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Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet. Order now and it ships Out of stock Description Description: To support optimal health, Royal Canin's Breed Health Nutrition range caters to the specific dietary needs of each breed. Royal Canin Poodle Adult is specially formulated for Toy and Miniature Poodles with all their specific nutritional needs in mind. These nutrients — along with the specially adapted protein content — help to support the process of healthy hair growth. Thanks to the inclusion of calcium chelators, the kibble in Royal Canin Poodle Adult is exclusively designed to support your dog's dental health by slowing down tartar formation and build-up. What's more, this formula also helps to maintain your Poodle's muscle tone. The information in this product listing was true and accurate at the time of publication. However, please note that from time to time, for example due to ingredient availability or a change in sourcing factory within our global factory network for the purpose of ongoing supply, it is necessary to make product changes at short notice, and there may be some delays in updating the information in our product materials. Key Benefits: Coat health. The adapted protein content helps support continuous hair growth. Dental health. To help keep their teeth in good health, Royal Canin Poodle Adult kibble contains calcium chelation minerals to help prevent tartar formation. Muscle tone. Helps maintain muscle tone in these active dogs with an adapted protein content and L-carnitine. Exclusive kibble design. Life Stage:. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Some limitations and restrictions may apply.

Life Span Did You Know? Although a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of characteristics from one or both of their parent breeds, a Valley Bulldog tends to be playful, energetic, loyal, and loving. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. A Valley Bulldog is a playful, energetic dog with a cheerful, upbeat personality. They love to play and love even more to spend time with their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. But, they are large exuberant dogs, so they can accidentally knock over young children in their excitement. This can make them a better fit for families with older children, but they can do well with younger children as long as playtime is supervised. They can have a high prey drive. As such, they will need extra socialization and training when it comes to other smaller pets in the household. They tend to be initially wary of strangers, but also tend to warm up quickly once introduced. The Valley Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments and larger homes as long as they get enough exercise, they are a brachycephalic dog breed. This makes them more sensitive to heat and also to the cold. Valley Bulldogs also thrive on attention from their families and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed-breed dog, a Valley Bulldog can sometimes inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. But, this is not a guarantee as they still have a chance of inheriting conditions common to one of both of them. For the Valley Bulldog, potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia and eye problems. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see results or clearances from any health tests that have been done. These dogs are also prone to weight gain, having allergies, sensitive skin, and a sensitive digestive system. As a brachycephalic dog breed, they are also at a higher risk for respiratory issues. The Valley Bulldog is also one of the dog breeds at-risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become dangerous quickly if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although the Valley Bulldog tends to pick up on things and can be easy to train, they can also be stubborn and they do require firm consistent training. This can be a challenge at times for a first-time dog owner, but puppy training classes can help. Not only do these classes help reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Valley Bulldog coat tends to be short and smooth. They will shed a little year-round. Wrinkles can trap dirt and moisture, which can irritate the skin. Regularly checking wrinkles and wiping them clean can help prevent skin irritation and keep your dog comfortable. This keeps them from growing too long and causing issues with movement or getting snagged on things. Additionally, practicing good dental care for dogs , like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although Valley Bulldogs can range from a moderate to high activity level, they often end up being high-energy dogs. They require daily walks plus plenty of playtime and other activities to be happy and healthy. But, as a snub-nosed dog brachycephalic , they can overheat easily, so you need to keep an eye on them, especially in hotter temperatures. There are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs ; you just need to watch for signs of overheating or overexertion and give them a break. A fully-grown Valley Bulldog tends to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Valley Bulldogs generally live for years on average. The Valley Bulldog is also sometimes called a Bullboxer. Currently, we do not have any Valley Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Valley Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We have answers. Am I limited to choosing local Boxer puppies, or can I look elsewhere? You can look wherever you like! One of the great things about our network is that ALL the businesses and breeders we work with know all about Boxer San Jose puppy travel. So no matter where you live or where the breeder is located, they can put your puppy on a plane to your nearest major airport. How does your screening process for breeders work? You can take a look at those standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover all aspects of animal breeding and care - breeder knowledge, ethical standards, cleanliness, legal compliance, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other dog breeding networks? At Uptown, we carefully examine and screen all of the applicants to our network - and we only work with the very best out there. What is a puppy mill like for dogs? A puppy mill is like a factory, churning out as many puppies as possible for maximum profit. A Boxer for sale San Jose bought from a puppy mill could have expensive medical conditions and behavioural problems. Are there any Boxer puppies available for me to buy right now? Where do Boxer dogs come from? The origins of the Boxer breed lie in the late s. They were bred from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were first imported into American around , and they quickly became popular. What should I expect from the average Boxer? But as friendly as they are, Boxers also make effective guard dogs. How does the Uptown Puppies process actually work? We get applications from some of the best Boxer breeders from all over America, and we only admit the very best to our network. You can take a look through our list of approved businesses, browsing through Boxer puppies San Jose and upcoming litters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress free. How big a breed are Boxers? It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds.

Available: Now Hey everyone! Chance was an owner surrender to the animal shelter and was in rough shape. Along with a really nasty skin condition, he was emaciated, had an upper respiratory infection, UTI, GI worms, and heart worms. It was clearly evident he had been neglected and abused. He got treated and well fed with a heaping side of love and care so he could be ready to meet his new family. Even though he had a rough patch, he still loves and want to be loved. He is a true velcro Boxer and want to be with you and cuddle. If he can't cuddle, he will be at your side, waiting for your attention and to look into your soul with those big, chocolate eyes. He wants to do whatever you do and be where you are. He is such a joy to be with. He had a good life before his previous owner, so he was already neutered and knew manners and commands. He is very smart and love treats, so I he picks new things up fast. He is house broken and know to stop something if mom says "uh-uh no" or "leave it" in her firm voice. He doesn'tt chew anything and doesn't counter surf. He only barks at delivery people. Chance can share his people, toys, and his bed, but please let him have his food to himself - he didn't always have food and worries. Chance knows the up and down commands, though he won't get on furniture unless you tell me it is okay each time. He also know sit, stay, come, and shake. Chance walk easy on a leash and loves his walks. He corrects easy with voice commands and gentle pressure on the leash. Sometimes, something fun to chase goes by and he wants to get it. He uses a harness and that helps him learn not to do that. He is already much better at it, except with cats and rabbits - those are too exciting. Some of his favorites include car rides, walks, being outdoors, toys, and cuddling. Part of his past was being crated all day, every day without bathroom breaks, enough food, or play time. So please let him play often, with lots of exercise. Also, Chance can not ever be crated at home, the vet or boarding except in emergencies and with medication. Crating triggers panic attacks for him specifically because of his past. The good thing is, he is such a good boy free roam, you don't need to crate him! Chance very much likes dogs and wants to play, but his foster Boxer brother is really old and can't play. He plays with his people and neighbor dogs. Chance does a good job, but can miss some doggie signals and will need help learning all of them for playtime. He acts like a big puppy, so he could knock down or step on little children with his zoomies. He does love all the rubs, pets, hugs, cuddles, ear smooshing, kisses, and scratches you can dish out. He also is happy to be lifted for a bath, car ride, or vet exam, though. We know some of the abuse in Chance's past was done by a man. He is scared of some men - not all men, but certain actions done by men trigger memories. He is not scared of the women and kids he has met. It took Chance a few days to trust him, but I love my foster dad now. He now trusts that his foster family will only let safe people in the house and will steer wide of men on walks doing any of those scary things like swinging a tool or carrying a load overhead. Chance now enjoys walks and visitors to his house. Interested in me? If so, fill out an application and mention Chance. If you are already approved, just email the adoption coordinator and ask to be added to my list. Please consider a donation to help with Chance's medical care. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? Things that will make a difference to the price are the experience and location of the Atlanta Boxer breeders, as well as the markings and coat color of individual pups, as well as their pedigree. Can I just choose puppies from Boxer breeders in Atlanta? Definitely not! You can easily arrange to pick your new bundle of fluff up at any major airport. How do you screen breeders of Boxer puppies in Atlanta? At Uptown Puppies we have a rigorous vetting process that we use to make sure we only work with the cream of the crop when it comes to businesses with Boxer puppies for sale Atlanta. Once accepted, every partner in our network also needs to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Is Uptown Puppies different to other networks with Atlanta Boxers for sale? We definitely are! Rather than being led by marketing dollars, we concentrate solely on the reputation and experience of individual businesses. What is a puppy mill? Sadly, puppy mills place more importance on profit than animal welfare. Tragically, pups born in mills are far more likely to suffer from illnesses and behavioral issues than pups from reputable breeders. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Atlanta right now? Connect with the recommended businesses and companies within the Uptown network and prepare to be dazzled by the seriously cute puppies that are just waiting for their new homes! Where are Boxer dogs from originally? While the history of the Boxer can be traced back to B. C the breed we know and love today came into being in 19th Century Germany. These charismatic, intelligent, and fearless dogs soon became prized for their abilities as working dogs - which of course includes guarding. They have been a well-loved breed ever since. What will the average Boxer be like? Boxers love fooling around with their families although they can switch into guard dog mode in a moment if they feel you need protection. Are Boxers good family dogs? An Atlanta Boxer for sale will make a wonderful family dog. Their loyalty makes them a wonderful choice for watching over children and adults alike. This, combined with their fun-loving nature and high-energy personalities makes them the perfect choice for active families looking for an all-round companion for every adventure. Are Boxers easy to train? Training a Boxer for sale Atlanta can be a joy thanks to their eagerness to please combined with their intelligence.

Buy Now Baby bullies 6 healthy puppies looking for a loving home. You can find puppies for sale in Ohio under and other Ohio puppies that are much more expensive. Bulldog Puppy Alumni Finding the perfect Bulldog puppy has never been easier. The French Bulldog breeders Ohio, businesses and companies in our network offer the most amazing French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. I have been dreaming of coming home to my new family and I sure. Our focus is to breed for healthy, happy, We are a team of family oriented people who are driven to help people find a loving companion for the family. This puppy is no longer available. Go back to the Miniature Bulldog Puppies page or check out our New Arrivals for more adorable puppies for sale! The breeder is responsible for the content of this advertisement. Thomas Bulldogs is a small, family breeder of outstanding AKC standard and rare colored English bulldogs in Midwest Ohio just north of Dayton and an hour west of Columbus. English Bulldog breeders everywhere are jumping on the Mini Bulldog band wagon in hopes of being a part of this new craze. Mini Bulldogs For Sale Miniature Bulldogs have become quite popular in recent years among those actively searching for a pet. Miniature English Bulldog For Sale .Remove mini bulldog filter mini bulldog; Puppies. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio have become so popular in recent years. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Meet Peyton! Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog Winston is 6 months old. Also, be sure to check the Miniature Bulldog Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. English Bulldogs For Sale Ohio. I just. Frenchie puppies make amazing non-barking watchdogs. Currently, we do not have any Miniature Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Miniature Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Find your English Bulldog puppy for sale in Ohio. He is the biggest of his litter coming in at 8. Presidents it has produced and its loyal College Football fans. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .Whatever your budget is, we'll help you to find the right dog. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Maggie is a blue merle Mini Bulldog. Our focus is to breed for healthy, happy, beautiful bulldog puppies with tons of personality! We genetically health test our lines. Mini Bulldog — .The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, non-sporting city dog. Printable version Email this Page. The price tag of an Ohio puppy can vary greatly, and it all depends on many different factors like breeder experience and the pedigree of the pup in question. These pups are raised in the house as a part of the family! We have the mom and dad both weigh. Miniature Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Ohio. He is very playful and healthy and is being raised in a family environment on our Mini farm near Danville Ohio. English Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. Mini Bulldog: Lancaster Puppies has your lovable miniature bulldog here! Find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our pups are hand raised in our home with lots of love and come pre spoiled. Mini Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Male s and Female s Age: 3 Months Old. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. Despite their tough appearance, Bulldogs absolutely adore kids and make an outstanding family companion. I just know that we are meant to be. She is ready to fill your home with lots of love and puppy kisses. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. English bulldog boy. And don't forget the PuppySpin tool, which is another fun and fast way to search for Miniature Bulldog Puppies for Sale near Cleveland, Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want. Goldendoodle puppies ready for their new homes. The French Bulldog Frenchie is a handsome, cheerful and affectionate little dog who loves belly rubs and cuddles, games and stunts, and who thrives on human interaction. Puppies for Sale. Registration: Other Registration. Stunning English Bulldog puppies for sale, Ready to go now. It loves companionship and bonds with animals and families. If you are looking for puppies for sale. French Bulldog Breeder Woodland Frenchies Ohio We would love for you to give us a call or schedule a time to meet our puppies at our family home! The breeder is responsible for the content of this. Miniature English. Take a look at our available breeds below. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Scroll down to see pictures of our available English Bulldog Puppies located in Ohio. Mini English Bulldog Puppies! We have 6 beautiful male and female puppies. Our website alone entertains hundreds of visitors each week looking for a Mini Bulldog for sale. Rory comes with vet and shot records, a health and genetic guara… more. He will be available only as a pet and not for breeding. We have fallen in love with this breed. Miniature Bulldog Puppies For Sale. Check ears multiple times weekly. She is very playful and healthy and is being raised in a family environment on our Mini farm near Danville Ohio. Find your puppy for sale in Ohio. Her dad is a purebred English Bulldog. Browse these American Bulldog rescues and shelters below. Both parents are healthy and have a clear 4 panel genetic health test. Goofy, sweet, free-spirited and joyful, the French Bulldog is a natural born comedian who will gladly fill the house with giggles and laughter. We will help you with your search for your next puppy! Pictures don't do this sweet girl justice. All our pups are vet checked health certified with first shots and worming. Reading our "Health Guarantee" page is a requirement before purchasing a puppy. She is available only as a pet and not for breeding. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in OH. Fully CKC registered. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. He has one litter on the ground now! Mini Olde English Bulldogs. Mom is beagle, dad english bulldog. French Bulldog Puppies. Meet Rosella! He is loaded with wrinkles, has deep blue eyes, and loves to play. Find your new puppy here! Full grown will be about the same size as a Frenchie. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Greenfield Puppies was founded in and has been helping people find their ideal puppy ever since. Ohio English Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. Ohio French Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. First Class Frenchies is veterinarian owned and operated home based breeder of the highest quality French bulldogs in Eastern Ohio. All of our dogs and puppies for sale are raised in a heated and air conditioned kennel. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. We are located in Northwest Ohio. We are located in a small town Dundee OH. This guy seems to be staying on the smaller side for his age, and I expect he will always be a smaller Frenchie. Meet The Mothers and Fathers! Akc French bulldog harley73 member 6 years Jeffersonville, Ohio Dogs and Puppies, French Bulldog Born months old and current on shots, including rabie shot. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Our Innovative Process. We breed puppies from quality stock so that our Frenchies grow to be healthy, beautiful dogs. Welcome to Happy Wags French Bulldogs Our family has been breeding pure bred Frenchies for over 20 years and will never tire of this wonderful happy go lucky breed. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for French Bulldog puppies in Norwalk, Ohio. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue 39 miles Buckeye's Mission. Since For over 13 years, we have raised puppies at our home located in rural Ohio countryside. Browse these French Bulldog rescues and shelters below. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for French Bulldog puppies in Huron, Ohio. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Ohio. We spend lazy afternoons in the sunshine, eating snacks, and playing together. Do you have French Bulldog puppies for sale near me in Ohio? Preferable Pups is always adding new fully screened and healthy French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. French Bulldog For Sale in Ohio .Welcome to Preferred Frenchies! We focus on high-end quality-focused breeding practices. French Bulldog Puppies Since we have been connecting families with healthy, well socialized French Bulldog puppies. They are dedicated to providing a loving home, proper. We live on two acres in the country, just outside of Wauseon, which is thirty miles west of Toledo. Our family has been breeding pure bred Frenchies for over 20 years and will never tire of this wonderful happy go lucky breed. