labrador puppy shots

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. In the beginning, the food needs for my Labrador Molly changed dramatically. I worried that I was feeding her too little. As she grew older, I became concerned that I was feeding her too much. So, how often should you feed a Labrador? You should feed an adult Labrador two meals per day. You should feed Labrador puppies three meals per day, unless otherwise stated on the food packaging. It is essential to adhere to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your Lab. You should also be aware of how to handle situations when your dog doesn't want to eat on schedule or doesn't finish its meal. In this article Labrador Feeding Schedules Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly. Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food. If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given. Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner. According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit that need the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household. Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death , they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals. Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals. In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total. Use Interactive Food Dispensers Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside. Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing. How Much to Feed a Labrador Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight. If your Lab is not at an ideal weight , you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight. Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision. Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food : Adult Target Weight:. Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

Size The average female black Lab grows to a height of between 21 and 24 inches from the floor at the withers, or shoulders, although even a purebred dog can be bigger or smaller. Males reach a height of 22 to 25 inches. By the age of 6 months, most dogs reach approximately 75 percent of their full adult height, so your 7-month-old black Lab should be between 15 and 18 inches tall. Weight A healthy adult black Lab female weighs 55 to 70 pounds and a male 65 to 80 pounds. By the age of 6 months, black Lab puppies reach approximately two-thirds of their adult weight, so a dog of 7 months should be in this range or slightly heavier. At 70 percent of the average female adult weight, your female black Lab puppy should weigh from 40 to 50 pounds, while a male puppy would weigh between 45 and 55 pounds. Paws Black Lab puppies go through a stage from the age of 4 months to around 7 months, when their legs appear to grow much faster than the rest of their bodies. This gives them the look of a teenager with long, gangly legs and big paws. Her paws, though, are likely to be full adult size, which will make them look larger because they're out of proportion with the rest of her young body. As a large-breed dog, Labs commonly reach maturity at around 12 to 18 months; some take even longer to develop. A nonadult black Lab may look fairly skinny and have the appearance of slinking along like a cat when she walks: though her height is almost that of an adult dog, she has months to go before she fills out. More Articles. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Dubai Once again 'Humiiation at the Paws of your Labrador'.I know it well,many of us do! You are right at the time where your puppy training ,which has been going extremely well suddenley seems to have been completely forgotten and the Teenager version of your dog emerges. This is the time where you really need to stick harder than ever with your training. They are getting more independent at they same time as they are getting bigger and stronge and it can be really challenging. I went to a second set of basic obedience classes at this age just practice focus around distractions. We haven't got children so it was very easy to follow advice I was given about keeping temptation out of reach.When he did make off with something we didn't make a game of it,we just swapped for a treat.Sorry you were embarrassed at class but truly it's so common albeit frustrating when you KNOW they can do the excercise perfectly.Are you working with food rewards? If so I would really up the ante in the rewards ,take something super tasty and when Dexter used to decide not to cooperate I just used to move away from the rest of the dogs to where we had more space,ergo less distraction and try and get his focus back there before moving closer again. Good luck,keep,with it,she sounds a lovely dog x. What commands should my six month puppy know? And much more! Average 6 month old Lab size? It seems amazing that the little fluff ball you bought home just four months ago should be so big. And bouncy! But I know you want an answer, so as a very rough guide, many 6 month old lab puppies will weigh around 50lbs. The remainder of his growth, another lbs or so will take place more slowly over the next 6 months. What should my black, yellow, or chocolate Labrador weigh at six months? People often ask if there is any difference between the different colors with regard to weight and size. The answer is kind of. Working type American or field bred Labradors are often lighter at six months than show type English or bench bred Labradors. And in the UK at least, most field bred Labradors are either black the majority or yellow including fox red. Most not all, but most chocolate Labs in the UK are show or pet bred Labradors and tend to be more heavily built. There is a softness to his features that will last another couple of months or so. How much food does a 6 month old Lab need? How much food your puppy needs will depend on how much he weighs and what condition he is in. Have a look at our puppy feeding chart and also at the instructions on the packet of food that you are using. If your puppy is a little on the skinny side give him a tiny bit more food than recommended and if he is looking a bit plump, a little bit less. Consistent overfeeding will make a puppy fat. Consistent underfeeding will see him lose weight. How often should I feed my six month old puppy? Your 6 month old Lab can drop down from three meals a day to two without any problems. This means that you will be giving the same amount of food as before, but in two larger meals instead of three smaller ones. So, if your pup gets diarrhoea when you switch to twice daily feed, skip a meal to let his tummy settle, then go back to three meals a day for a few days. When you next try going down to two meals a day, give him two small meals to begin with and increase the meal size gradually over the next few days How far should my six month old be walked every day? If you are not familiar with it, the five minute rule says that a puppy needs five minutes of exercise per day for each month of his life. Like many young Labs, adorable six month old Myles loves everyone: by Ericka from the USA Most experts would divide that into two sessions. This refers to formal walks, not playing in the garden or messing about with other dogs. And the reason for that caution is that your puppy is still growing and the growth plates in his joints are still vulnerable to damage. So my advice would be to avoid hard exercise until your puppy is well past his first birthday and then to build up gradually over a period of several weeks. Sexual maturity in Labradors Puppies become sexually mature before they are physically mature and long before they are mentally adults. Some six month old puppies are capable of breeding. And definitely should not be allowed to do so. Apart from the ethical and moral implications, it may be physically harmful to breed from such a young female. Many female Labradors will have their first season sometime between six months and a year, so this is something you need to be looking out for. Neutering Some of you will have already had your 6 month pup neutered, others will be thinking about doing so in the next few months. If you decide against neutering, this is a good point in time to review the security on your property and make sure it is thoroughly dog proof. Labradors are surprisingly agile and can often jump higher, and dig deeper, than you imagine. Beautiful Poppy at just seven months old: by Karen R from Germany Once sexually mature, many a Labrador, particularly but not only males, will make more effort to explore beyond the boundaries of your property. And if you have a female in season, other enterprising males will do their best to find a way in! Whatever your intentions, the time for breeding is a long way off right now. Bear in mind your dog is nowhere near grown up. In many ways he is still a baby. Has my 6 month old Lab finished teething? Most puppies have shed the last of their baby teeth by six months of age. And will have cut many of their adult teeth by this point too. Most will have all their adult teeth within the next month or so. This is the point at which most young dogs start to lose their fear of losing you. This has some big implications for those that exercise their young dogs off leash in open country, where there are temptations such as wild birds and animals to chase. Which brings