royal canin pug puppy food reviews

royal canin pug puppy food reviews

Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. The general rule is to switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food once they reach physical maturity. For Golden Retrievers this is between the age of 12 to 18 months. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and need to stay on puppy food until they stop growing. Switching too early can have a negative effect on the growth and development of your pup. Golden Retrievers are considered a large breed and reach their physical maturity much later than small breeds do. All dogs differ as to when they reach maturity, which is why there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months. Medium Breeds: 20 to 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 14 months. Large and Giant Breeds: Weigh more than 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 24 months. He will continue to fill out until the age of 2 when he reaches his adult weight. Keeping your Golden Retriever pup on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months is a good guideline to follow. But, there are other ways to tell if your Golden is ready to make the transition. Here are some other signs that will let you know your pup is ready for adult food: Skipping Meals or Leftover Food Puppy food is designed specifically for growing puppies. It is higher in fat, calories, protein and nutrients to help support growth and development. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he no longer needs as many calories. You may notice that your puppy is skipping meals or leaving food in his food bowl because he is still full. This is a good indication that your puppy is ready to make the switch. Puppies typically eat 3 meals a day, when you make the switch to adult food, you can also reduce the number of meals per day down to 2. Decreased Activity Level We all know that puppies have a ton of energy, and Golden Retriever puppies seem to have even more! But, with age comes a decrease in activity level. Once your puppy starts to mature, you will notice they also start to calm down. Weight Gain Once your Golden Retriever puppy is fully grown, they no longer need high-calorie food. If you continue feeding puppy food to your adult Golden Retriever, you may notice excessive weight gain. Weight gain is a clear indication that your Golden Retriever is past the puberty stage and is ready to switch to adult food. The transition to adult food is important, as puppy food can quickly pack on the pounds. Weight gain is usually seen in Golden Retrievers who are spayed or neutered because owners continue feeding them the same amount of food as before. The age of spay or neuter lines up to around the time your Golden Retriever should transition to adult food, which is when they are finished growing. Puppies require a higher amount of calories, protein, nutrients and fats in order to fuel their growth. While puppies need the proper food to grow and develop, adult Golden Retrievers require food to maintain their bodies. Puppy food is: Smaller in size, making it safer to chew and swallow. Softer in texture, catering to the softer and smaller teeth of a puppy. Contains nutrients and fats essential for bone growth, muscle development, and energy. Carefully balanced for growing puppies. Feeding properly balanced puppy food is important, and large breeds like Golden Retrievers benefit from specially formulated large-breed puppy food. Most vets and nutritionists consider a pup a large breed if they weigh between 55 to Lbs when fully grown. Large breed puppy food is lower in fat and calories than regular puppy food, and it has a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This allows for slow and steady growth, supporting joints and bones. For more information on large breed puppy food, check out this article from PetMD. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are ideal for different life stages. Keeping your adult Golden Retriever on puppy food can lead to obesity and other health issues such as faster growth, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppy food is too rich and dense in nutrients which not only causes significant weight gain in adults but could result in stomach upset and diarrhea. It could also lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food contains nutrients that are suited for dogs who are passed their growth stage. Adult Golden Retrievers need food that helps them maintain their optimal health and weight. The switch to adult food needs to be gradual, over a period of 7 to 10 days. This will prevent any stomach upset in your pup. Basically, the best way to transition your puppy to adult food is to buy a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food. Gradually mix the two foods together, increasing the amount of new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. By day 9 or 10 your Golden Retriever should be eating his new adult food. If at any time during the transition period your Golden Retriever experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea, or simply resists the adult food, you can extend the transition time as needed. Final Thoughts So, as you can see there is a right time and a wrong time when you should switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food. Golden Retrievers grow and mature at a slower pace than smaller breeds do, and require the essential nutrients found in puppy food for much longer. It is recommended to keep your Golden Retriever puppy on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months. You want to gradually introduce the new food in order to avoid any stomach upset. Is your Golden Retriever puppy ready for adult food? At what age did your Golden Retriever start eating adult food? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

It is suitable for the teeth It is good for the liver. It provides adequate nutrition. It is rich in PUFAs. It is enriched with colostrum. It has a high fibre content. It contains glucosamine for maintaining bone health. It has omega fatty acids. It is easy on the gut. It is uniquely formulated for puppies. It is suitable for weight-watching. It is enriched with DHA. It is suitable for digestion. It helps muscle growth Best overall product: There are many dog food options for German Shepherds available in the market, and each of them has a unique formula and offers exciting benefits. It gives your dog a complete and balanced meal with the right amounts of protein, fats and fibre. It takes care of adequate muscle and bone growth, is easy to digest, and is good for their teeth. Best value for money: For just Rs. It is also great for their coat and keeps it shiny and soft. It promotes muscle development and is easily digestible. It has the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals. How To find the right fog food? We must give our pets proper nutrition with their food. A good diet is the best way to ensure a healthy dog. Dog foods for german shepherds must include the right quantity of proteins, fats and fibres. They should be a balanced meal to ensure good muscle growth, good gut health and a shiny coat. You must also ensure that the dog food provides adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to make up a sound immune system. Since most dog foods come with flavour options, you can choose the ones your dog likes best and make their meals enjoyable. You may be interested in Product. This high energy comes from their original purpose as sheep herding dogs, bred in Germany in by Max von Stephanitz. Stephanitz thought German Shepherds were everything a dog should be; intelligent, loyal, hard-working and beautiful. While no longer sheep herders, German Shepherds maintain high energy levels and muscle mass. Because of this, they are often used in police forces worldwide or as guard dogs. This breed requires proper nutrition, including protein, fats, and carbohydrates from healthy sources to maintain their health. Dog Nutrition for German Shepherds As large, active dogs, German Shepherds require lots of protein and carbohydrates to build muscle and maintain energy levels. For example, wild caught salmon dog food can provide all the protein your German Shepherd needs to maintain muscle mass. While many people give their dogs high-fat treats, other foods, such as cooked dog food , can provide the high-quality fats necessary to keep your German Shepherd healthy. These are easy to digest and provide the energy your dog needs to be playful throughout the day. Avoid foods with corn, wheat or soy as they are harder to digest and offer less nutritional value. German Shepherds suffer from various health risks, such as osteoarthritis and digestive problems. Like other dogs, they can also have an allergy to proteins , such as chicken. Try switching to healthy wet dog food if you typically use dry food. Best Food for German Shepherds with Allergies For German Shepherds with allergies, check the ingredients of all foods and treats before you buy them. If your dog cannot have one type of protein, try another, but make sure it is high-quality and ethically sourced, so your dog still receives all the benefits and nutrition it needs. Open Farm carries a variety of protein sources for your dog, such as beef, turkey, salmon, chicken, whitefish, lamb and venison. One way to help with this is to take advantage of the benefits of bone broth for dogs. Bone broth improves joint health and strengthens tendons and ligaments to help your German Shepherd remain mobile and healthy. Open Farm carries a variety of wet, dry and freeze dried dog food that meets the unique dietary needs of German Shepherds. Our food contains humanely sourced beef, lamb, chicken and fish, healthy fats from sources like coconut oil and whole grains like oats, barley, rice and millet to ensure the health of your German Shepherd for years to come. Shop our sustainable, high-quality dog food to give your dog the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. Disclaimer: This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet's own unique circumstances! Share this post. The main downside is that while Royal Canin is the most expensive kibble on our list, it also contains several grains and byproduct ingredients. We were hoping that the price meant higher quality ingredients, but Royal Canin seems to have abandoned whole foods for vitamin and mineral additives. Pros Designed specifically for German Shepherd puppies Smaller-sized kibbles for puppy teeth Protein blend to support digestion Balanced minerals for healthy bone growth Vitamin and antioxidant blend to support young immune systems Cons Some grains and byproduct ingredients 5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food Check Price on Amazon Blue Buffalo is a well-respected brand of dog food, and their reputation for quality is due in large part to their commitment to whole food ingredients. We love how much of the vitamins and minerals provided by this kibble come from whole foods like chicken, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Blue Buffalo does not go the quick and easy route of adding these nutrients later in the process, unlike other brands, and the finished product speaks for itself. However, German Shepherd puppies have notoriously finicky digestive systems. While being grain-free is helpful in that respect, this blend does not contain any other special formulations to support a healthy GI tract. It is extremely healthy, but also on the expensive side — so you may gamble and lose if your puppy has trouble digesting this kibble. Pros Designed for large breed puppies The first ingredient is deboned chicken Grain-free, no byproduct ingredients Vitamins and minerals are mainly provided by whole foods and complete proteins Support for bone growth, immune system, joints, and cognitive functioning Cons No modification to support a sensitive digestion 6. This chicken and brown rice puppy blend contains no byproduct ingredients, multiple lean animal proteins, and only the highest quality grains. However, this food is moderately expensive and does not specifically cater to dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Better to try a grain-free brand first and keep this option as a backup. The ingredients are all high quality, but the variety of foods in this blend leaves something to be desired. Considering that it is made almost entirely from protein, grains, and beans this brand is rather expensive. There are no whole vegetables or fruits, so many of the vitamins and minerals are provided by additives. Added vitamins are not only harder to absorb than those from whole foods, but cheaper. What gives? Most importantly, the beans may be hard for a German Shepherd puppy to digest and lead to a variety of gastrointestinal upset. While the lamb could be a nice change for your pup, we recommend testing this kibble out in small amounts to gauge suitability for your dog. Pros Designed for large breed puppies The first ingredient is deboned lamb, second is chicken meal Only high-quality, whole grains Whole foods supply joint support Cons Few whole fruits and vegetables Contains beans and peas which may upset digestion 8. But upon closer consideration, you will see why this food is not a great choice for German Shepherd puppies. Though it has good proteins, this is another brand that gets almost none of its nutrients from whole fruits or vegetables. Pros Designed for large breed puppies First ingredient is chicken meal No artificial colors or preservatives Balanced minerals to support bone growth Cons The second, third, and fourth ingredients are all grain Very few whole fruits and vegetables 9. Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon The Eukanuba Large Breed puppy food is another excellent example of a food that, while technically complete and balanced, does not have the healthful ingredients to make all those nutrients available to your dog. Besides a few good foods like chicken, fish oil, and chicken meal, this kibble is chock full of cheap grains and byproducts. It contains no whole fruits or vegetables, and most of the vitamins and minerals are additives. German Shepherd puppy bellies are particularly sensitive to poor quality ingredients and additives. And though they advertise a special, easy-to-digest prebiotic blend on the package, there is no evidence anywhere else to substantiate this claim. Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Limiting water in the evening will help limit your pups need to toilet in the night. However, if a crate is not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. Never use the crate as a punishment. Puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time except at night. They can't control their bladders and bowels for that long. Normal Puppy Behaviours Your puppy is a baby. Jumping, nipping or biting, chewing, toileting accidents, limited attention span, grabbing objects and running off, not listening, etc. It is our job to teach our puppies how to live in our world, according to our rules, in a gentle and positive way. If you and your pup are struggling with some of these behaviours, please check out some of the resources noted below for tips on how to address them. Behavioural Issues Obedience issues and behavioural issues are not the same thing. Sometimes our pups need more one-on-one focused effort to address behavioural issues. Often the best way to deal with behavioural issues is to hire a trainer or behaviourist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. We recommend trainers that use positive training methods. As an intelligent, trainable breed, Labradoodles do not respond well to strong aversive training. Positive reinforcement and clicker training are far more successful and fun for Labradoodles. Formal Training To best teach your pup how to live in our world, through socialization and training, it is important to understand the developmental phases of puppies. Their reaction to similar stimuli will be different depending on their stage of development. Socialization is the first step in creating a well-behaved dog. Once the pup has had a negative experience, you need to work harder to turn it into a positive experience. Present them in a way that your pup can draw confidence from you, without coddling them. Once your pup has had its second set of vaccines DAP , it can attend puppy socialization classes. It lists the situations to expose your dog to for optimal socialization. They also provide an opportunity for your dog to interact with other dogs in a controlled and supervised environment. You can find information at this link below:. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. We recommend at least 3 times a week. During this time, they are extremely likely to mat without being brushed. You might notice that after you brush your pup, their coat seems much smoother and has a great shine to it. The oils help protect their coat from damage and breakage, just as they do with human hair. Brushing also gives you a chance to look over your dogs more closely; checking their skin, ears, and nails. Finding dry patches, cuts, or even ticks early on can prevent minor issues from escalating into something much worse. Shampoo It was recommended to us early on to use a soap-free and alcohol-free shampoo that also contained natural conditioners. Alcohol is harsh on their coat and skin, breaks down the natural oils they have, and really drys them out. Shampoo containing soaps causes build-up on their fur and gives them a nasty feel. Conditioner We use a detangler and conditioner, called Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine , that was originally formulated to be used on the tails and manes of show horses. It makes brushing so much easier, smells great, and can be used on both wet and dry fur. First, it can be unsafe to use heated air to dry your pup. To do so without burning their coat or skin, you need to keep the blow dryer a certain distance away from them and keep the dryer in motion. We use the old towel-dry method. Labradoodles, by the nature of their coat, tend to dry pretty quickly as it is. Just make sure you have plenty of towels, pat them down right after they come out of the bath, and give them a quick brushing to prevent tangles after they dry. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! When the ends of their hairs begin to damage, they may split, causing your pup to have a more fuzzy appearance. Many times, this damage can be caused by over-brushing or using poor shampoos and conditioners. The best remedy for this is to get them a slight trim to remove the damaged ends. If you notice breakage while brushing, you might consider applying a spray-on conditioner before and also try switching to a metal pin comb instead of the brush. A brush tends to be a bit more aggressive than the comb. Dunn, Jr. But to thrive and not merely survive, dogs should have a source of animal protein — MEAT! Now, while dogs need meat in their diets, you want to avoid an all-meat diet as that can be dangerous. You should also avoid foods where the main ingredients are grains. This is commonly the case with cheap dog foods. When a dog eats too much grain corn, barley, soybean their body stores the excess as fat. That way you can ensure that it has good protein content. Protein can come from meats like chicken, duck, beef, lamb, or from fish like salmon and herring. Also, try to ensure it contains only natural preservatives commonly vitamins C or E. This food is usually dehydrated so you simply mix water with it before you serve it. So a 10lb box should yield lbs of food, depending on the brand you choose. If your dog has known allergies, you need to take this into consideration when choosing the right food for them. Many breeds, including Labradoodles, can have sensitive stomachs. This can make digesting certain ingredients, like grains, difficult. Ingredients To Avoid In A Dog Food Try your best to avoid foods containing any of the following ingredients: Corn, Soy, and Wheat — these are low-quality ingredients with little nutritional value. They are commonly the main ingredient in cheap foods. Start by adding just a small amount of the new food to the current food. Increase the amount over time weeks until they are fully transitioned. Healthy Treats Much of what we covered above regarding quality food holds true for treats as well. But there are some ingredients that are more commonly seen with dog treats than food. And a lot of this has to do with the nature of treats. For example, to differentiate their products, companies will make the treats resemble a burger, piece of bacon, or shape them like a bone. To achieve these characteristics they will add non-nutritional and other additives. Organic Ingredients — The chances of organic ingredients to be tampered with or contaminated is generally less. And the certification process these ingredients go through adds an extra layer of inspection and safety. The more organic ingredients you can find in a treat, the better. Natural Sweeteners, if any at all — Use of sweeteners like honey, molasses, or dates Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Treats Food Dyes and Colors — These are much more common in treats than dog foods, because of the desire to make the treats resemble other food items. A safer alternative would be vegetable glycerin. Safer alternatives are tocopherols vitamin E , citric acid vitamin C , and rosemary extract. Here are just a few: Sweet Potatoes — A good source of fiber not sure if dogs actually need additional fiber , low in fat, and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Their naturally sweet flavor is appealing to pups, too. These are also super easy to make at home! Peanut Butter — In moderation peanut butter can be a great treat for pups. Put some inside a Kong toy, freeze it, and you have yourself a healthy treat that will occupy them for a while, too. Peanut butter is usually stuffed with added salt and sweeteners. Green Beans — Nutritious, packed with vitamins, and low in calories. Just be sure to use fresh beans and not the salty canned ones. Carrots — Packed with vitamins, low in calories, and has a good crunch with is satisfying to dogs and helps clean their teeth Apples — Another crunchy snack filled with vitamins A and C, sliced up apples are a favorite of many pups. Just be sure to remove the seeds as they contain naturally occurring cyanide. Asparagus — Asparagus is another healthy veggie choice for dogs. Try freezing them for a cool treat during the summer or to soothe a teething pup. They also contain high levels of beta carotene which is connected to skin and hair health. Some even call it a skin superfood. Liver — Served raw or cooked, liver boosts healthy skin. Its jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients, including: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, D, E and eight B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Salmon — Cooked wild salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are great for increasing the health a dogs coat and skin. Consider Dietary Supplements While a good quality food is the foundation for your pup, you may want to consider enhancing their diet with some of these supplements known for their coat-health benefits. Dogs eating imbalanced diets or diets with very low fat content may be deficient in some areas, which in turn effects the look and feel of their coat. Salmon Oil For Omega-3 These help increase overall health and shine of a coat. They can be found in plant-based oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, as well as in salmon oil. Salmon oil is usually preferred because it contains high levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. Salmon oil can be given to a dog in liquid form or by capsule. Many prefer the liquid form because it allows you to control the dosage much more easily. The recommended dosage is usually printed on the label of the fish oil. You should introduce salmon oil into your dogs diet gradually and I speak from experience here. Not pretty. Vitamin E Often an ingredient in dog shampoo and conditioner, Vitamin E has great benefits for the skin and coat of dogs. Lacking Vitamin E can make them more susceptible to skin problems such as dry skin, dandruff, rashes, and even skin infection. Disclaimer: This information is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to replace or substitute the advice of a veterinarian. Related Posts:.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Tennessee is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Tennessee is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Go for a Walk Nashville has a number of walking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. Your English bulldog will love exploring the city and meeting new friends. Go to a Festival Tennessee has a number of festivals throughout the year that are perfect for dogs. Your English bulldog will love the excitement of the festival and meeting new people. Tennessee is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Tennessee? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. We are bulldog breeders that focus on quality english bulldogs. Our bulldogs conform to the AKC Standard and are built like bullies should be. Not all bullies are created equal. If you want a short, stocky , wrinkly bully with a loving attitude, give us a call. You haven't played me in Poker, yet!!! Our puppies are showered with attention and care 24 hours a day. We are ethical breeders of some of the finest bulldogs in the world and are proud of the dogs we own and puppies we produce. We are a vet recommended breeder and will provide reference if you wish just ask. Each puppy passes a thorough health exam before leaving us. We strive to produce healthy puppies and are on a never ending mission to improve our blood lines and the breed as a whole. We literally have some of the best English Bulldogs in the world! All of our puppies are raised by us personally, in our home. Our duty, first and foremost, is to produce healthy, happy, physically sound bulldogs that make great family companions. We strive to produce excellent quality, healthy, wrinkly, correct body type bulldogs with loving charming attitudes and wonderful temperaments. We only breed champion lined adults and own beautiful studs of the highest quality, which are available for stud service to approved females. Understanding that most pet owners have no intentions of showing English Bulldogs, we still want to provide our clients with puppies of impeccable quality. We have put countless hours of into the study and research of the breed to produce the top quality dogs that you see on this site. We have dedicated our lives to improving our line, breeding high quality bulldogs, and producing amazing puppies that have brought and will continue to bring many years of happiness to their families. We hear all the time "we only want a pet, not a show dog". That may be true but you still want a bulldog that looks like a bulldog. So ,please don't make the mistake of buying a cheap bulldog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. You will be brokenhearted and feel swindled. Bulldogs of this quality are not easily produced and the price reflects the quality of our puppies, so if you're going to spend your money, spend it wisely on a champion pedigreed puppy that will exceed your expectations. When it comes to quality bulldogs, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true.