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Hillsboro, Ohio. Beyond quality and health we also believe in the importance of socializing our puppies. We are Woodland Frenchies a small family breeder located in Ohio that raises the best french bulldogs. The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, French Bulldog, Ohio » Canton Township. Will do puppy back deals on select females only! Happy Wags Frenchies goal is to provide you with happy, healthy french bulldog puppies that will bring years of companionship. Available French Bulldog Puppies. Frankie is an amazing example of a quality Frenchie puppy. Welcome to 5 Star Puppies! We are family owned and live on a couple acres in the country in Northeast Ohio. Take a careful look at a French Bulldog for sale Ohio, and you'll see that its hips are exceptionally narrow! This makes natural reproduction almost impossible. We have been established since , with a focus on making the transition from our loving home. Location: Shreve, Ohio .If you are unable to find your French. Frenchie puppies make amazing non-barking watchdogs. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the. French Bulldog Breeder Woodland Frenchies Ohio We would love for you to give us a call or schedule a time to meet our puppies at our family home! We have French Bulldog puppies for sale all over Ohio and the surrounding areas within our Preferable Pups family of breeders. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Wickliffe, Ohio. Location: Wooster, OH Telephone: Bruno is a very energetic and playful puppy, but friendly like his mama. It loves companionship and bonds with animals and families. French Bulldog Puppies. We are the Preferred Frenchie family. After you have been approved for a French Bulldog Puppy for sale in Ohio, the puppy will undergo an industry-leading health examination. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Westlake, Ohio. Name of the owner: Jerry Troyer. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for French Bulldog puppies in Hillsboro, Ohio. French Bulldog Mix Puppy. We strive to breed the best dogs we can, educate their new owners and ensure these precious creatures get the love, care and attention they deserve. Find your French Bulldog puppy for sale in Ohio. Introducing Rocco the Frenchie! French Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Ohio. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Huron, Ohio. Feel free to contact us with any concerns you may have. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? Breeding doesn't come easy, or cheap, when it comes to French Bulldogs in Ohio. We have been established since , with a focus on making the transition from our loving home to yours as easy as possible. French Bulldog, New York » Minden. We strive to produce a small number of exquisite Frenchie puppies each year so. French bulldogs are the sweetest most lovable dogs available. Apart from serving as a dog rescue for homeless and abandoned dogs, A premier breeder of top-quality AKC registered french bulldog puppies in Ohio. We believe excellent parents produce great pups! Our puppies are well socialized. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Eastlake, Ohio. You are more than welcome to come visit our farm in the countryside of Charm, Ohio and meet our puppies. The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, non-sporting city dog. See our Current Litters! I am super friendly and enjoy playing with current people I get…. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision on your next family member. He also carries the b gene so he is a new shade isabella and tan producer. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. We strive to produce a small number of exquisite Frenchie puppies each year so that others can discover what we have known for years. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for French Bulldog puppies in Wickliffe, Ohio. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale near Cincinnati, …. Below are our newest added French Bulldogs available for adoption in Ohio. This little guy is very tiny and has that beautiful long fluffy coat. Whether you live in a large home or small. Ohio French Bulldogs for sale make the most amazing family dogs. He follows you everywhere and loves to be around people and kids. Website: French Bulldog Companion Email: frenchbulldogcompanion gmail. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .French Bulldog Puppies For Sale. There is a very high probability of finding a French Bulldog for you and your family at this rescue. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. Adopt a French Bulldog near you in Ohio. Each puppy is special to us, and we spend a lot of time socializing and introducing them to new experiences. Here are all the contact details and information of the farm. We really enjoy the quiet, happy, playful personality of a french bulldog. He is a lilac and tan fluffy frenchie. He will do great with other pets in the house since he is used to. We breed for health and temperament. When you adopt with us, you can be confident that your puppy was loved and adored from birth. We have been breeding Bulldogs now for 9 years. We love going on walks together with our Frenchies every day. Each of our Frenchies is unique in their own way. Meet Murphy Murphy is the grandfather of most of our Frenchies. Browse these French Bulldog rescues and. We have been blessed with 6 children ranging from 2 to 16 years old. Come see our available puppies. French Bulldogs. Gender: Male Sire: Axel, 25 Dam. Email: woodlandpuppies74 gmail. If you are in Ohio and looking for a place to get a French Bulldog, this shelter is a good place to start. Steve has been a dog breeder for over forty years. They have been breeding the Frenchies successfully since and have many happy pet parents. Our Breeds French Bulldogs. Greenfield Puppy Breeder Notes. I respond faster to text or calls. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Mentor on the Lake, Ohio. We take the Utmost Pride in the care and Quality of our dogs. Our Story Welcome to. French Bulldog puppies and dogs in Norwalk, Ohio. French Bulldog Breeder Woodland Frenchies Ohio We would love for you to give us a call or schedule a time to meet our puppies at our family home! I just. The French Bulldog Frenchie is a handsome, cheerful and affectionate little dog who loves belly rubs and cuddles, games and stunts, and who thrives on human interaction. Both parents are healthy and have a clear 4 panel genetic health test. Stunning English Bulldog puppies for sale, Ready to go now. It loves companionship and bonds with animals and families. Currently, we do not have any Miniature Bulldog puppies available, but we can alert you when new Miniature Bulldog puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! I just know that we are meant to be. Printable version Email this Page. Also, be sure to check the Miniature Bulldog Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. Miniature English. Mom is beagle, dad english bulldog. Buy Now Baby bullies 6 healthy puppies looking for a loving home. Despite their tough appearance, Bulldogs absolutely adore kids and make an outstanding family companion. Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog Winston is 6 months old. We have fallen in love with this breed. She is ready to fill your home with lots of love and puppy kisses. Our focus is to breed for healthy, happy, Whatever your budget is, we'll help you to find the right dog. Find your new puppy here! Should be about lbs when full-grown. Thomas Bulldogs is a small, family breeder of outstanding AKC standard and rare colored English bulldogs in Midwest Ohio just north of Dayton and an hour west of Columbus. Puppies for Sale. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. Frenchie puppies make amazing non-barking watchdogs. Browse these American Bulldog rescues and shelters below. The price tag of an Ohio puppy can vary greatly, and it all depends on many different factors like breeder experience and the pedigree of the pup in question. The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, non-sporting city dog. Our focus is to breed for healthy, happy, beautiful bulldog puppies with tons of personality! We genetically health test our lines. Bulldogs for Sale in Akron, OH. English Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in OH. I have been dreaming of coming home to my new family and I sure. Reading our "Health Guarantee" page is a requirement before purchasing a puppy. He is very playful and healthy and is being raised in a family environment on our Mini farm near Danville Ohio. We are a team of family oriented people who are driven to help people find a loving companion for the family. Maggie is a blue merle Mini Bulldog. Mini Bulldog: Lancaster Puppies has your lovable miniature bulldog here! Find the perfect furry friend for your family. She is very playful and healthy and is being raised in a family environment on our Mini farm near Danville Ohio. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Remove mini bulldog filter mini bulldog; Puppies. Our website alone entertains hundreds of visitors each week looking for a Mini Bulldog for sale. Best French Bulldog Breeders in Ohio! He is loaded with wrinkles, has deep blue eyes, and loves to play. English Bulldog breeders everywhere are jumping on the Mini Bulldog band wagon in hopes of being a part of this new craze. Fully CKC registered. Her dad is a purebred English Bulldog. Check ears multiple times weekly. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Greenfield Puppies was founded in and has been helping people find their ideal puppy ever since. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Meet Rosella! Bulldog Mixed Puppies for Sale. Go back to the Miniature Bulldog Puppies page or check out our New Arrivals for more adorable puppies for sale! The breeder is responsible for the content of this advertisement. English Bulldogs For Sale Ohio. Meet Peyton! For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. Mini Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Pictures don't do this sweet girl justice. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want. Full grown will be about the same size as a Frenchie. He has one litter on the ground now! American Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Rory comes with vet and shot records, a health and genetic guara… more. Mini English Bulldog Puppies! We have 6 beautiful male and female puppies. The breeder is responsible for the content of this. Take a look at our available breeds below. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .Scroll down to see pictures of our available English Bulldog Puppies located in Ohio. If you are looking for puppies for sale. We will help you with your search for your next puppy! No puppies where found matching your criteria. This puppy is no longer available. Bulldog Puppy Alumni Finding the perfect Bulldog puppy has never been easier. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. You can find puppies for sale in Ohio under and other Ohio puppies that are much more expensive. Find your English Bulldog puppy for sale in Ohio. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. Miniature Bulldog Puppies For Sale. Our pups are hand raised in our home with lots of love and come pre spoiled. Bulldogs for Sale in Cincinnati. And don't forget the PuppySpin tool, which is another fun and fast way to search for Miniature Bulldog Puppies for Sale near Cleveland, These pups are raised in the house as a part of the family! We have the mom and dad both weigh. Registration: Other Registration. She is available only as a pet and not for breeding. Mini Olde English Bulldogs. Goofy, sweet, free-spirited and joyful, the French Bulldog is a natural born comedian who will gladly fill the house with giggles and laughter. Mini Sheepadoodles Puppies For Sale. Male s and Female s Age: 3 Months Old. Ohio English Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. French Bulldog Puppies. Mini Bulldogs For Sale Miniature Bulldogs have become quite popular in recent years among those actively searching for a pet. Find your puppy for sale in Ohio. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. He is the biggest of his litter coming in at 8. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio have become so popular in recent years. English bulldog boy. Goldendoodle puppies ready for their new homes. The French Bulldog breeders Ohio, businesses and companies in our network offer the most amazing French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. He will be available only as a pet and not for breeding. Presidents it has produced and its loyal College Football fans. The French Bulldog breeders Ohio, businesses and companies in our network. Below is a few pictures of some of our Ohio Olde English Bulldogges residing with their loving families in Columbus, Ohio. Raising Loyal Bulldog Companions Since For over 13 years, we have raised puppies at our home located in rural Ohio countryside. There's something about Columbus Bulldog puppies for sale that most people don't tell you. French Bulldog Breeder Woodland Frenchies Ohio We would love for you to give us a call or schedule a time to meet our puppies at our family home! Try different brands that are recommended by your vet, and see which ones they like the most. Find American Bulldog puppies for sale Near Ohio Athletic, confident, and sturdy, the American Bulldog is a temperamentally sound breed. Our focus is to breed for healthy, happy, beautiful bulldog puppies with tons of personality! We genetically health test our lines. It's a Champion to Champion breeding with both dogs being a great representation of the breed. French Bulldogs Ohio make the most wonderful companion dogs, and look like little English Bulldogs with. It's important to feed your Ohio French Bulldogs for sale at least twice a day with the best nutrition possible. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. Our passion for animals has lead our lives into breeding, with over 10 years of breeding experience. We also highly recommend the bordatella vaccine either in the form of oral or the sub-q shot as bulldogs react very negatively and often deadly side effects to the nasal vaccine. We encourage 4 sets of vaccines 3 weeks apart. American Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Ohio. Puppies will have age appropriate vaccines, deworming and are microchipped. Welcome to Gold Standard of Bulldog Breeders. Introducing Rocco the Frenchie! These dogs are about as low-energy as they come, and prefer hanging out with kids preferably on the couch than chasing after cows. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment. English Bulldog Breeder. Thomas Bulldogs is a small, family breeder of outstanding AKC standard and rare colored English bulldogs in Midwest Ohio just north of Dayton and an hour west of Columbus. French Bulldog Puppies Since we have been connecting families with healthy, well socialized French Bulldog puppies. Olde English Bulldogges in Ohio. We are a team of family oriented people who are driven to help people find a loving companion for the family. Ohio American Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. English Bulldog Puppy Breeders. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. I have owned bulldogs for the past 30 years and have been breeding them for over 25 years. Puppies for Sale. Greenfield Puppies was founded in and has been helping people find their ideal puppy ever since. We also recommend getting both strands of. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want. American Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. Petland Kingsdale has English Bulldog puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the English Bulldog? About Us. This breeding that has been on the shelf for a year now. I have owned bulldogs for the past 30 years and have been breeding them for over .We strive to produce happy, healthy puppies for you to love. Quality puppies from an ethical breeder are expensive, which is why we've partnered with Community Finance to get your dream dog home to you with low monthly payments. Thank you for visiting our website, and your interest in our bullies. Our sires and dams are health tested. We are a small family kennel raising just litters a year. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Browse these French Bulldog rescues and shelters below. Biggie's Blue Adorabulls raises English bulldogs with a focus on health and longevity. Boxer Puppies for Sale in OHIO Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for French Bulldog puppies in Aurora, Ohio. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find. Nice and Healthy! Vet checked, curren. Beyond quality and health we also believe in the importance of socializing our puppies. Bulldogs for Sale in Toledo. Scroll down to see pictures of our available English Bulldog Puppies located in Ohio. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .Ohio English Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. The stocky, tough-looking Bulldog has its origins in cattle. Each puppy comes with vaccinations de worming microchipped rabies shot v… more 3 weeks ago on Advertigo 1 2 3 4 …of 4 pages Next. Take a look at our available breeds below, and contact us with any additional questions! Breeds Available in Ohio Goldendoodle. He has been proven sired 2 litters of 7! Limited AKC! French Bulldog. American Bulldog. We are a small scale breeder and produce 1 litter per year. Browse these American Bulldog rescues and shelters below. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Ohio. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Stella Female was born and bred right here at Centerbull. We are not a kennel or a pet store. Find your English Bulldog puppy for sale in Ohio. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Available Bulldog Puppies. Most people think this breed comes from France, but it actually was first bred in England over years ago. Both parents are healthy and have a clear 4 panel genetic health test. Meet Rosella! Stella has had one litter with us, but now retired…. I m a pretty mellow fellow that likes to lounge around. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. I would absolutely use them again! Bulldogs for sale in Columbus can only breed with the help of veterinarians as they have to go through artificial insemination due to their very narrow hips. French Bulldog Puppy in Bridgeport I. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. I currently live in Findlay, Ohio. Our English Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Monday, April 17, Highly recommend Premier Pups for anyone looking. Email: woodlandpuppies74 gmail. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .When you adopt with us, you can be confident that your puppy was loved and adored from birth. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale Each of my puppies are personally raised by me in a family environment to ensure each pup is happy, healthy, and well socialized. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio work? A French Bulldog Ohio is an adorable dog that can be a bit goofy at times. Adopt a Dachshund puppy at Premier Pups and embark on a fun-filled journey where unconditional love and joy are guaranteed. I am super friendly and enjoy playing with current people I get. Kentucky English Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. All the bully pups are extremely well-socialized with children and adults! Check out our available bulldog puppies' page to see our bulldog puppies for sale and reserve one now for your family! Feel free to call me anytime with questions regarding the purchase or care of a bulldog! We are a small family. Our breedings are often planned years in advance, and we often have a long wait list for certain pairings. Feel free to call. The pups then need to be delivered by C-section. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for American Bulldog puppies in Athens, Ohio. I m not opposed to going on walks but I don t like to go too far. View our Available Puppies. Reading our "Health Guarantee" page is a requirement before purchasing a puppy. Mini Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Puppies will also be sent home with a lifetime of support from Brickhouse Bullies! Bulldogs puppies available .American Bulldog Puppies for Sale. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. The French Bulldog breeders Ohio, businesses and companies in our network offer the most amazing French Bulldog puppies for sale in Ohio. She is available only as a pet and not for breeding. Male s and Female s Age: 3 Months Old. As a result, all of my puppies have great temperaments and get along incredibly well with children! English Bulldog Stud Service Finding the perfect bloodline is difficult. American Bulldog Puppies For Sale. All of our Olde English Bulldogge puppies come current on all vaccinations with a 1 year written health guarantee. Dachshund puppies are quick to bond with both humans and dogs and make amazing pets for families with children. Raising Loyal Bulldog Companions Since .Ohio French Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. Stunning English Bulldog puppies for sale, Ready to go now. They are compact, agile, and become extremely attached to their human companions. Hi, We are Woodland Frenchies, a family in Ohio that raises happy and healthy french bulldog puppies. English Bulldogs For Sale Ohio. Most loyal breed ever with the most wiggly butts. Ohio Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. For over 13 years, we have raised puppies at our home located in rural Ohio countryside. Each puppy is special to us, and we spend a lot of time socializing and introducing them to new experiences. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate. This can raise their price compared to other breeds. Mom is beagle, dad english bulldog. She is very playful and healthy and is being raised in a family environment on our Mini farm near Danville Ohio. American Bulldogs for Sale in Columbus. Find your French Bulldog puppy for sale in Ohio. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Ohio.