us to the next question. As a trainer of working retrievers I can tell you that I have had six month old Labradors that were quite advanced with their training and others that had barely started. All reached the same standard eventually. However, it is important to get started with training now. And while there is no set standard your puppy should have reached, it is definitely time to get some safety cues installed. What commands should my six month old puppy know? Most six month old pups have only quite basic obedience and are not yet reliably obedient when there are lots of distractions about. While many six month olds will sit when asked, and come when called in the house and yard. And a lot the majority of six month old Labradors are still pulling on the lead. Professional or serious hobby trainers aside, this is fairly normal. Most importantly, you need to focus on proofing these cues against distraction. Come The come cue, or recall, is important so that your dog can be allowed safely off leash and recalled if any hazards appear. You can find information on teaching recall here: How to teach a basic recall Even if you have made quite good progress with recall, now is quite a good point at which to be thinking about the about turn walk this is a technique to prevent your dog from getting too far away from you on walks. This is especially important as he grows bigger. Labradors are strong and often friendly dogs. This makes pulling on the lead very common as your puppy does his best to engage every passing stranger in a game. Gorgeous Charlie enjoying a run at six months of age — he also appears in our feature at the top of the page: by Julie T from Cornwall UK I have seen grown ups pulled clean off their feet by large dogs on leash. Being pulled off your feet, or losing control of your dog at the roadside is a very real risk. Many young Labradors are very friendly and while this is a great thing overall, it can cause some problems with training at this age. I mentioned proofing earlier, and proofing is the process which teaches our dogs to come away from other dogs or people. And proofing is the way to succeed. The main problem with proofing is that it takes time and help. You might also find proofing Labrador obedience helpful. What is the best way to train my 6 month old? Training methods are changing. We are in something of a new era with regard to dog training methods and there are now plenty of good trainers who can show you how to train your dog effectively without fear or pain. Behavior problems Most six month old pups are through the housetraining phase, though there may be very occasional accidents if a your dog is left alone for a lot longer than usual. Female dogs may have an occasional accident during their first season too, but these are usually isolated incidents. What about chewing? If you are expecting chewing to stop at the same time as teething coming to an end, you may be disappointed. We look at destructive chewing in more detail in this article , but it can be at its worst between 6 and 9 months of age. Which brings us to a common question Can I de-crate my six month old Lab? It seems mean to shut him away at bedtime. Why not give him the freedom of the kitchen during the night? Well, this can work. But often it does not and results either in a bad chewing problem or occasionally, in a relapse in house training. You can find out more in this article which includes detailed de-crating instructions. The other big issue for many puppy parents with six month olds, is excitable behavior. Particularly jumping up, and sometimes nipping How do I stop my six month old Labrador from jumping up? Jumping up is a common problem in young labs. These are friendly and affectionate dogs who enjoy close contact and like to greet their friends up close! You and your visitors not only tolerate it, but actually reinforce it by petting the puppy as he does it. Or rather over- excitement. This is the age at which excitable behavior can become quite a challenge again. Partly because the dog is now physically bigger, stronger, and more difficult to control. Now, more than ever, you need your dog to listen and respond to your voice. Playing safely More often than not, excitable behavior that has got out of control, started out as a game. However, if you are struggling a bit, you are not on your own. Drop into the forum and say hello to all the other puppy parents. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today! Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice.

Email: brandybauer bauersbouncingboxers. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Boxer breeders in Iowa. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Boxer breeders in Iowa. You can grab your free copy below. Boxer dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in Iowa were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Boxer Puppy in the Iowa area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Boxers? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Boxer on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Boxer puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:. Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Boxer Puppies for Sale.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have some terrific litters on the horizon and we look forward to working with you during this exciting process! We currently have 2 girls and 1 boy available, and they are ready to go home today! We currently have 3 girls and 2 boys available! Pups will be ready to go home on September .We currently have 2 girls and 2 boys available. This litter will be ready to go home on October 6. We currently have 2 girls and 4 boys available. This litter will also be ready to go home on October 6. This is going to be a beautiful litter. Contact us for more information! We are currently receiving deposits for this litter! We can't wait to meet their puppies! This is going to be a terrific litter! We do provide shipping with our awesome courier team! Selecting your puppy is easy. You will receive weekly updates full of information as well as pictures and videos. Selections take place at 8 weeks! Whether you are in a nearby city or multiple states away, we'll help guide you each step of the way. Some people come directly to our home and others make the selection from the convenience of their own living room with the assistance of FaceTime, Skype and plenty of conversations! At 8 weeks old, they'll be ready to join your home! Again, we wish you all the best in your journey of finding the perfect puppy. We know it's an important decision and we're here to assist in any way we can. We'd love to hear from you so feel to email us. Hello from the Orths! We are a family breeder with a huge love for English Cream Golden Retrievers located in a small town just outside of Spokane, Washington. Heritage Gold weeks with foundational training Our week-old puppies go home with a great start in our Foundational training program. See our training page for more information including pricing. We are taking reservations now for week-old puppies. Our next planned litters are here and we are taking reservations now for these pairings. These puppies have been chosen for their exceptional learning abilities and superior structure and temperament, and are considered top candidates for our breeding program. These puppies are also ideal for those in need of service-trained dogs. We are pleased to offer these exceptional puppies for adoption, beginning at 12 weeks of age. Please visit our training page to learn more about our Crown Reserve puppies and reserve one today. We also invite you to contact us to schedule a visit with the puppies and their parents, where you can meet us in person and see how our dogs and puppies live. If you are interested in providing a loving forever home for one of these amazing pups, please contact us for the next steps and to complete the puppy application. Every day we are learning how to care for this breed and will continue to update on what we have found that works best for putting your puppy on the best road to happiness and health. Here are some tips, advice and links we would like to share. More Information You can contact us for more information on our upcoming available puppies and the pairings. In order to reserve a puppy, contact us about your interest in upcoming litters by going to our "Contact Us" tab at the top. At that point, I can let you know about the dam and sire pairings, your pick placement, and more about the puppy homing process. If you wish to be included in our e-mail send outs, please tell us that you're interested. Just so you know, our puppies are normally reserved very quickly, so the earlier you reserve your puppy, the better chance you have to receive one. If you would like to take the first steps toward finding out about bringing home a Classic Heritage Golden Retriever puppy, write me an email about yourself, your experience with dogs, or anything that may help me know more about you and the environment you will provide one of our puppies. This is to ensure a thriving future for our puppies. We look forward to placing one of our puppies with your family! New Puppies available. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. You can spot these pups by their signature cream-colored coats that are many shades lighter than what you will see on a more traditional American golden retriever. But if you are a new and emerging pet parent, you might find the idea of keeping a dog somewhat intimidating. With some research and the right preparatory steps, you will do great with your English Cream Golden Retriever! To assist you, we have developed a small guide that will take you from an under-experienced pet parent to a commendable dog owner! You may wonder if you could get one from a dog rescue, but that is highly unlikely. The English Cream Golden Retriever breed is rarely found at rescues or shelters. It can even be difficult to find them among breeders, especially those that are qualified, pet-focused, and professional. We also would not recommend working through a puppy broker, as they frequently get their puppies from puppy mills. Your best bet is to find a breeder that specializes in the breed and has English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale to ensure you are purchasing a happy, healthy puppy. Choosing your English Cream Golden Retriever breeder is just as important as choosing your puppy. Puppies from irresponsible breeders may not be what the breeder claims they are. Oftentimes these puppies are also more prone to health problems as they age. Irresponsible breeders may skip screening parent members for health issues before breeding, which is unethical. In short, such breeders should be avoided. You will also want to know about how the pups are born and raised. How the breeder handles the puppy, has the puppy been vaccinated, and so on. The right breeders will be positive, open, and honest with you and give detailed answers regarding how their breeding program works. With the right breeders, you as the buyer oftentimes have to pass their own screening! The breeder will most likely introduce you to a litter of available English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and have you select the one you like. Without training, you as the pet parent will have to go through those steps: potty-training, crate-training, behavior and safety regarding territorial behavior and food, and so on. You can look out for small things, however. For instance, see how they react around their littermates and see their energy levels. Are they dominant around their littermates? Are they barking too much? You will also want to see how they react to outsiders; are they curious or fearful? These small observations may give you insight into the slowly budding personality of the puppy. Puppy Vaccinations A visit to the vet should already be scheduled as soon as you get a puppy. A vet will give your puppy a physical examination to root out any problems he may have been born with or similar medical issues. You will also be able to discuss when your puppy should be spayed or neutered. But aside from this all, you need to give special attention to puppy vaccinations. Vaccinations will protect your puppy from dangerous and deadly dog diseases. After that, you will have to get your puppy booster shots annually for the remainder of their lives. Until you can confirm that your puppy is properly vaccinated, keep them shielded from stray animals and other dogs that may be carrying diseases. Even with your dog healthy, you should keep a list of the nearest emergency animal hospitals ready. This way, if your puppy ever gets injured, you will be ready to make sure your puppy gets the help he needs on time. Puppy Proof Your Home The next step is to prepare your home for your new puppy. So, you must ensure your environment is safe for your puppy to walk around. You should start by covering your wire cords and power cables. A growing puppy may develop chewing and biting habits which can be dangerous if they start chewing on stray power cables. Next, make sure your bags, your medications, and even your trash are not easily exposed. Sadly, pets are inadvertently and accidentally poisoned every year by ingesting toxic substances found in them. You also want to remove any poisonous herbs or plants from around the house; not all are safe for dogs. Keep an eye out for low-hanging fruit: your puppy will want to test you! Anything on a low table or countertop that looks like it could be food or a toy should be considered. Push sensitive or breakable items into the center of tables or countertops and out of reach of dogs. You can gate off areas to prevent them from getting into these areas and make their space larger over time. Prepare for Grooming Needs Keeping your puppy groomed is one of your many responsibilities as a pet parent. You also need to purchase a good dog shampoo and a dog brush. This will remove any dried mud and dirt and remove any dead hair that can build up over time. As for shampooing, use a puppy-friendly shampoo, and do not overbathe your dog. Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly whenever you use it. As a rule of thumb, you should bathe your dog at least once every 30 days or so. Every dog is different, and for some pet parents that have dogs that love rolling around in the mud, a consistent supply of shampoo or a membership to a local self-wash station may not be a bad idea! Necessary Pet Supplies You may already be listing supplies to have ready for your new puppy. If you want to save your furniture, you should stock up on plenty of puppy chew toys. A dog bed — one with a removable, washable cover, is a good choice. A dog harness, leash, and collar to secure them for when you go on walks. Grooming supplies such as a nice shampoo, a brush, a nail clipper, a doggy blow dryer if their coats get too big, they may need a little assistance to dry them , and a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, trimming shears, and ear cleaning solutions. Bond with Your Cream Golden Retriever As soon as your puppy enters your home, you want to start bonding with them. This should really be no issue at all! The puppy-parent relationship is a special one; invest in it as much as you can and cherish every moment. This includes making extra time for your puppy on your schedule. Not only will this help strengthen your bond but also help your furry buddy become more comfortable around you, and grow more secure with their daily routine. This could include playtime, a walk, a trip to the park, or a playdate with another neighboring puppy. If you plan to play games with your puppy, keep them short and simple at the start. Be sure to treat them whenever your puppy performs well and offer words of encouragement. English Cream Golden Retrievers love that sort of encouragement! This is considered a vital part of their socialization periods when the puppy starts engaging with their surroundings. This includes other pets, pet owners, and visitors. Remember, a well-socialized puppy is a more behaved, relaxed puppy that will be safe around intrusions on their environments such as other dogs, people, or children. Pet parents play a vital role in how fast their puppies achieve these goals. At first, they will probably not be able to sleep through the night, and this can last until they get to about 4 months of age. They will also soon start teething and develop a habit of chewing or biting on things to relieve the pain. Then the growth period may slow down considerably. By the 1 year mark, English Cream Golden Retrievers will have usually reached their full height. But there is still plenty of training and mental growth left to do, even if they seem mature. You should train your puppy early on. Having your English Cream Golden Retriever learn to sit, stay and come when you call by their name are basic tasks you should start with. Then you can go on to more complex tasks such as potty-training, fetch, drop, roll over, shake, and all sorts of other creative tricks. If your dog does well, you can slowly start teaching games that use fun toys for enrichment. Remember to make this as enjoyable for the puppy as can be. They should associate it with fun and not something they dislike. Just give them loads of love, plenty of treats, and kind words of encouragement! Conclusion Planning for a puppy is a big undertaking! There are a lot of things to consider. We proudly raise healthy, great-tempered dogs for years of love, licks, and loyalty. Contact us today to learn more and get started! Post navigation. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy About the Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever originated in Canada in the 19th century and is now a world-wide beloved dog breed. These dogs are medium-sized dogs, females have a height of .Their average weight as an adult is pounds for females and pounds for males. They have a life expectancy of years. When it comes to their temperament, Labrador retrievers are very loyal, friendly and affectionate companion dogs. They are known for being very social towards strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers also come in three colours : black, brown or yellow. These dogs are very active as they need plenty of walks, play time and affection. They are great with children and make a great companion dog. If you're thinking of adopting a Labrador retriever puppy, keep reading as we go through how to care for them! Learn more about the Labrador Retriever in our breed sheet. When to collect your Labrador puppy You can adopt and collect your Labrador puppy once they are 8 weeks old. This way, you make sure that they have had enough time to socialize with their family, mother and siblings. It also makes sure that they have developed good bite moderation before being adopted to their new family. Other advantages are that they have had time to drink their mother's milk and properly wean off. They will also feel more independent and will transition better to their new home after being 8 weeks old. We also encourage you to check out your local animal shelter before buying from a breeder. Where your puppy should sleep the first night When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home. As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them. The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep. Learn more in our article where we elaborate on how to prepare for your puppy's first night in their new home. What to feed your Labrador retriever puppy When feeding your Labrador retriever puppy, you will need to provide them with a rich and balanced diet. Keep in mind that puppies begin weaning when they are around weeks old. This means that they will slowly transition from their mother's milk to a solid food canine diet. A natural canine diet mainly consists in essential fatty acids and meat-based protein. The protein should have two or three types of protein from meat. For example: whole chicken, lamb, beef and fish. For fat sources, you can opt for chicken fat. Good fat sources can solute some of the most important vitamins a dog needs. When it comes to carbs, it should be kept in a low amount as dogs thrive on meat. If you are cooking for your dog, then we recommend to include low amounts of whole carbs, such as sweet potatoes. Lastly, you can offer some fruits and vegetables that provide good vitamins and minerals to help your dog's over-all health. Training your Labrador retriever puppy Labrador Retrievers are very active and intelligent dogs. Other than daily exercise, they will need basic dog training. Yes, even as a puppy! You can begin training your dog with paper training. Learn more about that in our article about paper training for puppies. You can then begin to teach them basic commands, such as to sit, stay, or even to play fetch. Remember to always train them for short amounts of time each day, not exceeding 15min, and always through positive reinforcement. This way, training will be enjoyable for them and will help you create a greater bond with them. To learn more, read our article about when to start training your puppy. Exercising your Labrador retriever puppy Your Labrador retriever puppy will needs plenty of exercise. Due to their small size as a puppy, this will mostly be at home. They will begin by playing with their siblings and walking or running around the house. Then, after their first round of vaccinations, usually around the age of 7 weeks old, puppies will begin to go outside. This is a very important part of their puppyhood as they will learn to go out on walks with their caregivers and will begin their socialization period. During this period, they will meet and interact with new people and other dogs. They will also explore new places. It's very important that during this period they have good interactions and don't get traumatized. When a puppy is well socialized from a young age, they will have a balanced temperament as adult dogs. Learn more in our article about socializing puppies. Hygiene care Next, we're going to talk about maintaining our puppy's hygiene. As Labrador puppies haven't grown their full coat, they won't need to be brushed regularly just yet. A bath is only necessary when they get very dirty on their outdoor walks. Dental hygiene is also important when it comes to caring for a puppy. You can opt for a dog tooth paste or a dental canine treat. Talk to your veterinarian to see which would be best for you puppy, and learn more in our article about dental hygiene for dogs. Other than that, we must make sure that their everyday environment is also clean and that we refresh their water bowl everyday. This way, our puppy will have great personal hygiene and we can help them prevent certain health issues from a young age. Health care Lastly, we're going to talk about your Labrador retriever's health. The Labrador Retriever is a relatively healthy and long-living dog, especially if they stay in shape. However, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from breeding programs makes them prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions , which are usually manifested as the dog grows old. For instance, Labradors tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. When your Lab is a puppy, you must ensure they get the necessary vaccines, and you must follow their vaccination schedule during the rest of their lives. This will prevent them from suffering very serious diseases that tend to affect dogs. If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, go to the vet for check-ups every 6 months. You can prevent the development of common diseases by watching your Lab for symptoms and caring for them as best as you can. Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity - they love treats, and if they don't get enough exercise they will soon become overweight, with the related muscular and joint problems. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy We hope that this article has given you great insight when it comes to caring for a Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some other helpful articles for caregivers that are adopting puppies:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. If yes, you need to be extra careful when handling the dog. You will take a lot of time to adjust to the needs and demands of the dog and spending quality time with the dog will help in this task. Labradors are highly attention seeking dogs. They may not have a lot of demands, but they can certainly not do without attention. Ignoring them is the biggest blunder when handling them. Since, Labradors are even tempered and lovable dogs, they constantly shower their owners with a lot of love and want the same to be reciprocated. Thus, the pet owners need to be quite open with their feelings and shower love on them and show them that they are loved and cared for. They are always ready to please their owners and many times, they bank upon their intelligence so as to please their owners. Labradors also need a lot of fun and excitement in their life. Taking them to the park and indulging in a lot of energetic play can help them to build a nice and strong bond with each other. There can be a lot of intelligent interaction between the pet and the owner that will help in cementing the relationship between each other. Having a highly energetic Labrador may pose a lot of problems as far as its security and protection is concerned. Many pet owners go microchip way to ensure complete protection of their friendly pets. While taking care of your Labrador, you also need to be particular about its diet and nutritional demands. They must be given food that is rich in the nutrients and minerals necessary for their proper growth. Moreover, Labrador love to indulge in a lot of exercising; hence their diet demands are also on a slightly higher side. Daily and regular exercise can make them more energetic and active. Some variations in the exercise can help the dog to enjoy the whole routine. The dog will enjoy boundless energy as a result and some outlet for this energy will ensure a well balanced pet. About Rahul From Delhi, Rahul is an animal lover at heart. He is a writer and most of his writing revolves around making people aware of animal issues like health, training and grooming. More like this.

Be prepared to have patience and persistence to make a smooth introduction to a litter box. Pick a location. If you have a large male dog, a corner location works well because you can put splash guards on the adjoining walls to protect against damage from urine spray. Prepare the floors and walls. An indoor litter box for a big dog is going to be messy, at least during the training stages, so protect your home by putting down a tarp or plastic sheeting. Attach additional sheeting to the walls adjacent to the litter box as well. Heavy duty thumbtacks or staples should do the trick. Purchase or repurpose a large, shallow plastic storage bin from a home improvement store, or use a large metal tray from the bottom of a large dog kennel. Line the box with disposable puppy pee pads to make cleanup easier. Fill the box with traditional cat litter or buy dog litter from your local pet supply company. Train your dog to the litter box. Some dogs may be hesitant at first, especially if they're used to going outside. You may even want to transition by placing the litter box outside where your dog normally makes his bathroom and get him used to the idea. Repetition and consistency is key. Offer treats and praise every time your dog uses the litter box. Tips Clean the box every time your dog uses it, and wipe down the walls as necessary to avoid odors. If your dog doesn't like the feel of litter, consider placing artificial turf in the litter box to see if he takes to that. Items You Will Need. But age, medical issues and your work schedule can necessitate teaching Thor to do his duty inside, using