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Contact How to Potty Train an English Bulldog in 12 Simple Steps Apart from chewed furniture or scratched doors with a young or untrained English bulldog, coming back to a house that reeks of urine and feces can be utterly distressing. All dogs do not like soiling their usual eating and sleeping areas and are instinctively cleaner. Therefore they learn to not urinate and defecate in their crates which means it is not impossible to potty train them. How to potty train an English bulldog? Begin by designating a potty spot in the yard. Take the English Bulldog to the potty spot every hours to normalize this area for when it needs to potty. English bulldogs are strong-willed, so while they are trainable, it can take some time, persistence, and patience. But in the end, they will be potty training. Why does my English bulldog pee in his bed? Bedwetting is a common problem among dogs, and there is a solution to this. However, before figuring out the solution, it is essential to find out the possible reasons behind it. Dogs will try their best not to soil their sleeping areas. This comes from their wild instinct of keeping their den clean, and if something is going against that instinct, it could be behavioral, emotional, or medical. It is best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any illness behind this unusual behavior. There could be several reasons behind your English bulldog peeing in his bed. Urinary Tract Infection UTI Urinary tract infections are common in dogs and are caused by fungi, bacteria, or parasites in the urinary tract. Urinary infection can increase the frequency of urination, urgency, bloody urine, and improper urination in your dog. Bulldogs are susceptible to urinary tract infections more than other dog breeds. Female English bulldogs are more at risk of getting UTI than males, but male bulldogs can still get them. Your dog does not forget his house training, but the disease makes it quite difficult for your dog to stop the flow of urine when he wants to go. Hormone Responsive Urinary Incontinence Your English bulldog may pee in his bed while sleeping or relaxed. He may not be able to hold his urine that leaks out involuntarily. This is more common in middle-aged spayed female bulldogs. When a female bulldog is spayed, her ovaries are removed, resulting in a decrease in her estrogen production. With a decrease in estrogen, the sphincter becomes relaxed, making them leak urine. The problem gets worse with age. Your English bulldog could also be suffering from separation anxiety. If your dog is left alone at home for long hours, then he can grow extremely distressed and may start urinating and even defecating indoors. To know more about how to help a distressed bulldog read, Is My Bulldog Stressed? And How to Treat It! Territory Marking All dogs do urinary markings out of instinct. Some dogs, including English bulldogs, mark around the house to keep potential intruders at bay. Your dog may start marking inside the house and let out only small amounts of urine in strategic places. Your English bulldog may be insecure about his belongings and may start peeing at different spots in the house to keep others away from them. This usually happens after a new family member, a human, feline, or a canine, is brought to the house. But this is different from wetting their beds. How to Help your Bedwetting English Bulldog? Your English bulldog may feel insecure due to the arrival of a new family member, be it a human or another pet. If your English bulldog pees in bed due to some underlying emotional issue, then observe what happens before bedtime. Take time to note would could be causing this behavior. Many times, simple changes can resolve this issue but if professional help is needed, seek the advice of your vet. If peeing in bed occurs on a regular basis, then I would recommend getting a waterproof bed. A waterproof bed or bed cover will make it easier to clean up, especially if you are training a new pup. Even with a waterproof bed, continue to take your English bulldog outside to potty in the appropriate spot. Shower your dog with praise when it does potty outside. Another wonder help is to use an odor neutralizer on the spots your bulldog pees. This will discourage your English bulldog from peeing inside the house. Potty Training the English Bulldog The first thing to understand when potty training your English bulldog is that there is an immense need for repetition and consistency. An English bulldog should be potty trained when they are young to instill this habit early on. Adult bulldogs may also be given the training. Potty training, an English bulldog puppy, will need some hard work and so be prepared for it. The following tips can be helpful in potty-training your English bulldog. If the puppy has been used to pee pads or newspapers as was done by the breeder for a long time, then the training may be a bit tougher. Take away the newspaper so they are not available for use. Take your English bulldog puppy out every two to three hours for a potty break, especially after naps, meals, playtime, and before going to bed. Choose a safe spot for your puppy that is protected from all elements so that the potty breaks are comfortable. English bulldogs are perpetually hungry, and food motivation can work well with them. Reward your dog with healthy treats when it goes out to the designated spot outside to relieve itself and then comes back inside. As your English bulldog puppy starts growing up, you can increase the time between potty breaks as older dogs have better control over elimination. After the age of 6 months, your English bulldog can quickly go about 4 to 5 hours without needing to go out. English bulldogs are mainly indoor dogs, so they can also be trained to use a big dog litter box inside the house. Look out for signs such as your bulldog walking in circles, sniffing the ground. All these are telltale signs that your English bulldog wants to eliminate and should immediately be taken outside the house. Fix a particular area of your yard as the potty area for your bulldog and take your dog to this area only when you first go outside. Eventually, your bulldog will learn to his business at the same spot, making it easier for you to clean up after him. When your bulldog is finished relieving itself, be quick to reward. An English bulldog thrives off praise, gentle belly rubs, or a dog treat for a job well done. Create a specific place in the house for your English bulldog to potty. Always use positive reinforcements when potty training an English bulldog puppy or an adult dog. Scolding the dog can create fear and a lack of confidence. A dog that is uncomfortable is more likely to have an accident. English bulldog puppies are a powerhouse of energy that have not developed proper control over their bladders. These pups grow fast, eat more, burn calories quickly, and in turn need to eliminate more frequently than their adult English bulldog counterparts. For hard floors, laminate or tile, use absorbent cloth, paper towels, or a mop to absorb the pee. Then clean the surface to remove any lingering residue and smell. Use an enzyme neutralizer that can break down the protein-based molecules in urine that cause bad odors. You can use the same on soft surfaces like carpets and sofas. It is easier to clean on hard floors, but if your English bulldog pees on smooth surfaces like carpet, bed, or a sofa than cleaning can be an uphill task as these surfaces can absorb the pee. If this happens, immediately use napkins and towels to blot out as much pee as you can. Then sprinkle some water and put some drops of mild soap over the spot where your dog peed. Then use another towel to dilute the remaining amount of urine. Sometimes even after you have cleaned the pee, the stench can linger, so what should you do to eliminate them? Removing the odor is essential as your dog will think that the area is an acceptable place to relieve himself. One of the everyday household items that you can use to remove the odor is baking soda. Spread the baking soda all across the damp spot. Remember not to take too much of it. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight and then vacuum all the baking soda thoroughly several times until the area feels clean. Another method uses one more household item, and that is vinegar. Take a spray bottle and mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water and two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix the ingredients thoroughly by shaking them up. Then spray this mixture on the stain and allow it to sit for some time. Later blot the area with clean towels or napkins until clean. Vinegar neutralizes the smell of urine without fading the carpets and sofas and is excellent for cleaning and protecting them. English bulldogs are adorable but also have a stubborn streak in them. This can make it difficult to train , especially potty training. Praises and positive reinforcements through voice commands and treats can do the trick. Shouting or raising your voice can be disturbing to an English bulldog. Aggressive behavior from the owner can make the bulldog withdraw, setting back the training, and making him even more stubborn. Remember, positive training will lead to positive results! Post Views: 1, Plenty of wipes and toilet tissue 1. Build a potty-training routine When you first start house training your English Bulldog puppy, you should aim to build a routine around their toileting needs. Luckily, their bladders and bowels are fairly predictable, as they are determined by not only their sleeping pattern, but also what they eat and drink. You should always take your puppy out to the toilet first thing as soon as they wake up — and this goes for whenever they wake up from naps too! As well as taking them out first thing in the morning, you should also take them out last thing at night or before you are going to leave them alone for an extended period of time: this is to prevent any accidents overnight or whilst you are gone! On top of this, you should also aim to take your puppy out to the toilet every thirty minutes to an hour. We actually started up a diary of what our puppy had eaten and and how often and what times he tended to urinate and defecate. Take your English Bulldog outside as soon as you see any signs that they need a pee or poop. All puppies have immature diet systems, which means that each meal tends to stimulate their digestive system faster than it would in adult dogs. Generally, puppies need to urinate within fifteen minutes of eating and defecate within half an hour of eating. Once your dog has finished eating, take away the food bowl until the next scheduled mealtime. This will prevent your puppy from overindulging. Handy Hint: If you need more guidance on how much to feed your English Bully, please click here where I explain how many cups of food is enough for them , plus a feeding chart. You should also ensure that the food you give your puppy is of the higher possible quality — this means avoiding dog food with artificial colours and preservatives and ensuring that real meat is the primary ingredient. Confinement and consistency When your English Bulldog puppy is in the early stages of potty training, it is good to confine to a small area such as a room, a crate or via a lead until you are confident that they can roam the house freely without accidents. Furthermore, consistency goes hand-in-hand with confinement, and it involves introducing your dogs to select areas to toilet in so that, over time, they will learn to associate going to the toilet with that area of the house or outside. A good way to ease your dog into this component of toilet training is via puppy pad training or crate training. Essentially, the purpose of the puppy pad is not only to reduce mess, but also to get your puppy used to the idea of doing their business in an approved, select area indoors an area that is easy to clean up! Overtime, your puppy will learn to associate the pad itself with areas where it is okay to toilet, and at this stage it is good to move the mad outside to help them adapt. You can buy puppy pads on Amazon. Here are the ones we used which also have very good Amazon reviews. Crate training Crates are an effective and approved way of toilet training your English Bulldog puppy at the beginning. It helps to avoid mess, helps you keep a closer eye for signs he needs to go and, most crucially, teaches him to hold it until he is let outside to toilet. Make sure the crate is large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around and lie down but not large enough for them to defecate and urinate in. You can find a suitably-sized crate on Amazon which work well with the English Bulldog breed. Learn to pick up on the signs To avoid accidents in the home, it is good to learn to recognise signs that your English Bulldog needs the toilet. Commons signs include: Sniffing the floor. Looking restless and anxious. Going into an area they have previously toileted in. If your puppy shows any of these signs, take them out to your chosen toileting spot immediately. However, if accidents do happen, it is best to stay calm and not get angry at your puppy, as this will just make them fearful and cause them stress, which will actually result in more random accidents. Use a phrase they will learn to understand One of the most important aspects that goes a long with in potty training your English Bulldog puppy to use a phrase they learn to identify with. By doing so, he would learn to identify the phrase and location with the action. Reward the puppy for a good job When your English Bulldog puppy has finished his pee or poop in the right place, you should give them a reward or positive reinforcement with praise. By rewarding good behavior you will start a pattern of success which can lead to far faster house breaking and training. Never scold them Accidents are going to happen a lot, and whilst this can be frustrating, never shout or scold the puppy. I remember countless times where I would have just cleaned a pee up from the kitchen floor, only for our puppy to crouch and pee again just seconds later. When should I start potty training my English Bulldog puppy? It is generally recommended to start house training your English Bulldog puppy once they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. This is a good age to start because whilst it means that your puppy is still young enough to learn life-long skills and have their behavior moulded, at this stage your puppy should have enough control over their bladder and bowels to hold it when necessary — making the potty training process easier for them, and cleaner for you! How long does it take to potty train an English Bulldog puppy? There are other factors which come into play though, such as individual temperament and environmental factors. Be prepared for accidents, but above all, have some wipes and tissue paper on hand all the time as you will get through a lot of this stuff! Once you have potty and house trained your English Bulldog puppy he will only ever do his business outside. Conclusion Now you know how we advise you housebreak and English Bulldog puppy, I would love to know how you got on. Get in touch via social media and leave a comment. Similarly, if you have better ideas on how to potty train an English Bulldog puppy, please share those in the community too. The bottom line is this; do not underestimate to the work that goes into taking care of a new puppy. Toilet training your puppy might feel a bit difficult at times, but with the right attitude, attentiveness and patience, they will learn this life-long skill. However, if you have any concerns about their ability to toilet train, always contact a vet or a professional trainer. As unlikely as this is, there are some English Bulldogs who will need expert help. You might also like…. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post. Buy Now on Amazon If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If you have access to a backyard, pick out an area where you can take them. Always encourage them and support them when you house train; using passive-aggressive tactics on a dog can create fear and insecurities. What cues will puppies give that they have to go potty? Some begin to sniff the floor. A few spin around in a circle. Some whine, fidget or head for the corner or door in the room. Once you discover the signs or cues your puppy gives, the easier it will be to get him outside at the right time for a potty break. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to turn around in and lay comfortably but not large enough that they can eliminate. If your pup does eliminate itself in the crate, it may be too large. If you start with a larger dog crate, section it off. While potty training, I would simultaneously be crate training. If I were in the immediate vicinity of the puppy and able to be vigilant in watching him, he would be outside the crate. I would also crate train a puppy to sleep in the crate. As they grew and matured, they would go in and out of their crate at their will. Because dogs do not like to relieve themselves in their sleeping area, this made potty training very easy. For one, puppies have small bladders and cannot hold their urine for long, and two; it would be cruel to do so as puppies need socialization. When you bring the puppy out of his crate, take him immediately outside to relieve himself. Once he does, be sure to pour on the praise and positive reinforcement. Take the puppy outside for potty breaks every 2 hours. This has been the method I have used over the years and has been very effective. Start with picking out an area where you want your pup to relieve themselves. Make it a habit to take them to that area to potty every 2 — 3 hours to normalize this. If your English bulldog constantly pees in their bed before getting to the solution, we need to find out the reason behind it. For the most part, your bulldog will try not to pee in their bed. A few more common reasons are urinary tract infection, hormones, emotional issues, and marking territory, which is different from potty training. A UTI in an English bulldog will lead to constant urination, urgency, blood within the urine, and improper urination. Bulldogs are more vulnerable to a UTI than most other dog breeds. The female bulldog is even more at risk than its male counterpart, even though the male can still get them. Your bulldog might be fully house trained, but having a UTI makes it hard for your dog not to urinate when the urge is there, and potty accidents can occur. Hormone Responsive Urinary Incontinence Your bulldog might pee the bed while asleep or just relaxing. This happens more with middle-aged spayed female bulldogs. Getting your female bulldog spayed means her ovaries are removed, bringing down her estrogen production levels. Low estrogen levels make it difficult for your bulldog to control the muscle that allows them to hold its urine. Over time this becomes more prevalent with age. Emotional Issues If you notice your bulldog acting out of the ordinary, they could be experiencing stress, worry, or even anxiety. Even fear, if they are afraid of something or someone at home, they might decide to stay in their bed and not leave to go potty. Some things can make your bulldog insecure; this could be a new family member or another pet. Separation anxiety is another emotion they might be experiencing. If left at home alone for long periods of time, they can become distressed and begin to urinate and leave feces within your home. But if not, a vet visit to rule out medical problems or a consultation with a certified dog trainer might be in order. English bulldogs mark their spot around the house to keep outsiders away. Usually, they start doing this when someone other than the dog owner is brought into the home, maybe a new roommate or guest. This can also happen when a new puppy or adult dog is brought into the home. But be aware that this is not the same as your bulldog wetting the bed. Hardwood Floors and Tile If you have hard floors or tiles, use a strong absorbent cloth, paper towels, or a mop to absorb the urine. You can then clean the surface to remove any lingering smell. Carpet and Furniture Carpet and furniture can absorb the urine once it hits the surface. Once you notice this happening, get some paper towels to absorb what you can from the surface, then spray some water and a few drops of soap over the urine spot. Then get another set of paper towels or napkins to get the rest of the urine you can out. Be sure to spot-check first. Odor After cleaning up after your bulldog, you might still have the smell lingering. You want to remove the odor, or your bulldog will think the area is appropriate to potty again. Baking soda is a helpful product; just spread the baking soda over the area where the urine was located. Let it rest overnight, and then use a vacuum to get the baking soda out. A final tactic you can try is vinegar. If you mix vinegar with some baking soda and put it over where the urine was located, the mixture can neutralize the smell without fading the surface of the carpet or sofa. This is helpful in cleaning and maintaining your furniture. Again, remember to spot-check. 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According to Tufts Veterinary School , food aggression is when dogs become aggressive when someone approaches them around food. There are a range of fixes for this, including training a dog to stop showing this behavior, or just effectively managing it and minimizing the risks around it. How To Prevent Aggression In Golden Retrievers The best thing to do about aggression in golden retrievers is to stop it from happening in the first place. Since bad behaviors usually stem from a mix of environmental and genetic factors, here are three ways to try to prevent aggression in your golden: 1. Socialize your dog Dogs usually become aggressive when they feel threatened. Choose a good breeder Since genetics definitely play a role in whether or not golden retrievers can be aggressive, make sure to choose a good breeder than is breeding good-tempered dogs. Also, breeders are the first ones to socialize your puppy , and responsible breeders will know how to do that, as well as care enough to do it. Goldens are big dogs with big teeth, so if you have an aggressive golden, it could be dangerous. Conclusion Although it is not common, it is possible for golden retrievers to be aggressive. To prevent aggression in your dog, be sure to never physically punish them, choose a good breeder, and properly socialize them. Related articles:. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Lunging Biting Dogs can display these behaviors toward adults or children, as well as other dogs or animals in the home. However, they can also act aggressively toward strangers or unfamiliar pets. What should you do if you see these signs of aggression in your dog? If you ignore this behavior, someone could get hurt. To address the underlying issue, seek professional help from a licensed dog trainer or animal behaviorist. If they do show signs of aggression, there is a reason. So, what causes this kind of dog aggression? Causes of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Are golden retrievers aggressive in most cases? But do golden retrievers have the propensity to act aggressively as a result of certain factors, just like any dog breed? Food aggression and resource guarding is relatively common among dogs, including the golden retriever. Dogs might also be possessive about their toys, bedding, a certain room in the house, or a certain family member. Dominance Because dogs are pack animals, they tend to look for hierarchy. Aa dog may try to assert their dominance over another pet or, in some very rare cases, a family member. We generally find golden retrievers are fantastic family dogs. Fear Another type of aggression is fear-based aggression. Fear aggression occurs when your dog is frightened of something or gets startled. A loud noise like thunder, a stranger in the house, or the prospect of a car ride could trigger this. They can be, just like any dog. A golden could snap when someone steps on their tail or massages a sore arthritic joint too hard. They can help alleviate joint pain, improve mobility, and help with long-term joint health. Abuse or neglect can result in a fear or distrust of humans and other animals, so a golden who has experienced this kind of mistreatment could be more likely to act out aggressively. However, like any other dog breed, they can display aggressive behavior under some circumstances. The question is, how can you avoid such circumstances and encourage more positive responses? Here are the best ways to avoid bad behavior, including canine aggression, when you own a golden retriever: Give Proper Training Dog owners can avoid many behavioral problems with good long-term training. Your dog should know the fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, heel, and lay down. They should also be crate and leash trained. If you need some help, consult a dog trainer for help or enroll your pet in obedience training classes. Kids need to know that your dog is not a toy and needs to be given the proper space and respect. Socialize Your Dog Proper socialization means exposing your dog to a wide variety of people, animals, situations, and environments at a young age. That way, your pooch grows up familiar with everything they may encounter as an adult, which helps to avoid unwanted behavior like aggression. You can socialize an older dog as well as a golden retriever puppy — it just might take a little more time and patience. Positive reinforcement is a much better tactic. This means rewarding your pet with treats and verbal praise when they exhibit good behavior and correcting them when they need it, rather than resorting to punishment. Choose a Reputable Breeder Are golden retrievers aggressive when they come from a breeder? Not necessarily, but poor breeding practices can certainly contribute to aggression. Dogs who come from backyard breeders or crowded settings may have had to compete for food, toys, or territory, increasing the likelihood of aggression later in life. Most shelters work with the dogs in their care to make sure they have basic training and socialization. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive or Not? Are golden retrievers aggressive? No, not inherently. On the contrary, golden retrievers are extremely friendly dogs who are social, affectionate, gentle creatures. They tend to get along very well with adults, kids, and other pets, making the golden one of the best dogs for families. While golden retrievers are not aggressive by nature, there are several possible reasons why they might show aggression. Any dog can be possessive, try to assert dominance, be afraid or in pain, or come from a background of abuse or neglect. To avoid aggression in your golden retriever, commit to training them and socializing your pet. Last but not least, adopt your dog from a reputable breeder or shelter that has instilled some training and positive socialization already. Browse the Native Pet blog. Read more. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive? The Honest Truth Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden Retriever owners will most times be highly indignant if you dare to suggest that their Goldens have even an iota of aggression in them. They will be quick to tell you that dog experts will even use this big golden, friendly dog as an example breed when looking to confirm what a calm, amicable dog is. And the puppies? Are golden Retrievers aggressive as puppies? Not at all. Alright, so as a puppy it is only natural that he will nip and bite your hand as he is teething. He has the cutest little growl too. However, not training your puppy and not taking him along to socialization classes can allow this puppy habit to develop into something serious. Is Aggression Common in Golden Retrievers? Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? Only very seldom. Calm and laid back as your Golden Retriever is, there are going to be times when your golden doggo may be aggressive. They are loving, playful, calm, friendly, smiling, amiable dogs. Are male Golden Retrievers aggressive more often than females? Not really. As mentioned, these dogs are rarely aggressive, but it is more likely that the male Golden Retriever will be more aggressive than the female. Aggression in Golden Retrievers nearly always comes from poor breeding, bad dog owners, inadequate training, and lack of socialization. You can also add in abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Golden Retrievers are known as control groups for aggression A control group is a standard to which comparisons are made in a dog aggression experiment. There is a control group and an experimental group. The inclusion of a control group helps the researcher to make conclusions from the study. It is only with a control group that a researcher can determine whether a treatment can have an effect on an experimental group. In the study, golden retrievers were tested and used as a control group. Seventy Golden Retrievers were tested in the temperament test. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored. A total of .Goldens are not typically aggressive Most Golden Retriever owners are familiar with the good-natured temperaments of their Goldens, and they would consider an aggressive Golden Retriever to be an unheard-of thing. Dogs are like kids and the Golden is just a big loving child wanting to please you. And rightly so. Nobody in their right mind would want an aggressive Golden Retriever around their small children. Nonetheless, even though the chances are almost nil that your Golden has any aggression in him, there are one or two factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers, and with good reason, and we look at some of them below. Fear Fear causes any dog faced with a threat to defend itself by biting. Veterinary behavior specialists tell us that fear-related aggression is just that — it is used as self-defense. It may well be out of sheer desperation that a cornered dog bites when it anticipates a threat. A Golden Retriever that has been regularly smacked learns to generalize — believing that every human hand wants to strike him. He goes into self-protection mode by biting the hand that reaches out to him. Fear is also instilled in a dog such as the Golden Retriever when an owner uses harsh, cruel punishment-based training methods. Harsh behavior increases aggression but also anxiety. Danger Dogs act in unusual ways when they sense danger. Can Golden Retrievers be aggressive in the face of danger? This abuse can take different forms. Goldens who have suffered from emotional and physical abuse can respond to anyone with aggression. He will in all likelihood be scared, agitated, and aggressive. Socializing your Golden Retriever will prepare him for a broad range of situations so that he is able to interact with various animals, people, and situations. It teaches him to react to the world out there in a calm way without fear and aggression. Illness Aggression in a Golden Retriever can have a medical cause. Just like the human child gets whiney, cranky, and aggressive when ill and with a bad headache, our canine friends do as well. Medically-induced aggression in a Golden Retriever can result in warning signs of growling, baring teeth, and general aggression. Brain inflammation occurs in conditions such as rabies and encephalitis. The aggression in this instance is most times a neurological reaction to the effect of the inflammation on the brain. Low thyroid levels affect mood and thyroid therapy can relieve aggression in dogs with hypothyroidism. Dogs are like humans in some ways and if they have woken up feeling under the weather, they may respond by showing signs of aggression. Injury There are many causes of aggression in dogs and injury is a common cause of canine aggression. Your Golden Retriever is nearly always a well-behaved dog, so if he suddenly shows signs of aggression, you just know there is something unusual up with him. If you find him acting out of character and wanting to nip you, get him to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination. He could have chewed on something that has caused injury to the teeth or even lodged somewhere, causing injury and pain inside the mouth. Irresponsible Breeding Canine aggression always poses concerns. Aggression in dogs is researched by people wanting to understand breed differences. Research always reveals that the Golden Retriever is a calm, good-natured golden beauty with hardly an aggressive bone inside him. But what about irresponsible breeding? A dog can suffer from all kinds of complications in pregnancy and when ignored because of the costs it can be tragic and heartbreaking. A responsible Golden Retriever breeder is one who knows the breed well and who has health clearances to show that both parents are free of genetic disorders. They follow the AKC breed guidelines for health testing. The test includes hips, elbows, thyroid tests, hearing tests, DNA testing, and heart tests. Also before breeding, dog parents need additional tests for Brucellosis testing and both dogs need to be up to date with all their vaccinations. Their characteristics, their bad attitude, their lack of affection, their lack of concern, and their troublesome lifestyle all cause aggression in Golden Retrievers. Signs of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are sometimes like other dogs in showing their aggression and they will growl and bark while simultaneously becoming hyperactive. Their floppy ears are raised, the feathered tail is raised and stiff and their hackles are raised. If your Golden has turned into a bit of a biter, snapper, and growler, there has to be a good reason. So how does one stop aggression in Golden Retrievers? Socializing Ensure that your Golden Retriever puppy stays with his mother until he is 8 weeks of age. Just like young kids have to be disciplined in order for them to display appropriate behavior, your puppy Golden will need to be trained and socialized. Check out with your local vet where the best puppy socialization classes are. Choosing a Good Breeder By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 weeks old, he is ready to go to his new home. The way he has developed so far will be dependent on how the breeder has raised him and his siblings. Puppies kept in an unloving, cold, hostile environment will have aggressive tendencies later on and not be able to function properly in your household. Choose a good breeder very carefully. Are you wanting to buy the cutest, most beautiful, friendliest, balanced, loving, non-aggressive Golden Retriever puppy? My Golden Retriever Puppies has just what you want, after all, they are the trusted source for responsibly-raised Golden Retriever Puppies in Ohio. Know your breeder and find yourself a healthy, lively, happy, amicable Golden who has been raised with love and care and dying to shower you with Golden Retriever kisses. Training Although it is difficult to find one iota of aggression in a Golden Retriever, any kind of aggressive behavior can be avoided with proper training. Apart from early socialization, you can train your dog firmly, fairly, and consistently. You could also allow a reputable professional dog behaviorist or trainer to train your Golden to mix with other people and dogs without showing aggressive tendencies. Positive reinforcement training is great when a tasty treat is given as a reward for the desired behavior. Never confuse your dog, and make sure that everyone in the family uses the same signs and commands that he is familiar with. Exercise If you want to avoid aggression in your Golden Retriever, exercise him. Dog aggression is a concern for any dog owner and even your mild, calm Golden can begin to feel the stirrings of aggression when he is never exercised. The Golden Retriever is a large dog and he is also a sporting breed. Your Golden will need a consistent workout every day for at least 20 minutes at a time. Hitting a ball for him with a tennis racquet can be an excellent running exercise for him. You have to be patient with him and show him kindness, gentleness, and fairness when training him. Conclusion Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? They can be, but only under certain circumstances. It is things such as improper breeding, abuse, and fear from humans that put aggression into any dog. Know your Golden and get him to the vet if you suspect uncharacteristic aggression which could be brought on by pain or illness. You can easily find one by checking out our puppies here! All our puppies are raised by our own group of small, independent breeders who lovingly care for and socialize with each of them daily so they grow up happy. We even take all the extra steps to provide the best healthcare for them. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. How on earth does one of the most lovable and gentle dogs out there become aggressive? Unfortunately, it is not unheard of. Golden Retrievers are just as likely to show aggressive behavior as any other animal or human out there. We look at a few of the factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers and a few of the common warning signs. We also look briefly at the methods that you can use to help prevent aggression in your Golden. Abuse This is an unfortunate truth. Neglect Neglect is absolutely a form of abuse. It can be withdrawing any kind of love or affection or even just attention from a dog, but it can also include not providing the dog with the basic necessities of life, such as food and water. When a Golden has been malnourished, they start to exhibit food-guarding behavior , which includes growling and biting at anyone or anything while they are eating. Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock 3. This is considered one of the most common causes of aggression in most dogs. Illness or Pain Dogs that are in pain or are sick can react with aggression. They feel vulnerable, and if they are in pain or some form of discomfort, they can lash out in a protective or defensive reaction. Specific Illnesses This is different from a dog feeling sick. There are certain illnesses that can cause aggression. The most famous is rabies, but hormonal imbalances or metabolic and genetic disorders can also cause aggression, such as hypothyroidism, neoplasia, and psychomotor epilepsy, to name a few. Image Credit: Piqsels 6. Danger or Threat All dogs will react aggressively if they feel threatened or feel the need to protect their territory , including their families. This is particularly true for a mother dog protecting her puppies. A dog without the proper socialization will be nervous and fearful in new situations and around new people. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock 9. But they can also breed undesirable traits into their puppies. So, if the parents or grandparents had aggressive natures, this might be passed down to the next generations. The Warning Signs It is helpful to recognize the warning signs before a dog acts out from aggression. A few of these will be obvious, but most signs can be overlooked or misunderstood. Body language that your Golden might display, in order of the aggression ramping up, include: Squinting, turning head or body away from the situation, and avoidance of eye contact Licking of the lips or yawning Flattening of the ears tightly against the head Crouching down and tucking the tail under the body Freezing in place and stiffening of the body Growling Snapping Biting These are all signs that a bite might be imminent, so proceed with caution if your dog is exhibiting these signs. That said, many of these tips can be applied to almost any dog at any age. Image Credit: Piqsels 1. Socialization Just as improper socialization can lead to eventual aggression, the right socialization can prevent it. When your puppy or dog is introduced to as many environments, situations, people, and animals as possible, they gradually learn to not be afraid of new things. Using praise, pets, and treats when your dog does something right is the best method for training all breeds. Image Credit: Piqsels 3. Find a Good Breeder The genetics of the dog is important and so is how the breeder raises the puppies. Patience and Love This is important for every single dog out there but is particularly true for rescue dogs. Rescue dogs will gradually learn to trust again. Image Credit: Standret, Shutterstock 5. If you have a handle on what causes an aggressive reaction from your dog, try to fix it. But first take your dog to the vet to rule out any injury or illness. Exercise Ensure that your Golden is receiving plenty of exercise. They are energetic dogs that need to engage in many types of activities and training, which effectively reduces aggressive behavior. You should also look into enrolling your dog in obedience classes or even agility trials and dock diving. These dogs are hard-working, and if you give them a job to do, they are less likely to become aggressive. They are the fourth most intelligent dog breed behind the Border Collie , Poodle , and German Shepherd , and they are highly sensitive dogs. The first sign of any kind of aggression needs to be addressed, even if it means talking to an animal behaviorist or vet. Just spend time with your Golden and give them plenty of love and attention, and that dog will absolutely be devoted and confident and unquestionably, a happy and loving companion! While most people do not think that agressive golden retriever is a problem, it can be depending how the dog was raised. If a dog or puppy is abused from early on and then you adopt this dog, it can have some aggressive dog behavior that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. The kind, friendly, and confident manner of Golden Retrievers have made them so popular that many unscrupulous breeders were attracted towards them. As a result, careless breeding of Golden Retrievers have developed several health and temperament problems. Unprovoked Golden Retriever aggression is one such problem that has developed due to irresponsible breeding. Though aggression is an instinctive nature of Golden Retrievers, they were never unwanted. Golden Retrievers had shown aggression to hunt, to defend themselves from other creatures, to defend resources such as food, a place to sleep, and a mate. Golden Retriever aggression has been classified in several ways — dog aggression, food aggression, aggression towards strangers, and aggression towards family members are some of the common types. Aggressive Golden Retriever Dog : rare but it can happen. It is rare for a Golden Retriever dog to turn out to be aggressive, but it can happen. There are many causes for this type of behavioral issues. In some cases, poor propagation can result in an aggressive Golden Retriever. Dominance issues are one of the most