Quality Not Quantity Our aim is to breed dogs as near the breed standard as possible. As a small breeder, we at Bonsaviour aim to have approximately 3 to 4 litters per annum, selecting our Dam and Sire carefully and concentrating on quality, healthy puppies as a priority. Bonsaviour dogs are fed a natural BARF diet which is keeping them all extremely fit and well. The barf diet is based on raw meat and meaty bones along with a few vegetables and added vitamins. More about puppies About us At Bonsaviour all of our dogs are first and foremost our companions and their welfare and happiness is of paramount importance to us. We are dedicated and love our dogs they are part of our family, they all live inside our home and are cared for in the best possible way for health, happiness and temperament. Our puppies are reared naturally for true health and temperament and are used to the normal day to day living. The puppies are socialised with our grandchildren and all the normal noises such as the hoover and TV. When the puppies are 8 weeks old and are ready to move on to the new family we guarantee the puppy will be a confident healthy and happy puppy. Bonsaviour are committed, responsible breeders rearing our puppies on a natural diet as nature intended for health. We're based in a small village in the beautiful, wooded countryside of Neachley which is near the village of Albrighton in the County of Shropshire West Midlands UK. Golden Retriever Puppies are available all year round, all bred from parents not only of superb quality from long-established proven bloodlines, but also with wonderful temperaments - a factor on which we place great importance. Our puppies are bred with love for type, temperament, intelligence and health, making excellent companions, as well as being suitable for the various purposes for which these dogs are renowned. Retrievers are wonderful dogs with great temperaments and we are sure that you and your family will be happy to become Retriever Lovers. Our Buddy is a lively, loving and gentle boy. With a teenager attitude right now. We had a puppy from you last year. He was born in March and we picked him up in May. We called him Alfie. Any accolades gained are from our customer or Independant third party reviews. In the "Dog World", ferocious opinions clash all the time. Our philosophy can be digested from the following article. Some of our Retrievers Puppies Litters of puppies are planned very carefully and are born and raised in the house. Bonsaviour puppies are adapted to family life well before they leave us. We have an occasional litter each year, most often puppies are sold before they are born. Reserving a puppy from planned litters is recommended. If you are interested in a puppy, we will require some background information about yourself, your family members, your home and lifestyle, including where you live, whether you have owned a pet before, opportunities for exercise and when you hope to welcome a new addition to your home. We are very happy to help in the process of selecting a puppy that is right for you and your family. When you purchase a puppy from Bonsaviour we will always be here to offer support for you and your puppy and help with any questions you might have for the life ofyour puppy and beyond. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust — until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. Our beautiful girl was born last April and we collected her in June. We named her Sienna and she is just the most adorable and loving girl. She loves going for long walks and running round the fields surrounding our home, although she does manage to seek out every muddy puddle to roll around in. She loves nothing more than playing hide and seek with her many toys and is so clever, she always finds them. My favourite time is in the evening, when she becomes sleepy and snuggles on the sofa with us, being totally pampered. We absolutely adore her and feel so blessed she is part of our family. Thanks again Jude. Hundreds of Golden Retrievers gather in the Highlands to celebrate years of the breed They all look so happy! Published: 16 July Shutterstock Hundreds of Golden Retrievers gathered at the breed's ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands for three days of fun. Guisachan House — where the first Golden Retriever puppies were born years ago — welcomed dogs from countries including Canada, North America, Japan and Australia. The gatherings are organised every five years by the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland , with this year setting a new attendance record. It was originally thought there were around of the Golden Retrievers at the event, but it has been confirmed that in fact almost showed up. The aim of the event is to keep alive the knowledge of the breed , with highlights including talks, workshops, demonstrations, a night-time procession, and a mile-long walk to the property where dogs and owners were greeted by a piper. To end the night, a rendition of The Proclaimers' song I'm Gonna Be Miles was played alongside more bagpipe tunes. Shutterstock Carol Henry, secretary of the Golden Retriever Club Scotland, told the BBC : "We want to hold on to the confidence, the biddability, the companionship and loyalty — all the things the Golden Retriever was built on. The Golden Retriever is now one of the most popular dogs in the UK, with registrations peaking in when 11, dogs were registered. And you don't have to worry about blowing this up or it taking up too much room in your garden. This dog pool can be folded away in seconds. The outer layer reflects heat and facilitates evaporation while the middle layer absorbs and stores water for evaporation. The gel interior keeps pups cool and is best placed in a shaded space for them to feel the full benefits. It's a great way to encourage your pet to stay hydrated. During this time, the mat is typically degrees cooler than room temperature. You do not need to soak, freeze or refrigerate this pad for it to work. This fountain continuously filters and re-circulates fresh water for them to drink and can hold two litres at a time. Watch Next. The GRE has been built on the life-long love and dedication we've felt, and continue to feel, for the countless Golden Retrievers that have graced our lives, each and every one our beloved pet. It is this goldie love that we want to share with the world, especially those who aren't fortunate enough to own a dog themselves, by inviting people to join our incredible pack for some much-needed doggy cuddles. Founded by the UK's own Dog Whisperer, Nicolas Grant-St James, our dogs are impeccably trained and endlessly affectionate, and we are positive that you will walk away having had one of the best experiences of your life - and wishing you were taking your favourite dog home with you. NB: We accommodate to those with Autism and any other social, behavioural or learning disabilities. We can also help blind and deaf clients, elderly patients, and patients recovering from brain injury ABI. Just ask us how our miraculous healing Goldies can help you. In , they decided to have their first litter of puppies with Bella. Through this, they sold their pedigree Golden Retriever puppies up until , but probably ended up keeping more puppies than they sold! Having learnt so much about Golden Retrievers and Dog Behaviour through the process of raising their goldies, they also decided to form The Dog Whisperer UK to teach dog owners how to use dog psychology to understand their dogs and how to train them. As their lives became more and more dog-related, their pack grew with them and they ended up with a Golden Retriever's paradise in Exmoor National Park. Following countless suggestions that they should open their "Disneyland for Dogs" to the public, The GRE was finally formed, enabling dog-lovers to share in their 'puppy love'. Find us on Tripadvisor. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Northwest Golden Retrievers Rescue — Lancashire. Our last pick on the list of the most reputable Golden Retriever breeders in the UK is not a breeder, but an independent adoption and rescue center dedicated to rehoming Golden Retriever dogs. Northwest Golden Retrievers rescue was established in , with the main goal of finding responsible, new forever homes for Golden Retrievers that are either abandoned, unwanted, or due to other circumstances, in need of a loving family. Get in touch with Northwest Golden Retrievers Rescue to find the right Goldie for your lifestyle and your family. Although they are so popular and have many good qualities, they do have one downside. As you can already tell, there are a lot of options to choose from when searching for your new Golden retriever puppy. Keep in mind that even though the breeders on this list are trustworthy and reputable, you still want to make sure to ask all the right questions when talking to the breeders, as well as be prepared to be screened by the breeder about your home environment, lifestyle, and capacity for taking care of your new family pet. Even though these breeders are vetted and have good references, make sure your new Goldie comes with all the required paperwork and written health check records. Other than these general guidelines, we have only one more thing to say. We wish you luck in finding your new Golden Retriever puppy to be your pawfully wedded companion for life. Related Articles:. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Do your research — Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. Choose your payment method wisely — If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal. Buying a Puppy The Golden Retriever is an excellent choice for a family pet, and though a sporting breed, it is one of the most adaptable. A Golden can be all things to all people, from fulfilling its original function in the shooting field, to service dog for search and rescue, guide dog, hearing dog for the deaf and working dog for the police and customs. Most are intelligent, unfailingly cheerful and gentle making them ideal companions for families with children. As family pets they can be taught to compete successfully in obedience, agility and working trials as well as in the show ring. There are, however several points to bear in mind before you purchase your new puppy. Owning a puppy is a responsibility requiring a serious commitment from all members of the family, for this will be a partnership that can last anything up to 12 — 15 years. Perhaps at this point we ought to remind you of a few of their less attractive traits. Goldens shed their coats frequently and copiously. Do not buy one if you are house-proud, have pale coloured carpets or a dodgy vacuum cleaner. Goldens are large dogs with an uncanny knack of finding all the muddiest puddles. Some are great wallowers — yours is bound to be one of them! Faeces are a by-product of all dogs, which we all have to dispose of responsibly. It is one of the more unpleasant facts of dog ownership, and most public places now require you to pick up after your dog. Veterinary fees are expensive, so it makes sense to insure your dog, indeed most breeders will insist you do so. Goldens do not make good kennel dogs, most are real couch potatoes, who unerringly find the most comfortable sofas and the choicest position in front of the fire. Some Goldens are great landscape architects, if your garden is a show piece, having your own Ground Force team may not go down too well. The garden must also be well fenced with sturdy boundaries, like Anne Robinson, puppies will always find the Weakest Link. Although usually tractable and obedient, given an inch, most will take the whole nine yards! If you still insist that a Golden is the dog for you, read on. Choosing your puppy. Always buy from a breeder where you can see the mother with her puppies. This will give you an idea of how the puppies will turn out. If the breeder does not own the stud dog, ask to see photographs of him. Make sure that both the sire and the dam of the puppies have the appropriate health clearances, and ask to see the certificates. Click on the diamond for an explanation of the health schemes. Reputable breeders will have their puppies checked out by their veterinary surgeon prior to sale and bear in mind you may be asked to sign a sales contract. Are they scrupulously clean? Is the breeder making provision for proper socialisation of the litter? Are the puppies happy and out-going, with clear eyes and skin? If yours is a family with very young children, do not go for the cute, shy puppy sitting on his own in the corner. Opt for the middle-of-the-road puppy that interacts well with his siblings, is lively and happy without being too dominant, bold or brash. A Golden puppy should be confident and interested to explore his surroundings. If colour is important to you, bear in mind the puppies will all look considerably lighter at this age than they will end up. The colour of their ears gives an approximate guide to their ultimate colour. What may appear to be a quiet puppy may be the life and soul of the litter who has just had a mad half hour and worn himself out! Make sure you have been given all the Kennel Club documentation and copies of all appropriate health clearances with the puppy, an advice sheet and a diet sheet. Stick to the diet suggested by the breeder until the puppy has settled well into his new home before you make any changes. Well bred puppies should also be Kennel Club Registered, this is proof of lineage. There is no reason not to register a litter, it cost very little. Be wary of breeders offering puppies un-registered. Puppies should also come with advice of worming, vaccination and some offer an insurance cover note to cover pups for first few weeks. Do your homework. Buy, or borrow from the library, all the books you can on Goldens. Puppies do not sit gift wrapped on a shelf — be prepared to wait for the puppy of your choice. Caring for your new puppy. Training should start as soon as you arrive home. Have one set of rules for all the family and stick to them. Puppies, like young children, need routine and firmly established ground rules. Goldens are good with children, but make sure your children are taught to be caring and responsible with dogs. A puppy is a living, breathing real-life creature, not a toy and should be treated with respect. Your children and your puppy. Provide the puppy with its own bed and do not allow the children to disturb the puppy when it is sleeping. Always make sure there are no staples that the puppy could swallow. Do not allow young children to pick up the puppy. Do not allow very young children to play with the puppy unsupervised. Do not allow children to become over excited around the puppy. This means no screaming, no jumping and no fighting. Do not allow young children to feed the puppy or disturb the puppy while it is eating. The First Night. The first night is always a little fraught. It will be the first time your puppy has been separated from his mother and siblings, so expect him to cry a little and do not be unduly alarmed when he does so. Be calm and matter of fact, do not excite the puppy and make sure it has relieved itself before putting it to bed. Most breeders will have given you a small piece of blanket with the scent of his family on it, that you can put inside his bed and which will help to settle the puppy. Provide a warm comfortable blanket such as Vet Bed, which is hard-wearing and easily cleaned. Dogs are den animals and so prefer their bed to be tucked in a corner. House Training As a rule Goldens learn quite quickly and although at times it seems as though they will never be clean, most are by around four months. Puppies are not really capable of controlling bladder function much before this time, so anticipation and vigilance on your part is of prime importance. So as soon as you arrive home with your new pup carry him straight to the spot in the garden and stay with him until he has performed, then make a fuss of him, then he can go and explore his new home. The odd accident is an inevitable part of house training your puppy, so be prepared to experience it. Remember, prevention is better than cure! View accidents as a lack of vigilance on your part. Times to watch are after a meal and a sleep. Take the puppy outside to his spot in the garden. An eight-week-old puppy can spend a penny for England, so be warned! Remember that these dogs are retrievers, so it would be going against their nature if they were never allowed to pick things up. All puppies chew: It is a natural process that enables baby teeth to be expelled. If anything precious gets spoiled it is your own fault. Your puppy is an instinctive animal. There is no point in getting cross if your puppy chews things if he is unsupervised for long periods The Devil makes work for idle paws! If you do have to be away from home for more than a couple of hours, you will need to arrange for a puppy-sitter. Though Goldens are usually extremely biddable and kind to people, children and other animals, as youngsters they can be lively and boisterous and appear to be in trouble more than they are out of it Your puppy has no concept of the social graces unless you teach it, and people usually get the dogs they deserve. We strongly recommend obedience classes for you and your puppy to learn to become responsible members of society. Your breeder will be able to advise you of local classes. The very first lesson should be for the puppy to learn his own name and to come when called. Call him and make a fuss of him when he bounds over and give him a food reward. Hopefully by the time he has gained the confidence to go off exploring, the lesson will have been learnt and the thought of a treat will bring him back. If he is told off at this point he will associate the punishment with coming to you, not the fact that it was in his own time. NEVER hit a young puppy; violence solves nothing and your dog will associate pain to being with you and it will take weeks of patience to win him round again. Teach your puppy to accept you as his new pack-leader and that what you say goes. Use short one-word commands, but try to make learning fun. If you have a dominant, greedy puppy who guards his food, hand feeding him for several meals often works. If the puppy growls and guards a prized possession, remove the article and spend time giving the item back and then gently removing it again, until the puppy accepts your supremacy. Initially, a play in your garden is quite sufficient for your new puppy. After he has received his vaccinations, start with 10 to 15 minutes exercise off the lead in a safe area allowing him to set the pace. Exercise can be increased as the puppy grows, but very gradually. Remember your puppy is growing at an alarming rate and over-exercise and too boisterous play can cause damage to joints and cartilage later on. A good way to monitor exercise is a guide of 5 minutes for each month of the puppies life, ie: at 3 month 15 minutes lead exercise twice a day, which is then increased every month by 5 minutes. Take it slowly at first, and by the time your dog is 12 to18 months old he will be able to take all the exercise you care to give him, and more. The new Nobivac and Canigen vaccines out now, enable the vaccination programs to be completed earlier, so your puppy can be socialised earlier. Until last injection has taken effect, he should not leave the confines of your garden, unless he is carried. The breeder, using a proprietary brand of wormer should have wormed your puppy at least three times. Even so, it makes sense to be certain that children wash their hands after playing with the puppy and before eating. Worm again every couple of weeks until 3 months, then once or twice a year as a precaution. Ask your Vet for a recommended brand of wormer. Groom your puppy every day. This not only helps to keep him clean, but also establishes a bond between the two of you. Get your puppy used to having his ears looked at, his feet picked up and his teeth checked on a daily basis, so that any veterinary examination, should it be necessary at a later date, will not be too much of an ordeal. Initially, grooming will just consist of a thorough brushing, though later as the adult coat and feathering comes through, a daily check for knots and tangles will become necessary. And Finally. With just a little effort and training, your puppy will mature into a wonderful companion and a fully fledged member of the family that you can take anywhere and whom you will be proud to own. Should the unthinkable happen and your circumstances change so that you are unable to keep your puppy or older dog, please remember to inform the breeder in the first instance. If you live outside the UK, we would suggest you go to our links page and contact your nearest Golden Retriever Club. Club members: 1 Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items not accompanying a dog. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