Hennie Fourie or M-J Fourie email info carlzipca. Some of our dogs are imported Hennie and M-j have been involved with GSD's and other animals for over 20 years. We treasure the German Shepherd's loyalty, intelligence and devotion. They are extremely courageous, versatile, with strong protective instincts, and excel at almost anything that they are trained to do. They are highly driven, athletic, energetic, and exceedingly eager to learn. They crave a good challenge. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of the dog kingdom, an ideal German Shepherd when well trained by a confident owner, is a magnificent companion. Our dogs are true quality, bred, showed and worked with dedication and love. Our aim is to breed beautiful dogs with sound temperaments, suitable for protection, and devoted family companions. Delivery can be arranged at buyer's cost. Puppies can be flown to major airports. The legal stuff We are members of the German Shepherd Federation and adhere to their breeding restrictions. We are also members of KUSA. Puppies may be registered with either registry. Our puppies are tattooed with their registration number. Contact Kinneret German Shepherds: Breeders with heart! At Kinneret, we are deeply passionate about animals — dogs especially! We breed three very different types of dog, namely gorgeous German Shepherds, fancy French Bulldogs and lovable American Akitas. As an established and accomplished breeder, we ensure that all of our dogs, from our stately German Shepherds, to our French Bulldogs and American Akitas, are bred responsibly. It is this commitment to breeding excellence that has Kinneret as an established importer of stud dogs from Germany, serving to promote outstanding bloodlines and pedigrees. Our German Shepherds are renowned for their outstanding achievements in various dog shows, as well as for their impressive pedigree and lineage. As a potential Kinneret customer, we offer helpful information and background information on our breeds to assist you in choosing the breed most suited to your home and requirements. Feel free to click on any one of our award-winning breeds to find out more about each one. We highly recommend pet health insurance to all clients wishing to make one of our dogs part of their families. We also have several puppies for sale! Please view our current and upcoming litters for availability of puppies. Please note that photographs used on this website are of dogs that we have bred or owned. Because each litter differs, the images contained on our website are not a guarantee that your puppy will have the same colour or features as those previously bred by Kinneret. German Shepherds For more information please contact Kosike at .German Shepherds make excellent companions for children. Our healthy small German Shepherd pups are all vaccinated and dewormed. He is a working dog and one of our breeding males. Orry Another breeding male currently used in our kennels. This great German Shepherd is the proud farther of many pups in South Africa. Breeding Females Alexi Alexi is one of our breeding females. She is the daughter of Gambol of Vita Sinor. Both legend German Shepherds in South Africa! Maxi Maxi is an outstanding German Shepherd. She is the daughter of Gorbi von Maventelina and breeds world class German Shepherd puppies. She is also one of our German Shepherd breeding females. Abby Abby comes from a legendary German Shepherd bloodine. She is the daughter of Gambol of Vita Sinor and also full sister to Alexi. Furthermore Burnie and Dennis are involved in farming activities in Mozambique and Botswana. Contact us for more information about our ranches in Mozambique and Botswana. Contact Kosike at

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Your Labrador Retriever is an active and high-energy animal. They love to exercise and spend as much time as they can in the outdoors. Exercise is an important part of living a happy healthy life and along with a proper diet and good veterinary care will lead to a dramatic increase in their quality of life just the same as with people. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. As with everything in life the answer is that it depends. For most people the first thing people think of with exercise and a dog is taking them for a walk. That is a good first step but exercise for your Lab is more than that. Some dogs can even do without being walked as long as they receive their exercise and other stimulation in other ways. Walking is of course good exercise for both the dog and their human and if a Lab does not receive their exercise in other ways it is a good idea to spend at least an hour or more walking them every day. The simple act of walking benefits their hearts and lungs and it is easy on their joints since walking is a natural motion. For the full benefits of a walk a Lab will need to walk faster than a human so they will need to be let off their leash and that may not always be practical. Not all walks are equal. A short walk over a more strenuous route can provide as much exercise as a longer walk over an easier route. If your dog is able to exercise in other ways, like in a fenced in backyard, or has another dog to play with this can be lessened and they may not need to be walked at all. Of course there are other ways to get your Lab the exercise it needs. That can start with their own name. Your Lab is great at retrieving things and doing so can get them a good workout. You do not need to be a hunter or sportsman to do this but it may take some planning and a good location. Your Lab also will love to play. This can be stereotypical canine activities like a game of fetch, catching a Frisbee or playing tug-of-war with someone. Much of this should be done off of their leash so it can be done in a backyard or at a local dog park. These activities will give your Lab a great workout and exercise muscles that a walk simply will not and can last as long as both the human and canine are interested. For those of you with Labrador puppies they have different needs. Puppies should not be over-exerted so walks should be kept to a minimum and should not be stressful. Experts recommend walks last about 5 minutes for every month of age of the puppy, so a four month old puppy should be walked for 20 minutes. Puppies should not be walked until they are at least three months old and they should be vaccinated before they are taken out. Also overexerting a puppy can bring serious joint issues in larger breeds of dogs. There are other ways than a walk for a puppy to get exercise. They will probably love free running around a house and this will lower the chance of developing bone and joint issues. Your puppy should not climb stairs until they are older as climbing the steps creates an increased risk of joint issues. Strenuous issues should also be avoided as it can also lead to joint issues. Many trainers do not let Labs jump for their first year of life to avoid joint damage. As with humans there is another very important component of exercise that is very important but can be easily overlooked and that is rest. All dogs need rest to help rejuvenate and heal themselves and this is particularly important with puppies. When outside with your dog it is important to look for signs of fatigue or overheating and to know when to stop and rest. If you dog is playing with other dogs it is also a good idea to keep an eye on them for fatigue as your dog will not want to stop even if they are tiring. Your Lab loves the stimulation that comes with exercising and being outside and will not want it to end so human management is important to prevent them from over exerting themselves. Your British Lab puppies and adult Labrador Retrievers are naturally gifted athletes and they will want to spend as much time as they can exercising and spending time in the outdoors. If you take advantage of that you can get some exercise too and that is a good thing, but know when to stop.

Experienced Breeders.We focus on their physical characteristics, but, as well, on their temperaments and dispositions. Our Customers Experienced Breeders.People looking to bring an English or French Bulldog into their homes and lives are not just seeking to have a pet.Burton's Bulldogs has happy customers sp Show More Burton's Bulldogs recognizes that our loyal, satisfied, and discriminating customers are our most valued asset. Burton's Bulldogs has happy customers spanning the USA. We have never had a disappointed customer. Many of our customers who have purchased a dog from us contact us shortly-there-after to purchase others. About Our Kennel Location Our extraordinary kennel is located on a secluded, wooded, pristine area of North Central Massachusetts in a small town called Lunenburg. Each dog gets loads of fresh air, exercise, and personalized, individualized, and specialized loving attention from Gary Burton and his dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced staff. In addition, they get first-rate veterinary care, often-times delivered on-site. The dogs are housed in an immaculate, temperature-controlled and video-monitored kennel area within a newly constructed barn. The area includes a dedicated area for grooming. Pups Our AKC-registered pups reflect their superior lineage and loving, patient, caring upbringing. Our pups make wonderful, well-adjusted, and confident family members, as well as Grand Champions! We raise them in a superb, caring, and nurturing environment for one purpose only.We do this in a loving, nurturing, happy, and safe environment. We focus on the high quality and superior pedigree of our dogs, knowing that is what our customers want as a future member of their family. We welcome inquiries and scheduled-visits to our facility. Not only as their primary care Veterinarian, but also as an owner of two of their beautiful dogs. The personality and charm of their bulldogs is an excellent testament of the genuine love and care they put into breeding bulldogs. They strive to provide the best companion and family pet, and certainly exceeded my expectations. All of their dogs are loved and treated like family to produce a pup anyone would be proud to own. Daniel Kelleher is an amazing person and an excellent Veterinarian. He works with an equally excellent team of other Veterinarians and technicians. We love them all! We made our visit to see the available dogs and fell in love with the breeders and facility. They are a world-class operation, that is truly amazing and totally focused on responsible breeding, cleanliness, and a warm loving home for all of their animals. If you are seeking a wonderful family-owned breeder with beautiful dogs and a great customer experience, that is exactly what you will find at Burton's Bulldogs! Dozer and Sophia instantly became beloved family members. They are devoted, obedient, fun-loving dogs with unique personalities. We are so grateful to have two happy and healthy Bulldogs in our family. It is hard to imagine life without them. Every day they bring us immeasurable happiness and joy. Herman has been no exception. Since day one, Herman has been happy, healthy and well-mannered. Throughout the entire process - from birth, to purchase and well after we took Herman home - Gary has been professional, accommodating and exceedingly helpful, answering endless questions and providing unparalleled advice. They said that one of their friends had adopted an English Bulldog from Gary and it was one of the healthiest and happiest dogs they knew. My boyfriend reached out to Gary who was very open, informative and helpful from the very first call. We were kept informed about the progress of the puppies and when we went to pick up baby Eric, the facilities in which they breed and raise the dogs is phenomenal! Harry mentioned the pups only know love and affection as that is how they raise them and that really reflects in the puppies. Eric is the sweetest, smartest and funniest little dog! He is fearless and wants to stop and say hello to everyone in the street and we somehow managed to potty train him 2 days from bringing him home. Thank you so much for everything and we cannot recommend Gary and his team enough Contact Us. These puppies are already be registered with AKC, you will need to tell me what you want your puppy named and the Micro Chip already registered in your name. You will have access to an trainer if you have any training problems and you will also receive 30 days trail insurance. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx7. Free Shipping is Included. Puppies are raised in our home and potty trained. They are already dewormed, micro chipped, and up to date on all shots. My puppies are raised on hands, inside the house, living as family members. These puppies will make wonderful companions and as family pets. I can ship my puppy to your door step. Included: Full registration AKC papers, dewclaws removed, wormed, vet health check, and 1st shot. Parents on site. First Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx9. Males and females, 12 weeks old. Sweet personalities. They've had their shots and been wormed. Must be loving, forever homes to adopt these Darling, Playful lil Fellas. Male and female Puppies for sale. Serious buyers should Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx7. They are 12 weeks old with 5 generations certified pedigree on Mom's side. There are 2 male and 2 females left. They are healthy and have gotten all jabs and flea treatments. They are estimated to weigh lbs when fully grown. Shipping is free and safe. Please Interested persons should Text xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. Miniature Bulldog puppies make wonderful family pets as they are loving and kind. Flash and they are being raised in our home, where they are spoiled daily. Flash has been on a vaccination schedule and was seen by the vet recently with a perfect check-up. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Boston MA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Boston MA? There is always a range of prices available for Bulldog puppies for sale in Boston. Some Bulldogs are more expensive than others due to coat color, puppy gender, breeder and business experience and location, and whether or not the Bulldog puppy has had its shots or not. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Boston? You may be searching Uptown Puppies and not be able to find any Bulldog breeders in Boston and businesses, or Boston Bulldog puppies for sale. There are a number of Bulldog puppy breeders and businesses from out-of-state that you can connect with! How are the Bulldog breeders screened? Why is Uptown Puppies so unique from other Bulldog puppy-finder websites? Bulldog puppies for sale Boston are very popular nowadays, and therefore we designed the perfect Bulldog for sale Boston site that creates real connections between families looking for Bulldog puppies, and the best breeders and businesses available. We have done all the hard work to make sure you end up with the best puppies! What is a Boston puppy mill like? This happens because more often than not, these puppies are born in little dirty cages that are stacked up upon one another. Can I get a Bulldog puppy right now? Just start your search journey on Uptown Puppies, and a Boston Bulldog for sale will be yours soon! What type of dog is a Bulldog? Boston Bulldogs for sale are really sweet, kind, and lazy dogs that are affectionate, loyal, goofy, and funny. Their faces are all wrinkled, in fact, because they were bred to look the way they do to keep them safer in fights. Are Bulldogs big? What are their temperaments like? Bulldogs in Boston live 8 to 10 years, and are medium-sized dogs that happen to be very heavy just try pick one up! Are Bulldogs happy in apartments? What is the grooming process for Bulldogs? Important grooming tips for Bulldogs Boston are first to brush their coat every day, as it keeps it smooth and shiny. You also need to brush their teeth every day, clip their nails, and shampoo them every few weeks. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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VAT ex. VAT inc. VAT Product added to your basket 1 Year Insurance Product Summary All products arrive with an official manufacturer's warranty, this insurance option is added protection against accidental loss, damage or theft. This insurance is optional and will meet the demands and needs of a UK resident requiring insurance for jewellery or watches in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man plus up to 30 consecutive days elsewhere in the world any one trip. In the unlikely event that you may wish to make a complaint, this should be directed to T H March. The complaints procedure is detailed in your insurance documentation. It is important you read the certificate as this details the terms, conditions and any restrictions in cover. The insurance covers you against accidental loss, damage or theft. Items are covered Nation wide and up to 30 consecutive days abroad each year the insurance runs, in the event you wish to make a claim and the claim is accepted, you won't have to pay any excess fees. H March terms and conditions below. This insurance is only available in connection with the purchase of the items to be insured. Meacock and Others, Syndicate , in accordance with the authorisation granted to the undersigned under contract number UMRBA or any subsequent updating contract. Each subscribing Underwriter is not responsible for the subscription of any co-subscribing Underwriter who for any reason does not satisfy all or part of their obligations. This policy does not entitle the Assured to a cash settlement in the event of a claim. COOLING OFF This insurance may be cancelled within fourteen 14 days of inception of cover provided the certificate of insurance and purchase receipt are returned to the issuing Jeweller within this period and no claim has been made. This insurance is NOT renewable. Tel: Fax: E-mail: customerservices thmarch. Tel: Fax: E-mail: complaints lloyds. Email: complaint. Further details can be found on the Financial Services Register at www. You may be entitled to compensation from the Scheme if the Underwriters are unable to meet their obligations to you under this contract. If you were entitled to compensation under the Scheme, the level and extent of the compensation would depend on the nature of this contract. Website: www. Any Insured person not resident in the United Kingdom. Any item composed entirely of brittle material. Any losses from baggage, clothing or other belongings unless such baggage, clothing or belonging is being carried by hand or worn by the Assured or by any other person to whom the Assured has given the insured item as a gift. Any item stolen from an unattended vehicle. 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With over 20 years of experience, we have shared our Labradoodle Puppies with families across this Country, and around the world. As an Authentic Australian Labradoodle Breeder, we offer our Riverbend Australian Labradoodle puppies in Miniature sizes lbs , Medium sizes 45lbs , and Standard sizes lbs. Because of our years of experience and success with our English Style Labrador Retriever Breeding Program , our Riverbend Labradoodles are stocky, heavy-boned, and have a beautiful, blocky style of head that gives them a soft, intuitive expression. We are so blessed to be involved with a fantastic Worldwide Labradoodle Breed organization, bringing together nearly Breeders from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are dedicated to protecting the breed we love so much. We are honored at the opportunity to help protect and promote the breed we love so much with our participation in these organizations. Our commitment to quality and accountability to these organizations offers peace of mind in purchasing one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we are dedicated to helping people with allergies add to their family. Our Labradoodles are known to have a laid- back, easy-going temperament, and are great family companions. They are intelligent and easy to train, and typically finish at the top of their obedience classes. Here at Riverbend, we have made it our focus to protect the health and future, while maintaining the integrity, of the Labradoodle breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to Quality, not quantity. We believe it is of utmost importance to have OFA hip, OFA elbow, ACVO eye clearances, and also breed specific health clearances, as well as Champion Quality pedigrees within all of our dogs' bloodlines, to ensure we have the healthiest Labradoodle Puppies possible. Take a look at Our Dogs. All of our Riverbend puppies are raised in our home for proper socialization and handling from birth. Our home is designed for our puppies to live with us, so we can provide a healthy environment, to build the foundation that will help them grow to their full potential. Paying attention to how a puppy grows, from the day he is born, is important for the very health and vitality of each puppy. And, we believe that the first eight weeks of a puppy's life, is of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. We share our Australian Labradoodle Puppies with loving caring families, and you can be confident that our puppies are handled continuously, are exposed to our everyday life, and everyday noises, to create a positive social experience that will enable them to become lifelong companions. We hope that you enjoy our website and find it easy to navigate, helpful, informative, and fun. If you have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic breed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We love sharing our Riverbend Labradoodles with others, and welcome all inquiries concerning them. Support an American Company and Small Business! We are confident these products are the best for your furry family member and we refuse to use anything else! We are an Australian labradoodle breeder specializing in authentic top quality Australian Labradoodle puppies in mini, and medium sizes. Sharing our puppies with families since , we have established our breeding program with fully tested breeding stock that can be traced back to the very earliest bloodlines. Located north of Dayton, Ohio in the rural area of Conover. We have shared our puppies across the US. Check out our available puppies page to learn about each one Latest News September Puppies available! Head to our available puppies page to see who is waiting to be your next family member! Available Puppies Boarding Available We are now offering boarding for our puppy families. Now taking reservations for fall. Spaces limited call Boarding Information Offering in home- training Did you know our trainer offers an in home board and train program? Get a head start before puppy goes home. Here our puppy will stay with the trainer and learn basic obedience, house training crate training, learn proper manners and receive lots of socialization to people and places. Why us Superb Temperament Australian labradoodles are known for their amazing temperament. Our love for this breed began with our first Australian labradoodle, Georgia pictured below in the snow. She taught us what the Australian labradoodle was all about. With her intuitive connection, and sociable personality, we fell in love instantly and so did everyone who met her. She was a joy to train, willing to please, gentle, and just as funny as she was affectionate. Due to their extreme willingness to please and ability to train, a percentage of our dogs have gone on to do therapy and service work. Nourishing Environment Puppies like babies need nurturing and human interaction. We are asking them to live in our world so the more human experiences they can have before going home, the easier the transition. We utilize Early neurological stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, Puppy Culture, a 10 step handling exercise, as well as extensive socialization to raise the most well-balanced dogs. All of our dogs are fed a high quality, all natural diet, for maximum health. We believe in a holistic approach to the well being of our dogs, and they are minimally vaccinated. Excellent Health While we have a strong emphasis for temperament, having a sound, physically healthy puppy is of upmost importance. Healthy puppies begin with the parents. Our breeding dogs have to meet strict requirements to enter the program. We start with carefully selected breeding stock coming from a controlled breeding line. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we love helping people with allergies add to their family. As a registered member of the Worldwide Australian labradoodles Association, WALA our breeding program along with hundreds of other programs across the world, are dedicated to ethical breeding, and continued focus on the improvement of the Australian labradoodle breed. Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association We are grateful that we are able to raise and share these gentle, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs with others. I would love to hear from you! If you are interested in bringing one of our Australian labradoodle puppies home, or have additional questions not included on our website, please contact Kristina.

royal canin pug puppy food reviews - Pin16 Wanna remember this blog post!? Be sure to Pin to your favorite Pinterest Board! Goldendoodles are becoming quite popular. Being a first-time Goldendoodle pet parent can be both fun and overwhelming. The fun about a Goldendoodle is their goofy personalities, playfulness, sweet demeanor, and of course their ability to get along with any dog they meet! However, coat care tends to be the most overwhelming aspect of owning a Goldendoodle. This is why for first-time Goldendoodle pet parents, coat care tips are essential. Instead, there is matting knots and tangles , mildewing of the coat from access to water, overgrown hair in the eyes, dingleberries, hair in the ears, hair breakage from harnesses, dry skin, and coat, and of course an overgrown coat that is impossible to manage. Here are my 5 Coat Care tips for 1st time Goldendoodle parents. Using the right brush for your Goldendoodle is essential. The only brush you wanna use is a slicker brush. Check out my top brush recommendations. And that will lead your Goldendoodle to get skin issues and possibly shaved at the groomer. A doggie blow dryer is a much more expensive purchase— but is your best investment for a Goldendoodle. Allowing your Goldendoodle to air dry—can cause the coat to sour and mildew. And cause skin problems as well from growing bacteria. This also causes matting. It is best to fully dry, brush, and comb your Goldendoodle. This is usually my 1 rookie mistake amongst my first-time Goldendoodle pet parent. However, Goldendoodles have a very high maintenance coat and require extra TLC. A high-quality groomer will absolutely help you along your journey. Wanna know if you have the best groomer for your Goldendoodle? Many first-time Goldendoodle Pet Parents try to groom their doodle at home to save money at the groomers. But that is just so dangerous. Read more about why it is dangerous to groom your dog at home. This will help keep your dog mat-free, accustomed to grooming, and free from odors. Goldendoodle coats are man-made. This will get on your furniture and can be incredibly unhygienic if you have small children or if you allow your pup in your bed. Choose high-quality food and supplements to give your dog healthy skin and coat. Low-quality food causes a dull coat, dry skin, allergies, and smelly feet. All fluff no substance. If you have any more questions regarding your Goldendoodle check out my Ebook just for Goldendoodle Pet Parents! Or leave a comment below! With Love, October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! By Patricia Kaowthumrong. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Dec. Since then, the dogs have been coveted companions that are beloved for having low-shedding qualities, a clever-yet-highly-trainable personality, and a patient family-friendly nature. The standard large-size, wavy-haired Goldendoodle can grow to 20—24 inches tall and about 50—90 pounds, but also come in smaller sizes as Mini Goldendoodles. Caring for a Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle is bred to exhibit the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and do well in obedience classes and agility training. While they can live happily with other dogs, cats, and children, the pups can be prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle Health Issues Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs that can live 10—15 years, but they are prone to common health conditions of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds. Discomfort is commonly displayed by pups via limited mobility, which can include reduced activity, difficulty going up stairs, or even difficulty just getting up. Heart Disease Goldendoodles are genetically predisposed to heart disease, particularly a congenital variation called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS. The heart must work harder than normal to pump blood through this narrowed area, causing heart muscle abnormalities, says Whittenburg. Grain-free and boutique brand foods should be avoided. Glaucoma is an eye disease involving increased pressure. Symptoms pet parents should look out for include bulging eyeballs, watery discharge, redness to the whites of the eyes, and dilated pupils. The condition can be treated with long-term medication. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Cataracts is a common condition in dogs that causes clouding in the eyes and can lead to vision loss. Cataracts can be treated with surgery but, left untreated, can lead to complete loss of vision. What To Feed a Goldendoodle A balanced diet will help your Goldendoodle maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health conditions. That means ensuring your pup eats the proper amount of high-quality dog food and always has access to fresh water. First bred in the late s as guide dogs, the Goldendoodle—a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle—became a popular household pet in the United States during the s. To help reduce the risks of heart disease, avoid feeding your dog grain-free and boutique brand foods, Whittenburg says. Behavior and Training Tips for Goldendoodles Goldendoodle Personality and Temperament If socialized properly as puppies, Goldendoodles can certainly live in homes with other canines. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day, which can encompass a combination of everything from walks and runs to hikes and playtime. Pet parents should avoid leaving their four-legged friends at home alone for too long. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Overall, Goldendoodles are known for their gentle temperament, making them ideal for households with kids and elders. Goldendoodle Training Goldendoodles are known for being intelligent and easily trained, so they excel in activities like agility and obedience classes. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, using treats to reward good behavior. At the time, Labradoodles and Cockapoos had already gained popularity as service dogs. However, over time, breeders received requests for smaller versions and started breeding Golden Retrievers with Poodles of different sizes. Now, Goldendoodles typically come in the following three sizes: Miniature: The miniature Goldendoodle stands at inches and weighs pounds. Small: The small Goldendoodle is much more comparable to medium-sized dog breeds , standing at inches and weighing an average of 50 pounds. Large: The large Goldendoodle is similar to other large breeds, weighing pounds with a height of inches. However, most Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parents with golden fur, while others have Poodle colors ranging from orange and cream to dark brown, gray, and black. The type of Goldendoodle coat also varies depending on the parents. For example, you can find Goldendoodles with wavy, straight or curly coats, and many even have tight curls. However, Golden Retrievers and Poodles are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Poodles and Golden Retrievers are two of the smartest dog breeds, making Goldendoodles highly intelligent and eager to please, which is good news for you! In addition, your Goldendoodle will be easy to train and love to learn, so they make great service dogs. For example, a recent study found that Goldendoodles experienced more dog-directed fear than Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent destructive behavior. Therefore, when adopting a Goldendoodle, try to learn as much as possible about the parents and ensure they have no history of health issues. Goldendoodles are prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and canine seizures because Golden Retrievers and Poodles are. Additionally, Goldendoodles score significantly higher than their parent breeds in some problematic behaviors, including dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, and stranger-directed fear. Most Goldendoodles will be happy with at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but some might need several hours, depending on their age and overall health. In any case, expect your dog to want to spend a lot of time outside playing fetch, running off-leash, and going on adventures. Nutrition Like all dogs, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Your dog should eat high-quality food appropriate for their age. For example, puppies should eat food formulated for puppies to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients. How much you feed them is as important as feeding them a healthy diet. How much your Goldendoodle should eat largely depends on their activity level. The more your Goldendoodle runs and plays, the more they should eat. Grooming Grooming is essential for all dogs because it can help prevent odor and treat certain skin conditions like canine dermatitis. Goldendoodles shed minimally but still need regular brushing and baths to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, some Goldendoodles have skin allergies you can treat with medicated shampoos. Your Goldendoodle will also need regular trims to prevent their fur from matting. Dogs with floppy ears, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to ear infections , so you should check their ears for discharge and odor every time you groom them. Training Goldendoodles are highly active, intelligent dogs that will require training. High-energy dogs without proper training are prone to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture or jumping on people. However, obedience training at a young age can prevent undesirable behaviors. These dogs are known to be food motivated, so find them a treat they love and invest in reward-based obedience training to help them learn how to behave in everyday situations. In addition to obedience training, you should focus on socializing your dog. However, socialization can prevent fearfulness around strangers and other dogs. Abused or neglected dogs are more likely to have behavioral problems, so taking the time to train your Goldendoodle should prevent any unwanted behaviors. Additionally, training is beneficial for your dog because it provides mental stimulation that can prevent boredom and keep them calm when relaxing at home. This breed typically does best in homes with extensive, enclosed yards that allow them to roam freely, run, and play. Where can I get a Goldendoodle? You can adopt a Goldendoodle from a shelter or purchase one from a reputable breeder. However, adopting from a rescue specializing in Goldendoodles is usually much cheaper. Are there any downsides to owning a Goldendoodle? However, there are several downsides to owning a Goldendoodle. However, if you get your dog from a shelter or breeder, they can provide a health history to ensure both parents are healthy. In addition to potential health issues, Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise and play. Goldendoodles that don't receive enough exercise may engage in undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodles also require lots of grooming, like their Poodle parents, to prevent their fur from matting. Taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every month or so is recommended. They also make good family pets since they're social. Apart from grooming and providing them with exercise, caring for a Goldendoodle is straightforward. Talk to a Dutch vet today. Dutch offers telemedicine for pets to ensure your Goldendoodle gets the care they need from the comfort of home. Try Dutch today. Published on Mar 07, and updated at Mar 13, .Click Play to Learn More About the Lovable Goldendoodle History of the Goldendoodle Goldendoodles were first bred in to be guide dogs, but the breed gained popularity among breeders during the s. The idea for the crossbreed was inspired by the successful breeding of the labradoodle, which is a poodle and Labrador retriever hybrid. As one of the most popular domestic dog breeds in the United States, the golden retriever was an obvious choice for crossbreeding with the delightfully hypoallergenic poodle. The first three dogs to earn the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title after its introduction in were golden retrievers, which proves their loyalty and ease of trainability poodles were originally bred as retrievers and water dogs, and both the breeds score in the top 5 of the smartest dog breeds. These genes pass on to the goldendoodle, so owners can be assured of an athletic, intelligent and obedient companion. Goldendoodle Care Though low-maintenance, goldendoodles require adequate exercise, grooming, and training. This social breed thrives with its family and friends inside. The fur of a goldendoodle varies, but most of the time, their fur is in between the two extremes when it comes to grooming. They respond best to positive, reward-based training and will gladly show off their tricks for a tasty treat. Exercise With average to above average energy levels, goldendoodles require daily exercise and love to go for walks, runs, hikes, and swims. Their playful nature and retriever genes make them great fetch partners, too. Owners should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day including walking, running, swimming, and tackling agility courses. To keep their skin and coat healthy, they need a moisturizing bath every few months. Depending on the dog, a goldendoodles may grow long hair over its eyes or between its toes and appropriate trimming is required. Training Goldendoodles are obedient, athletic, and smart so they take well to training and are eager to please. Agility comes to them naturally and courses are a great place for goldendoodles to burn energy and create a strong bond between owner and companion. They may inherit the health problems associated with poodles and golden retrievers, but it is possible that the hybrid minimizes health problems due to their genetic diversity. Goldendoodles often do exhibit this enhanced health, but only when its parents are purebred golden retrievers and poodles who have been bred responsibly and have no hereditary health issues. Hip dysplasia : Poodles and golden retrievers are both prone to hip dysplasia, so a hip exam is highly recommended to keep a potential issue in check. Eye disorders : Eye issues are also a common problem among poodles and golden retrievers. Setting up an annual eye exam with your veterinarian is a great idea for all goldendoodle owners. A dry kibble high in protein and fats does the trick. Dry kibble is helpful in removing plaque and promoting general dental hygiene. Corn, wheat, soy, and dairy are common canine food allergies. Goldendoodles are susceptible to food allergies, so it is a good idea to minimize these ingredients in their diet. Go for a grain-free diet with whole vegetables. Where to Adopt or Buy a Goldendoodle Check with your local animal shelter or rescue group to see if there's a goldendoodle available for your home. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue also includes goldendoodles in the type of dogs that it rescues. The Goldendoodle Association of North America provides a list of breeders on its website. Goldendoodle Overview Smart and fairly easy to train Good for those with pet allergies Friendly dogs that are good with kids and other pets Cons Needs at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise Doesn't do well being left alone for long periods of time Susceptible to food allergies, requiring higher-quality, allergen-free food What Is a Designer Dog Breed? Like goldendoodles? You might also enjoy these breeds:. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. By Dr. They are known for their excellent temperaments and for being great for people with allergies. They make great guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, or just plain old family pets. But there are many things that you need to do to make sure that your puppy is happy and healthy. This article is a complete Goldendoodle Care guide for puppies. How do care for a Goldendoodle puppy? There are many things that you need to do to make sure that your puppy is healthy and happy. Vet visits for vaccines and spay or neuter Provide a high-quality diet Behavioral Training Monitor for signs of Illness By following these steps, you will have your Goldendoodle puppy started on the right track for a long healthy, and happy life. This Golden Doodle Care guide will provide you with the needed resources when you have a question on how to raise your Goldendoodle puppy. How To Care For A Goldendoodle A Visit to the Vet When you get your Goldendoodle a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever that has recently increased in popularity , you will want to schedule an appointment for them at your veterinary office. While this hybrid dog breed is not prone to health issues, they can still contract issues like ear infections or other issues from their environment. Your vet will examine your puppy to make sure that they are healthy and review what vaccines they may have previously received. Most of the time, they will check their stool for worms and get them started on a vaccine schedule. This is a common schedule that most vets follow for vaccines. This is usually done by the breeder before you get your Goldendoodle puppy. Most of these worms are microscopic, but some you can see in their stool. If you see worms, make sure to let your vet know. Your vet can give your Goldendoodle puppy medication to get rid of these nasty worms. Not only will your pet need vaccines, but they will also need heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. All of these parasites can cause health problems in your Goldendoodle , some of which can be fatal. When do I need to get my Goldendoodle Spayed or Neutered? Most vets recommend spaying or neutering your Goldendoodle puppy around 6 months of age. Some people will wait a little longer before spaying and neutering to allow their Goldendoodle with you. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of spaying your dog around 6-month vs. This decreases the chance of mammary tumors in females and eliminates testicular cancer in males. By not spaying your dog, you are risking them developing a pyometra. A pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can be fatal if not caught early enough. Puppies recover from the spay or neuter procedure very quickly, where older dogs may take a few days. Surgery on your young puppy will help them from developing major problems later on in life. While puppies can be very cute, over breeding dogs has caused lots of pets to end up in a shelter and not in a loving home. For your dog to stay healthy, they will need proper nutrition. There are many great diets on the market. Most pups will need food that is higher in protein than adult food. You should also look at the ingredient list on the back. The first ingredient should be protein. It is also better if it is the whole protein and not a protein meal. Once your Goldendoodle puppy is almost fully grown , you can switch to adult food. This is usually 8 months to 1 year of age. Most Goldendoodles will stay on an adult diet until they are around 7 years, then they will switch to a senior diet. Your veterinarian can recommend many great brands of dog food. Treats often contain higher amounts of fat than regular dog food. How much to feed a Goldendoodle Puppy? Most recommended following the feeding instructions on the bag, but a good rule of thumb is about 1 cup per 15 pounds a day. Most of the time, it is recommended to split these feeding into a few different feedings each day. When your puppy is very young, most vets worry about your Goldendoodle puppy being able to regulate their blood sugar. By giving them multiple meals a day will help keep their blood sugar at optimal levels. Some people will feed their puppy a mixture of wet food and dry food as their teeth are coming in, and once they have all of their teeth with switch them to strictly dry food. When feeding your Goldendoodle wet food, make sure to decrease the amount of dry food that you are feeding them, or your Goldendoodle can become overweight. Behavioral Training and Socialization When you first get your Goldendoodle puppy, you will need to train them on how to act and socialize them with other people and pets. This makes sure that you raise a well-mannered Goldendoodle. You will have to train them on how to do many things such as: Potty Training Not to Chew on things Simple sit and stay commands How to walk on a leash Potty Training There are two main ways that people potty train their dogs. Most people will crate train or potty pad train their Goldendoodle puppies. Crate training is the most common way, but people in apartments or people who live where winter is very harsh sometimes prefer potty pad training as they do not have to always take their dog outside. Crate Training Some people do not want to keep their Goldendoodle in a crate all day while they are gone. Usually, after a few days, these puppies will adapt to being in a crate during the day. It will even make life easier for you, especially if they are making a mess all over the house or destroying everything in the house. By using consistency and teaching your dog that staying in a crate is fun and not scary will not only make potty training easier, it will also help with vet visits and traveling. Goldendoodles love having a place to call their own. By providing them with a crate, full of blankets and toys, and their food bowl, they will quickly love spending time in their crate. By making this space fun and cozy will make it very easy to train your Goldendoodle to stay in a crate and reduce the likelihood of separation anxiety. They do not like lying next to or in their urine or poop. If you have a large mixed breed Goldendoodle puppy probably from a Standard Poodle parent , you can still get a big crate and use the partition provided with the crate to block off a section of the crate for them to stay in while they are growing. When you are not able to watch your puppy constantly put them in their crate. Many times, this will be when your puppy wants to sleep, or you are gone from the house. Your new puppy will let you know that they need out to potty. These signals may be whining and scratching at the side of the crate or barking at you. As soon as you notice these signs, take your puppy out immediately. Do not let them use the bathroom in their crate as this teaches them it is okay to potty in their crate. Eventually, your puppy will be able to hold it the whole time in their crate without having an accident. Potty Pad or Paper Training If you do want to allow your Goldendoodle to have a place to potty inside, the potty pad training them is a great idea. Potty pad training is great for people who are at work for a very long time or people who cannot make it home during the day to let their Goldendoodle outside. This is also great for small Goldendoodles that live in an apartment or in an area where winter is very harsh. By potty pad training your Goldendoodle puppy, you are giving them an approved location to use the bathroom while you are gone. Sometimes potty pad or paper training your puppy is not the best thing to teach them to do. If your final goal is to only have your dog use the bathroom outside, then it is advised to skip potty pad. Potty pad training can teach your dog bad habits and that it is okay to use the bathroom inside the house. Many times, this can be very confusing for young Goldendoodle puppies. How to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy Potty training is very simple. There are both disposable potty pads and washable potty pads that you can reuse. Lay one of these pads out for your puppy. When you would take your Goldendoodle puppy outside to use the bathroom, take them to the potty pad instead. Your Goldendoodle puppy will quickly learn that this is an approved place for them to use the bathroom. With a little persistence and patience, your Goldendoodle puppy with quickly learn where is an approved spot for them to use the bathroom. Goldendoodles are very smart, and very quick learners most only have a few accidents in the house. Some do take a little longer to potty train usually because they can also be very stubborn. Why is my Goldendoodle Chewing on Everything All puppies will go through a teething phase where they will chew on anything. This is a normal and sometimes painful process. Your Goldendoodle puppy will start to lose teeth around 3 months of age and continue until they are a little over 6 months. During this time, you will notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is chewing on anything and everything. This behavior can become a lifelong habit if you do not give your dog something approved to chew on during this puppy teething phase. During the teething phase , your Goldendoodle puppy will find many different types of objects to chew on to relieve the pain from the new teeth coming in. But chewing on your furniture and shoes is usually not a wanted behavior. You should give your dog appropriate toys and teething devices during this time. Also, you need to teach your Goldendoodle puppy that nipping and biting people and other animals are not allowed. If you have another pet in the house during the time that your Goldendoodle puppy is teething, monitor their playtime as sometimes these nips and bites can escalate into a serious fight. Socializing Your Goldendoodle Puppy It is best to start to socialize your puppy early. This is one of the most important parts of caring for your Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are a very energetic dog, so give them a chance to get in some exercise! Socialization should start around 8 weeks old. Most people will start with puppy classes. This is a way that you can get your Goldendoodle puppy around other puppies. During your Goldendoodle puppy first few months of life, you need to introduce them to many different sounds and environments. Puppy classes will give your puppy the opportunity to learn basic commands such as sit and stay as well as how to walk on a leash. During this time, it is recommended that your Goldendoodle experiences different types of social environments involving people and other dogs. Without this proper Socialization and training, your Goldendoodle puppy may be afraid in certain situations, such as with new people or animals. When training your Goldendoodle puppy, think of all situations that they may have to encounter in their life. Your Goldendoodle puppy should be relaxed around new people, pets, cars, people on bicycles, honking horns, stairs, cats, exams by the vet, and large crowds of people. If you can get your dog to get used to these situations will make for a much more relaxed life for you and your Goldendoodle. Between 2 and 4 months of age, your puppy is the most comfortable learning these new behaviors, having new experiences, and meeting new people or animals. They may still be scared at first, but you can help them by taking them very often to new places and around new people. Also, provide positive reinforcement when they behave appropriately and support them if they are afraid. After your Goldendoodle is 4 months old, they are usually less tolerant of learning to adapt to new environments and people or animals. This can make obedience training difficult in an older dog. Grooming Training Your Goldendoodle puppy will not need much grooming for the first few months. Just a good brushing every day or so to prevent mats and remove tangles will suffice. Show them all the tools, including your clipper, comb , brush , and scissors, and give your Goldendoodle puppy a lot of praise. Touch their nails and face and make sure that they have a good time. This will make grooming them as adults much easier in the future your groomer will thank you! Signs of Illness in Your Goldendoodle When your puppy is young, they are susceptible to many diseases and illnesses. This is why you need to make sure that your Goldendoodle receives all their needed vaccines. These vaccines alone will not prevent all disease. You will also need to watch your puppy for any signs of Illness. If you see any of these signs, you need to take your Goldendoodle puppy to your vet as soon as possible. Not eating. It is wise not to acquire your puppy until she is at least weeks old and has already had at least one inoculation shot protecting him. Vaccinations — Your puppy needs a series of shots while she is still very young. Talk to your Vet for a more thorough list as well as any special issues for the area in which you live. She will need a series of at least two to three more of these inoculations given 3 weeks apart. DO NOT have a rabies shot given at the same time as the other inoculations. It is best to wait at least two months after the combined shots before giving the rabies serum. We recommend that you not place your puppy on the ground in public areas until they have received their full series of puppy shots. Teeth—of dogs are often overlooked and should be cleaned regularly. Once you get the hang of it only takes a couple of minutes. Teeth of mature dogs should be kept free of tarter, which destroys gums and teeth prematurely and can cause other heath related problems. Ears —should be kept clean and free of excess hair on which ear wax can gather. You can use a liquid or powder cleaner and antiseptic in each ear from time to time. Since you will be taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every couple of months they will be sure the ears are clean and alert you of any issues that may arise. Toenails—need to be trimmed every weeks. Your groomer or Vet can take care of this process for you. We do not remove dew claws these are kind of like a thumb and are located inside and an inch or two above the front paws. These nails will need trimmed occasionally as well. Hair on the bottom of the foot pads should also be trimmed off to insure good footing. Tear Staining — All dogs tear, but on a few it will stain muzzle below the eye to a dark brown. Often the tearing is due to hair touching the eye causing it to continually tear keeping the area below the eye wet. To prevent these stains, keep the hair below the eyes trimmed short and regularly dry with a tissue until the issue is resolved. Hair hanging over the eyes may cause irritation and excessive tearing. Keeping this hair trimmed up and away from the eyes will help to keep tearing minimal. If the eyes are crusty looking or have a yellowish green discharge, take her to the veterinarian as this is a sign of infection. Feed a premium, high quality food without additives, food color, corn or wheat will aid in maintaining white stain-free faces. Corn and wheat are the two most common ingredients that can cause food allergies in dogs. Most of the time it quickly clears up and returns to normal. If it persists a bit longer then try a good dog probiotic like Pro-Pectalin. The easiest way to do this is by using a plastic spoon and a small Zip Loc bag. Scoop up a bit and drop the spoon and all in the bag.


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royal canin pug puppy food reviews - You should bathe your puppy about no more than once a month unless necessary. Puppies and adult dogs have natural oils in their coat to prevent their fur from getting brittle or damaged and to keep it soft and silky. Bathing your dog too often can strip away those oils. How often to bathe a puppy will vary from breed to breed. A long-haired dog breed is likely to get tangled or matted fur if they go too long between baths. Frequency of baths may also change from one season to another. Puppies are playful, curious explorers. Puppies should not be bathed until around eight weeks old. A puppy less than eight weeks old might get overheated or too cold during the bathing process. Prior to them being old enough to bathe, try wiping them down with a warm, wet cloth when needed. You can bathe your puppy at home or take them to a groomer or a self-wash station. Groomers often have vaccine requirements as well. Puppy Bathing Checklist When the time comes to bathe your puppy for the first time, make sure you have everything you need on hand, including: Treats. Use puppy treats to reward them for good behavior and to help them associate bath time with things they love. A brush can help remove loose hair and address any tangles. Choose a shampoo made specifically for dogs, as human shampoo is not suitable for their fur. Hair dryer. Use with caution, as puppies can overheat if you hold the dryer too close or for too long. If the loud noise scares your puppy, try rewarding them with treats so it becomes a positive experience. Bathtub, sink or container. Whether you use bathtub, sink or kiddie pool, your puppy will probably splash around or shake water from their fur. So, make sure the surrounding area is suitable for getting wet. Gently brush out their coat. Before bathing them, start brushing your puppy slowly, as this can help them relax. Simple movements with an appropriate brush will also remove dirt and debris from their coat, and alleviate matting and knots. Pick a spot. Sinks are perfect for bathing small puppies. A hose or kiddie pool in the backyard can work for larger breeds in the summer months. Make sure the surface is non-slip with something like a rubber mat to help them feel more secure, then gather all your supplies pre-bath. Don't leave a wet puppy unattended, or you may end up mopping the whole house. Give plenty of praise and the occasional treat. Bath time should be an enjoyable experience for you and your puppy. A great way to make baths something they look forward to is to give them lots of praise and reward any good behavior with treats. Make it fun. Try tossing their favorite toy into the tub, or just give them lots of love and attention. Scrub gently. Gentle scrubbing will wash and massage your puppy while getting them used to being handled. This is also an excellent time to check their skin. Feel all over for lumps and rough areas and call your veterinarian if you find anything suspicious. Rinse well. Just like humans, leftover shampoo can cause dry, itchy, flaky skin. Try to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Prepare for the post-bath shake. Dogs dry themselves quite a bit by shaking. Unfortunately, that can mean your puppy is mostly dry, but everything else is soaked. You can try tossing a towel over them and rubbing them dry before they shake. Using a hair dryer on a warm or cool setting can also help speed up the process. Treat time. Reward your puppy for a successful bath by offering them a special treat or fun toy. In this case, using a hairdryer might be necessary. Sometimes, puppies can find hair dryers to be loud, confusing and even a little frightening, so reassure them and reward them for good behavior if they seem to tolerate it well. To get your puppy used to the hair dryer, introduce it from an early age, initially just using the dryer to make noise in the room, before moving towards your puppy while giving them calm and soothing encouragement. Find more valuable puppy health insights and tips from our experts on our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. You should wash your Golden Retriever once a month on average. You can, however, bathe him as often as every two weeks if your golden gets particularly dirty. Washing your Golden Retriever more frequently than this will strip his coat of natural oils and dry out his skin. After all, knowing how frequently you should be bathing your Golden is critical. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Consider These Location Factors First Goldens are an active breed in nature so you could safely assume they may need to be bathed quite often. Sometimes these outdoor adventures include a spontaneous jump in a body of water that is filled with algae and mud. Having said that, Golden Retrievers do not need a sudsy bath as often as you may think! Depending on their environment, a Golden Retriever might do well getting a bath as little as every two months. There are many factors that we should take into consideration when it comes to bathing our furry friends! Rural vs. Urban Areas Believe it or not, location plays a huge factor in how often you should bathe your Golden Retriever. If you live in a rural area then it is probably safe to assume your dog spends a lot of time outside. The Answer You should plan on giving your Golden Retriever a bath once every month or two. An infrequently bathed dog can fall prey to a skin allergy, parasites, infections or other skin condition. This could mean that we wash our hair everyday or every couple of days. With Golden retrievers though, we see that washing them as frequently as we would ourselves, can cause their fur to appear matted, dull and unhealthy looking. Some people even go so far as to shave their Goldens! This, however, is not recommended! When you shave a Golden Retriever you are exposing their skin and undercoat to the harmful environmental elements around them, including the sun and temperature extremes. It should be noted that combing your dog often is actually more beneficial for your dogs skin and coat than it is to bathe them. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Some owners will have an allergic reaction to pet dander which is why some dogs get baths more often than they really need. In the case of allergies, it may be necessary to wash your dog weekly rather than on a monthly basis to help eliminate dander and allergic reactions from members of your household. Allergies are the only reason to wash your Golden weekly. This will most definitely strip your dog of its natural oils. Plus, shampoo made for humans is too acidic for regular use on a Golden Retrievers hair and skin. When drying your Golden Retriever you can choose to use an old dog towel, but many people choose to use a blow dryer on their dog in order to make sure that all their fur is dry. A double-coated dog, like a Golden Retriever, can stay wet for hours, even after being towel dried so a hair dryer on a low setting can really speed up this process. A pet-friendly hair dryer like this adjustable speed pet hair dryer on amazon. If you have a new puppy, you should start baths at six weeks of age. Just run some water on them, so they grow accustomed to the process and learn to enjoy their bath time routine. So, I say after a successful and well-behaved bath time routine, that your pup be rewarded with a treat… or two! I also highly recommend giving them lots of snuggles and play time after their bath as this will help them relieve the stress they had before or during this event. In time, your Golden Retriever may even come to look forward to bath time! Fleas, Ticks, Other Parasites and Bath Time I covered earlier the fact that location plays a significant role when it comes to how often you need to bathe your golden retriever. But, did you know that environmental factors around your home also play an extensive part in this decision? Some factors to take into consideration is whether your yard is prone to fleas, ticks, or other parasites. If this issue becomes excessive, it may be time to treat your yard. If fleas or ticks are a problem in your area, it would be better to stick to a regular monthly bath with a hydrating medicated shampoo amazon followed by a flea treatment like this one amazon. This will keep your dogs skin and coat in tip-top shape, while eliminating the parasites. Watch Bailey the Golden Retriever get a bath in the shower. If your pup is more active and loves jumping into a pond or rolling in a mud puddle, then they may need a bath a little more frequently than the Golden retriever that lies on the lawn all day soaking up the sun. Giving your Golden Retriever a bath once a month is a good general timeframe. However, based on you