common reasons for aggression. Most often times, Golden Retriever dog aggression issues will simply be acting out of fear. This is acknowledged as defensive aggression. For instance, if your golden was hurt by a big dog or young child when she was youthful, she may react aggressively when uncovered to these triggers later on in life. Dealing with defensive aggression can be scary and irritating at the same time. While you do not want to scare your dog or cause more emotional trauma, you naturally want to decrease the incidences of aggressive behavior. One of the most important things you can do when dealing with defensive aggression is to not disregard the problem. It is important to deal with the issues as soon as possible mainly because aggression can increase over time if not properly addressed. Aggressive behavior can begin with some Golden retriever dogs when they are as youthful as five or six weeks old! This is why it is very important to invest in your golden retriever from a reputable breeder. One good way to stop aggressive behavior is to make sure that your dog or puppy is properly socialized. A critical period for socialization is from the time a dog is 6 weeks old until he or she is 14 weeks old. Following your puppy is weaned and has received her first sequence of shots, you can take her out in public. Some people choose to socialize their dog in public before she has acquired shots. You can minimize the risk of your dog contracting a virus by holding her while out in public. Aggressive behavior in any dog is easy to spot, ears will be laid back, teeth showing and body more in a downward slant as if to attack its prey. In addition, you should be able to recognize the signs of dog aggression to learn how to deal with an aggressive golden retriever dog. This signs can include: Dominate aggression is typically the bully type of aggression, which can lead to food dominance or having problems with dogs or people. Fear aggression typically happens when the dog is so afraid that they go into a fight or flight mode. Typically their tail may be between their legs even when they are showing signs of aggression. Territorial aggression happens when there is typically more than one dog in the home and one is territorial over food or toys. Some dogs become very aggressive when they are possessive of their owners. This means that they may bite or growl if others approach their owner. Many dogs become aggressive with punishment which is the direct cause of humans. This means harsh punishment which is abuse can lead to the dog becoming aggressive to protect itself. Some dogs display aggression when they are in pain, especially a senior dog, therefore it is important not to lift a dog that is in pain. Maternal aggression, if your golden retriever dog just had a liter of puppies, you might not want to begin playing with the puppies straight away because this can cause the motherly instinct to kick in and make her aggressive toward you. It is important to recognize the type of golden retriever aggression that your dog is displaying because sometimes it is just situational, such as pain aggression. Dogs are like people and they deal with pain differently, which means that some dogs want you to comfort them when they are in pain and others want you to leave them alone. It is vital you know the cues your dog is giving you so that you understand if it is situational or if your dog needs obedience training. While golden retrievers are not know for their aggressiveness, any dog in certain situations can become aggressive. Half of all the dogs out there bite someone or another dog at least once in their life. Dog biting is not desired behavior, no matter whether it is aimed at humans or dogs you need to put a stop to it as early as possibly can. By stopping this behavior as early as you can you will be able to prevent the chance of your dog developing anti-social habits. If you can stop your dog from biting as early as you can then you will be able to have a nice friendly dog which will not be a risk to other dogs or other people. When stopping dog biting too many people don't stop to think about the actual reasons for it happening, actually Golden Retriever aggression and biting are two very natural things when they are in danger or feel threatened. Your dog might bite because he is scared or for a variety of other reasons. If your dog is stressed for example then he might bite, just think about what you do when you're in a foul mood. Some people may become aggressive when they are in a bad mood, and dogs are exactly the same. There are different ways that humans can relieve this pressure, however dogs don't have as many options. In order to stamp out Golden Retriever aggression and biting you need to show your dog that any such behavior is completely unacceptable to you. There are a number of different things that can cause dog biting and aggression, including fear, when they are with young, or when they feel threatened. If you are aware what causes dog aggression and biting then you may be able to avoid all of these things. The next important step that you want to look at is training your dog, you will be able to train your dog so that he doesn't show any aggression. It's possible to do this training yourself or with the help of a professional. If you train your dog properly then he will be able to know that it is wrong to bite. There are also a number of other options that you have when you want to find ways to stop your dog biting. If you notice that your dog is biting from a young age then you stand a better chance of getting the problem sorted out easily. You need to socialize your puppy with other people and dogs to make him feel comfortable around strangers. Try to get your dog used to other people touching and petting him, you can do this by allowing your dog to sniff each new person before they are allowed to pet him. Your dog will enjoy this as it is like a handshake! Make sure that you do not tease your Golden Retriever dog, teasing your dog might get some good reactions but it's not good for your puppy. Teasing games will only aggravate the puppy and make him annoyed. So if you have a puppy that is biting then now is the right time to start training him not to bite. A puppy's bites may not hurt at this stage, however they will do very soon! Make sure that you socialize your dog and get him completely used to strangers before he reaches adulthood. If you do all of these things then you should be able to stop your dog being one of the ones that bites other people! Nobody wants a Agressive Golden Retriever that bites, fortunately you don't have to put up with it any longer! You will learn how to deal with it. This means that you should never discipline your young puppy harshly, especially if she is between 8 to 10 weeks old. When you discipline your dog, do not hit her with your hand or another object, yell at her, or use other harsh discipline methods. This can actually backfire and cause more aggression, especially if your dog is defensive aggressive. In Golden Retrievers, the majority of the cases of dog aggression and food aggression have genetic components. According to one such study, breeding for calmness in Golden Retrievers have messed the fundamental brain chemistry of the dog resulting in unwanted aggression. Selective breeding against the nature of the dog has fastened the process. However, if a Golden Retriever has developed a dog aggression or food aggression we can at least control it through proper socialization and obedience training. Living conditions, excessive punishment, being attacked or frightened by an aggressive dog also influence aggression in Golden Retrievers. While genetics may play a role in raising aggressive behavior, environment can play a huge role. If your dog is abused or neglected, she will have a very good chance of starting to be aggressive. A dog that has poor living conditions, very harsh masters and no social expertise is very most likely to develop behavior issues. If your dog shows aggressive behavior immediately after one year of age, you will need to address the problem quickly. You may need to enlist the help of a trained professional to do this. Recall that it is important to not reward your dog for aggressive behavior. If you deal with your dog or pet your dog immediately immediately after aggressive behavior, you are in essence rewarding that behavior. If your dog becomes aggressive since it is fearful, you will need to take some time to work on social competencies and socialization. You should also seek the advice of a trained professional who has practical experience dealing with defensive aggressive behaviors. Aggression can be controlled. Nonetheless, it is very important to take the steps necessary to solve the problem as an alternative of ignoring behaviors and hoping that they will go away on their own. Here are some tips for Controling Agressive Golden Retrievers Aggressive Behavior : Firstly you need to work out why your dog is biting. Once you know the reasons then you will be able to isolate these and work on correcting them. We're going to take a look at a few tips which might be enough to make your life slightly easier. Social Life While your Golden Retriever puppy is young you should make sure that he socializes with as many other dogs as possible. This will help him to understand that the other dogs and people are not a threat, and in actual fact they can all get on like a house on fire! When your Golden Retriever puppy is young it might look cute when your puppy bites, however it's certainly not cute when your puppy gets older! Consistent In order for your Golden Retriever dog to learn anything you need to be consistent. Whenever your dog bites anybody, anything or any other dog then you need to show him that it's just not acceptable. Once he starts to learn that biting is not acceptable then he will slowly learn not to do it. Don't get too annoyed Dogs thrive on contact with other people and so you cannot just ignore him when he does something wrong. If your dog is agressive then tell him off, then for a few minutes do nothing, however after that stroke him and pet him. You need to show your Golden Retriever dog that you still love him, otherwise he will only get annoyed, just make sure you keep your hands a long way away from his mouth! Don't hit your dog When you are telling your dog off some people may tell you to strike your dog. However this is never a good idea. It isn't sensible to strike your dog because he is being disobedient, or aggressive. Just give him a warning. Physical punishment is a surefire way to lose your puppies trust forever. Trust is vital for any future relationship you have with your dog to be a success. Don't play too roughly If your Golden Retriever is aggressive then you shouldn't play roughly as this might encourage him to bite you. By playing roughing you are actually showing him that this behavior is ok. You need to show that it is not acceptable for your dog to do anything you don't like. By playing rough he will think that it's ok to play rough with you too. Some dogs are harder to stop biting or being agressive than others which may cause you a lot of frustration. However there are plenty of other methods to help you find ways how to get dog to stop biting. Water spray You could get one of those spray water bottles used to mist plants and put some water in it. Whenever your dog does anything you don't like then you can say no, and spray him with water. This should startle your dog, and as he doesn't like it he should associate it with being bad. Praise Another option is to reinforce everything good that he does. Whenever he does anything right then give him lots of praise. Positive reinforcement is thought to be much more effective than negative punishment. All dogs love treats and praise, so if you only give it to them when they deserve it then they will soon get the idea. Though Golden Retrievers are equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them, they sometime show aggression towards both of them. The reasons may vary for a Golden Retriever aggression towards strangers and towards family members. One reason why a Golden Retriever shows aggression towards strangers is that they might never have the chance to get used to them. Again proper socialization and lot of outings can solve the problem. Socializing Golden Retriever means that you start exposing them to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals from a young age. Aggression towards family members can be commonly because of two reasons— either your Golden Retriever is trying to defend himself from a perceived threat, which he sees in any of the family member or he is not comfortable with the treatment he is getting from you or other members of the family. Golden Retrievers have an overly-possessive behavior and when you try to take away his belongings or you approach it when it is eating, they develop aggression against you. This resource guarding nature of Golden Retrievers which gives rise to aggression actually boils down to the issue of dominance. Your Golden Retriever has a tendency to rank each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well. And a higher-ranked Golden Retriever acts aggressively in defense of resources. The best way to treat Golden Retriever aggression is consistent and frequent obedience work with lot of socialization. In fact, the earlier you start the socialization process the lesser are the chances of aggression. Golden Retrievers also show aggression if they are not handled and groomed properly. Picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper and taking them into the bath definitely helps in reducing the chances of aggression. Conclusion about how to deal with an agressive golden retriever dog Agressive Golden Retriever can quickly become a serious problem which is often blamed entirely on the dog. However your dog doesn't know any better, and so it is actually your responsibility as the owner to get the problem sorted. It can be very frustrating when dogs bite, however it is possible to stop your dog biting and being agressive today. So, Keep in mind that golden retriever dogs are smart, therefore, if you recently adopted a full grown dog and it is showing signs of aggression, you should immediately get your golden retriever dog in an obedience training course.

