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My story started here. My best friend, my constant companion, everywhere I went, she went with me. She protected me, helped teach me about life, and was my Best friend for 16 years. My inspiration. I'm Robin.I breed long coated German shepherds. My dogs are from European countries with outstanding lines. I breed for temperaments, beautiful red and black color, quality not quantity. I am a small hobby breeder, breeding with attention to detail. My dogs live with me in my home, not outside in kennels. They are a part of our family. Feel free to visit our Ranch in Pennsylvania to see for yourself. SG1 Baldrsens Tequila is beautiful, graceful,and with great confirmation in show lines. Tequila is very protective of her family. Excellent Mother! They say the eyes are the mirror to the soul. Our Bobbie is protective of her family, a joy to be around and one of the prettiest long coat Black German shepherds I ever had the pleasure to own and love. Eve has Good Hips and Elbows, Dm test score is "A" Eve has matured into a very stunning female, highly intelligent, and is high drive with a willingness to learn. I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The dogs are members of our family, and share our home in the open countryside. They enjoy hours of daily exercise for a sound mind and body. A German Shepherd is a strong dog that requires attention, obedience training, and most of all socialization. Here at Breezy Meadows our goal is to produce healthy and devoted family members, with fabulous temperaments, that are a joy to live with. Our loyal dogs adore people young and old, are very well socialized, and possess extraordinary character. The Long Coat German Shepherd is admired for their beauty, gentle disposition, working ability, and their outstanding balanced and trainable temperament. We respect them for their courage, spirit, and power. Anyone who owns a long coat German Shepherd would describe a dog who is more human than canine, with a soulful understanding of their human counterparts. Thank you for visiting our website. We welcome you to come back for updates on available puppies, and new photos of our long coat German Shepherd dogs. Click here to follow us on Facebook Contact us at:. We are a small hobby breeder of West Showline German Shepherds with only a few litters a year. Our dogs are part of our family, share our home, and travel with us. We are located in Halifax, PA about 30 minutes north east of Harrisburg. I was impressed with their working ability and superior intelligence along with a loving demeanor that was absolutely unmatched. As I was learning more about the breed and looking for my perfect addition to my family, I saw the Long Coats for the first time and fell in love. Our dogs have brought pure joy and happiness into our home and it is our goal to bring the same joy and happiness into yours! They have sound temperaments, are very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and protective. Everyone is encouraged to stop in for a visit of our home, meet our family, and see our GSD's. It is our goal to produce top quality German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat with loving personalities, outstanding character, and family protection in one perfect package. Integrity is Very important with us, you will Never feel pressured into getting a Puppy, we are very honest and direct with our process and time table when we will have Puppies available. All the Information Posted about our Dogs can be verified through Documentation. Our Pictures are Never Altered or adjusted to mislead you into thinking our dogs are better than they are, and to be Honest we do not need too : The day you pickup your Bergerhaus puppy you will be invited into a Secret Facebook page called Bergerhaus Puppy Club if you so choose to accept here you can interact with others Bergerhaus puppy owners, watch littermates of your baby grow, become friends with other puppy owners, and ask advise from everyone in the group! Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. These dogs are perfect for special needs, families, emotional support, veterans, and more. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. Take a look at the long coat German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs that we currently have available here at Regis Regal. Long Haired German Shepherd Adults For most people it's probably fairly easy to determine what a long coat German Shepherd is - it simply refers to the length of their fur. Whilst a "standard" German Shepherd will traditionally have short fur, long coats are the result of a recessive gene that any dog can carry. It doesn't mean long coats have any problems - far from it, and for many people they are an even more desirable dog than the standard breed German Shepherd. Long haired German Shepherds look incredibly handsome, and if you're happy with the additional effort required in grooming them and keeping their hair in good condition then they're as loyal and obedient as any other German Shepherd. With our private courier service, we can safely deliver your puppy to all fifty states with utmost love and care. More information here on the long-coat puppies we currently have available for sale. What is their Temperament