When should I put my dog in a crate? Choose a room that you use often. Your dog may still be able to see what activity is happening around them, feel included, and settle more easily. On the other hand, if your dog has to leave everyone and go off to a remote part of the house, they may learn to associate the crate with a more traumatic and negative experience. Consider putting the crate on the same level of the house that they will be going out to the bathroom during potty training. Where exactly in your house you choose to put the crate may vary. However, most choose out of the way of main traffic and away from any hazards such as a fireplace or an area of direct sunlight. Why use a crate? Aids in bowel and bladder control Helps prevent destructive behavior Teaches your dog to settle Gives them a familiar place when they are tired Conditions relaxed behaviors Helps them feel comfortable if they have to use a crate at daycare or boarding Important training for travel and staying in hotels How long do I leave my puppy in a crate? Crate time is mostly based on their bathroom needs. For puppies, the general rule, when they are awake, is they can stay in their crate for one hour for each month of age. When Emma came home, she was two months old, so we only kept her in the crate for two hours at a time. Allow your puppy to go to the bathroom before going in their crate, which will help ensure all their needs are met so they can rest comfortably. Likewise, take them out to potty immediately when letting them out of their crate. She never barked, whimpered, whined, or tried to execute a grand escape. I used these 5 steps for crate training! Step 1 Give your dog treats around the crate. Do not try and contain them or control where they go. Open and close the gate near them. Allow them time to sniff and explore on their own and offer yummy treats. Step 2 With the door wide open, throw a high-value treat just a few inches inside the crate and let them enter and exit on their own. Repeat a few times. The theme is to avoid picking up and placing your dog in the crate. Allow them time to go in and out as they feel ready. Keep the treats flowing! Step 3 Keep the gate wide open and throw the treats halfway in the crate and then to the back of the crate. Step 4 Throw a treat to the back of the crate. Once all four paws are in, shut the door and open it back up! Allow your dog to come out of the crate and throw a party like they just completed the most impressive trick you have ever seen. Step 5 Gradually increase the time the door is closed. Keep praising them in an upbeat, high-pitch tone, offering their favorite treats. Important Note: Do not reach into their precious space and yank them out. Keep it a positive experience by letting them come out on their own or use treats to lure them out. What about when I need to leave my dog in the crate for a longer period? Hopefully, after completing the five steps above, your dog will be more comfortable going in and out of the crate. Dogs, especially puppies or high-energy dogs, often seek something to do. So if they go in the crate and everyone leaves, you start getting the behaviors of chewing on the bed, chewing on the side of the crate, barking, and scratching at the door to get out. A solution? Give them something to do! How to Let Your Dog Out of the Crate You may have devoted a lot of time and training to getting your dog to go into their crate. Training them on coming out of the crate can be just as valuable. Try this! Wait for calm behavior before opening the door. I do not recommend: Opening the crate when your dog is scratching at the door, barking, or whining. If you let them out now, you are reinforcing that when they bark, the reward is that they get to come out. Reaching into their precious space and yanking them out. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. Key Takeaways Crate training can help you provide a safe and comfortable environment for your Golden Retriever. Avoid rushing the crate training process to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure. Please do not use the crate as a punishment or leave your dog in it for extended periods. Crate training can be more effective and enjoyable for your dog if you use consistency, positive reinforcement, treats, and toys. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Selecting The Right Crate Size To ensure your Golden Retriever is comfortable and has enough space in their crate, you need to measure them accurately. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: 1. Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a familiar and safe location. Here are some of the reasons: House training: Using a crate, you can help your dog learn where and when to go potty. This will make house training more effortless and less stressful for both of you. Safe space: A crate can be a relaxing and safe place for your dog to relax and sleep. It can also help keep your dog out of a mess by preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items or getting into dangerous substances. Traveling: Whether driving or flying across the country, a crate can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, many hotels and other accommodations allow crate-trained dogs. Separation anxiety: A crate can provide security and comfort if your dog gets anxious when you leave. Knowing they have a safe place to go can help alleviate their anxiety and make their time away from home less stressful. Overall, crate training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a secure and comfortable environment to call their own. You should start crate training your puppy when you bring them home. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, an older dog can be trained to use a crate. Crate training can be a helpful way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever to rest and relax, but it should never be used as a form of punishment or confinement. When done responsibly and positively, crate training can be a positive and effective method for you and your Golden Retriever. However, with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog get used to his crate. Add treats, toys, and blankets to the crate to make it more inviting. Increasing the time your dog spends in the crate gradually is crucial. Remember that crate training should be enjoyable for you and your Golden Retriever. You can quickly make your furry friend feel safe and secure in their crate with a little effort! Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Crate training can be super helpful for your furry friend and offer them a bunch of benefits, such as: Prevents Destructive Behavior: By giving your Golden Retriever a cozy and secure space, crate training can prevent them from chewing, digging, or scratching on household items. Potty Training: Crate training can teach your Golden Retriever to associate the crate with their den, making it easier to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside. Prepares Them For Travel: If you need to take your Golden Retriever on a trip, crate training can help them feel comfortable and secure while in transit. Crate training is a great way to help your Golden Retriever feel safe, secure, and comfortable while preventing destructive behavior and keeping them healthy and happy. Adult dogs: They can handle up to 8 hours in a crate, ideally with a break in the middle. Overnight: Many dogs can stay in a crate overnight without issues. Always ensure that any time in the crate is a positive experience for the dog, supplemented by regular breaks, exercise, and playtime outside of the crate. The shift is a delicate balance of patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Gradual Exploration Start by letting your dog explore a restricted, safe space under supervision. As comfort grows, extend the time they spend outside the crate. Monitor and Supervise Observe your dog closely during early freedom stages to prevent accidents or mischief. Ensure your home is dog-proofed to minimize potential hazards. Essential Amenities Keep their water bowl accessible. Designate a comfortable resting spot outside the crate. Positive Reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats or praise. This encourages adherence to house rules and reinforces desired behavior. Display patience and affection throughout their transition. With time and consistent guidance, your furry friend will seamlessly integrate into the household, striking a balance between freedom and behavior. Before leaving your dog alone in the crate, be patient and make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. For them, the crate should be a positive and safe space, and associating it with negative experiences can cause anxiety and fear. While some time in the crate is acceptable, providing sufficient opportunities for exercise, socialization , and bathroom breaks throughout the day is essential. Maintain a consistent routine and use the same commands each time you place your dog in the crate. Use Toys And Treats: Place toys and treats inside the crate to entice your dog to enter. This will make the crate a more positive and enjoyable environment for them to be in. Ensure your pup gets enough exercise and playtime throughout the day, so your furry companion can relax in the crate when the time comes. Excessive whining, barking, panting, and restlessness are all signs of stress in a Golden Retriever. If your furry friend exhibits these behaviors in the crate, they may be too stressed. Can I use a crate for my adult golden retriever? Yes, as long as it is appropriately sized and they are comfortable in it, you can use a crate for your adult Golden Retriever. Can you leave a puppy crying in the crate? Leaving a crying puppy in the crate is not recommended because it can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, it is critical to gradually acclimate them to the crate and create a positive and comfortable environment. Should you put a blanket over a dog crate? Yes, draping a blanket over a dog crate can provide a sense of security and darkness, but ensure proper ventilation is maintained. What age is too late to train a puppy? 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. Read the full disclosure here. I know that, and eventually, your dog will know that, too. In this article you will learn exactly how to crate train a puppy or dog, no matter their age or level of previous training. You should read the whole guide before starting, to gain a complete understanding of the process, including the tips and troubleshooting at the end so you can find the speediest success. Why do we do this? We do this so we can use the crate as a place for short-term confinement, to keep our dogs and our belongings safe when we cannot supervise them. Then we can confine them short-term when needed, and they are happy to do so. Yes, they can even enjoy their time in the crate! In contrast: A properly crate trained dog will enjoy time in there happily and stress-free, even relishing the chance to get down to some occupational chew toy time or just to chill out and relax. Dog obedience is key to get this result! Benefits such as: Dramatically speeding up house training. Giving your dog a cozy and comfortable place to call their own where they can sleep and relax, overnight or whenever they wish. Giving you a tool to use for managing problem behaviors or to use for time outs to calm your puppy when needed. Giving you a safe way to transport your dog both by car and air if the need should arise. So they can enjoy trips away and holidays with you. Preparing your puppy for boarding at the vets, a kennel or at home to recover after medical treatment. There are many benefits to using a crate when used correctly, but they can also be misused. And there are also times when you should never crate a dog, regardless of their age or how much or little they can be trusted: Times And Ways That You Should Not Use A Crate There are a small number of dogs that suffer true anxiety and panic when placed in a crate. Under no circumstances should these dogs be crated…ever! The signs you need to look out for are: Any damage to the crate that show signs of attempting to escape. Urinating or defecating in the crate. The crate has moved at all while your dog is inside they must have made some frantic movements for this to happen. Never if your dog has sickness or diarrhea. Never when the weather is extremely hot. Never for any time longer than 5 hours. Not any time your vet prohibits it for medical reasons. Never as a way to punish your dog or for punishment. Use obedience training to correct bad behavior instead. Crating your dog for any of the reasons above is either inhumane, dangerous or purely selfish. Getting Prepared Before you can start crate training, you obviously need a crate. But you also need to make it a comfortable and happy place for your dog. Choosing A Crate Dog sleeping in crate There are many different sizes and style of dog crates available, from tiny inch crates all the way up to inch and bigger! XXL heavy duty dog crates. There are wire dog crates , plastic, fabric and even high quality wooden crates that look just like pieces of furniture. But the most important aspect of the crate you choose is its size: Too small and it would be cruel to expect your dog or puppy to spend time in there Too large and it loses the den like feeling dogs crave, not to mention they can use one end to sleep in while using the other end as a toilet, so it loses its effectiveness. For detailed instructions on measuring your dog for a crate and selecting the right size and type to suit your needs, please see my article: Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Dog Crate 2. Making The Crate Comfortable And Safe Dog In Soft Crate After choosing the right crate, you then have to make it a comfortable, safe and pleasant place for your puppy or dog to love spending time. For a detailed guide on where to place your crate and what you should put in it, you can read my article on: How to make a crate comfortable and safe for your dog. Make sure the crate is out of any direct sunlight, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators, and away from any possible cold drafts. Place soft, comfortable bedding inside. Place 2 or more chew toys inside to keep them occupied and develop good chew toy habits. If you have a wire crate, cover it either with a purpose bought crate cover or an old blanket or towel. Following the above 5 tips ensures the crate is a nice comfortable place for your dog. These pose a risk of choking if they happen to snag on anything, so no collars or leashes allowed. Your dog or puppy must be completely naked when crated. You must not rush through and you must make sure you are successful at each stage before you move on to the next, otherwise you could end up causing your dog or puppy to hate the crate by leaving them crated before they are ready. This unfamiliar box can be scary! The ultimate goal is for them to use it voluntarily. So the first task you have on the journey to crate training your puppy or dog is to form in their mind an association between the crate and all the things that they enjoy in life, so they see the crate as a good thing. Fail at this and you could saddle yourself with a dog who hates the crate, refuses to use it and maybe even fears it which can be a very hard thing to undo. So how do you go about achieving this? Technique 1: Magically Appearing Toys And Treats Set up the crate before you bring your dog home or if you have an existing pet, assemble the crate without them seeing so it just magically appears. Now let your dog or puppy into the room. So what should you do? Just act as you normally would, do what you would normally do. Play with your dog or puppy, or sit and watch TV, just act normal. Hopefully they will investigate this new thing in their world, enticed by the treats around and inside it, but also out of plain curiosity. Just draw no attention to the crate at all. Every dog will eventually at least eat the treats around the crate, if not the ones inside. This has the effect of the most prized things in their life being magically conjured up by the crate. Do this for a couple of days or more before you start crate training, and then occasionally for the few weeks after starting so your dog learns to love the crate and what it provides. You should find after a very short time they venture into the crate on their own just to look for some goodies, all without any encouragement from you. NOTE: Any treats you give this way have to be subtracted from their daily food portions or they will be overeating. And I say to do this just for the first few days and then only occasionally because to help house training you want your puppy eating on a schedule to promote defecating on a schedule, not eating at random times and pooping at random times. Feed these meals inside the crate. At first, place their food bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in to feed. Then after the first couple of times, place it half way into the crate. After a couple of times of this, place it all the way at the back. You might be successful with this right away, or you may have to place it at the front for a few meals over a few days. Some dogs confidence builds quicker than others. Eventually and not before too long you should find your dog expectantly running over to and maybe even into the crate every time they see you holding their food bowl. After a few days of magic appearing treats and your dog eating dinner from the crate, basically once they are used to the crate and associate good things with it, we are ready to start crate training. When you do release your dog you do not want them bolting out and bumping into you, particularly important if you have a large dog such as a Golden Retriever that can easily bowl you over on their way past! You want them to reliably leave the crate when you ask. You can only achieve these three things if your dog understands that they must stay inside until told they can leave, or must leave when they hear the cue word. Choose whatever words you like, just be consistent. You do not want to spook your dog at this stage. Sit close to the crate armed with some high value treats, show them to your dog and then throw one inside the crate. Move away so they can easily exit and just stand patiently and quietly waiting for them to do so. Repeat this 8 to 10 times then take a couple of minutes break. Then do another set of 8 to .Yes, for real. Repeat this whole exercise a few times over the course of a day or two until your dog is comfortably, happily and reliably going in the crate when you throw in a treat. Training your dog to do this is a huge step! Make sure they really are confidently going in to get the treat before moving to the next step. And remember to use your cue words every single time so they quickly learn them. Step 3: No Treat For Free! The next step is to ask your puppy or dog into the crate before you treat them. Make them work for the treat instead of using it to lure them into the crate. To start, do 2 or 3 exercises of throwing a treat in and using the cue word as they go in to get it. When they do, give them a treat or two while you praise them profusely. Then use the cue word to leave and praise them when they do. Repeat this 8 to 10 times, take a couple of minutes break, then do another 8 to 10 before finishing up for this session. Repeat this step many times over the course of a day or two until you are certain your puppy or dog truly understands the commands and is happy to both go into and leave the crate on cue before you move to step 4. Now, many of you will have a dog at this stage that goes in, gets the treat or their toys and cannot wait to get back out again. But some will already be sitting, laying and sleeping in the crate of their own accord. Regardless though, what you want to achieve is your puppy or dog to sit and lie in the crate on cue, which is different to doing it of their own accord. Begin this just a couple of days after getting them home because they need to understand the cues outside of the crate before you can hope to have them follow the commands inside it. Other things you should have been doing before this step are: feeding your dog or puppy their main meals inside the crate occasionally leaving stuffed Kong toys in the crate this gets them used to spending time in there, usually in a sitting or laying position this will have made things easier Now, run through 2 or 3 repetitions of steps 2 and 3 before you start step 4, always remembering to use your chosen cues! Next, when your dog is inside the crate: Simply cue them to sit, praise and reward them profusely when they do. Then ask for a down and do the same. Then cue them to leave the crate before repeating the exercise. Try this 8 to 10 times before a few minutes break, then repeat for 8 to 10 times more. Repeat this whole step a few times over a day or more, but as you repeat the exercises, ask them to stay sitting or lying down for longer periods before you release them. And you should vary the duration to keep them guessing what it takes to earn a treat. Try just 1 second, then 5, then 2, then 10, then 3 and so on. Try to stretch the time out over a few practice sessions. Remember to be gentle and that your tone of voice throughout training matters. As always: Start with 2 or 3 repetitions of the easier steps first, going through steps 3 and 4 before trying to close the door. When ready: Cue your dog to go into the crate, praise and treat them, then ask for a sit, praise and treat and then slowly close the door. You ask for a sit because this position is automatically a more calm and relaxed position than standing. Continue to praise your dog and give a couple of treats through the closed door for remaining calm and sitting. Then open the door, and cue them to leave the crate. If your dog looks fearful or panicked when you close the door some will! Start by closing the door just part way for a few repetitions, then half way for a few, then most the way before finally closing it fully. This may take one training session or a few over days. Are you ready to move on? Once your dog is happy to sit a few seconds with the door closed, begin to latch it. Praise and treat for calm, then release the latch and open the door. For a training session, do 8 to 10 reps, take a few minutes break and then repeat. During each set, vary the time they have to stay calm and sitting, 3 seconds, then 10, then 4, then 15 and so on. You should aim to extend the time they stay calm and sitting with the door closed to a full minute before moving on to the next step. Again, this could take an afternoon, or it might take a few days. Go at your dogs pace and never force things. The base is serving as a staging facility for hurricane relief operations. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Once your puppy or dog can sit calmly in the crate with the door closed for a full minute, the next step is to start moving away with the ultimate aim of being able to leave the room. First of all, perform a few reps of steps 4 and 5 as a warm up, remembering to always use your cues. Next, follow these steps: Cue your dog into the crate, close the door, latch it, praise and reward them and take a couple of steps backwards away from the crate but still facing it. Then return, praise and reward. Open the door and cue your dog to come out. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times, then take a few minutes break and repeat. For each repetition, mix things up: Try walking away a different distance in a different direction, but remaining in the room. First 2 steps backwards and pause 5 seconds before returning, then 4 steps to the side and a 15 second pause and so on. Work up to walking right to the exit or the wall and pausing for a full minute. Next, you will want to amp things up even more: Perform this exercise while you actively walk around the room, looking busy doing other things, but return to praise and treat your dog often. Tidy some magazines, rustle through a drawer, just look busy doing other things a few times in the house. Then, go even farther: Perform this exercise but back yourself up to the exit of the room and leave for just a couple of seconds before returning and heading to the crate to treat and praise. Do this a few times. The time this takes and the success you have will vary from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Always stop at 10 repetitions max, and never more than two batches in quick succession followed by a big break. Otherwise your dog will get bored and the training is less effective. Now you just need to start increasing the time they are happy to spend time alone. Before you begin, something that goes a long way toward helping is to make sure your puppy or dog is well exercised before asking them into the crate. Why is that? A tired dog will be far more willing to relax and chill out for a length of time, compared to one who is full of energy and keen to play or wanting attention! After exercising them, the first step is to increase the time they are happy to spend in the crate while you are still nearby. To achieve this: Crate feeding: Feed your dog in the crate, or give them a stuffed Kong toy or good tasting bone chew toy. Hang out nearby: Ask your dog into the crate, give them their food or the toy, then close the door and take a seat nearby to read a book or a magazine. Engage occasionally: Every now and then, give them a further treat and praise, then go back to your book or magazine. Gradual build: Try to work up to a good half hour of quiet and calm in the crate while you read and they chew. Ignore them: After a couple of times like this, crate your dog or puppy with their meal or a stuffed toy and move around the room busying yourself, paying little attention to your dog. You want them to be eating their meal or chewing a toy in the locked crate while you do other things. Leave the room: After a couple of repetitions of this, repeat the exercise but move freely in and out of the room a few times, as well as occasionally sitting nearby. Disappear: Start by leaving the room for only 5 or 10 minutes, extending the time over a few sessions until you eventually achieve a full hour of alone time. As always, how long this takes will vary wildly from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Go at their pace. It helps massively to succeed in this step if you only ever give your puppy or dog the bone chew toys or stuffed Kongs when in the crate and never outside of it. It builds excitement and anticipation, something to look forward to in the crate. Step 8: The Grand Finale! Wait for them to start chewing and then leave and come back into the room a couple of times. If they stay calm and pre-occupied with their chewing, simply leave the house. Then, do this: Go outside and walk to the bottom of your garden, just hang there for a few minutes and then go back inside and walk around your home for a couple of minutes before going to the crate and your dog. You want them to think that this is nothing, a complete non-event. And certainly do not go straight to them when you come back in. Remember: this even means nothing! From now on, practice alone time in the crate when you leave the house at least a couple of times every day, for varying lengths of time. Never make a fuss of any sort before you go, never make a fuss on your return. Over a few sessions, build up the time you are out of the house with your dog in the crate to a couple of hours as long as they are old enough to hold their bladder this long. You can now use the crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise them, and use the crate as a sleeping place for your dog at night. Always leave a few toys in there with your dog, and continue to repeat the exercise where you crate them with a stuffed Kong or chew toy if natural opportunities do not arise, just to keep them happy with the situation. If you have a dog that: Some puppies will take regular naps in the crate before you even start crate training. They might go on to show little interest or care about the door being closed. They might be super confident and happy right away with a little alone time. You might be able to crate train such a dog in just a few short days. Dogs like this can take many weeks to crate train: Some puppies may show fear of the crate and not want to go anywhere near it. Once carefully trained to go in, they might feel panic and fear when you close the door. You have to go at your own dogs pace because if you rush them you can instill dislike or even fear of the crate in their minds, and then it will take far longer than it ever should have. But many or most dogs will take to it quicker, and most puppies certainly will as they have no preconceived ideas, habits or emotions to overcome. When going through the steps above, if your dog excels at any stage you can quickly move to the next step. If they do not, if they show any fear or uncertainty, spend more time at a particular step until they are comfortable before moving on. Your dog will show you when they are ready to progress and you should go at their speed, however fast or slow that may be. They need to be able to: move around exercise their muscles enjoy some mental stimulation If they are regularly crated longer than this, behavioral problems will be the result, as well as the fact they have little in the way of a fulfilling life. In my experience this is a bit optimistic, all dogs are different and when a puppy is very young, this is certainly too long. This is with the exception of puppies from 8 to 12 weeks old who will need letting out once during the night. But after 12 weeks, they can last the whole night through. Crating your dog when you work full-time means two lots of 4 or more hours crated and this is a long time, so quality time, exercise and stimulation before and after crating is essential. Tips For Better Crate Training What follows are a few useful tips to keep in mind when crate training your puppy or dog. They will make the process easier and faster, while making sure your dog is comfortable and happy throughout the process: Always make sure you take your puppy or dog to their bathroom spot before you crate them for any length time. They will be uncomfortable and noisily complain with a full bladder…but rightfully so! Also take them the moment you let them out as they will usually be ready to go. Make sure the crate door is always open and your dog always has access to it so they can use it as and when they please. Most dogs will use it as a place to rest and this is a good thing. Always leave chew toys in the crate for your dog so there is something for them to do while crated. This will minimize boredom and teaches good habits of chewing on the right things. Continue to feed them their meals in the crate. Also, reserve special treats like bones and stuffed Kong toys for the crate only and never outside of it, so they really look forward to spending time there. Exercise your dog or puppy well before crating them for any length of time. A tired dog is one who is happy to relax and chill out. If you find your puppy nodding off and completely unable to stay awake this happens a lot! This will speed up their acceptance of the crate considerably if they snooze and find themselves waking up in there often. The worst thing you can do is force them in because chances are it will heighten their fear and make things even worse. Instead, break the task down into easier steps for your dog by employing some of the following tasks: Practice asking your dog to step in and out of cardboard boxes. First trimming the sides down to look like a small tray, then using further boxes and increasing height of the sides. Place bedding in the box and practice asking them to lay down. Some dogs may not like the roof aspect of the crate. Ask your dog to step underneath, even sit under there yourself and read a book while enticing them over for treats. Start with a big gap and a wide area covered, then lessen the gap between furniture in later training sessions to make it feel more crate like over time. If you have a plastic travel style crate airline crate then remove the top half and practice having them step in and out of the bottom half only. Start asking your dog to step into the bottom tray only. Then put on 2 of the walls for a couple of training sessions. Then three walls for a few sessions. Then the roof until finally the crate is fully assembled. Then cover the back third of the pens roof with a sheet and do the same. Then cover a half. Then remove a part of the pen to make the area smaller and ask them in to play with them. Whichever of the above you try, make sure an exit is wide open and easy for your dog to use for escape so they will feel less anxious. And take things very slowly, making sure they are visibly comfortable at any stage before taking a next step. After a few days maybe more of slowly getting them used to stepping into things that progressively get more and more crate like, you should be able to begin crate training. This type of reinforcement will not help the cries. Yes, you getting angry and telling your dog off will actually make the issue worse. This will train them to think that if they cry long and loud enough, you will eventually come and let them out. Not a good idea. Wait for 5 seconds silence before you approach, then give them a treat. You ruined it! Wait for at least 5 seconds of silence before you return, then treat them. Enough repetitions of this will teach them that silence gets rewarded and noise makes you go away. Why did they whine? You might want to go back a step or two in your crate training though. Make sure they are comfortably happy and silent in the crate, for a reasonable length of time with the door latched and you present, before you ever try to leave them alone. Young puppies cannot hold it through the night without having a potty break. But how do you know if the whines are because they need to eliminate or just crying for attention? For a puppy 8 to 9 weeks old, you will need to set an alarm to take them to potty twice during the night, at 2. For a puppy 9 to 12 weeks old, set an alarm to take them to potty half way through the night, 3. Make sure you do not feed them anything in the 3 hours before bed, take away water at least 2 hours before bed, and take them to their toilet spot to empty themselves as the very last thing you do before you go to bed. When you take them to potty, make sure you do so in silence. No playing, no words, no attention, otherwise they will learn that night-time is a time for play and attention. You obviously do not want this. They are very different things. But if when you leave your dog alone crated they show these symptoms: anxiety. Food bowl Treats Make sure you have all the above items before you bring your Golden retriever puppy home so that you can get started crate training him right away. Position The Crate Before you set off to collect your puppy, decide where you want his crate to be. Prepare The Crate Fit the crate with a non-slip crate liner, comfy bed, or crate pad, and put a tempting chew toy inside. Put a bowl of water and a packet of treats close by. Cut a small piece of the blanket and put it in the crate. Keep the rest of the blanket for future use. Let the puppy check out the area around the crate. Curious pups might even voluntarily venture inside the crate! Put a few tempting treats inside the crate, close to the door. Golden retrievers are notoriously food-oriented dogs that will most likely be enticed into the crate by those yummy treats. Never force the puppy into the crate. Chat to your pet, offer him more treats, and add a fun toy to the mix to persuade your furry friend to go into the crate. Generally, placing the crate around people will help to encourage your puppy to feel comfortable spending time inside it. Play Crate Games Crate sessions can be made more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating some crate games. Use treats, cuddly toys, or a KONG toy stuffed with frozen peanut butter or treats to reward your puppy for entering his crate. Crate Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy Golden retrievers are very food-oriented, and you can use that to enhance and speed up the crate training process considerably. Allow your puppy to watch you prepare his meal, and then place the food bowl just inside the crate. Once your puppy is confidently going into the crate to get the food, move the food bowl to the back of the crate. Shut The Door By now, your Golden retriever puppy should view the crate as a safe, comfortable, fun place to be. So, try closing the crate door when your puppy is happily tucking into his food. The first time the door is closed, open it again once your pet has finished eating. At each crate training session, leave the door shut for a little longer. Step Back Away From The Crate Assuming that your crate routine is going well, your Golden retriever puppy should now associate the crate with a couple of treats, toys, games, and eating his meals. A common mistake people make is that they try to move too far away from the puppy too soon. Provided that the puppy is calm, you can now move away from the crate. If your puppy starts whinging, turn your back on your pet, and wait a few minutes until the whining stops. After ten seconds of your pet remaining calm, you can turn around and allow him to come out of the crate. Watch your puppy throughout this exercise, and let your pet out of the crate as soon as he shows signs of anxiety. Very young puppies aged up to ten weeks old will need to relieve themselves immediately after a meal. Potty Breaks When you begin your crate training puppy schedule , observe your pet closely for tell-tale signs that he needs to go potty. Generally, puppies will start whining, circling, and sniffing the ground when they need to relieve themselves. When that happens, immediately grab your puppy, and get him to his assigned toilet spot. Eight-week-old puppies typically need to go for a pee around every 30 to 60 minutes. During warm weather or after exercise, when the puppy drinks more, he might need to go more often than that. Once the puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between potty stops. What About Bedtime? The safest place for your puppy to spend the night is confined in his crate. Although your pup might experience a bit of separation anxiety from bedtime crating at first, you can help to mitigate that by putting the crate in your bedroom with you. Use a crate cover to create that safe, den-like space that encourages your canine companion to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, giving your Golden retriever puppy a special treat reserved for bedtime can help him understand that his crate is a comfortable space to spend the night. Expect Disturbed Nights! When your puppy is very young, you can expect to be disturbed by his cries for attention during the night. Dogs are clean animals, and they will resist soiling their sleeping area if at all possible. So, set your alarm to wake you up every couple of hours throughout the night so that you can take your puppy outside to relieve himself. Immediately Clean Up Accidents Unfortunately, dealing with potty accidents is all part and parcel of raising and training a new puppy. When that happens, never punish or scold your pup. When accidents happen around your home, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent of urine from your floor coverings. If your puppy has an accident in his crate, you must wash all the bedding immediately. Ensure that you have a good supply of spare bedding to grab if you need it, and clean the crate thoroughly to remove any lingering smell of urine. Golden retrievers are especially quick at remembering simple words, and these trainable dogs are typically pretty obedient. So, from the get-go, you need to begin using verbal cues. Pick short and clear words so that your puppy can easily recognize and remember them. Combine your cue words with crate training. Increase The Difficulty As crate training progresses, you can make things more challenging for your puppy. Ask your dog to stay in the crate with the door closed for longer periods, and begin to move out of sight. Just like little kids, puppies will throw tantrums during the first few days of crate training. That behavior is perfectly normal and to be expected, especially when you first close the crate door. Instead, reward calm behavior with treats verbal praise, and let your puppy come out of the crate. So, when a tantrum kicks off, simply turn your back on your furry friend, and wait until he settles down again. Consistency Is Crucial! One of the most common problems people experience when crate training their puppy is not being consistent. Yes, it can be tough when your adorable fluffy bundle is crying and whining inside his crate. Unfortunately, giving in to your fur baby when he complains simply teaches your pet that whining and other bad behavior get him what he wants, which sets your training regimen back. Playtime Is Vital A lively Golden retriever puppy bursting with energy is not likely to settle calmly in his crate. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training a Golden retriever puppy. If you did, please remember to share it. Crates are also useful tools for potty training your puppy and preventing bad behavior, such as chewing and eating harmful substances. Always be consistent and patient when crate training your puppy; use cue words and positive reinforcement to make learning fun for both your pet and you. Did you use a crate to train your Golden retriever puppy? Tell us how you did in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment.

Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. She is exactly 8 weeks old. We managed to get by with no accidents in the house! I took her out for the last time at about 11pm. I brought her into the bedroom and put her in her crate with the help of some treats. We turned off the lights and she was quiet until the treats were done. She barked and cried for a couple of minutes. My wife desperately wanted to get her out of the crate and I insisted this was a terrible idea. She decided to lay down on the floor next to the crate. Scout quickly calmed down and fell asleep. I woke up at and she heard me get up and woke up. I took her outside and she relieved herself pretty much immediately. I was so excited she slept through her first night from 11pmam!! My question is this.Was it a bad thing for my wife to sleep on the floor next to her? If she cries again tonight I was going to take a turn and sleep next to the crate but I'm also worried about starting a bad habit. Not sure if I should be impressed with her first night or if I should be worried that we "cheated" by sleeping next to her????? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! PetMD is operated by Chewy. Bringing home a new four-legged family member is such an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming—especially for your new puppy. When dogs are nervous, they tend to seek out small spaces to create a protective shelter for themselves. Crates are a great way to provide that safe haven for them. There are several things you can do to make the crate a safe space for your pup: Feeding meals or treats inside the crate is often seen as a reward and creates a positive association for dogs. Keeping dog toys in the crate can also provide a similar reward and positive association for pets. Adding a dog bed or blankets to the crate can make it even more comfortable although some dogs do prefer to lie on hard surfaces. This gives him enough time to digest his food and go to the bathroom one last time before bedtime so hopefully! While there are no hard and fast rules on timing, having playtime in the hours leading up to bedtime can be very helpful. The hour leading up to bedtime should be used to allow your puppy to gradually calm down, which will help him with the transition to bedtime. This gives him from p. Some great stimulating activities for puppies include: Training: Dogs love to be trained, and it provides a lot of benefits for them. Training is mentally stimulating and can be as exhausting as physical exercise. It can also help keep them safe, and the more rules dogs know, the more comfortable they tend to feel in a home. Long walks: Walks not only provide dogs with physical exercise, but all the smells are mentally stimulating for them, too. Just be sure your puppy is fully vaccinated before going for long walks in public places! Playing games: Puppies love to play games like tug of war, hide and seek, scent games, and play with puzzle toys. This should be a short outing, just long enough for him to go to the bathroom. If timed well with dinner, he will hopefully both urinate and defecate during this potty break. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help your new puppy feel more comfortable in his new home: Putting the crate in your room can help your puppy feel closer to you, while also providing him with the safe space of the crate. Typically, anxiety and stress crying occurs early in the night when your puppy is first put into his crate. If he starts crying in the middle of the night, he might need to go to the bathroom. Bringing home a new puppy is a major lifestyle change for both of you. But once the first few nights are through and your bond grows, puppies can be some of the best companions—and their love is worth all the sleepless nights. Featured Image: iStock. Brittany Grenus graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in with her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Getting a new puppy and bringing it home is the day every dog owner remembers. But that first night with a new puppy is the night most owners want to forget! Well, that may only be the case if you have great earplugs or can sleep through a hailstorm without blinking an eye. The first night with my puppy was the night to remember! He whined, barked, and howled all night long, and I was hoping my neighbors would come knocking so I could get an excuse to take my pup from the crate and cuddle him. Arm yourself with patience, some earplugs, and keep on reading. The day has finally arrived and you have brought your new puppy home. Bringing a puppy home the first night is a lot like bringing a newborn baby home for the first time. Your new puppy will need time to adapt to his new environment and get used to new faces, without the security of his mom and littermates. Like people, dogs form strong bonds with their family and prefer the company of their siblings and parents. Once you bring a new puppy home, you are separating it from its family, so it is only natural for your pup to feel sad and anxious to some extent. The best thing you can do is to be supportive and stay patient while your pup adapts to his new life and home. All puppies have a natural instinct to whine, howl, and squeal when they are separated from their mother. Therefore, you can expect that your puppy will be quite vocal and restless during the first night in a new home. Some puppies may take separation harder than others and continue to whine and howl for the first few days or weeks. When it comes to the first night with a new puppy, you should be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Rest assured, every dog owner goes through this, and while the first night can be challenging, everything will get better soon. When I brought home my first puppy, Linus these were my exact thoughts. Our local shelter had a 14 day, no questions asked, full refund policy. Your puppy will need food and water bowls, a collar and a leash, puppy food, toys, a bed, and a puppy crate to start. Having all must-have puppy supplies already in your home will give you a chance to spend an entire day getting to know your new pup. Get A Warm Bed While getting a puppy bed might seem like a no-brainer, many owners forget about it due to all the excitement. When choosing a bed, you should look for models that offer support, keep your puppy warm, and can accommodate various sleeping positions. Bear in mind, puppies like to chew, so the bed has to be durable and safe without any parts that can be a potential choking hazard if chewed and swallowed. And since dogs feel more secure in tight spaces, instead of something big, get a small and replaceable dog bed. Tire Your Puppy Before Bedtime While puppies are full of energy, they usually sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day. However, rather than sleeping for 20 hours straight, your puppy will have several naps a day. This means that your puppy might be playing with a toy one minute and be fast asleep seconds later. To help your new pup settle in for the first night, you should tire him out with active play, games, and walks a few hours before bedtime. Instead, give your pup time to slowly calm down just in time for bed. Start Crate Training From The First Day While crate training is a subject of much controversy, it is a proven training method when used appropriately. Whether you want to crate train your puppy or not is completely up to you, but crates give dogs a sense of security and comfort. If you decide to give crate training a go, use positive reinforcement training techniques and treats to get your puppy to like his crate. A crate can also be a useful tool for house training your puppy , since no dog will urinate where he sleeps. The goal of a crate is to serve as a safe and private space for your dog, and you should never use it as a form of punishment. Please note, puppies under six months old should not spend more than three to four hours being crated at a time. Your puppy should spend the majority of his time interacting with you and your family and not locked in a crate for hours on end. We got one for our first puppy, Linus over 18 years ago and still use the same one anytime we get a new puppy. Keep in mind that puppies need sleep to grow and develop properly. Be Prepared For Accidents Even if you got your puppy from a breeder who potty trains their dogs, accidents can happen, especially the first night in a new home. Generally speaking, a puppy can control its bladder one hour for every month of age. So, if you have a two-month-old puppy , he will need to pee every two hours or so. However, when your 2 month old puppy is awake she will have to potty much more frequently then every two hours. When they sleep they can usually hold it for about 2 hours. But while accidents can happen, you should do your best to avoid them. So watch your puppy at all times and set up a potty schedule as soon as you bring him home. This will thoroughly remove any odor that your puppy might smell. If puppies can still smell the urine they will try to potty in the same spot. As mentioned earlier, you should be fully prepared for disrupted sleep or several sleepless nights in a row. Consider this when bringing a new puppy home and plan accordingly. If possible, you should consider taking a few days off work or at least try to work from home for the first couple of days. When it comes to sleeping arrangements, your new puppy should sleep in your bedroom inside a crate for the first week or so. Your close presence will reassure your pup and help him feel safer in the new environment. After hearing these sad cries, your first instinct will be to take your puppy and comfort him, but you have to resist! Cuddling your puppy now will only make things worse later because your pup will expect to be comforted every time he whines. The only way you are ever going to establish a good sleeping routine is to ignore your pup while he is whining and let him calm down on his own with your presence nearby. And once your pup quiets down, tell him what a good boy or girl he is and offer gentle praises. Not only is this cruel, but it can also cause separation anxiety problems and attachment issues. There is no sugarcoating it: The first night with your puppy will be the hardest, but at least you will be prepared and know exactly what to expect. The good news is, with patience and consistency you will be able to establish a normal sleeping routine and get your pup settled into his new home. You can easily set up the crate inside your bedroom close to you, so your puppy knows you are there. As an alternative, you can place the crate just outside your bedroom, leaving the door open. You should place a dog bed inside the crate or line it with warm and comfortable bedding or blankets. However, keep a close eye on these things because some puppies will chew and swallow blankets and pet beds. To help your pup settle in, you should also include something that came from the breeder, like a blanket or a toy that smells like his mom and siblings. This will help your pup to feel more secure and hopefully make him fall asleep faster. We take our Calmeroos puppy with us and rub it all over littermates and momma if they are available. Your pup will most likely whine and cry when you first place him in; however, he will settle in after some time and go to sleep. Using a crate and placing it within your bedroom is extremely helpful in this case. Keep in mind that puppies tend to eliminate a few times before they are actually done. And once your pup is finished, praise him, give him a treat, and get him inside the crate again. On the first night, your puppy should sleep in a crate inside your bedroom, having your reassuring presence nearby. Ideally, you should leave the crate in the same place for three weeks at least, and only then start to gradually move it to another area. By doing this you are teaching your pup that he will get into the bed every time he cries. The best thing you can do is to leave your puppy inside the crate until he calms down and falls asleep. As an added deterrent, one of our friends allowed her puppy to sleep in the bed with her. The next morning her puppy was happily wagging her tail licking her face. She found a few tootsie rolls smashed between the sheets and stuck to her pajamas. This is a follow up to the previous question. My answer is an adamant, no. There are a few reasons: My 1 reason is potty training. The best way to get through the first night with a new puppy is to prepare in advance and have realistic expectations. And even if it seems unlikely, your puppy will quiet down at some point and fall asleep. If you acknowledge this behavior, your puppy will learn that it is acceptable to whine for attention and will continue to do so every night. Almost all puppies cry at night, especially on the first night in a new home. While it is hard to hear a crying puppy, you should ignore this behavior until your pup stops crying on his own. By not caving in, you are teaching your pup that crying will not get him anywhere, and eventually he will completely stop vocalizing at night. Our most recent puppy, Elsa woke up 4 times her first night home. I did not sleep more than 2 consecutive hours that first night. However, by the fourth night she was sleeping solid 8 straight hours. Final Thoughts The day you bring a new puppy home will be one of the most exciting days of your life, but the first night with a new puppy can be challenging. Almost all puppies whine, cry, and howl the first night at a new home, and you should be prepared for a sleepless night or a few! Countless dog owners survived to tell the tale of the dreadful first night and so will you. Have you raised a puppy recently? How was our first night with your new puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. First day and night with puppy First day with a new puppy Your first day and night with a new puppy Getting a puppy is a really huge step for anyone and if it's your first puppy it's important to know what to expect. We've put together our tips and advice on the first 24 hours with your four-legged friend. A new member of the family is a big commitment but also really exciting. If you're a first-time puppy owner, you might have heard stories good and bad about owning a puppy. Your first day and night together will help to set the tone for your time together, so it's really important to be prepared. Our vets have put together their advice on dealing with your first day with a new puppy. Be prepared before bringing your puppy home Before you even bring your puppy home, there's a lot you can do to prepare! Remember to make sure to get all the supplies you need first - our new puppy checklist can help you decide what to get. This will be an area they can go and take naps in, chill out in when they want a bit of alone time and generally feel safe in. If you do decide to get your puppy a crate, remember they might not be used to one so you will need to take your time introducing them to it to make sure they are comfortable and happy with it. Take a look at our guide on crate training for more advice. Growing is thirsty work, after all! Ideally you want this near to their quiet area and bed. Set some ground rules Before your puppy comes home, you have some decisions to make. Will they be allowed on the sofa? Are they allowed on the bed? You need to set some rules and make sure everyone at home knows what they are — and sticks to them! Consistency is key when training any dog and your puppy will be learning all the time. Puppies will need to go to the toilet regularly, so giving them the opportunity straight away will help before they go inside. Remember to give them lots of praise or even a treat when they go to the toilet in the right place — for more information, visit our toilet training guide. When you take your puppy inside for the first time, try to take them to their space first. Too much too soon can get them over-excited or stressed, so slow introductions to new things is key. Make sure you keep your home and everyone in it! The breeder or rehoming centre can let you know when, what and how much your puppy normally eats. Offer lots of toilet time. Give your puppy the chance to go out to the toilet regularly and give them lots of praise when they go in the right place! Playtime can be OK. Short playtime sessions are absolutely fine, but remember that your pup will tire out quickly so keep them short and sweet. Naps are important. Puppies are still growing, which is tiring! Avoid walks. Your puppy is unlikely to be fully vaccinated when you first get them. Stick to supervised playtime in a secure garden, keeping them away from water sources and thick undergrowth where rats could have been. Spend lots of time together. Your puppy is always learning, so make sure you spend lots of time with them so they know they can be happy and safe around you. Pets love routine, so get your puppy into a regular routine as soon as possible! Decide where they are sleeping. Whether you plan on your puppy forever sleeping in your bedroom, or want them in a separate room, you need to start this from the beginning and stick to it. If you have your puppy in your bedroom but plan to move them into a different room at a later date, this can be really distressing for them. Keep calm. Keep bedtime as calm as possible for your pup. Give them gentle praise such as a few strokes when they settle where you want them to. Sleep in the same room for the first few nights. For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Remind them of mum. Pop this where they sleep every night as it will help to comfort them and keep them calm. Night time toilet breaks may be needed. Puppies have little bodies and little bladders! For the first few weeks you might find they need a toilet break during the night. If your puppy is worried during the night, they might cry or bark. This is completely normal as they adjust to a new home and environment. When your puppy is scared, comforting them will help, but being ignored will make them feel isolated and even more frightened. Got a question? Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! The puppy should be allowed to explore and meet his new family. You should now start teaching your puppy his name amazing because now Stetson knows his name like the back of his paw. Try again in 10 minutes. If the puppy does relieve himself in the proper area, give him lots of praise. Afterward, you may take him inside, but remember to supervise the puppy; do not let him out of your sight. Talk to your puppy when it explores to make him feel more at home. The first few nights at home may be difficult for both you and your pup. At night the puppy will feel lonely and will probably demonstrate this by whining Oh, you betcha! These are a few things that you can do that might make the puppy feel at home. We use a MidWest Life Stages Double Door Crate which comes with a divider this allows us to adjust the crate size and put a blanket over it to make it seem cozier. Keep the crate in a draft-free area next to your bed. For approximately the first three weeks, if your puppy cries, take him out, on a leash to relieving area. After relieving put him back into his crate. Do not give him any treats or any playtime. Put him right back into his crate and he should go back to sleep. Under no circumstances take the puppy to bed with you. This will form a very undesirable habit. Give the puppy a stuffed dog toy to snuggle with. Then when it was time to crate Stetson for the first night he could snuggle with the toy and smell the scent of his littermates. Our favorite and one we highly recommend is the Calmeroos Puppy Toy with heartbeat and heat pack. Our last puppy, Anna loved her Calmeroos Puppy Toy and it helped her sleep better her first night in her crate. Hold your puppy by his collar by slipping your thumb in his collar and set his food about two feet away. This should be done at every meal throughout training. Even within a breed. There are several people in our group who have raised 10 or more Labrador Retrievers in the Guide Dogs of America program and each one is different. My experience with Stetson was very difficult in the early days and weeks. I had no problem with Stetson when I first got him home. I already knew about the trials and tribulations of house training and crate training after raising my first rescue puppy, Linus. Puppies tend to piddle about every 10 to 20 minutes. You have to watch them like a hawk or they will end up using your house as their personal restroom. Stetson had some accidents here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary. The agony came in the evening. Stetson did NOT take to the crate! He whined, howled, cried, and barked…probably made every noise he could possibly produce, but would not relax and go to sleep. He did sleep once in a while honestly I felt like a zombie for over a month. During those first 4 weeks, the most sleep I got was approximately 6 hours, broken up 3 or 4 times a night by whining, howling, barking…you get the picture. I was a wreck and I thought Stetson would never get used to his crate. Awww, the first night home with puppy Stetson was…sleepless… I have two words for you — consistent and patient. After about 4 weeks of consistently sticking to my guns, not letting him out of his crate, and praising him when he was quiet Stetson suddenly stopped making noise in his crate. In the long run, it pays off. Stetson has not barked, howled, or whined in months. New puppy owners often ask me where should a puppy sleep on the first night? Starting on day one we want our puppies to get used to sleeping in their crate. If we allow them to sleep elsewhere like our beds then we are reinforcing the behavior of sleeping on the bed. Therefore, trying to start them in the crate will be more difficult on day 2. Also, I want them to get used to sleeping in their crate until they are potty trained and learn the appropriate rules in our house i. Most likely he will wake up crying times at night. What happens when your puppy starts crying? Should you let your puppy cry the first night? That question is more complicated than it seems. First, as mentioned earlier we crate train our puppies. If at the end of the night our puppies start crying in the crate they will most likely settle down after about minutes of whining. Therefore, yes we let our puppies cry. Second, if our puppy wakes up in the middle of the night and starts crying we take him immediately to his potty spot. After he goes potty we take him straight back to his crate to go back to sleep. This generally happens times a night. Those are the two most likely crying scenarios with your puppy. However, there are an infinite number of other possibilities for puppies crying in the crate on the first night. Should you leave your puppy alone on the first night? I sleep about a foot away from my puppy in my own bed, puppy in his crate. If I feel like my puppy is experiencing some anxiety on his first nights home I will also sometimes sleep on the floor for a few nights and slowly start to migrate back to my bed. This is the question I fear when I bring home a puppy. The answer is it depends, every puppy is different. However, you probably want to know what I consider normal for how long a puppy will cry at night? At which point he will likely settle down and go to sleep. Over the next 8 hours, most puppies will wake up times and will need to go outside and potty. When you get back from the potty break most puppies will cry for another minutes before they go back to sleep. After about 8 hours of sleep, your puppy will want to wake up and eat breakfast. As I mentioned earlier, all of my puppies sleep in their crate on the first night. This calls for a story: Many years ago, I talked to a friend who allowed her puppy to sleep in her bed. She cleaned up the mess but could still smell poop. Check out our New Puppy Checklist. Get a good book on raising and training a puppy like Puppies for Dummies. Let him get comfortable in his new environment. Start training your puppy immediately with basics like potty training, name, and crate. Always supervise your puppy. Use a small crate near your bed. Give your puppy a stuffed dog toy to snuggle with. Be consistent, persistent, and patient when training your puppy. The first night with a puppy is often a sleepless night. On the other hand, if you get a homesick puppy then you might have to endure a night possibly several nights of barking, howling, crying, and yelping puppy. Hopefully, you get the latter and are only disturbed a few times in your nightly slumber. Good luck! Tell us your experiences in the comment section below. Related Article. That Mutt may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post. He actually takes long naps! The first two weeks with our new puppy have been fun but also stressful! We all make mistakes and puppies are very adaptable. Try to get into somewhat of a routine as quickly as you can and adjust as you go. For example, I chose not to have my puppy sleep in my bedroom the first two nights but then I decided to move his kennel next to my bed so I could hear him easier. Here are some ideas on how to make the first night with your puppy go as smoothly as possible! This will help everyone adjust to a routine — mainly the bedtime routine, kennel training and potty training. I got my puppy from a breeder out of state, so I chose to fly to Minneapolis to pick up my puppy. He and I stayed with my parents for two nights because they live near the breeder. Then we flew home on Sunday. I wrote an article on how to fly with your puppy. It was a fairly easy process. Puppy potty training — lots and lots of potty breaks the first day Once you get home, I recommend a potty break first thing! This means less accidents during the first few days while teaching your puppy to go potty outside. Take your puppy out after she plays and after she wakes up from a nap. For example, if they puppy was just running and playing with a toy and then gets distracted and sniffs, pick her up and take her outside. For more details, see: How long does it take to potty train a puppy? Have another adult help you, if possible. When we introduced our adult dog Remy to puppy Rip, my husband had Remy on a leash while I held the puppy. Keep in mind, some dogs are more reactive while on a leash, however. I was confident my dog Remy would be friendly and accepting of the puppy and I was correct. He loves the puppy and is great with him! But other than that, these two are best buds. The introduction was not so easy 5 years ago when we introduced 8-week-old Remy to our senior dog at the time. Our senior dog was NOT happy with the puppy and was not accepting at all. In fact, he would growl or snarl ferociously if the puppy got too close. So, just be very aware and take things slowly. I also wrote this article on aggression between dogs in the same house. Let your puppy explore a little Your puppy is just a baby and she might feel overwhelmed or scared in a new environment. On the other hand, she may be feeling confident and eager to play and explore. My weimaraner puppy Remy was feeling overwhelmed when we brought him home at 8 weeks old, but Lab puppy Rip was ready to run and play immediately! For example, the kitchen with a baby gate. Show her a few toys and offer her a little food and water. She may be too nervous to eat or she might practically inhale it! They are all different. Head out for another quick potty break after 20 mins or right away after your puppy eats! This is a great time to introduce her to her new kennel or crate. You can leave the door of the crate open and put a soft bed or blanket in there with a few toys. Toss a treat in and your puppy might actually go in on her own and settle in. It helped Rip to have a small blanket from his breeder that was with the momma dog and litter mates. He still sleeps with that blanket in his kennel. We ended up waking him up because we wanted him to be good and tired for bedtime later! We had him sleep in the travel crate so he would be used to it before his big flight! Where should my puppy sleep? You can have it right next to your bed or in another room. In our case, Rip did not cry at all when I put him in his kennel for the first night amazing! I think he was just so tired from being in a new place with new people. However he started to whimper at about a. Good boy! Then back in the kennel. He cried for about 5 minutes and then fell asleep again until my mom got up with him for the day at 5 a. Does an 8-week-old puppy need a potty break in the middle of the night? My rule of thumb is to calmly take the puppy outside for a bathroom break if he is crying. I try to keep the lights dim or not even turn them on, if possible. Then, I put him back in the kennel. If he cries again, I ignore him. Usually, the puppy will fall back to sleep in a few minutes. Do Lab puppies need a potty break in the middle of the night? My Lab puppy has needed a potty break in the middle of the night up until last night, but every puppy is different. If your Lab puppy is crying in the middle of the night at 12 weeks old, then the puppy has trained YOU, our breeder says! So … my puppy Rip is now about 10 weeks old. Last night was night 14 and he finally slept from p. Over 7. Woo hoo! Should you let your puppy sleep in your bed the first night? Using a kennel for bed time until that point will help the puppy with potty training, prevent her from chewing your stuff and develop a little independence. Just wait until your puppy is potty trained. Think of it as a privilege your puppy will need to earn. Another option is to eventually allow her to sleep out of the crate but on her own dog bed next to your bed. If you train your puppy to sleep in her crate at night, you are building a confident, well-adapted puppy. She will be less likely to develop separation anxiety. You are also helping her with potty training because she is unlikely to go potty in her crate. See my article on what to do if your puppy is having accidents in her crate. Why do puppies cry at night? Your puppy is likely to whine and bark the first couple of nights because he is in an unfamiliar place without the usual comfort of his mom and litter mates. His routine is off and his whole world is turned upside down! However, it does not take long for a puppy to adapt to the new routine if you stick to a consistent routine. Here is my detailed article: How long do puppies cry at night? How much do puppies sleep? Puppies sleep a lot! Puppies sleep hours or more in a day! Adult dogs also sleep a lot, as you have probably noticed. My Lab puppy will play for about an hour and then sleep for 2 hours. He will voluntarily go curl up somewhere and sleep on his own. It is so nice! Every puppy is different, however. My weimaraner puppy never fell asleep unless I put him in his kennel with a Kong. Then, he would often crash. See my article: Why is my puppy so crazy in the evenings? Start puppy kennel training the first night home I go into the details of kennel training in this article , but wanted to mention it briefly here. I use a fold-up wire kennel but plastic also works. Another option is to use a baby gate to block off a certain area. Or you can use an ex-pen or puppy play pen. That might be in your bedroom at first, and then you can move it to another room later if you choose. Think about how you will keep your puppy confined to a smaller area of your home during the day as well. You can do that by using a gate to close off certain areas. Puppies do best with less freedom in the beginning. How much should I feed my puppy? Each puppy is different. He was actually too distracted to eat not a normal Lab, I know! You might have a puppy that devours her food in one breath Remy! Rip is a 9. He weighs .He is a slow, slow eater. I know, can you believe it? But he is a healthy weight. I like the fold-up wire kind but plastic also works. Cheap bedding in the kennel like towels or a sheet.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. 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! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. 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! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. How will we ever decide? Our Selection Process If you have ever chosen a puppy from a breeder, you were probably given a thirty-minute time slot, a pile of ten puppies and no behavior or temperament information. You likely chose your puppy based on color or gender, or both. You might have chosen the first puppy who came up to you, the puppy lying by himself over in the corner, or the puppy who kept crawling into your lap. Maybe you chose the runt because you felt sorry for her. Every single puppy has a purpose. Some dogs are meant to hunt or search, others are meant to perform valuable tasks, and still others are meant to offer comfort. Most dogs are meant for lifelong companionship. Service dogs and therapy dogs serve very different purposes. The testing and selection process for each is different, as is the training. A dog can never truly be a family pet AND a service dog. A therapy dog can never be an emotional support animal and a family pet, because an ESA is bonded to one person while a family pet divides his time with various family members or friends. Candidates for our therapy and service dog programs are chosen first We do not consider gender or color when temperament testing or placing dogs into our programs We can not control the number of puppies in a litter, nor the number of males and females in a litter. We usually take three male deposits and three female deposits prior to the birth of the litter. Once the litter is born and we know how many puppies we have, we accept additional deposits. We follow a puppy protocol from the day puppies are born, exposing them to different sounds and surfaces. We hold them in different positions and we move them around increasingly. We work with their pressure points and we use essential oils to relax and stimulate them. We construct these profiles based on observed behaviors during weeks such as barking, growling, shyness, food assertiveness, independence, maturity, patience, motivation. Temperament testing occurs during week 6. If the family with the third deposit on the list wants a pet, we will suggest the puppy ies that most closely match their family profile. If the puppy they wanted was selected by the family with the first deposit, they may then move to their second choice. A family who makes the LAST deposit in a litter may not get their first choice, however we do our very best to accommodate everyone. While families may have a color or gender preference, we suggest being open-minded and willing to consider the puppy with the temperament that best fits you and your needs. We do our best to get the right puppy for you, and we are unable to allow a family to wait until pick up day to select a puppy. Above everything, we must ask our families to trust us during this process. Our experience with goldens and goldendoodles, and the relationships we have with our families, have made us what we are today. If you do not feel comfortable with the selection process, please seek another breeder. By placing a deposit, you are agreeing with our testing and selection process. Your deposit is non-refundable, but it may be forwarded to a future litter. The selection process differs from those of other breeders and priority is given to our program. We make every effort to match puppies which best fit family profiles that are submitted in online puppy applications. We cannot determine the number of puppies or the number of males and females in a litter. When necessary, placement decisions will be made according to the order in which deposits are received. You love me when I am not lovable. You find me in the darkness. You keep my secrets and lick my tears. You teach me to live like someone left the gate open. But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. While the puppy mills and commercial breeders almost always have puppies available and will let you take your pick, the people you really want to buy from are the hobby breeders who are breeding for themselves. Hobby breeders are always looking for great homes for dogs but they sometimes cannot let you know until the puppies are about 8 weeks old who is available. And the good breeders often have waiting lists. My comment to people who are puppy shopping is that if you can walk in and get a puppy, be alarmed. The AKC has a breeder list on its website but you should be advised that there are no criteria for quality used by AKC or most other websites. The Golden Retriever Club of America grca. So the standards may vary but there are standards. It's a good place to start. Go to some dog shows or obedience trials and watch people to see how they interact with their dogs. Plan to talk to multiple breeders to choose the one whose values are in line with yours. If the people you meet are not people you want to have a 12 plus year relationship, then keep looking. Because when you buy a dog from a reputable breeder you are entering into a relationship. This dog will live with you and your family for many many years. This is not a decision to take lightly. Indian Trail Golden Retrievers breedings produce a sweet and loving disposition in a puppy. We breed for conformation, as well as personality. We take special care in matching our stud dogs with our dams to produce beautiful, healthy, and long lived dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy should have bright eyes, a thick lush coat, a black wet nose, and clean ears. A puppy should have several puppy shots and be wormed by the time they are ready to go to their new homes. A Golden Retriever puppy should have both parents cleared by OFA for elbow, hip, eyes, and also have a heart clearance. These are weaknesses in Golden Retrievers created by over breeding and breeding too closely. Regardless of what you want your puppy to be- an obedience dog, a show dog, or a loving pet, you as a buyer need to make sure that the breeder follows strict breed guidelines. At Indian Trail Golden Retrievers, located in Connecticut, we take extra care to have all our breeding dogs screened and cleared for any possible health or hereditary problems, which will provide new puppy owners the best puppy available. Your puppy should reflect your family. Active families should choose an active and outgoing puppy that will thrive in a busy household. A puppy needs plenty of activity, and your puppy should be inquisitive, playful, and not shy. All new puppy families should plan to bring their puppy to puppy classes, it is as important for the owners as for the puppy. The investment in puppy school will reap endless benefits. Consistency in training, both for the owners and the pup, will make your pet expedience most fulfilling. Each puppy has an individual personality, and the fact that our puppies are home raised, helps us match pups with their prospective families. We have found that many pups choose their new families. Puppies just love children, and the bond will last for your dogs life. Remember that puppies are puppies, and they will pull on shirts, pants, hands, and your house will have to be puppy-proofed before you new puppy arrives. Puppies will be teething. They will need plenty of chew toys. Puppies will chew furniture, toys, shoes, whatever they are allowed to chew. Damage to your belongings is not the puppies fault, but the owners. Training and correct confinement, such as crating when they are not with you, will help to give a positive experience. Plan to spend time with your puppy. They will require a lot of exercise. The more positive activity you give your puppy, the less time and energy they will have to get into trouble. Our puppies love to retrieve. We take hikes, and just spend time outdoors playing tug of war. Consider how an Indian Trail Golden Retriever puppy will complete your family. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research.