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. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Little boy reverse brindle with a black mask and white stripe on nose. Comet Found his forever home Home: Gallery Just a few of the wonderful families who love our puppies. We had a boxer that we bought from a breeder in our area but they were no longer breeding. We wanted to make sure that our puppy would be healthy and not inbred. There were many boxers available in our area, but they were not from recommended breeders. We were one of the first people to call about the puppies and they were only a couple days old. Shannon was a big help in picking out our little girl, Kaiyah. We had to decide mainly from pictures since we live 3 hours away. We went to see her and put our deposit down a week later. Shannon was able to answer any questions we had and the puppies were very well cared for. The Mother and Father were both there for us to meet and were well mannered. When we got her home and took her to the vet, he was very pleased. He raves about her every time she is there and tells us what a beautiful boxer she is. He wanted to know where we got her and told us that the breeders did a very good job. The Duncan family I have been a Boxer lover for 24 years. Needless to say, it took awhile to think about getting another addition to our family. My other boxer girl was so lonely we decided to start looking for a brother for her. My husband came across Shannon's name in the paper, so we checked out her website. I immediately fell in love with a male, by the time I called he was already picked by another gentleman. So with careful thought we took the ride to see the other male, to our delight we got to meet Shannon, Jack and Tesla and Reyes, what beautiful dogs, when we met our male it was destiny, he high fived my husband, we were sold. Another reason I knew we were taking Jaxson is Shannon was very knowledgeable about this wonderful breed, and she had both parents and puppies on organic food, that was very important to me, as knowing the breed the way I do, I know they thrive on the better foods. So time will tell. Thank you Shannon for keeping this wonderful breed alive, we will keep in touch forever. I wanted a puppy that came from a loving home where the parents were family pets. I found lots of puppies that appealed to me in looks, but for 1 reason or another, did not feel comfortable with the breeder. When we arrived for our visit, we met the parents of the puppies; both were beautiful, friendly, well cared for, family dogs. She is absolutely the best dog! From the moment we left with her, she never cried or whined at being separated from her Mom or littermates. I think she knew she was with her family! She loves nothing more than being where we are. Shelby is a happy, healthy, funny, beautiful, energetic girl who brings joy to our lives every day. Orchard Park is 3 hours away, but was well worth the trip! I would definitely contact Shannon again when we are ready for another boxer baby! In I purchased my first boxer Lady. After coming out of the Navy. I decided to have my first dog since leaving home. She was my first boxer a pet, not knowing boxers well. My veterinarian encourage me to go out to the dog park as he felt she was a good representation of the breed. To my surprise I found out that Miss Lady was the granddaughter of Ch. Candy Kisses Play Boy. As my adventure began with Lady it was determined that she was my lovely pet who taught me to love the breed with all of her antics and characteristics. So then I purchase my next boxer her name was Lola a classic brindle girl. As it would be Lola would never finish as she was a classic brindle at that time called a plain. Lola taught me patience and how to handle dogs in the show ring. So my love for the classic boxer goes to my original girl Lola. Venician Boxers came about for the love of the city where I grew up. Venice Beach California. I decided on changing my name from Avalon Kennels after 15 years of co-ownership and mentoring in from Dr. Daniel Buchwald, D. I could not thank him more for everything I have learned and continue to learn. I live in the South West part of the state which is surrounded by beautiful mountains. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder.

Your dog serves to be modern and elegant at every opportunity. There is no need to look further. All manor of styles and colors are available for your little one. There are so many options to choose the best clothes for your little dog. We love to make all our customers happy. Our collection French Bulldog Clothes offers a lot, start dressing your beloved Frenchies! What are the Best Clothes for French Bulldogs? We have Clothes for French bulldogs for everyday wear or for special occasions. You can shop French Bulldog Jackets, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, pajamas, costumes, etc. We guarantee a perfect fit for your French bulldog. Protect your dog and keep him or her safe with our Hoodie - French Bulldog Clothes. For cold weather conditions, this hoodie provides ultimate comfort with minimal bulk and maximum quality. If you want something that your dog would wear every day, then this Blue French Bulldog Hoodie is perfect choice. You can't deny the fact that, French Bulldog Halloween costume captures attention and is a must-have item. Therefore, we are sure that Chucky French Bulldog Costume is the most popular and sought after Costume on the market. As the weather heats up, keeping your Frenchie safe and comfortable requires special attention. Your dog will thank you! And pajamas are definitely something your little dog needs. Banana French Bulldog Pajama is something special and cute for your Frenchie. I live in Northern Minnesota, where winter takes up a lot of the year, my Frenchie always feels cold, Frenchiely offers quality sweaters with beautiful patterns. They are perfect for my furbaby and I will be ordering more. Always excellent quality. If you're looking for some clothes to keep your Frenchie warm; look no further. Highly recommended. Amanda Patin Adorable! My dog just got groomed and was freezing and shaking nonstop. I have taken sooo many photos since then because she is adorable in this sweater. We were nervous about how she might feel about this, but she actually looks really happy when it's time to put it on. Perfect size,and the fabric feels very comfortable. Kelly Moore Would recommend! Honestly I have no complaints. I love their products. It did not take long to receive our order. The sweater and shirts are nicely made and feel very comfortable. MinookaMom Made well and good fit Their products are true to size and the size guide is accurate, I followed their size help and all the clothes I received are perfect fit for my bulldog. Made well and no smells, the sweater is thick and the shirt looks like cotton.