a litter box. Making your own saves money, as store-bought versions can carry hefty price tags. Step 1 Find a metal or plastic tray large enough for your big boy. He needs to have enough room to step onto the litter and turn around comfortably. A tray from the bottom of an old large dog crate might work, or a large plastic storage container. The type that slip under the bed are a good height to hold litter and still allow your big pup to step into easily. Large, trunk-like bins with higher sides can work, so long as you cut a wide notch into one of the sides to serve as an entryway for your pup. Step 2 Choose a filler material that you can change easily and dispose of properly. Many pet stores carry a litter just for dogs, or you can simply use regular cat litter or newspapers. Fill the litter tray with your selected litter and sprinkle baking soda over it to help absorb odors. Lining your tray with commercial pee pads helps hold on to urine and make cleanup as easy as lifting out the wet pad and replacing it with a new one. Step 3 Clean the box every day to keep your dog coming back. A dog's nose is much more sensitive than yours, and even a single pit stop can create enough unpleasant odors to keep your pooch away. Scoop or clean his litter box every day, even multiple times a day, to keep odors down and make the box more inviting to your pup. More Articles. I made a litter tray with a porthole and a lid optional. Using a dinner plate and a fine permanent marker Sharpie as a template, I drew a circle on the long side of a large, high-sided, clear polypropylene box. I used masking tape to stop the edge of the circle from cracking which I removed when finished. After trying a number of tools, I found that large scissors worked best. I made a pilot hole in the centre of the circle using a bradawl anything sharp and pointy will do , big enough to fit the scissor blades. I was then able to cut out the circle more easily, one strip at a time. I smoothed the edges of the hole with fine sandpaper wrapped around a tube, then finished it off with flexible PVC edging to strengthen it not essential, and no glue needed. Next challenge: find a way to reduce the litter trail! Mars says: October 18, at am Brilliant!! Thank goodness I found your site. Fortunately, the litter box sits inside a long, low-sided plastic box type used for those long gift wrapping paper rolls , so that urine collects inside this long box. Nevertheless, my clean-up work has doubled. I think that this gal Rubbermaid tote solution should work. Thank you. Silty litter deposits get stuck in the inset corners. Had anyone been able to find a flat-bottomed bin? I solved both problems! Inside the 30 gallon tote I put a regular flat kitty litter box. I push it all the way to the front and keep a folded towel between the door and the smaller box. Now when my boy goes into the smaller box and pees towards the door it all goes on the towel which I change easily. No more washing rugs everyday. Woo Hoo! CJ says: I gave up on the typical cat litter box and started using a big tub. I love it. No mess outside of the tub and with the lid the cats have privacy. Works great. It does have the ridges in the bottom but I just scrape around the ridges then finish scooping. .I also do NOT put the lid on tote, they jump in. I thoroughly wash the tote with antibacterial soap and bleach every weeks. I usually buy new totes every year. Frannie says: April 9, at pm I use Sterlite clear storage boxes since they have minimal or no ridges on the bottom 66 gal that I found at Tarjay yesterday has none. I love this solution since it cuts down on the litter dust and gives my big Tom cat plenty of room. Wish I could find the first one I tried, about 85 gallons. It is a very comfortable size for large cats. Louise says: Flat bottom boxes. .Really Useful Boxes brand have perfectly smooth bottoms and sides. .Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions? Maybe a different brand of tote? I am at a loss and going crazy with this! Lisa says: July 4, at pm I have a cat that pees standing up and only pees in the front of the tub and poops in the back. Soooo, I use shower curtains folded in the corner against the walls, taped with gorrila duct tape, then rubber mats, then a cut peice of old towel to absorb the urine. I tape overlapping placemats so the bribe that sprays out drips down and there are newspapers up under the placemats that absorb the urine. Lots of thick folds of newspaper that are easily thrown away and replaced. I have a folded layer of newspaper that slightly raises the end of the plastic tub at the far end, so that the cat pee stream is angled so it hits way below the taped shower curtain and placemats to ensure the urine runs down onto the news papers. Good luck! I tape overlapping placemats so the pee that sprays out drips down and there are newspapers up under the placemats that absorb the urine. Sarah Forbes says: Hi, does anyone sell these? For stray cats. Kerri W says: August 12, at pm This has been one of the best inventions and unbelievably my cat transferred straight away to it. It is so much tidier, not in view, smells less, and so a great win! Asked my hubby to just cut the hole out on the side at the end and went with the opening being fairly low to the ground. Crystal says: November 16, at am For the well being of your cat — a litter box should NOT have a lid and if you are using a tub, it should be clear. While lids make humans feel better, it turns the litter box into an portapotty. It increase the heat inside which causes more bacteria and stronger odors. Your cat has a better sense of smell so this situation may cause your cat to stop using the litter box. Amy says: December 6, at pm I have 6 cats and just switched to 4 topless bins. I even put all 4 in a row in my basement and to my suprise they seem to be distributing evenly lol. Marcia Ore says: How far up from the bottom do you cut the hole??? Thanks please let me know Era says: I have been using these bins for a year now and love them. I have put a plain large litter pan inside the bins which fit almost perfect. That way you can change them out. Melanie Klein says: November 21, at pm I was going to try the largest bin I can get and put a litter container inside it in the back. MannyBot says: February 7, at pm Thanks Mate! Problem was it was difficult for her to get in comfortably, and for me to not have an asthmatic attack due to her open litter box. Karen says:.

Life Span Did You Know? The Victorian Bulldog is a cousin to the English Bulldog. Victorian Bulldogs are slightly larger, tend to be a little bit lighter in the chest, and have a slightly longer snout. Victorian Bulldogs might look a little intimidating, but they are loyal and reliable sweethearts with a gentle nature that make a great family companion. They are very affectionate and thrive on human attention and companionship. They are excellent guard dogs that are known for their courage and protective instincts. They are also great with children and other pets and are naturally gentle with them. They can be suspicious of other dogs if they are not socialized properly. This dog breed may drool a little and snore, but they are a loving and dedicated companion that will love spending time with you. The Victorian Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They do well in larger homes and can also adapt well to apartment living as long as they get enough attention and exercise. They tend to be less active indoors, which makes them a good fit for apartment dwellers. They do best in moderate climates as they get cold easily and do not handle heat very well. Victorian Bulldogs also crave human companionship and attention, so they will not do well with long periods of time alone. This is a hardy dog breed that is relatively healthy. Although they are bred specifically to avoid many of the genetic diseases common to Bulldogs, there are some conditions to be aware of including skin problems, cherry eye, entropion, or hip and elbow dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and also to see any health clearances can help allay concerns about potential health issues. The Victorian Bulldog is sensitive, intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to pick up training quickly and relate well to their humans. This makes them a highly trainable dog breed and a good fit for owners of any experience level. They respond best to gentle, positive, and rewards-based training. This dog breed has a moderate grooming level and is an average shedder. Common coat colors are red, brindle, fawn, solid white, or pied. They have a shorthaired coat of fine, smooth fur that requires minimal grooming. Bulldogs are known for their wrinkly faces, which need to be cleaned regularly to avoid irritated skin or infections. Gently cleaning inside the wrinkles each day with a damp cloth will help keep your Victorian Bulldog comfortable and prevent skin problems. In addition to coat and skin care, there are other grooming tasks that every dog needs, like nail trimming, regular ear checks, and dental care. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from getting too long. Ears that flop over can trap dirt, debris, and moisture, which can lead to ear infections. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Dental hygiene chews and a dental care diet can help supplement your dental care efforts. Getting them used to regular grooming tasks and keeping it a positive experience makes grooming much easier as your dog grows. It can even become a bonding experience that calms and relaxed both of you! Victorian Bulldogs have a moderate activity level. They can sometimes act like couch potatoes when they are indoors, but they still need some regular exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. A few walks a day with some playtime or time to run around is sufficient for this stocky pup. Although they are more athletic than their English Bulldog cousins, they still have a short snout, so they can get overheated easily. A fully-grown Victorian Bulldog usually stands between inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between pounds. A Victorian Bulldog generally lives years. The Victorian Bulldog was bred to recreate the appearance of the Bulldog breed from the early 19th century, so it looks more like the Bulldogs from years ago than those of today. Currently, we do not have any Victorian Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Victorian Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. Exercise Grooming The Victorian Bulldog began to spread far and wide after Ken Mollet who loved the bulldogs greatly, decided to create a healthier breed of the dogs. It took awhile for him to achieve the result he wanted and much later he was working on his breed alone. Ken Mollet used breeds recognized by the Kennel Clubs and Healthy dogs developed by prominent dog breeders. He used Bullmastiffs, Staffords and Dogue de Bordeaux in his bid to accomplish this mission and used any source he could obtain the perfect idea of how the bulldogs looked like in Victorian times. In , Ken formed the Victorian Bulldog society. Today, many dog breeds are similar to it. However, its distinct attributes still make it distinguishable. The Victorian Bulldog is a lovable dog. It is important to bring up the dog appropriately through good training. The Victorian Bulldog is a protective dog. It is good to have around children. This breed is quite easy to train, it requires simple and straightforward instructions to build on. Given its high intelligence, the dog is sure to take on more advanced instructions with quality and engaging training sessions. The Victorian Bulldog adapts easily into a moderate climate. It is unable to cope well in extreme regions of either hot or cold weather. It requires a small yard for movement, a large apartment will also suffice. It is not an energetic dog. However, it needs moderate exercise and mental stimulation every day. On average, the dog requires about 3hrs of activities ranging from medium intensity to low-intensity activities and mentally tasking activities. This enables it to grow into a responsible dog. Exercise helps keep your dog balanced a d contributes immensely to a healthy appearance. The Victorian Bulldog shed hair to a reasonable extent and will require brushing its coat a few times every week. Washing often can damage its coat and rinse off the natural oils that make it glow and look healthy. Our Victorian Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. The Victorian Bulldog has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. How big is the Victorian Bulldog? This dog breed weighs 55 to 75 pounds. It is as tall as 19 inches Is it safe to neuter my Victorian Bulldog? The general advice which applies to all dog breed is to neuter the dogs when they are mature. Maturity stages can vary for different breeds of dogs. You can also meet your Veterinary Doctor for proper guidance How aggressive is the Victorian Bulldog? The Victorian Bulldog is not aggressive it is rather friendly and social, it can easily relate with other dogs and people around it. I like to keep my dogs lean and healthy, how much food do I need to keep the Victorian Bulldog healthy? Puppies require three moderate portions given to them at evenly spaced times throughout the day. As they grow older, they can have reasonable portions twice a day to keep them feeling satiated. Why is the Victorian Bulldog referred to as Victorian? It is also named after its breeder, Mollet. How well does the Victorian Bulldog cope with water? Yes, the dog is friendly with other animals and people, its attitude towards children is no different. The dog is smart and caring and the children would enjoy its company. Does the Victorian Bulldog drool? The dog is likely to drool heavily, given that it takes the general mouth shape of the bulldogs. Drooling can become excessive during any form of physical activity. It is nothing to worry about. Are Victorian Bulldog hypoallergenic? No, the bulldogs do not shed heavily, therefore they have a lesser tendency of triggering allergies. The Victorian Bulldog has an intimidating stature, but it is full of love and care. Sociable and friendly with people and other animals alike. Are you interested in purchasing a Victorian Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

An Australian Labradoodle will bring lots of joy and love to your household for years to come. The following is a list of must-have items that will help you raise a healthy, well-behaved Labradoodle puppy. Kennel and Exercise Pen X-Pen A new puppy must be supervised or confined to a safe, puppy-proof area at all times. Proper confinement aids potty training and keeps your puppy from engaging in potentially dangerous activities, like chewing electrical cords or getting into the trash. A kennel provides a cozy, private place where your puppy can sleep at night and rest for short periods during the day. Kennels are typically metal or plastic and come in a variety of sizes. Most adult Labradoodles require a inch crate. X-pens are available in metal or plastic and can be easily configured to fit a variety of spaces. Bedding Bedding will keep your puppy comfortable and cozy while in the kennel or x-pen. Be sure to choose something that is comfortable, but easy to wash. Old towels or blankets will do, or you can purchase bedding made specifically for dogs. Collar with ID Tag and Leash When selecting a collar and leash, there are many colors and styles to choose from. Your puppy will grow fast, so select a collar that can be easily adjusted to different sizes. Be sure to attach ID tags with your address and phone number, in case your puppy gets lost. A 6-foot leash is usually the perfect length. Toys, Chews, and Treats Puppies love to play, explore, and chew on everything in site. Tennis balls, Frisbees, fleece toys, Nylabones, and Kongs are all great, inexpensive choices. A variety of treats can be used to reward your puppy for good behaviors. Food and Water Bowls Choose ceramic or stainless steel bowls for your new puppy. Purchase a good quality dry food from a pet supply store, as opposed to the cheaper brands sold in most grocery stores. Quality food has fewer preservatives and the essential nutrients your puppy needs to live a long, healthy life. By reducing or eliminating the scent, your puppy will not be tempted to return to the same area to repeat the offense. For yard cleanup, a pooper-scooper is the ideal tool to get the job done. Use a soft bristle brush on your new puppy, gradually introducing a soft slicker brush. Ideally, your puppy should visit the groomer every months. Love and Affection Enjoy your new puppy and have fun! There are bound to be mistakes along the way, but time really does fly. Remember to take plenty of pictures and videos as your puppy transitions into a well-behaved adult. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. As long as the product does the intended job. Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, so you can be sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy. They also give back to the pet community by supporting animal-related charities and initiatives. Overall, PuppySpot is a convenient and ethical way to find your perfect Labradoodle puppy. So why not check them out and add a new furry family member to your home? Preparing Your House — The Basics Besides getting all of the necessary supplies a Labradoodle puppy will need, you will also have to ensure that your home itself is prepared for a puppy. What can they reach? Where will they sniff around? You have to address all manner of safety issues before your puppy arrives home. Designated House-Training Area House training, and many other kinds of training, should start as soon as your puppy moves in. Designated Sleeping Area For the first couple of weeks, it has been proven more successful when you have your puppy sleep in a crate beside your bed than in some other room in your home. Your puppy will be able to feel asleep a lot easier if they know they are close to you. So unless you enjoy having to move a single crate around your home every single day, it could be a good idea to have one for your bedroom and one for whatever other room you have planned to be their future sleeping spot. You could equip the crates with nothing more than just a waterproof mat and something to comfort them such as an old t-shirt or rag from the breeder. Baby Gates Puppy gates or baby gates, getting a few of these around your house before bringing your puppy home is a good idea. Not only are they important for training purposes, but for their own