves a puppy riot and the rest of the litter will settle down. Meanwhile, lowering the excitement of the environment and providing a stress releaser in the form of a chew object helps this type of puppy improve their self-soothing skills. Interestingly, in our observation this seems to stay with the puppy later, even in exciting environments. If the entire litter is cranky and tired, removing one puppy is often not enough and the entire litter needs a crate-and-chew session. Just distribute chew objects to the puppies in the pen, and make sure you put in more than one object per puppy. We suggest putting in one extra item for every two puppies. By starting a crate conditioning program early, around 4 to 5 weeks, breeders give themselves an invaluable tool for puppy management. Once puppies are conditioned to enjoy confinement and view it as a behavioral option, they are more easily removed when overly aroused or fatigued. Use Their Heads: Active Enrichment Tip: I regulate the length of my training sessions by counting out how many treats I will use beforehand. If my puppies seem to need more mental stimulation, I may add an extra 10 treat session for each puppy. I always prefer active enrichment such as training to settle bored puppies. I might target those puppies that are having the most trouble self-calming, or I might just do a little longer session with all the puppies than I normally do. Getting away from the group and having one on one training time with a person seems extremely calming to my puppies. I also find the Scent Games to be particularly tiring and soothing to puppies. Whether you work with a single puppy perhaps the focal point of the discontent , a group of puppies, or the entire litter, scent training is an excellent tool for calming a frantic mind. Shaping a puppy onto a wobble board is an excellent way to calm a fractious puppy! As is working on Killer Free Stacks! Thanks to Lizz Meuller for the photo. Sitting at the Grown Up Table: Nannies and Nannoes Hiro soothes an overly aroused puppy with some quiet play, modeling the calm behavior he wants the puppy to exhibit. A skilled nanny, or in this case, nanno is priceless. If a puppy is causing a riot and I want to intercede, I might pull that puppy out and give it to the nannies gentle and appropriate adult dogs to play with for a while. My nannies are plentiful and so the puppy will get passed around, cleaned, played with, and come back to the litter tired and calmer. The Big Picture I treat my litter play rather like I would treat a puppy socialization group which is covered so beautifully by Puppy Culture with supervision, adjustment as needed, and a belief that not every interaction is beneficial just because those involved are of the same species. So while the puppies are going to spend most of their time together, I can rearrange the pieces a bit, as needed on a moment by moment basis with the goal of giving each puppy the best start in life I can. I want to reiterate that some rough play, some snarking, growling, grumbling, and quarrels are a needed part of the puppy learning to communicate and receive communication and we should not be concerned about this or feel the need to intercede. But by that same token, the belief that all interactions between puppies or dogs for that matter are behaviorally beneficial to those involved is misguided. Sometimes our puppies might benefit from some mild rearranging of their options within the framework of the litter as a group. Manding decreases frustration and arousal between puppies, as this Cindy Paul photo so beautifully illustrates. Instead of jumping and bickering at the weaning pen edge, puppies can mand instead. They can't fight if they're walking! But those labels do harm. Behavior in puppies is extremely plastic and we can change it by doing the right things at the right times. Quick links. Puppy Culture What is Puppy Culture? Puppy Culture is a program developed by Jane Killion, professional dog trainer and breeder. By doing just the right things at just the right time, we can give your puppy the best start possible. The physical and emotional health of the mother will affect the health of her puppies. Since research has shown that puppies born to mothers that receive prenatal massage are more docile and enjoy being touched, we spoil our mothers with lots of affection and belly massages. Research shows that tiny struggles and stresses in appropriate small doses are actually good for puppies and will help them grow into strong, healthy well-adjusted adults. Benefits include greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. This is a gift that a breeder can only give their puppies once during the window of days. Transitional Period: days Behavioral markers are used to identify the beginning and end of each developmental period because every puppy is different and these timelines are simply guidelines. Critical Socialization Period: weeks Most people think of socialization as exposing their puppies to as many new experiences as possible while the puppy is young. Our goal is to raise dogs that have the emotional intelligence to connect with you. Emotional intelligence can be taught to young puppies and one of the goals of the Puppy Culture Program is to teach breeders how to do this. There are 7 key things that will nurture the emotional intelligence of a puppy. Weeks Per Puppy Culture protocol, puppies go home with their families. When you adopt your puppy, you will be just as thankful as we are for this program!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share!