and your dogs particular needs may be as infrequently as every six weeks or as often as every other week. How often should you bathe your Golden retriever? Your golden retriever is covered with a lot of fur, and you are wondering if they need to be washed more or less often. Well, bathing your golden retriever every two months is more than enough. Bathing for your golden retriever every two months is okay. Golden retrievers are water dogs and are known to have strong fur. As long as you brush their fur regularly, it will continue to look healthy and well kept. Naturally, it would help if you bathed your golden retriever every two months, but this could change depending on the lifestyle of your dog. How regularly you bathe your dog depends on; The time they spend playing in the water Where they live; rural or urban How common parasites are in your environment How often they play outside These factors listed above can also influence how regularly you need to bathe your golden retriever. Here are some tips you need to know before you bathe your golden retriever: Get the proper shampoo Dogs require special shampoo as their hair is different from ours. You need to go to a dog shop and get a dog shampoo that will be soothing for your golden retriever. There are shampoos for golden retrievers , and you should select the best one for your dog. Go to a pet shop and ask for recommendations on the best shampoo you can buy for your golden retriever. Make it as relaxing as you can Your golden retriever requires special care, and you will need to make it very relaxing for them. If it is the first bath your golden retriever is getting you to need to make it as easy on them as you can. You should make sure the temperature of the water is perfect. The water you should use to bathe your golden retriever should not be too hot or cold. Give them treats Nothing gets a dog going like rewards for good behavior. Your dog needs to be eased into bathing, and you should make it as pleasant as you can for them. Whenever they do something that you like while you are bathing them, give them treats. Now that you know some of the tips you need to know before you bathe for your golden retriever, here is how you should bathe for them. Location The first thing you need to decide on is where you will be bathing your golden retriever. You will have to bathe your golden retriever in your bathtub or a doggy tub. Some doggy tubs can be rearranged so you can bathe them anywhere in your house. Comb their fur After you have decided where you will bathe your dog, you need to brush their fur. Water The water you use to bathe for your golden retriever is very important. You should make sure the water is not too hot as it can affect the sensitive skin of your golden retriever. Once you are done bathing for your golden retriever, pet them and play with them to reward their good behavior. Giving your golden retriever treats will make them love baths. A healthy fur and skin is essential and can improve the health of your golden retriever. Bathe for your golden retriever and watch their skin and fur shine. Laura Bartlett Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. She founded House of Coco in and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen. Good grooming and care ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy and happy. A vital component of that good care is bathing your Golden Retriever. However, many owners are unsure how often they should bathe their Golden Retrievers and how best to do it. As a first step in bathing a Golden Retriever, it is important to determine the frequency. Overbathing is not ideal, so pet owners need to understand how often they should bathe their Golden Retriever. As a general rule, Golden Retrievers should be bathed once every four to eight weeks, unless the dog is overly dirty or muddy. Golden Retrievers have double coats, which act as natural insulation. Over bathing strips essential oils from the skin, so consider rinsing them with water if dusty or after swimming. When it comes to a Golden Retriever, a good rule of thumb is an occasional bath is a good and necessary thing. However, doing it too often can become problematic for your dog. While bathing once every one to two months would be problematic for humans and smelly , this is not the case for Golden Retrievers. Unlike brushing a Golden Retriever, which should be done daily or weekly, they do not need frequent baths to remain healthy. On the contrary, over bathing may become problematic for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess a double coat. The double coat acts as insulation and helps keep the dog dry and warm, especially when getting wet such as when swimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed waterfowl from water, and their double coats help in this regard. For breeds with double coats, over bathing strips the essential oils from the skin and disrupts the natural insulating process. In addition, over-bathing can cause itching, flaking, and dryness on the dog, leading to scratching so much that it causes wounds or hot spots. Most people associate self-grooming with cats. Yet, dogs self-grooming as well. Commonly, they lick their paws and groin areas when cleaning, but this should not be excessive if it is, there could be other issues. Dogs also groom themselves to keep skin healthy and facilitate the growth of hair follicles source. Okay, you got it. Bathing too often can be bad. When is dirty too dirty or not dirty enough? Determining when to bathe your Golden Retriever is an essential step in not over bathing your dog. However, unless the dog is filthy, that is not as easy as it might seem. It is time to bathe your Golden Retriever if it is muddy, extremely smelly, or is soiled with urine, feces, or blood. If the dog is dusty or swimming in a lake or pool, showering the dog off with water is adequate. If none of those apply, then bathe every 4 to 8 weeks from the date of its last bath. If your Golden Retriever is kept clean, put a recurring reminder on a calendar. For example, I have a regular date every six weeks. So I put it on my Google calendar and have it synced with all my electronic devices. This way, there is little chance of forgetting. I designated six weeks because it allows for a two-week buffer either way. If life gets busy and the bath gets delayed for two weeks, my Golden Retriever still gets his bath at the 8-week mark. However, every four to eight weeks is not always doable. However, if your Golden Retriever is just dusty, then hold off on the bath. Instead, a quick rinsing in the shower or with the hose in the summer should suffice. The same applies to swimming. Whether a lake, pool, or river, just rinsing off with a shower or hose should be enough to remove any chlorine or dust while not stripping the oils that shampooing would. A quick rinse after swimming or if dusty is often all it takes. The smell can be an issue too. If your dog is exceptionally smelly, to the point where it is difficult to tolerate, then a bath is in order. Bathing a Golden Retriever at home is not difficult nor complicated. However, before describing how to wash a Golden Retriever, let me preface that discussion by stating the importance of making bath day a positive experience from day one. Prepare yourself for bath day, and make sure you are in a patient and understanding frame of mind. Getting a Golden Retriever used to a bath is best started in puppyhood, but regardless of age, always be patient, understanding, loving, and keep it positive. Make it as fun as possible. Future bath days will be much more complicated if the experience becomes negative for you and your Golden Retriever. Fortunately, most Golden Retrievers have a cooperative temperament and love the water, so that should make it much more manageable. To start, change into some swimwear or shorts. Prepare to get wet. I prefer to get into the tub or shower with the dog. It just makes it so much easier. Chances are you will get wet, so embrace it and have fun. Then prepare for the bath by getting your shampoos and supplies ready, so you have everything handy once the dog is in the tub. Finally, have some treats available to reward throughout bath time. Providing treats when your Golden is doing well shows the dog that it is positive and rewarding. I usually start with a treat and end with one. Make the treat something they really love: the more value, the better. Consider brushing your Golden Retriever before its bath. Brushing will remove much of the loose hairs and dirt beforehand. Next, get your Golden in the tub or shower. Have your dog sit and reward it with a treat. Then, warm the water up, ensuring that it is not too hot and cold. Tepid water is what you want. Start wetting your dog. At this point, you are soaking your dog with water, not shampooing — that comes next. Massage the fur and skin while soaking to further loosen dirt and hair. Start wetting your Golden Retriever from the back and working to the front of the neck. Or from the neck towards the back. Leave the head for last. Why leave the head for last? Two reasons. It gives the dog time to get used to the water before moving to the sensitive head area eyes, ears, and nose. Leaving the head to last usually minimizes the shaking until the end. When the body and legs are adequately soaked, go ahead and start wetting the head. This prevents water from getting into the eyes and the nose. Goldens can be prone to ear infections, and getting water in the ears may be an issue. Instead, you can place cotton balls in the ear or run the water on the outside of the ears while keeping them down and then use your wet hand to wet the inside of the ear. Consider using a shampoo that has been designed for your Golden Retriever. The key is to get one designed for dogs with a double coat. Work the shampoo into the coat in the same fashion you wet your dog — either from the back to the neck or from the neck to the butt, from the legs to the top of the dog. The head will be left until last, and be careful of the eyes. Pay special attention to the paws and tail, often the dirtiest areas. Make sure you spend extra time giving your dog a good rinsing. You want to make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent itching and scratching, which leads to hot spots open sores. Often bathing in the home is not ideal. In those cases, you can find designated dog bathing stations. Often car washes have a bay dedicated explicitly to cleaning a dog, as do pet stores. You can also utilize the services of a groomer, and some pet stores will offer this service as well. Many doggie daycares bathe dogs as well. All of these cost money, though. We usually use our doggie daycare for our bathing services. Bailey attends daycare weekly and often plays in puddles. Fear not, I have included a video of Bailey the dog getting a bath. It takes about 7 minutes, so baths should not take long. Expect a shake or two or three. Golden Retrievers dry off fast. You can blow dry your Golden, BUT if you do so, keep it brief and keep it at a low heat setting. A blow dryer that is too hot and left on the dog for too long can cause heatstroke. Often, their cooling mechanism is not sufficient to keep up with the heat of a too warm and prolonged blow-drying. I wrote a detailed article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. The article discusses the causes and signs of heatstroke and what to do. Alternately, if you want to air-dry your Golden Retriever, that is fine. We forgo the blow dryer for the air-dry option. Golden Retrievers are made for the water, so why not let them dry off the way nature intended. If you give them a good towel dry, they will dry off quite quickly. If the weather is cold outside, allow them to dry off inside. Or, this might be the one instance when blow-drying might be warranted but be careful again of the heat setting. Oh, and expect your Golden Retriever to roll around in the grass and dirt again shortly after a bath. Even though most Golden Retrievers love water, being bathed is not the same as playing in a lake. Just like your child may enjoy time in the pool but hate bath time, your Golden Retriever might be similar. As a whole, the earlier the age you can get your Golden Retriever accustomed to bathing, the better chance that it will be less afraid. It is also essential to remain calm, patient, and understanding and make the experience as positive and fun as possible. Use treats to reward your dog for a job well done. To keep bathing positive, have a helper available. One person does the bathing while the other acts as a calming presence to pet and calm the dog while reassuring them. Treats are a great way to make the experience positive, so have some of on hand and reward generously before, during, and after, especially while your dog is relaxed and calm. Get in there and have fun. Losing your temper, yelling, or aggressively restraining or handling your dog is almost guaranteed to make your Golden Retriever fear bath time. Consider a rubber mat if bathing in the tub or shower. Often the dog can not stand firmly in a porcelain tub or a shower with tiles. A rubber mat prevents slipping and feeling unbalanced and uneven. Talking to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice is one of the best things you can do to keep it feeling that there is nothing to be fearful of. Giving Your Golden Retriever a Bath It is essential to bathe your Golden Retriever to ensure they stay clean and does not get too smelly over time. However, the key is not to wash unless the dog needs it. Remember, though, with Golden Retrievers, less is more, so refrain from bathing unless the dog needs it. Here are a few final tips when bathing your Golden Retriever. The last tip is especially important and often neglected. Do a brush before bathing to remove excess hair and dirt. Do spot-clean your Golden Retriever regularly to keep baths to a minimum, such as rinsing off with water if dusty or after swimming. Every 4 to 8 weeks is a good range. Do check your dog for rashes, lesions, injuries, or parasites while bathing. Bathing is a perfect time to do a spot examination. Regular bathing plays a vital role in their grooming routine, ensuring a shiny coat, healthy skin, and preventing filth, odor, and skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the optimal bathing frequency, the importance of a bathing schedule, tips for bathing your Golden Retriever, considerations for different seasons, and the potential side effects of bathing too frequently or infrequently. Bathing frequency is an important aspect of caring for your beloved Golden Retriever. While humans may wash their hair daily, bathing a Golden Retriever requires a different approach due to their unique coats. So, how often should you bathe your furry friend to keep them clean and healthy? You can bathe golden retrievers every weeks or as often as necessary. Bathing them too often could inflict major harm on their double coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing and grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This not only helps keep their coat clean but also stimulates their skin and promotes healthy hair growth. Bathing them too frequently, especially in the winter, would most likely cause more harm than good. Because dogs are often good at keeping themselves clean, the primary goal of the bath is to clean their coats. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and enjoyable bathing session for both you and your furry friend: Prepare the bathing area: Choose a suitable location for bathing, such as a bathtub or a designated area with warm water access. Place a non-slip mat or towel to prevent your Golden Retriever from slipping. Gather necessary supplies: Collect all the essential bathing supplies beforehand. This includes dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, towels, a brush or comb, and any other grooming tools you may need. This will make the bathing process easier and prevent excessive matting. Adjust water temperature: Fill the bathing area with lukewarm water. Ensure the water is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can make your dog uncomfortable. Start from their neck and work your way down, ensuring the entire coat is thoroughly wet. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause skin irritation. Massage it into the coat, paying attention to any dry or tangled areas. Repeat the rinsing process until no traces of conditioner remain. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid tangling or damaging the fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can also use a pet dryer on a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Post-bath grooming: Once your Golden Retriever is dry, take the opportunity to brush their coat again. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and prevents matting. Reward and praise: After the bath, reward your Golden Retriever with treats, praise, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with bathing and strengthens your bond. Dog shampoos and conditioners are available that are specifically made for their skin and coat. Remember to use a conditioner after shampooing to untangle and moisturize their fur. Just be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes, and properly rinse them off to avoid skin irritation. Your pet will emerge from the bath feeling refreshed and clean! The Benefits of a Bathing Schedule A bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever is not necessary, but it can be a beneficial method to keep your beloved friend looking and feeling their best. You can keep your dog clean and well-groomed regularly by arranging regular bathing. This can assist in keeping their coat and skin healthy. However, keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their demands may differ. If your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outside, he or she may require more regular bathing. During shedding season, for example, your Golden Retriever may require more frequent bathing. Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or engage in activities that result in dirt, mud, or debris accumulation may require more frequent baths. Coat Type: The type of coat your Golden Retriever has plays a role in bathing frequency. Dogs with longer or denser coats may need more frequent baths to prevent matting, while those with shorter coats may require less frequent bathing. Skin Conditions: If your dog has specific skin conditions, such as allergies or dermatitis , they may require more frequent baths with specialized shampoos or medicated products. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate bathing frequency and products for managing skin conditions. Seasonal Factors: Bathing frequency can vary depending on the season. During summer, when dogs are more likely to get dirty or sweaty, more frequent baths may be necessary. In contrast, bathing too often in winter can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust the bathing frequency accordingly to maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and their bathing requirements may differ. Some dogs may naturally have oilier skin and require more frequent baths, while others may have more sensitive skin and need less frequent bathing. By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate bathing frequency for your Golden Retriever and ensure their coat and skin remain healthy and comfortable. Here are a few ideas to make bath time more peaceful and exciting: Begin small and gradually progress to bath time. Give them a little attention every day, and make it a pleasant experience. Use a non-slip mat or towel in the bathtub or shower to prevent slips and falls. Use lukewarm water to keep them from becoming too chilly or heated. Speak in a soothing and quiet tone to help them stay comfortable. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly rinse them off. Give them a good towel to dry on, and then brush their coat to remove any tangles and leave them bright and smooth. After the bath, reward them with a treat or toy; this will help them develop a pleasant relationship with bath time. Bath time can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Bathing in Summer vs. Winter: Considerations and Tips Bathing a Golden Retriever in the summer and winter can be challenging, but with a few simple tips, you can keep them comfortable and happy. During the summer: Give them a bath in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Keep an eye on the humidity and keep them hydrated. During the winter: Bathe them in a warm room with lukewarm water rather than cold water. To prevent them from becoming cold, properly dry them after the bath. During the dry winter months, use a dog-specific conditioner to help keep their coat and skin hydrated. To avoid skin irritation, always use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is pH balanced for their skin and coat, and completely rinse them off. If your Golden Retriever has a thick coat, brush them before and after bathing to reduce tangling and matting. You can keep your furry friend comfy and happy all year long with a little extra care! As a general guideline, bathe your Golden Retriever every weeks. Again, the frequency may vary according to their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues. Too Many Baths Side Effects Bathing them too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat, causing them to become dry and uncomfortable. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic responses in dogs with sensitive skin. Too Few Baths Side Effects On the other side, not bathing your dog frequently enough can result in the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria on their skin and coat, which can cause skin irritation and odor. Also, not brushing their coat regularly can lead to matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Furthermore, if a dog is not bathed regularly, it may result in behavioral issues because they are not accustomed to how to act during bathing. Conclusion When it comes to bathing and grooming your Golden Retriever, finding the correct balance between too much and too little bathing is important. Depending on their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues, the frequency may vary. Shampoos and conditioners for dogs are carefully made for their skin and coat. Bath time can be an enjoyable and soothing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Always make sure that after the bath, you give them lots of kisses and love; your wonderful furry companion deserves it! If your Golden Retriever has sensitive skin, be especially cautious when bathing and brushing them. Here are a few pointers to remember: For sensitive skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Avoid anything that has scents or harsh chemicals. Before using the shampoo on your entire body, test it on a tiny area first. If you observe any signs of irritation or if the condition persists, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Bathing your Golden Retriever every day is not suggested. Bathing daily might remove their natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. As a general rule, bathe them every weeks; however, this may depend on their lifestyle and coat type. First and foremost, regular brushing is essential, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Finally, make sure your dog is consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as this can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Yes, your golden retriever can bathe outside. Just make sure that the outdoor temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, as this can cause your dog discomfort. Also, keep an eye out for any potential risks, such as slick surfaces or sharp items, that could endanger your golden retriever. Certainly, you can bathe your 2-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The water temperature should be comfortably warm, never hot, to prevent any discomfort. Aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible, laying the foundation for easy and enjoyable bath times in the future. 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. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The lustrous golden color is the hallmark of this versatile breed. Breed Profile This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but does require daily exercise. His water repellant double coat sheds and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. Grooming The Golden Retriever does require regular bathing and grooming. This energetic sporting dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, regular baths and proper drying sets the foundation to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Before bathing a Golden Retriever, take a few extra minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen the debris and dirt from the skin, and to blow out any loose hair. Then use an undercoat rake, stone, shedding blade, carding tool, or a slicker brush to remove additional loose coat. The more coat you remove before the bath, the better. The pre-bath for general cleaning to remove any dirt and grime and to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Following up with a conditioner to keep the coat properly hydrated is highly recommended. Once the bath is complete, it is imperative to get the dog completely dry. There is an art to the blow dry process on a Golden Retriever in order to achieve a nice, straight coat. One important habit to master is drying the hair in the direction it should lay. Then go over with a comb and a heated dryer to remove any traces of remaining dampness. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming The coat should be light, straight, and stand off of the body with no loose hair. Any loose hair or fuzziness to the coat should be carded. Everything about the finish should be natural. The feet and the outside edges of the ear are trimmed with thinning shears. In the warmer months, many pet owners try to keep the dog cooler by shaving the coat. If you are trying to keep the dog cooler, you should elect to remove the undercoat with a good bath and blow out. When you shave this breed, you are exposing their skin to the elements and take away their ability to stay cool. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal gland expression, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal. This allows the ear to have proper air circulation. It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris. It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should at least be checked by the professional pet stylist. Some caring pet owners prefer to have their veterinarian express the anal glands rather than their pet stylist. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? Golden Retrievers are a very active breed. A bath and a blowout are necessary to keep the shedding under control and maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming should be done every 4 — 6 weeks. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe. What is a common problem in Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are sensitive to dermatology disorders. The dense undercoat and long outer coat create the perfect environment for dermatitis, hot spots, allergic reactions, and infection. That is why it is so important to stay on a consistent routine for professional bath and blow outs. Does the Golden Retriever shed or cause allergies? They shed, but basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair in your house. For most of the year, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, daily brushing is almost mandatory during major shedding cycles. Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Golden Retrievers have a wonderful reputation for being great family dogs, and absolutely wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, a small child should never be left alone with any dog. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www. May we suggest.This is necessary to keep it clean and healthy because it is constantly exposed to the elements. Your Golden Retriever has far more hair than you do, and not only is it always exposed, it is also frequently in contact with the ground and other surfaces. So, how often should you bathe your Golden to keep it healthy and looking its best? Do Golden Retrievers Need to be Bathed? A Golden Retriever is blessed with a warm and durable double coat of fur. This is a common characteristic of water dogs. The natural oils a Golden secretes help to keep the coat water-repellant and dirt resistant. Regular brushing will keep the oils well spread, and help prevent matting and tangling. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing from time to time. How often will depend on certain lifestyle and environmental factors including: Frequency of swimming excursions Amount of time spent outdoors Rural vs. This is especially true if your Golden has a penchant for algae-filled ponds and other less-than-pristine bodies of water. Naturally, a dog that spends a lot of time indoors is going to pick up less dirt and debris than one that is regularly outdoors. And whether or not those outdoor romps are in the country or in the city can also make a big difference to how quickly a Retriever gets dirty. If you are aware of a parasite problem in your area check local websites or ask your vet , it is important to be on high alert, and more frequent baths and grooming may be in order. How Often Is Often Enough? The answer to the question is: there is no definitively right or wrong answer. It is very important to not wash your dog too often. This can be just as detrimental as not washing often enough. Too frequent bathing may strip away the natural oils I mentioned earlier. Losing this protective coating can leave your Golden with a dull coat, which is disappointingly unattractive. More importantly, it will leave the skin unprotected and prone to dandruff and infections. On the other hand, not bathing often enough can cause obvious problems. Though Goldens tend not to emit strong odors like many other breeds do yes, Goldens are superior! Plan on giving your Retriever a bath about once every six weeks. Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. However, some dogs, especially older, less active ones, can get by with scrub downs as infrequently as every 8 weeks, or possibly longer. By Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. Unscheduled Baths No matter your schedule, you should bathe as soon as possible in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Serious mud can sometimes require a haircut; much better to take a free bath than to pay a groomer. And speaking of parasites, if your dog has been in contact with another dog that is found to have an infestation, even a mild one, a good, thorough bath is highly recommended. Better to rinse any eggs, larvae or parasites down the drain than to let them establish a home on your Golden. Whatever side you land on, it is important to neither overdo it, nor neglect it unduly. A clean Retriever is a happy Retriever, and a happy Retriever makes a happy owner. You May Also Like. Learn more » As an owner of a Golden Retriever , you surely want to take good care of your dog. A Golden Retriever is a double-coated dog. This breed has a long, smooth outer coat and a soft, fuzzy undercoat. Overbathing a Golden can strip essential oils from the skin. Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock Tips for Bathing a Golden Retriever The best way to bathe a Golden Retriever is to get all your supplies ready before taking your dog to the tub or shower. Once you have everything ready, give your dog a good brushing to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur. A handheld showerhead works best for quickly and efficiently wetting down a dog. Then, use the towels to remove excess moisture before moving on to the blow dryer. During the bathing, rinsing, and drying processes, give your dog a treat now and then for being such a good boy! Image credit: karlinimrie0, Pixabay Brush Your Golden Retriever Often While you should only bathe a Golden Retriever every few weeks, you should brush your dog several times a week. Goldens are moderate to heavy shedders that benefit from regular grooming. Use a quality dog brush to remove knots, mats, dead fur, dirt, and grime. Image Credit: sonsart, Shutterstock In Conclusion A Golden Retriever should be bathed every 6—8 weeks on average to keep his coat clean and healthy.