When it comes to finding the perfect rescue, you want to make sure that the owners and the business itself are legitimate and are a great fit for you. Most rescues provide the proper care of their animals while they stay there, but some might not be as lucky. Referring to this list in your searches can help you to navigate all of the rescues in Texas in order to find one that can provide you with the perfect Golden Retriever dog to add to your family. There are quite a few Golden Retriever rescues in Texas, so it might be a little bit overwhelming at times trying to find the perfect rescue to go to without having to visit every single one in person. Golden Ribbon Rescues Golden Ribbon Rescue is a great rescue to go with because they are a non-profit organization whose main goal is to find homes for all Golden Retrievers in the Texas area. The whole team is extremely knowledgeable in the pet industry, specifically in Golden Retrievers. You know that the team loves what they do because they are all volunteers, so they truly show up every day simply because they care for the animals. I trust this rescue to provide great quality Golden Retrievers that are looking for a new home. They are a great rescue that provides care and shelter to Golden Retrievers throughout Texas. Address: W. Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue is another rescue that provides an amazing place for Golden retrievers to stay until they are adopted by their new owner. This rescue is a part of many different events and they are constantly bringing awareness to the Golden Retriever breeds all over Texas. Their rescue works specifically with GFax: golden Retrievers and they offer services such as adoption, surrendering your animals, events, and volunteering opportunities. This rescue has left its mark on the community especially since they are constantly hosting events and showing up to support their community. They have dogs readily available and you can fill out adoption information online on their website super easily! Clearly, they are an amazing rescue that helps their community daily. Address: P. They specialize in getting Golden retrievers into rusting and loving permanent homes, while also educating the people on proper ownership and care for their Golden Retrievers. One cool thing about this rescue is you can do a virtual meet and greet with dogs in their rescue. They also typically always have dogs available and they make it easy by allowing you to fill out an adoption application online. They are an all-volunteer rescue organization that uses any profit they receive to go back into caring for the animals. Supporting a rescue like this one is perfect because you know the people behind the name are nice and helpful. This rescue is one that we recommend if you are in the North Texas area. Golden Retriever Rescue Alliance Golden Retriever Rescue Alliance is yet another non-profit volunteer-based organization that helps to keep Golden retrievers in a safe space until they are adopted by their new owner. They work specifically in the Texas Fort Worth area and they have readily available dogs up for adoption at all times. They use any funds that they get, whether that be donations or fees, to put back into the business to care for the animals. They are a great organization that helps find adoptive owners for these Golden Retrievers that need a home. They also have other services such as volunteering, fostering, and surrendering your own Golden Retrievers. Their website gives a lot of information and the adoption application is available on their website as well. They, like most of the other rescues, are a non-profit organization as well. They specialize in Golden Retrievers and they care for these Golden Retrievers until they are adopted by their new loving owner. They rescue any Golden Retrievers in the area that are strays, abandoned, or need medical attention. While they are in the care of the rescue, they provide any veterinary care needed all while giving them food, water, and a warm place to stay until their new owner can take them to their forever home. They consistently have dogs available and you can even see pictures and information about them online. They focus on rescuing these stray Goldens or allowing people to surrender their Golden Retrievers to a safe and caring place until they can get adopted. The whole organization was made around the goal to help Golden Retrievers and to be able to rescue as many of them in the Texas area as possible. They run their business solely on volunteers and this makes the experience even more exciting. They use any donations and profits to go straight back into the care of their animals, so you can ensure that these Golden Retrievers are treated perfectly while they are in the care of this rescue. They offer services such as volunteering, surrendering your dog, adoption, fostering, and much more. Remember that when you are finding a rescue you should find one that aligns with rescuing Golden Retrievers and ensure that they have an ethical business. Finding a Golden Retriever rescue center that provides all of the necessary information and care for the animal can be tricky sometimes. Overall, finding a rescue to adopt a Golden Retriever in Texas should not be difficult, so we hope that this article made the process a bit less frustrating and you at least have somewhere to start in your search for your furry friend. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Dallas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Dallas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Dallas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. Be sure to measure the food using a standard 8oz measuring cup, which holds 4. The Importance Of Water Intake Adequate water intake is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your Labradoodle puppy. Water plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including digestion, absorption of nutrients, circulation, temperature regulation, waste elimination, and maintaining proper hydration levels. To ensure that your Labradoodle puppy gets enough fluids to meet its nutritional needs, you should provide clean and fresh water at all times. One guideline suggests providing an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily—for instance, if your pup weighs 10 pounds; it would need about 10 ounces of water each day. Keep an eye on the water bowl throughout the day and refill it when necessary. Age And Weight Labradoodle puppies have different nutritional needs than adult Labradoodles, and their age and weight play a huge role in determining how much to feed them. Puppies younger than 12 to 18 months old require higher levels of protein and fat to support their growing bodies. Large breed puppies, including Labradoodles, should not be overfed because too much food can lead to obesity or other health problems later on. On the other hand, underfeeding can also cause issues such as stunted growth or malnourishment. Activity Level The activity level of a Labradoodle puppy is an important factor to consider when determining how much food to feed them. Active puppies burn more calories than those who are more sedentary, so they may require larger portions. For example, if your Labradoodle puppy enjoys long walks or playing fetch in the yard, they will have higher energy needs compared to a puppy that prefers napping on the couch all day. This assessment helps determine whether they are carrying excess fat, which can lead to obesity and other related health problems. It is important for Labrador owners even more so because this breed has been known for gaining weight easily when not fed right and exercised regularly. Puppies with sensitive stomachs or allergies may require a specialized diet that excludes certain ingredients. Dogs with medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, or gastrointestinal issues will have specific dietary requirements. Instead, opt for high-quality commercial dog food or homemade meals that meet their nutritional requirements while avoiding excessive calorie intake. Nutritional Requirements Labradoodle puppies have specific nutritional requirements that must be met to ensure healthy growth and development. These pups need a balanced diet with macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat, along with micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Look for commercial dog foods formulated specifically for growing puppies that meet the minimum protein and fat requirements. Feeding Guidelines For Labradoodle Puppies Establish a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle puppy and measure the amount of food to maintain balanced nutrition, with wet and dry food options available. Types Of Food Wet, Dry, Homemade Labradoodle puppies can eat different types of food such as dry, wet, semi-dry, raw, dehydrated or freeze-dried food. It is essential to note that not all dog foods are created equal — some contain artificial additives while others may lack essential nutrients necessary for optimal growth and development in puppies. Meal Frequency Labradoodle puppies have specific dietary needs that must be met in order for them to grow and develop properly. Meal frequency is an important consideration when feeding your Labradoodle puppy. Puppies under the age of four months should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day, as their tiny stomachs cannot handle a large amount of food at once. Generally speaking, most Labradoodle puppies should be fed three to four meals per day until they are six months old, after which time two meals per day will suffice. Many owners choose wet or dry dog food that comes with detailed recommendations on how much food should be given based on these factors; others opt for homemade diets or mixtures of both types of food. Here are some best practices for managing their weight and ensuring proper development: Choose a high — quality puppy food brand that is specially formulated for their growth needs. Measure out the appropriate amount of food based on their weight, age, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, with small meals per day until they are around six months old. As they grow older, you can reduce the frequency to two meals per day. This involves assessing their body shape and feeling their ribs without excess fat. Consider supplementing with omega — 3 fatty acids or other nutrients if recommended by your veterinarian to support healthy joints and brain development. By following these best practices, you can help ensure that your Labradoodle puppy is getting the nutrition they need for optimal growth and development while avoiding potential health problems in the future. Tips For Feeding Your Labradoodle Puppy Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Labradoodle, monitor their weight and adjust food intake accordingly, stick to a consistent feeding routine, avoid overfeeding and feeding table scraps, and consider training treats as part of their overall daily food intake. Consultation With A Veterinarian It is important to seek advice from a veterinarian when determining the appropriate feeding guidelines for your Labradoodle puppy. Regular check-ups can ensure that your Labradoodle stays healthy throughout their life stages, receiving all necessary nutrients while avoiding overfeeding or undernourishing. Here are some tips on how to monitor and adjust their food intake: Use a Digital Scale: Weigh your puppy every few weeks using a digital scale and keep a record of their weight. Also, note if they have noticeable waist or tuck up. By monitoring their weight regularly and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your Labradoodle puppy receives the right amount of nutrition for healthy growth without becoming overweight or underweight. Stick To A Consistent Feeding Routine Labradoodles thrive on routine, making it essential to establish a consistent feeding schedule. Feeding your puppy at the same times every day helps them maintain healthy digestion and prevents accidents in the house. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems down the line. Make sure everyone in your household knows when mealtime is so that nobody gives your pup any extra treats or scraps outside of those designated times. Giving in to their begging eyes with occasional treats is fine, however, too many high-calorie snacks or meals from the table can lead to obesity, which can cause joint problems and shorten their lifespan. Instead of giving in to those pleading brown eyes with human food or extra treats that are not part of their balanced diet, try rewarding them gradually throughout training sessions. Choosing low-fat dog treats that are healthy for your pup provides an appropriate way to reward good behavior while keeping them on track towards healthy growth. Training treats provide an excellent incentive for good behavior — they can reinforce positive habits such as potty training or leash manners. However, overfeeding these treats can lead to weight gain and other health concerns in puppies. FAQs: 1. The amount you feed your Labradoodle puppy will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule of thumb, puppies under six months old should be fed three times per day while those over six months can be switched to two meals per day. It is recommended that you give your Labradoodle puppy high-quality dog food specifically formulated for puppies. Look for foods that contain a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to meet their nutritional needs at this stage in their development. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems while underfeeding can result in stunted growth and malnourishment. Some signs that you may be overfeeding include excessive weight gain or difficulty breathing while underweight dogs may have low energy levels or seem lethargic. Conclusion Feeding your Labradoodle puppy the right amount of food is crucial for their growth and development. With the help of a veterinarian, you can determine how much to feed your furry friend based on their age, weight, activity level, and nutritional needs. Establishing a feeding schedule with appropriate portion sizes and meal frequency is also important. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless.