Like? There is no discernible difference between the temperament of a long coat German Shepherd and a normal short coat dog. For a long time they've been unfairly labeled as being difficult, but sadly this really stems from them not being accepted due to falling outside the normal breeding standard. The Long haired German Shepherds we've raised here at our top breeding facility in Illinois. Our specialized trained dogs have gone on to be used as search dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. There's no reason long coats can't perform as well or better than short coats since they do look quite incredible at the same time! Whilst a long coat can be a far more desirable dog for some people, when it comes to price they can actually work out around the same price, or even cheaper, than a standard or "normal coat" German Shepherd. The dogs we breed and train here at Regis Regal come from some of the best bloodlines in the world. We conduct Schutzhund training to develop desirable traits including confidence, desire to work, and self-control. Inquire about one of our Long Coat German Shepherds If you would like additional information about our prestigious long coat German Shepherds or our available puppies and service dogs for special needs, please contact us at or regisregal gmail. Your name.

In the rare case that your Golden Retriever is a finicky eater, Glycoflex 3 is one of the tastiest chew treats available. It contains highly effective ingredients to help with arthritis pain. Product features: Highly palatable supplement chews that are small and easy to administer Combines GAG ingredients with green-lipped mussel Comes in bags of chews Glucosamine and MSM are the two main glycosaminoglycans contained within Glycoflex 3. It also contains an ingredient known as green-lipped mussel GLM. GLM is a kind of shellfish that is native to New Zealand and has many uses in human medicine because it is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also is a rich source of omega 3s and also some GAGs such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies show that GLM can help dogs with pain due to osteoarthritis. This can be expensive, especially for large breed dogs! Each of the three are provided in high doses for maximum joint support. It also contains manganese, which is an antioxidant. While it does not contain some of the herbal ingredients or omega 3s found in other supplements, Cosequin is still highly bioavailable which means that your Golden may start to show results a little sooner than the four to six-week mark. Also, fewer ingredients mean a lower overall cost. Pros: Contains high amounts of glycosaminoglycan ingredients Available in larger quantities and is very cost effective Can be purchased online through Amazon. Typically, they are not meant to treat a particular illness, but can help lessen the severity of certain clinical signs. Because commercial diets provide the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, owners must be cautious giving certain supplements to their dogs. This is because certain vitamins like A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that your dog can develop health problems if he is overdosed. Over the past few decades, joint supplements have been very popular for dogs, and fiber supplements and probiotics have recently played an important role in various gastrointestinal ailments. Each stage has specific nutritional needs, and supplements can play a crucial role in supporting their health and well-being. Here is what you need to know about each stage and which supplements may be needed for a puppy, adult, or senior dog. Puppy Stage During the puppy stage, Golden Retrievers grow and develop rapidly. They require a diet that is high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients. Supplements that can benefit Golden Retriever puppies include probiotics, which can help promote healthy digestion and support their immune system. Joint support supplements can also help support the development of strong bones and joints, which is important for large breeds like Golden Retrievers. Adult Stage During the adult stage, Golden Retrievers need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Supplements that can benefit adult Golden Retrievers include probiotics, which can promote healthy digestion and support their immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain healthy skin and coat, while joint support supplements can help prevent joint problems later in life. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can also be beneficial for adult Golden Retrievers, as they help to support a healthy immune system and prevent oxidative damage. Senior Stage As Golden Retrievers enter their senior years, they may require different supplements to support their health. Joint support supplements become even more important as they age, as they may be prone to arthritis and other joint problems. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help support cognitive function in senior Golden Retrievers, as well as maintain healthy skin and coat. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can also be beneficial for senior dogs, as they help to support their immune system and prevent oxidative damage. Conclusion From probiotics to fiber and joint supplements, there are simply too many products available to remember them all. Be sure to check that you are feeding your Golden the right amount of food as well. Read our Golden Retriever Feeding Chart to learn more. Glucosamine and chondroitin Folic acid Remember that all of these nutrients must be given in proper amounts. This way, your dog will think of the vitamin as a treat instead of a medication. This will make feeding much easier, especially if you have a picky dog. With that, a supplement with a lot number means it has undergone quality control procedures. This also means that the manufacturer is monitoring the movement of the product, so it can be pulled out of the market even before it reaches the end of its shelf life. If canine supplement sellers make too-good-to-be-true promises, you should consider looking for another product. These claims are often unfounded and can potentially pose harm to some dogs. Big brands often have a network of laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities, and experts that guarantee the efficacy of the vitamins. As much as possible, look for canine vitamins made by pet brands. These brands are also tried and tested by thousands of dog owners around the world. Second, the fact that the brand is willing to refund your purchase says a lot about their confidence in their products. Tips in giving vitamins to your Golden Retriever Is your Goldie picky when it comes to vitamins? If the vet recommended a tablet or pill form, the following hacks would help trick your dog into taking the supplement: Mix it with food. Slather it with peanut butter. Another trick pet owners recommend is covering the vitamins with peanut butter. This will mask the undesirable taste of the pill or tablet. Place it inside a strawberry. Conceal it in a piece of cheese. Bait and switch. You can trick your dog into taking the supplement by giving it a few treats in a row then tossing the pill at a constant speed. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What vitamins are bad for dogs? A: While vitamins and minerals are often regarded as beneficial for canines, there are some that you have to be careful with. You should always watch out for the iron, calcium, and Vitamin D consumption of your Golden Retriever as too much can become poisonous. Q: What causes a weak immune system in dogs? Many pet owners also swear by a vitamin supplement to give their pets an added dose of nutrition. Q: Is Vitamin D good for dogs? A: Both dogs and humans need Vitamin D for good health. Excessive Vitamin D consumption can lead to joint issues, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, and poisoning. Q: Can I give my dog human fish oil as a supplement? A: Most human-grade fish oils are safe for dogs, but you should always mind the serving. If your dog starts to vomit or have diarrhea, you should stop giving fish oil right away. Final words The best vitamins for Golden Retrievers will help keep your dog safe from infections and various illnesses. Always listen to the vet instead of purchasing a supplement without professional advice. E-mail Share Do you have concerns about the well-being of your Golden Retriever? Do you care that they obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals to live a long and healthy life? Knowing what's best for them can be challenging. To your good fortune, we have created a list of some of the most effective supplements and vitamins available today that will aid in maintaining any Golden Retriever's health. Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Taking your Golden Retriever on a diet of geniune, wild Alaskan salmon oil is a great way to help them stay healthy and strengthen their immune system. Your dog's resistance to cancer and other ailments will be significantly bolstered! Omega-3 fatty acid—rich fish, such as tuna and salmon, have been linked to a decreased risk of depression in people, and this is the same concept. These may not seem like much, but because they are so crucial for the immune system's overall defense against infection and the inflammatory response, they have been found to reduce cancer risk. It's no secret that probiotics have gained popularity in both human and animal health. People and animals carry both "good" and "bad" bacteria in their digestive systems. When there is an ailment or inflammation, harmful bacteria, called pathogens, can push out the good bacteria and cause more illness. The immune system can react more quickly and effectively to potential threats when supplemented with probiotics, colonies of live beneficial bacteria. Glandex Soft Chews Your Golden's allergies or digestive issues may stem from a problem with his anal glands. No matter the case, Glandex Soft Chews are among the leading fiber supplements on the market and can significantly improve anal gland health. These are small, marble-shaped glands located in a dog's anus. They secrete a thick, foul-smelling fluid that facilitates defecation. Soft and chewy, Glandex is packed with pumpkin and fiber. Because of the water absorption properties of these supplements, the resulting stool is more substantial and healthier. These bowel movements let your Retriever's anal glands discharge themselves naturally, reducing the risk of infection. Glucosamine is a natural