A puppy's diet must be able to provide enough energy and quality protein to support growth and be easily digestible. To help them feel secure, and avoid upsetting their digestion, give them the same food, preferably at the same times, in the same place, using the same bowl. To make our formulas as appealing as possible, we: Select ingredients rigorously for their aroma, density, and texture as well as nutritional quality. Design kibble texture, shape, and size to suit each size of dog. Preserve formulas for freshness. So we ensure our formulas are highly digestible to help avoid stomach upsets and make it easier for your puppy to absorb the nutrients. Explore Puppy Range How much should I feed my puppy? Puppies have different nutritional needs according to their breed and eventual adult size. Ask your vet for help checking the expected adult weight of your puppy according to their breeding. You can then choose the right food for them and make sure you give it to them in the right quantities. What are the size categories for dogs? Dogs are categorized in five different sizes: X-small — up to 4kg when adult Small — up to 10kg when adult Medium — 11kg to 25kg when adult Large — 26kg to 44kg when adult Giant — over 45kg when adult Why is puppy food tailored to adult dog sizes? Breeds of different sizes have different needs as puppies. Medium breeds tend to be more active outdoors so need plenty of energy and helping building their natural defenses. Large and giant breeds grow slower and need less energy per pound of bodyweight than small breeds. What if I give food designed for different-sized breeds? Without taking your puppy's expected adult size into account, it's easy to feed them too much or too little. Underfeeding can lead to issues including malnutrition and stunted growth. While overfeeding can make your puppy overweight, which can cause painful bone and joint problems, difficulty breathing, and more. Does portion size matter for puppies? This is particularly crucial for large breed dogs, as overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly and develop skeletal problems. Always refer to the portion recommendations on the pack and weigh each meal carefully. Setting the right puppy feeding schedule Puppies have small stomachs and their immature digestive systems don't react well to being overloaded. To help your puppy avoid suffering from disorders such as diarrhea, it's best to split their daily recommended food portion into small meals throughout the day. Smaller breed dogs reach adulthood sooner than others, so they can move to fewer meals a day at an earlier stage. What is mixed feeding for puppies? Mixed feeding is when you give your puppy a combination of wet and dry food — either at the same time or at separate meals. They both offer important benefits such as wet food helping with hydration and appealing to picky eaters. Dry food can slow down fast eaters. Palatability Our wet formulas are designed to be highly appealing to the fussiest of puppies. When should I begin mixed feeding? Puppies can start mixed feeding at any time, but introducing them to variety at an early age may avoid fussy behavior in adulthood. A dog's digestive tract becomes accustomed to the composition and type of food. The amount your puppy needs to drink depends on factors including the environmental temperature and their size, exercise levels, physical condition, and diet. The best way to ensure your puppy drinks the right amount is to give them constant access to fresh water. Change the water in their bowls daily to keep it clean and top it off throughout the day. Also wash their bowls daily to prevent the potential of parasites breeding in them. Then they always have the opportunity to drink in a quiet place. Make sure the water bowls aren't too big for your puppy to avoid them stepping into them. And avoid plastic water bowls as they can harbor off-putting smells and bacteria — ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best. Here are some good habits to establish straightaway to help your puppy build positive associations with feeding times and get the nutrients they need. What How Maintain portion control To avoid overfeeding your puppy, check the dietary guidelines on the food packaging and measure each portion carefully. Remember the stated amounts apply for the whole day, not per meal. Avoid human food Dogs have different nutritional needs from humans and what's good for us can cause serious stomach upsets or other illnesses in dogs. Giving your puppy scraps or hand feeding can also cause bad behavior. Limit how many you give and always offer them at the right time for the right reason. Limit activity before and after feeding To prevent stomach upsets, try to avoid your puppy jumping about for an hour or two after eating. Keep feeding times calm Distractions can divert your puppy from their food, so keep their feeding area quiet. Watch them while they're eating to check they're safe, but don't fuss over them — it can cause protective behavior. Set the pace If your puppy eats their food too fast, try a slow-feed bowl or feeding puzzle. How to change your puppy's food Sudden changes in your puppy's diet can give them digestive upsets or even make them wary of their food. Whether you're switching to adult food, changing products, or beginning mixed feeding, it's important to introduce new foods slowly. The amount of food your puppy needs depends on the size they'll grow into as an adult — x-small, small, medium, large, or giant. Make sure you choose the right puppy food according to their expected adult size and always follow the portion recommendations on the pack. When should I stop feeding puppy food? A puppy needs to continue eating specialized puppy food until they've fully transitioned into adulthood. For smaller breeds this can be as early as eight months, but for larger breeds it can be up to two years. Check with your vet to make sure your puppy's ready to move onto adult food. When can puppies eat dry food? Puppies can start to eat dry kibbles when weaning, which begins at around four or five weeks. But to make them easier for very small puppies to eat and digest, it's best to soften them with water initially. What foods are poisonous for a puppy? Many of the foods that are healthy or enjoyable for us can be poisonous for dogs and puppies. Is homemade food better for puppies? Homemade food may not be the best for your puppy as it's difficult to ensure the nutritional balance they need. It also perishes faster and tends to be more expensive and time-consuming to make. Good-quality, manufactured puppy food is tailored to your puppy's specific needs and includes the convenience of both dry kibbles and wet food in cans or pouches. How do I check if my puppy's the right weight? Keeping an eye on your puppy's weight is useful to make sure they're growing, but the body condition score gives a clearer picture of whether they're overweight or underweight. This is important to know as both can cause health issues. The body condition score focuses on the look and feel of your puppy to assess whether they're a healthy shape. Your vet can show you how to score your puppy. Do puppies need supplements? If you choose the right high-quality food, manufactured specifically for your puppy's needs, it should provide all the nutrients they need without having to give them supplements. It's always worth checking with your vet though about your puppy's individual dietary needs. Should dogs and puppies only eat meat? Although dogs are often considered to be carnivores, they would eat their prey whole in the wild. By eating the guts of their herbivorous and omnivorous prey, they would eat some vegetable matter too. Puppy feeding quiz. The nutrients needed in a puppy's diet There are a range of vital nutrients that your puppy needs during the first months of life to aid healthy growth and development. A puppy's diet must be able to provide enough energy and quality protein to support growth and be easily digestible. We develop our foods in close collaboration with breeders, vets and nutritionists. As well as focusing on the exceptional nutritional quality of our formulas, we also ensure the following key factors. To make our formulas as appealing as possible, we: Select ingredients rigorously for their odour, density and texture as well as nutritional quality. Design kibble texture, shape and size to suit each size of dog. Preserve formulas. So we ensure our formulas are highly digestible to help avoid stomach upsets and make it easier for your puppy to absorb the nutrients. View the range How much should I feed my puppy? Puppies have different nutritional needs according to their breed and eventual adult size. Ask your vet for help checking the expected adult weight of your puppy according to their breeding. You can then choose the right food for them and make sure you give it to them in the right quantities. What are the size categories for dogs? Dogs are categorised in five different sizes: X-small — up to 4kg when adult Small — up to 10kg when adult Medium — 11kg to 25kg when adult Large — 26kg to 44kg when adult Giant — over 45kg when adult Why is puppy food tailored to adult dog sizes? Breeds of different sizes have different needs as puppies. Medium breeds tend to be more active outdoors so need plenty of energy and helping building their natural defences. Large and giant breeds grow slower and need less energy per kilo of bodyweight than small breeds. What if I give food designed for different sized breeds? Underfeeding can lead to issues including malnutrition and stunted growth. While overfeeding can make your puppy overweight, which can cause painful bone and joint problems, difficulty breathing and more. Does portion size matter for puppies? This is particularly crucial for large breed dogs, as overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly and develop skeletal problems. Always refer to the portion recommendations on the pack and weigh each meal carefully. Smaller breed dogs reach adulthood sooner than others, so they can move to fewer meals a day at an earlier stage. To help them feel secure, and avoid upsetting their digestion, give them the same food, preferably at the same times, in the same place, using the same bowl. What is mixed feeding for puppies? Mixed feeding is when you give your puppy a combination of wet and dry food — either at the same time or at separate meals. You can try adding the wet as a topper to the kibble or feed in a separate bowl. They both offer important benefits such as wet food helping with hydration and appealing to picky eaters. While dry food can slow down fast eaters. Palatability Our wet formulas are designed to be highly appealing to the fussiest of puppies. When should I begin mixed feeding? Puppies can start mixed feeding at any time, but introducing them to variety at an early age may avoid fussy behaviour in adulthood. A dog's digestive tract becomes accustomed to the composition and type of food. The amount your puppy needs to drink depends on factors including the environmental temperature and their size, exercise levels, physical condition and diet. The best way to ensure your puppy drinks the right amount is to give them constant access to fresh water. Change the water in their bowls daily to keep it clean and top it up throughout the day. Also wash their bowls daily to prevent parasites breeding in them. Then they always have the opportunity to drink in a quiet place. And avoid plastic water bowls as they can harbour off-putting smells and bacteria — ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best. Here are some good habits to establish straightaway to help your puppy build positive associations with feeding times and get the nutrients they need. What How Maintain portion control To avoid overfeeding your puppy, check the dietary guidelines on the food packaging and measure each portion carefully. Remember the stated amounts apply for the whole day, not per meal. Giving your puppy scraps or hand feeding can also cause bad behaviour. Limit how many you give and always offer them at the right time for the right reason. Limit activity before and after feeding To prevent stomach upsets, try to avoid your puppy jumping about for an hour or two after eating. Keep feeding times calm Distractions can put your puppy off their food, so keep their feeding area quiet. Set the pace If your puppy bolts their food, try a slow-feed bowl or feeding puzzle. Make sure you choose the right puppy food according to their expected adult size and always follow the portion recommendations on the pack. When should I stop feeding puppy food? For smaller breeds this can be as early as eight months, but for larger breeds it can be up to two years. When can puppies eat dry food? Puppies can start to eat dry kibbles when weaning, which begins at around four or five weeks. What foods are poisonous for a puppy? Many of the foods that are healthy or enjoyable for us can be poisonous for dogs and puppies. Is homemade food better for puppies? It also perishes faster and tends to be more expensive and time-consuming to make. This is important to know as both can cause health issues. Your vet can show you how to score your puppy. Do puppies need supplements? Should dogs and puppies only eat meat? Although dogs are often considered to be carnivores, they would eat their prey whole in the wild. By eating the guts of their herbivorous and omnivorous prey, they would eat some vegetable matter too. Puppy feeding quiz Test your knowledge and find out how much you've learned by taking our quiz Start the quiz How often should you feed a three month old puppy? Once a day Three times a day Correct! For all breed sizes, three month old puppies require three equally sized meals a day. Puppies are unable to regulate their food intake, so more regular, smaller portions are gentler on their digestive system. Next question Go back Wrong For all breed sizes, three month old puppies require three equally sized meals a day. Next question. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.