Labs are known for being voracious eaters who will over-indulge if allowed. You need to monitor their food intake throughout their lives -- pups that overeat at any growth stage have the potential to develop health problems, including obesity. Newborn Pups Labrador puppies should receive mother's milk exclusively for the first four weeks of life. No other supplement is necessary during this time unless a pup is failing to thrive, in which a vet should be consulted before providing supplemental feeding. A mother begins weaning her pups at 4 weeks. They can transition to a commercial puppy food designed specifically for large breeds that has 25 to 30 percent protein. Young Puppies Labs grow significantly between 8 weeks and 1 year of age. Because of this rapid growth, they require a high-quality puppy food formulated for large-breed dogs. This helps ensure the pup does not grow too quickly, which can lead to bone and joint problems later in life. Lab puppies will eat as much as you give them, so monitor food intake and don't make food available continuously. Adult Labs Lab puppies can be transitioned to a large-breed adult formula dog food at 1 year of age. If your dog is being trained as a hunting dog, he will require more food than when he was a puppy, particularly if he is expending significant energy in the field. Likewise, an adult female used for breeding purposes requires additional food and possibly prenatal supplements. Consult a vet for more information if you are thinking about breeding your dog. Potential Health Problems Labradors are prone to hip, elbow and joint problems as they age, and an overweight dog is more susceptible to these ailments. Maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise helps reduce the potential for these problems. Labs are also susceptible to a condition called gastric dilatation and torsion, sometimes referred to as bloat. Adults often eat so quickly that it causes a gaseous buildup in their intestines that has the potential to be fatal. Reduce the potential for this by feeding your dog food that has been soaked in water or use a feeding bowl that has a raised center section that slows the eating process. They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. 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:. 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. Check Price on Amazon Chicken Labradors can eat chicken, and countless dog foods contain chicken. This high-protein food will provide your Lab with lots of energy. Chicken also contains glucosamine for healthy bones. Ensure the chicken is plain and avoid the skin as this is high in fat. Coconut Labradors can eat coconut. It contains abundant antioxidants to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and prevent viruses. Coconut is an enjoyable human food to give to your Labrador. It can be kind of confusing, but coconut is actually a fruit! Therefore, it does not contain most proteins that cause tree nut allergies or sensitivities, such as almonds or cashews. You can try feeding your Lab a small piece to see if he likes it but remember to remove the shell first. Corn Labradors can eat corn. This starchy vegetable can provide fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals for your Labrador. It is also rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants. You should also not feed popcorn containing butter or salt to your dog. Cucumber Labradors can eat cucumbers, and they offer lots of nutritional value. They contain calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium and are loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1. Cucumber is often the topic of many discussions among culinary experts. Most canines love this refreshing delight. Ensure you remove the peel and chop it into small pieces before serving. Eggs Labradors can eat eggs. They are perfectly safe, are a fantastic protein option, and are loaded with healthy vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, all of which serve your dog many nutritional benefits. Eggs are known for having the perfect balance of nutrients. Despite the controversy around eggs decades ago, scientists have since concluded that their high levels of dietary cholesterol are not associated with heart disease and that saturated fat has a far more significant effect on blood cholesterol levels. It is best to cook eggs first before feeding your dog due to the risk of salmonella in raw eggs, although this risk is low and can be further minimized by using free-range eggs and storing them in a cool, dry place. Green Beans Labradors can eat green beans. They are highly nutritious, full of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, and are low in calories. Most dogs tend to enjoy green beans. Milk Labradors can drink milk. However, as with all dairy foods, whether you give it to your dog depends if he can tolerate the lactose. Nonetheless, milk contains high amounts of calcium and vitamin D, making it good for healthy teeth and bones. Milk also contains potassium, which is excellent for the heart. Furthermore, it has all essential amino acids, many vitamins, minerals, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. My dog enjoys a small bowl of milk once a week without any adverse effects. Noodles Labradors can eat noodles. Although a low nutritional food, they contain micronutrients such as iron, folate, manganese, and B vitamins. A small treat of plain noodles is, therefore, safe human food for Labradors. Noodles are made with soft flour milled from common bread wheat and mixed with water or eggs. So as mentioned, if your dog has an allergy to eggs, then make sure to avoid egg noodles. Likewise, if your dog has a wheat allergy, he should avoid noodles altogether. Another thing to watch out for is that dried noodles often contain a high amount of salt sodium , so you will need to check this first. Japenese ramen noodles are loaded with sodium or flavored with soy sauce, and your dog should not eat these. This staple food is high in fiber and loaded with other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oatmeal is also a great alternative if your dog is sensitive to grains or wheat, although, contrary to popular belief, a food allergy in dogs is rare. This misconception is due to the often misleading marketing of grain-free dog foods. Mix the oatmeal with water and serve cooked with nothing added, such as butter or syrup. Your Labrador will enjoy one or two spoonfuls added to his food. Remember, this food is a carbohydrate and is high in calories. Parsnips Labradors can eat parsnips. They are excellent veggies to give to your Lab as they contain plenty of potassium, folic acid, and vitamins C and B6. Parsnips are better fed cooked, but dogs can eat them raw as long as they are cut into small pieces. Ensure you only feed in moderation, as parsnips are quite starchy like other root vegetables such as beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Once considered fattening and starchy, this staple food is now regarded as nutritious, providing lots of energy. Although high carb, whole-grain pasta is high in fiber and provides a good source of manganese and selenium. Pasta tends to be made from semolina flour, which is milled from durum hard wheat. Dogs should not eat pasta sauces, so go easy on the spaghetti bolognese! They often contain garlic and onions, which are both poisonous. Peanuts Labradors can eat peanuts. They are rich in healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. However, as they are high in fat, they can cause stomach upset, so feed sparingly. Due to their high-calorie count, they can also cause weight gain. You should also consider the general risks of choking. Fun Fact! Did you know that peanuts are not technically nuts? They are legumes, similar to peas and lentils, as they grow in pods that mature beneath the ground. However, for nutritional and culinary purposes, peanuts are considered a nut. Peanut Butter Labradors can eat peanut butter if it does not contain xylitol a sugar substitute and is fed in moderation. Peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, niacin, and vitamins B and E. Peanut butter is a high-value treat and is, therefore, ideal during training sessions. I love the KONG range of toys as they last a lifetime, with many to choose from. Peas Labradors can eat peas. They are excellent for the eyes, heart, and skin due to their several vitamins, such as A, K, and B. Peas also contain iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. As starchy carbohydrates, they are good for boosting energy. Fresh or frozen peas are okay, but avoid the canned variety due to the high salt content. Pineapple Labradors can eat pineapple, a juicy fruit full of vitamins and minerals. Pineapple fights inflammation, promotes tissue healing, aids digestion, and relieves arthritic pain. Frozen chunks of pineapple make an excellent treat in warm weather — they will help keep your dog cool and hydrated. However, avoid canned pineapple due to its high sugar content. This high-protein food contains many vitamins and minerals such as thiamine, zinc, vitamin B6 and B12, iron, niacin, and phosphorus. Your Lab should not eat raw pork as it contains a parasite that can cause an infection — unless your dog already eats a specially prepared raw diet. All fat must be removed as too much fat can lead to an upset stomach and inflammation of the pancreas. Never let your dog have cooked pork bones as they are very brittle and can splinter into sharp pieces in his mouth or along his digestive tract. They are also a choking risk. Processed pork meats such as bacon, ham, and sausage, should also not be eaten due to their high salt content. Raw and green potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound. However, the cooking process eliminates this danger. Potatoes are starchy vegetables containing vitamin C, B6, iron, and magnesium. Being a high carbohydrate food, they provide lots of energy, so you should only feed sparingly. Pumpkin Labs can eat pumpkin; it is an excellent human food for your dog. Pumpkin is full of insoluble and soluble fiber and is ideal if your dog is constipated or has diarrhea! The seeds are also safe to eat. Pumpkin is best cooked — your Lab will have difficulty digesting it raw. Rice Labradors can eat cooked plain rice, a common ingredient of dog food. However, brown whole grain rice is a healthier option so look out for this when choosing your brand. Rice is a carbohydrate and therefore must be eaten in moderation, but as long as your dog maintains a healthy weight, a little rice added to his meal every now and again will cause no harm. Cooked plain white rice not brown is given to a Lab suffering from diarrhea. Salmon Labradors can eat salmon, which is an excellent choice of fish for dogs. Salmon is a high source of protein and is in many top-quality dog foods. My dog adores salmon. Sweet Potato Labradors can eat sweet potatoes. They contain beta-carotene, which is excellent for growth and vision, are a natural source of fiber, and contain vitamins such as C, B6, E, and A. They are superb for the overall health and wellbeing of your dog. But, as a starchy carbohydrate, they are probably best avoided if your Labrador is overweight, less active, or diabetic. Sweet potatoes should be cooked and the skin removed before feeding your dog. You can bake, mash, or puree them. Due to their nutritional value, they are a popular source of carbohydrates in high-quality dog foods. Tuna and Mackerel Tuna and mackerel are excellent foods for your Labrador to eat. They also contain many healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, B12, B6, iron, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. There is some mixed opinion on whether dogs should eat tuna and mackerel due to their higher mercury levels than other fish. However, as with most human foods you give to your Labrador, moderation is key. My dog quickly devours a few chunks of canned tuna scattered over her food. Turkey Labradors can eat Turkey, a high-protein food rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, including thiamine and riboflavin. Turkey also contains selenium, helping to regulate metabolism. Turkey breast is healthier as the legs contain more fat. Yogurt Labradors can eat yogurt. Stick to Greek yogurt or low-fat plain, natural yogurt. Can Labradors Eat Human Food? Labrador Retrievers can eat human food. Dogs evolved from wolves thousands of years ago, and as they lived alongside humans, they shared food. As society progressed and dog ownership grew, there were never enough table scraps and leftovers to feed our dogs, and so in the s, the first dog biscuit was created by businessman James Spratt. The biscuit was made from wheat, vegetables, and beetroot, and bound with beef blood and was the start of commercial dry dog food as we know it. In canned wet food was introduced, the main ingredient being horsemeat. Why does this matter? How to Feed Human Food To Dogs: Safety First When feeding your Labrador human foods, there are a few important safety rules you should follow: Human foods that you feed your Labrador should be in moderation. Introduce different foods gradually. This should prevent any unwanted side effects. Cook all meats — unless your Lab is familiar with a safely prepared raw diet. Avoid processed meats such as ham, sausage, and bacon as they contain high amounts of salt or seasoning. Dogs with lactose intolerance should not consume dairy products. There are different levels of lactose in dairy foods, so your Labrador may be able to tolerate some foods but not others. For example, my dog can eat cheese and yogurt, but she reacts to even a few licks of heavy whipping cream! Fish should be cooked — due to the risk of bacteria. Longer living species of fish such as mackerel and tuna may contain high amounts of mercury, so if you opt for these types, feed sparingly. Remove seeds or pits from fruits. Examples are nectarines, peaches, and plums. They contain toxic cyanide traces, and they are also a choking hazard. Vegetables are better cooked. This is because dogs find them easier to digest, but some can be given raw such as carrots and green beans. Bones should also be larger than the muzzle to prevent choking. A beef shank bone is perfect. Poisoning episodes in dogs are usually due to a lack of knowledge by the owner, as reported by Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Some poisonings could result in severe illness or worse — depending on the amount consumed and the potency. You can find more details about toxic foods for Labs in this article. Table scraps and snacks There are so many different brands of Labrador food available! And so many different opinions on dog food generally. Not to mention the alternatives to commercial food. Labrador Feeding Guide The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes: 40 — 45 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 50 — 55 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 60 — 65 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 70 — 75 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 80 — 85 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 90 — 95 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Most experts agree that the best food for any dog is one that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. And choosing the best dog food for Labradors is not straightforward. We will look at the different styles of feeding first. How to feed a Labrador — different methods There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners. Both methods of feeding have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, only a small number of dog owners still feed this way. What about BARF? At one time, raw feeding or what you probably know as the BARF diet was considered to be a cranky and extremist fad. But as interest in raw feeding has grown and more dogs are fed this way, it is becoming clear that they are thriving too. The majority of dogs are now being fed kibble and a substantial and the growing minority are fed raw. Labrador dog food choices — dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Is kibble good for dogs? It is really only a very short time a couple of decades since almost all dogs were fed on canned meat. These are a lot less popular now. The effect that this shift away from wet food and onto dried food, has had if any on canine health remain the subject of intense speculation. Busy modern homes are pressed for time these days. So convenience is an important factor. Storage Not only is kibble convenient, it also stores well, even after opening. Provided that it is stored in an appropriate container and kept in a dry place. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. But what comes out of a kibble-fed dog smells very unpleasant. These are additional bulking agents that are not fully digested and that pass through straight through the dog. These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet. Should I feed my dog raw meat? Over the last ten years a more natural raw diet of meat and bones has become increasingly popular. Some people now believe that raw meat is the best food for Labrador Retrievers and many other breeds of dog. This is despite some websites giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones. Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet. The pros and cons Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. Just as with meat preparation for people. Small puppies are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance. It is very important you do your research before attempting to raw feed a small puppy. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing The important fact here is that there is no right way to feed a dog. Your family needs to be considered as a whole. The feeding method you choose needs to fit in to your lifestyle and current circumstances. I fed raw to my dogs for many years. But I did not do this and could not have done this, when my kids were little. Nowadays, I sometimes feed kibble, if circumstances demand it. But prefer to feed raw whenever I can. Remember, many dogs thrive on kibble, and many dogs thrive on raw. Choosing the best dog food for Labs may also depend on your own circumstances. If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw Now may be the right time to feed raw for you, or it may be the right time to feed kibble. Your circumstances are unique so only you can decide. For those of you the majority that will be feeding kibble. Choosing the lowest price Labrador food may not necessarily be the cheapest option. As very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Biologically appropriate kibble? It is usually a reasonable option to choose a mid-range in terms of cost food and see how your dog gets on with that. If your wallet can stretch to it, we especially like the Orijen brand. Orijen is what my dogs have as training food, and when I am not able to feed them raw. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day. How often to feed your Labrador Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age. We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening. How often to feed puppies The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking. From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is a two to three hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime. Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper. How much to feed a Labrador? Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think. How long should a dog take to eat his dinner? I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Plus, he will eat more enthusiastically at the next meal if he is a little hungry. How to feed a Labrador slowly A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl. Provided there is nothing in there which is unsuitable. Giving leftovers to puppies Puppies need a very well balanced diet to grow up strong and healthy. Unless you are a very experienced dog owner and knowledgable about nutrition and the dietary needs of a growing animal, it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps. And complete puppy foods contain all the nutrients your pup needs to develop a healthy body. Dog feeding equipment and storage There is a huge choice of feeding bowls available. You can get some very cheap and colorful plastic bowls. I like stainless steel. But I admit it is quite noisy to handle and use. And not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Think carefully before you buy raised bowls as some studies have associated these with bloat. Storing dog food Kibble is for the most part a convenient food source. To keep your food fresh, an airtight container is a better bet. We like the wheeled pet food storage bins and they enable you to move heavy quantities of food around without putting your back out! This slimline version fits nicely in a cupboard. Well worth thinking about, especially if you have several dogs to feed. There are also some gorgeous storage containers now that beg to be put out on display. Feeding Labrador puppies When you first bring your puppy home, your breeder should have provided you with a diet sheet, some food, and plenty of information on feeding Labrador puppies. It is really important to stick with his familiar food for the first few days. Moving home is traumatic enough for an eight week old pup without giving his tummy a shock too. If you have not been given any food or any information on how to feed a puppy then I suggest you call in to your local pet store and buy a small sack of kibble puppy food that is appropriate for his breed and age. Giving water to your Labrador Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. Provided that it is at least an hour since his last meal. Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs may drink very little. This is normal. When feeding problems need veterinary help All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally. All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that a dog is not well. 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.

Find more Pug puppies for sale in closest states: Washington , Idaho , Nevada , Utah , Montana , Wyoming If you have never owned a Pug before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Pug Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. We here at Pug Place have the ultimate grumble, including a white pug, a chocolate pug, a few silver pugs and even a little reverse brindle pug. We have original black and fawn pugs too! We love sharing the love of pugs with new families and friends. Happy, Healthy Baby Pugs! Our baby pugs get regular vet visits and are raised in a happy loving home. We have some very excited pug puppies to share with you. We are SO happy with baby Penny. Thank you for everything Pug Place! Great place just looking to share Pug Love! Pugs Place Puppies All puppies come vet checked, with first immunizations and vaccination certificate. Pug love and light from our Oregon grumble!! Happy Homes Oregon Pug Puppy facilitator that has been providing puppies since to happy homes. Loving Home Our pug puppies raised in a happy home with regular vet visits to make sure our pugs are happy and healthy. Happy puppies full of energy looking for their new forever home, Contact us today! Follow our Pugs Place on social Follow our social and get exclusive updates on the Pugs! Contact Us. My name is Churro! I love to play outside with my foster siblings. I act like I'm the boss of the pack, but I get along with everyone big and small! I love cuddles from my foster mama! I'm crate trained, and never had an accident inside my crate! Sometimes, when foster Mom picks me up I tend to go into statue mode and I play freeze! She gives me kisses and I love those so much! If you choose me, I promise I'll love you forever! Ruff Ruff! Please email: priya threelittlepittiesrescue. Brought by USDA licensed semi-truck transport. Pick up day is unforgettable! Our dogs travel in style in our big green truck, equipped with air conditioning for comfort, two drivers, and 3 onboard attendants providing 24 hour care. Three Little Pitties wants to set you and your new pet up for success! In addition to a fully vetted furbaby, you also receive many other additional perks such as a 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion must register within 24 hours of first vet appt. The stray and animal overpopulation in the Greater Houston area is one of the highest in the nation. Statistics show that there are over 1 million homeless animals in this region alone! Three Little Pitties Rescue is a nonprofit dog and cat rescue that partners with the community to make a difference. Our mission is to reduce the homeless pet population through community outreach, free spay and neuter services, and saving all breeds of dogs and cats from the streets or animal shelters that oftentimes have no choice but to euthanize animals for space. We prepare them for adoption by properly vetting and providing individualized care through our incredible behavior program that consists of socialization and leash training for all animals that enter our adoption program, prior to matching them with loving families who will treasure them for the rest of their lives. They are rescue dogs and will require continued training efforts once adopted, but will be well on their way to being the best dogs that they can be! Three Little Pitties Rescue just celebrated our 5 year anniversary! Over the course of this time, we have been very fortunate for so much growth, allowing us to further connect with the community and save many lives. Through the combined efforts of all of our hardworking staff and volunteers, we have placed over 11, very lucky dogs and cats into amazing homes! By adopting from us, you save TWO lives! The pet you adopt, and you create an opportunity for another animal to be brought into our rescue program. Together, we can be heroes. Follow along on our rescue journey through the links below! Small right facing arrow These pups are in Salem, Oregon too! Below are our newest added Pugs available for adoption in Salem, Oregon. To see more adoptable Pugs in Salem, Oregon, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Learn More How to Care? Keep your pug safe with regular check-ups by your local vet. Learn More How to Groom? Learn More How to Treat? Pugs love food almost as much as they love their family! Use a meal as a training session by handing them one bite of kibble every time they do what you want them to do. Learn More How to Feed? Pugs are always hungry. You could never feed them enough. What Adopters Are Saying Loda welcomed us into her home and introduced all her dogs, answered our questions, and showed us how they manage their grumble. We were able to watch her grow up from birth until the day we picked her up because Loda kept us informed with updates and wonderful pictures. Also feel that pricing was fair. We would definitely buy our next Pug from her no question! Kimberly Artz Oregon Loda is not only the most loving and sweet breeder to her pugs she is extremely reputable! She does everything right including vet visits for new puppies and her home is extremely clean! I have had pugs my entire life and I have never met a breeder more educated and caring for her puppies and mamas. I would recommend her to family and friends for pug puppies. You cannot do better! Laurey Maslyk.

Caught on camera at the corner of 65th Street and Lafayette Ave. It pulls up and snatches a 9-week-old puppy and speeds away. He just got his German Shepherd, Storm, a week ago. A new companion for his year-old Shepherd, Thor. Then Saturday afternoon, he got that feeling no pet owner wants to feel: your dog not being where you left them last. I told him my dog was gone. The driver is seen leaving the car. That black dot running around in the video is the puppy, Storm. The original driver in red struggles to grab the puppy over the fence but eventually does. They then run to the passenger side and the car takes off. But as of now, Houlden and the community are working together and going to great lengths to find this puppy. He informed various community pages and local vets in the area. Sunday morning, he filed a police report. Just scrambling, every place I could think to post, I was posting. No questions asked. Bring the dog back to me, get on your way and then please stay away from my yard. Copyright WOWT. All rights reserved. Most Read. British Columbia Nanaimo family pleads for return of 4 stolen puppies The thieves initially stole nine puppies from the family; five have since been returned by parties unknown to the SPCA. Submitted by Cassandra Skaland-Kolotylo A Nanaimo family who had nine eight-week-old German shepherd puppies stolen from them are pleading for the return of four after five were recovered. The nine puppies were stolen from Cassandra Skaland-Kolotylo's backyard around 3 a. Monday — an incident that she says has traumatized her family. She screamed when she saw three people, dressed in tuques and hoodies, running from the scene carrying the puppies—each weighing around 20 pounds — before escaping in a dark-coloured SUV. Skaland-Kolotylo said the thieves tried to make away with all 10 of their puppies but dropped one in their haste. It is unknown how they were returned. The family is concerned for the puppies' health, as they are young and have not yet been vaccinated. Part of the family Skaland-Kolotylo says her children are devastated, having developed a close bond with the puppies, playing with them every day. One of the dogs was supposed to be a present for her eight-year-old son's birthday later this week. Skaland-Kolotylo is giving the returned dogs some time to be with their mother — who she says has been extremely distressed — before sending them off to their new families. With files from Claire Palmer and Canadian Press. Police say the theft occurred around 3 a. Monday morning. Since then, five of the eight-week-old puppies have been recovered, but police say the rest are still missing. Article content The owner told police that her daughter was awoken by a noise in the backyard and went out to their deck to investigate. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. Don't have an account? Create Account or.