safety, they are absolutely vital. Electric Cables This is something a lot of people overlook, but it can potentially be life-threatening if not taken care of. Designated Daily Area It can be challenging enough to look after a puppy, so having a sectioned-off room or area for them can help you significantly. Before you bring your puppy home, consider having a designated area for them set up and ready for use. In this area, there should be their crate, water, food bowls, assorted toys, treats, and some cleaning products ready to use. Final Check of the Home As I mentioned above, your new Labradoodle puppy will probably surprise you with their never-ending curiosity. Having Several of the Right Kinds of Toys With new puppies, a lot of the questions I hear typically have something to do with their mouths. Their teeth, chewing, biting,… the list goes on. So this is something that we have to take a look at. And you should also remember that when bringing a new puppy home, it might not have received any worthwhile training at all. This is why having a lot of the right kinds of toys will be very beneficial and helpful to both you and the puppy. The Best Toys for a Doodle puppy include: Hard, tough chew toys. These are usually toys made from hard rubber or plastic with small recesses and massagers. Dog bones. Known for their durability and ability to last for a long time. They often have a slight flavor to keep your puppy attracted to them and they are generally a great all-round option. Interactive toys. Soft training toys. You should only use these toys for training. If you do that. Doing it like this makes the toy an efficient object for training and having a handful of these toys ready would be a great idea. But allow me to also cover some general tips and tricks on how to care for your puppy and what you should do in specific situations. Have a look at the tips below to hopefully help you understand how you should act in everyday situations that puppy owners can find themselves in. Knowing just a few of these can help you prepare better for a new life filled with puppy love. A Labradoodle puppy is very intelligent and can quickly build an association between the command and toilet time. When your puppy manages to do its business in the designated area, even if you had to carry him all the way there, give him a lot of love and praise him massively. The key to a successful life with dogs is positive reinforcement training. Talk with the breeder about what their current meal times are, and then continue following that. This will make it a lot easier for the puppy to transition into this new life of theirs. Can Your Puppy Go in the Yard? Use Comforters When talking about comforters, I mean anything that your puppy can associate back to either your or their mother. This can be anything from a smell, shape, texture, or just how the item feels. These sensations remind the puppy of having their mother with them. When I first heard about these products, I brushed it off as a silly gimmick, but I got one from a friend of mine as a gift, as I was pleasantly surprised at just how great and cute, they actually are. And they are also highly recommended by other puppy owners. Final Words So that was our small Labradoodle puppy checklist, and if you follow just half the advice given, you are as prepared as you can be before welcoming your new Labradoodle puppy to your home. You now have a comprehensive list of products, how you prepare your home best, and just what you can expect from your new puppy. Taking in a puppy, training them, and just all about their general care and well-being is a very large subject. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. I recommend the following two new mini Australian Labradoodle parents. I use Amazon. Royal Canin dry Mini Puppy dog food Stainless steel or plastic bowls are easiest to keep clean stone can collect a film if not cleaned often. All natural, made in America treats and chew options For your new puppy, an extra-small collar will work at first, but within just a couple of weeks, you will need a small one which may last even until the puppy is an adult. A large crate 36 inches and we prefer double door- This crate can be divided into a smaller size and then expanded as your Australian Labradoodle grows. I like to use Sherpa mats inside my crates. These are easy to wash and dry and fit on the crate bottom without too much bulk. A Vittles Vault seals dog food better than most other dog food storage containers. It is worth the few extra bucks. Remember that as wonderful as this breed is, you are still bringing home a puppy! Your puppy will need love, patience, positive correction, and consistency. Your puppy will want to be with you! However, there will be times you will want to crate her. Be positive when placing your puppy in the crate. You can even place a blanket over the crate at night to signify it is time to sleep. Your puppy will want to chew as he teethes. Supplying your puppy with toys and all-natural chew sticks and items will help. Correct your puppy when you find him chewing off-limit items and then supply him with an appropriate option. Your puppy will need to be taken out often as you potty train. Your puppy will grow quickly between 8 weeks and five months. It will be a fun time as long as you are prepared to be patient and work hard to train your Australian Labradoodle. Your diligence will pay off with a faithful friend to enjoy for many years. Active and needs lots of exercises History Of The Breed The labradoodle has been around since the s as a mix of the Labrador retriever and a full-size poodle. This breed was developed to create dogs with the loyalty, intelligence, and trainability of the Labrador retriever, with the low shedding coat of the poodle. The loyalty and high intelligence of poodles made them a great personality match for a Lab as well. Despite being bred as companion dogs, standard poodles are actually pretty big. They are at least 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. When you combine that with a Labrador, which is inches tall and can weigh 70 pounds, you get a pretty big dog. They tend to be around inches tall and can weigh pounds. They are dogs that take up quite a bit of space! Of course, you can get a smaller labradoodle by breeding a Lab with a miniature or a toy poodle. This is not as easy to do as there can be a huge size difference between the pure-bred parents, but some breeders have been working for several generations to gradually reduce the size of their labradoodle pups. Mini Labradoodle Appearance There is still quite a bit of size difference between the miniature Labradoodles that you can get from a breeder; they can weigh anything from 15 to 30 pounds, and most will measure somewhere between 14 and 16 inches tall. The appearance of miniature Labradoodles can be more predictable than that of standard Labradoodles as they are usually bred from two labradoodle parents, rather than directly from the parent breeds. They will almost certainly have the low-shedding coat of a poodle since this is one of the principal traits that is controlled for. They could have a wool coat that needs daily brushing to release hair that gets caught up in the wiry texture or a fleece coat that is wavy. These may shed slightly more, but this coat is easy to care for. They can vary significantly in color since poodles come in a variety of colors, unlike Labradors which are yellow, black, or chocolate. They can be apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver-beige, or white. They may also be bicolor, though this is relatively rare. Temperament Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs. Both Labradors and poodles are considered among the most intelligent breeds and can learn a new command with as few as five repetitions. Their offspring will certainly inherit this intelligence. Labradors are also highly trainable because they are eager to please and love having something to do! They are also reward-driven. This means that mini Labradoodles will be highly trainable as well. Both parent breeds love people and tend to form tight attachments with their families quickly. They are also pretty relaxed with strangers and are more likely to want to make friends than raise the alarm when someone shows up at the door. This is one of the reasons that they make excellent guide dogs or other working dogs. You should always pay attention when your miniature labradoodle starts barking. They can be a bit more standoffish with other pets, but socialization from a young age can teach them to make friends. You should take the time to introduce new pets into the home and let them get to know each other from a distance first when dealing with these dogs. Because both parent breeds love being around people, so do their miniature Lab children. They can become highly stressed and even develop depression. It is also common for them to become destructive when they feel frustrated. Since they are highly intelligent pups, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Teaching them tricks can be a great way to activate their minds, and puzzle toys can keep them distracted for a while, though they tend to figure things out pretty quickly. Be warned that they are also excellent escape artists, so all escape routes from the house need to be secured. Labradoodles love children and instinctively know how to be careful and protective of them. Of course, you should never leave children unattended with any dog for the safety of both, but a miniature labradoodle will love playing with kids, and the two high-energy forces can work to wear one another out. Activity Levels Despite their smaller size, miniature Labradoodles need almost as much exercise as their larger labradoodle cousins. They need at least an hour of active exercise each day, preferably split into two 30 minute periods. In addition to formal exercise, they do best when they have some outdoor space at home that they can potter around in and use to let off a bit of energy throughout the day. Nothing will make these dogs happier than accompanying the family on hikes and other adventures. Thanks to their Lab parent they also love the water and tend to be excellent swimmers. Health Concerns A miniature labradoodle may live as little as 10 or as long as 18 years, which can be very difficult to predict, but you should expect your canine companion to be with you for quite some time. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be predisposed to a few health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. The first is gastric dilation, which is basically bloating. Gaining weight can be an immediate sign of this, but it wreaks havoc with many of their systems. This is another good reason to watch what you feed them, and consult your vet about relevant medication. These collapses can be life-threatening, so it is important to monitor your dog during exercise and rein them in if they show any sign of muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Consult your vet for long-term treatment. This can also be a sign of centronuclear myopathy, which is not unknown in this breed. Hip dysplasia can be another common issue, which is exacerbated if you overexercise your dog as a puppy. Restrict exercise until they are fully grown to ensure against abnormal growth. Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also pretty common, but most breeders should be screening for this. How To Find A Mini Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles are a popular breed, so there are many active breeders, but finding one who specializes in miniature Labradoodles can be more challenging. Thankfully, there is a big community that loves this type of dog so there are many forums where you can ask around and get advice. Having read our guide to the miniature labradoodle, are you considering whether you should adopt one? Consider the following to make your final decision. This can lead to destructive frustration and serious depression. They do best in households when there is nearly always someone about, or when they can go to work with you. Their good behavior and low shedding mean that they are good dogs to take with you to other places. You also need to take the time to train these dogs, as they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Are you willing to commit the time to their development? Despite their small size, these are high-energy dogs. As well as formal exercise, they will love joining you on weekend adventures and would rather be on the trail than sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix with you. Do you have the type of lifestyle that your dog will enjoy? Do You Have Kids? Miniature labradoodles are great with kids and they know how to both be protective and play gently. The key is to teach children how to treat dogs gently as well. They might not be the best fit for very young families just because they have lots of energy and need lots of attention. It can be a challenge to juggle the needs of young children and an energetic young pup at the same time. There are, however, lots of things to look out for to make sure these pups stay healthy and happy. They will bark during play or if they want to get your attention, but excessive barking is uncommon and is normally something that you should pay attention to. Do labradoodles chew furniture? Find our recommendations for the best puppy chew toys here. Can mini labradoodles be left alone? These dogs should not be left at home repeatedly for long workdays, though. These dogs do best when they have company for most of the day. Do labradoodles bond with one person? All dogs have a tendency to bond more strongly with one person than everyone else. This is usually their principal caregiver, but they have big hearts with room for everyone in the family, plus most of the strangers they meet. The miniature labradoodle is a smaller version of the original labradoodle that can do better in smaller family homes; however, they still have the same high energy and need at least some outdoor space to call their own. If you have always wanted a labradoodle, but resisted adopting one because of its size, the miniature labradoodle might be exactly the dog you are looking for. Do you have experience with miniature Labradoodles? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Food and Water dishes, or a water bottle to hang in the crate door. Brushes are great for surface brushing Doodles but you really need a good comb for getting the mats out and getting all the way down to the root of the hair. I love the Carlson Gates with the handles, I do not recommend the cheap accordion style wooden ones. Puppy Bed and Blankets, if puppy is peeing on their bed or blankets then replace them with a Stuffed Animals to cuddle Whelping Pads. Your puppy has been trained from birth using these so if you absolutely can not let them outside, I think these work better then the disposal potty pads they chew and drag around. Dewormer — I recommend using Safeguard dewormer, an over the counter dewormer that kills all 4 types of intestinal worms and also treats giardia which is a very common parasite transmitted via infected feces in water or soil and the 1 cause of diarrhea in young puppies. Dreamydoodles puppies are dewormed 4x before they go home and should be wormed again at home with Safe-guard at 12 wks and then every 6 months. Feed you puppy the same food at the same time every day. Puppies should be fed times a day on a strict set schedule. Growing too rabidly can cause hip, joint problems. Appetite changes. Do not worry too much just continue your feeding routine and pull up leftovers after mins and try again their next scheduled mealtime. Puppies should be drinking even when stressed. Let sleeping puppies lie. Growing Puppies need lots of sleep, so if your puppy is sleeping, just let them sleep. ALSO some puppies may sleep even more then normal the first few days home, as a coping mechanism to the stress of a new environment. Take this very short period of time to just let them settle in and start to feel at home with you and your family and THEN you can show them off to the world, in fact I encourage you too! Kids love to carry around their new puppies but most puppies. .Talk to young children about how important it is to stay calm, Not to fight over them with each other or get super loud or scare the puppy. BEFORE you know it your kids and your puppy will be the best of friends but try to take it slow especially the first week. You wouldnt leave your infant with your 3 year old right? You gotta be just as logical with your kids and your puppy. All the situations listed below should be observed at least a couple times without a negative reaction from your adult dog… before considering leaving them alone together. For example… How well does your adult dog handle the puppy jumping on them or invading their space, bugging them while their asleep? How do they react to puppy trying to eat out of their bowl, or sleeping or playing in their bed, playing with their toys etc? Introducing puppy to new people! After the first few days and once their settled in and adjusted then I recommend you start introducing them to LOTS of new people, every age, size and type of person you can find willing to meet them. You should also start introducing them to lots of new environments and new situations. Just stay away from high dog traffic areas until after 16 wks and their last set of vaccinations. MOST puppies will grow out of this, with early puppy socialization. Take some time out every day to have a short training session with your puppy. Prepare by getting out your treats, treat bag, a few toys and chews. Bonding with you puppy! The best way to bond with your puppy is through training, games and getting down to their eye level and playing with them. Throw a toy and see if you can get them bring it back to you for a treat, use their name! Remember to keep puppy training session short. Always end by asking them to perform a command or task that they know well so you can end with a big win and lots of praise. Zak George, has a ton of helpful and positive puppy training videos! Check out the rest of his videos on his channel! Take your puppy out after eating and sleeping. Supervise your puppy! Crate-training is essential! Designate a certain potty area and stick with it! Pick an area of your yard where you want them to go, preferably in a corner of the yard away from the door and where they will play the most, this not only makes your clean up area smaller then your whole yard but it also helps it click for them. .Correct accidents only when you catch them in the act.