substance that aids cartilage development; however, it might lead to nausea in some dogs. So, these joint chews might be healthier for your Golden Retriever if they already have stomach problems. Due to its impressive track record of enhancing mobility in senior pets, CMO chondroitin is dubbed "The New Glucosamine" and is included in these tasty chews. The MSM in this medication is another excellent component for alleviating joint pain, especially arthritis-related stiffness. Additionally, giving your Golden Retriever these joint chews is an excellent strategy to foster their hip health. Krillex Joint Supplement Most dogs will suffer from orthopedic diseases at some point. Orthopedic problems, like hip and elbow dysplasia, run in the family for Golden Retrievers, and elderly Goldens will probably acquire arthritis. Supplements targeted at the joints have been shown to slow the deterioration of joints, enhance joint function, and decrease pain and disability. For example, Krillex Joint Supplements are a multi-purpose supplement that can be taken as a single chewable tablet. Conclusion There are certainly far too many products on the market for most retriever parents to keep track of them all, including probiotics, fiber, and joint supplements. Your healthy Golden could use one of these supplements. Thus familiarizing yourself with the best brands is in everyone's best interest. Featured Golden Retriever Products. These duck-flavored chews are formulated with glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane MSM , turmeric, green-lipped mussels, and organic hemp oil to help promote overall joint health and relieve inflammation due to everyday exercise. Together, they can work to help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote overall health. If you have any concerns about your puppy's heart function or health, talk to your vet for their recommendations. Packed with fish oil, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, these chews bring relief to dry, itchy, sensitive, and flaky skin and help make your dog's coat soft and shiny. Even better? These tasty treats support hip and joint health, immune system function, and cardiovascular activity for overall health. Made with over 25 nutrients, including omega 3s and 6s, this multivitamin tablet supports your puppy's cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system as well as cognitive and liver health. This supplement can be given to dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. This daily tablet can help your puppy maintain healthy teeth and bones. It's flavorless, too, so you can give it to your pup by hand or crumble it and mix it in with his food. Made to help prevent urinary issues, this supplement contains ingredients like pumpkin seed powder, rehmannia glutinosa powder, phytoestrogens, wild yam, and soy protein to support your pup's urinary health. Made with a bacterium known as bifidobacterium longum BL , this supplement along with proper separation anxiety training can help keep your pup calm. It can help your dog who has diarrhea or maybe recovering from parvo," Ochoa says. What To Look For It can be difficult to find the best supplements for ourselves, nevertheless for our puppies. However, there are a few ways you can differentiate between what to add to your cart and what to leave on the shelf. Ingredients Because supplements aren't regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration, pay careful attention to the ingredients in a particular supplement. It is more of a treat that tastes good, and there are not any real supplements in the treats. Efficacy Because supplements aren't regulated, Whittenburg recommends researching any potential option and looking for peer-reviewed published studies that demonstrate their efficacy. If you'd really like to do some digging, she says you can reach out to the manufacturer to see if they follow the Good Manufacturing Practices GMP guidelines and are approved by the U. No one company makes all of those, but your vet will know the best brands in each category. Do you want to make sure they are getting the supplements they need for a healthy life? It can sometimes be difficult to know what is best for them. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best supplements on the market today that will help keep your Golden Retriever at their best! Things to Consider When Buying Supplements for Your Golden Retrievers There are certain things that you need to be careful about when you are buying supplements for your dog. Always Read the Labels Carefully The most important thing that you need to do when buying supplements for your dog is to read the labels carefully. This will ensure that you are getting the right dosage and that the supplement is safe for your pet. Some Supplements Can Interact With Other Medications Another thing to keep in mind when buying a supplement for your dog is that some of them can interact with other medications they may be taking. If you are unsure if a supplement will interact with another medication, it is best to talk to your veterinarian before giving it to your pet. Some dogs have allergies and can have adverse reactions to certain supplements. A Word about Reviews and Ratings Online Reviews and ratings online are something else you should be weary of when buying supplements for your pet. It is important that you read through them all carefully before making a final decision on the supplement in question, especially if it has a high rating or too many reviews claiming how great it is. This could mean there are not enough negative reviews out there because they were left by people who had issues with the product and did not want to post their review. Always take this into consideration as well! Take a Vet's Advice The best advice that we can give you when it comes to buying supplements for your Golden Retriever is to take a vet's advice. They will be able to tell you what the dog needs and what specific supplement would be best for them. So, if you are unsure about anything, always go to the vet! Not only will they be able to tell you about some good supplements but they will also guide you regarding the amount of supplements you should give your dog. Choose a Product That Has Variety of Ingredients Another thing to keep in mind is that you want a supplement with variety of ingredients. This will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need for optimal health. It will also help to prevent any allergic reactions your dog may have. This company is known for their high quality supplements and they also have a variety of products to choose from. So, whether you are looking for a joint supplement or something to help with skin allergies, US Producers likely has what you need. Choose a Supplement Specifically Tailored For Your Dog's Needs In addition to choosing a supplement with variety of ingredients, you should also choose one that is specifically tailored for your dog's needs. For example, if your dog has joint pain, you will want to find a joint supplement that contains chondroitin and glucosamine. This will help to reduce the inflammation in the joints and help your Golden Retriever feel better. Make sure they actually need the respective supplement because you start giving it to them. This will reduce their chances of having an adverse reaction to it. There are several medical issues that Golden Retriever's face. The most common of these, is cancer. This can be in the form of lymphoma, tumors or cancer of the blood. If your Golden Retriever is diagnosed with cancer, you will likely have to start them on chemotherapy treatments. So, it is important that you keep this in mind when choosing a supplement for them. This will greatly increase your dog's chances of fighting off diseases and illnesses, including cancer! If you have ever heard about omega-rich fishes like tuna or salmon helping to reduce depression in humans, well this is basically the same principle. The fish oils found within these types of fishes are extremely beneficial for us because they contain essential fatty acids which our bodies cannot produce themselves but we still need them nonetheless. These fatty acids are then converted into prostaglandins. These may not sound like much but they play a critical role in the inflammation response and our body's general immunity to infection which is why they have been shown to help prevent cancer! One of the best on the market and one that has been shown to be highly effective at improving digestion in dogs, is Purina FortiFlora. This product will help keep their stomach healthy and improve how they digest food. In addition to using this for your Golden Retriever if it develops an upset stomach from eating something non-edible such as grass , you can also use this for prevention purposes. By doing so, it may actually reduce these symptoms before they occur! If your Golden Retriever already suffers from chronic constipation or gastric issues, this probiotic supplement can also be used to help improve their digestion. This is because it contains live active cultures which will colonize your dog's gut and actually reduce the harmful bacteria causing these digestive problems! Glucosamine are natural compounds that help build cartilage but they can upset the stomach of some dogs, causing vomiting. So if your Golden Retriever already has digestive issues it may be better off with these joint chews instead! These soft chews contain CMO chrondoitrin which is an ingredient known as "The New Glucosamine" due to how effective it is at improving mobility in older pets! This product also contains MSM, another excellent compound when it comes relieving joint pain, especially stiffness caused by arthritis. Plus, these joint chews are also a great way to promote healthy hips in your Golden Retriever. They contain antioxidants which help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints as well as Omega- fatty acids which can help lubricate the joints and improve overall mobility. If your dog is starting to slow down or has trouble getting up, it may be time to start him on a supplement like this! If your dog suffers from a heart condition or kidney problems, you should consider supplementing their diet with triglyceride omega fatty acids. These capsules are an excellent source of Omega- fatty acids which have been shown to improve heart health and help reduce the risk for kidney disease. They also contain antioxidants which can help protect the cells in the kidneys from damage. In addition to helping improve heart health and protecting the kidneys, these supplements can also help improve cognitive function in older dogs. This is because they contain DHA docosahexaenoic acid - an Omega-fatty acid that is known to support cognitive health. So if you're noticing your Golden Retriever isn't as sharp as they used to be, consider adding these capsules to their diet! Plus, since they are in capsule form, it's easy to add them into your dog's food without any fuss. Just give them one or two capsules a day and you'll be helping keep their heart and kidneys functioning properly! It contains cranberry extract which has been shown to be effective at preventing and treating UTIs. In fact, it's so effective that it's often prescribed by veterinarians to dogs with recurring UTIs! In addition to cranberry extract, this supplement also contains D-mannose. This is another compound that has been shown to be helpful in preventing and treating UTIs. D-mannose helps flush out the bacteria causing the infection, making it an excellent choice for quickly clearing up a UTI. This supplement also comes in chewable form, making it easy for your dog to take. Just give them one of these daily and they'll be on their way to a UTI-free life! These supplements come in the form of chews, and they are packed full of nutrients that are essential for healthy skin and coat. Some of the key ingredients in these chews include Omega- fatty acids and biotin. Both of these ingredients are known for their ability to promote healthy skin and coat, making them an excellent choice for keeping your dog's fur looking its best. Plus, these chews also contain antioxidants which can help protect your dog's skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can be especially helpful if you live in a dry climate or your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Greenies supplements are also chock-full of nutrients that can help improve the health of your Golden Retriever's teeth and gums. We are fortunate enough to be living in a time where we can get supplements for almost all types of issues that our canine friends can suffer from. So if your golden retriever is suffering from any one of the above mentioned issues then you can get the supplements delivered right to your doorstep. You can also find supplements for other problems that your dog might face. All you have to do is go online and do some research and you are bound to find a good supplement that will work for your dog and help in relieving your dog of that that respective medical issue. More Health. Below are tips to guide you on that purchase. Talk to the Vet: The first and most important thing to do is check with your veterinarian. They will guide you on whether or not your dog needs vitamin supplements. If a dog is undergoing treatment, introducing a multivitamin without confirmation from the vet may interfere with the medication. It is potentially dangerous. Check the Ingredients: when selecting multivitamins for your dog, you must check the ingredients. Be sure not to get one that contains ingredients your dog may be allergic to. It is okay to switch between multivitamins. Product Form: soft chewable multivitamins are usually easier to give to dogs. You merely have to know what form works. Flavor: since this is all about your dog, you should find a flavor it likes. If the taste is not right, you may not be able to get your dog to take the much-needed multivitamins. When do you need to get multivitamins for your dog? Since vitamins are essential for both humans and animals alike, you have to be sure if your dog needs it before buying one. Your pet will need multivitamins if you feed it homemade food. You may also need to introduce multivitamins when your dog is getting old. Your dog finds walking and running around tiresome at this age; their joints become weak, and arthritis sets in. It is paramount that you get multivitamins to strengthen the bones and joints to increase its vitality and make mobility comfortable. However, you should note that these multivitamins are not a cure for arthritis or heart-related diseases in dugs. When the vet confirms that your dog lacks vitamins or minerals, it is time to include multivitamins in the meals. You do not want your pup to suffer due to dry and itchy skin since they cannot use skin moisturizers like humans. It would be best if you did not overlook skin health, whether for the short coat breed like Basset Hounds or their long coat counterpart like the Golden Retrievers. You can find our most recommended skin and coat supplements here. Can I give my dog human multivitamins? Most dog parents may have considered giving their pets from human multivitamins, the way they feed these animals with table scraps. It sounds like an excellent idea since you can quickly get these supplements from a drugstore around the corner. But the money and time you are looking to save would not be worth the effect on your dog. Multivitamins for humans cannot replace those for animals since we have different health needs per time. It could also contain known additives that are unsafe or ingredients in excessive amounts. An FDA report in found some dog food to have excessive amounts of vitamin D. And with the varying amounts of vitamins, you may only require these supplements in minimal doses. Curious pets are known to chew on containers that smell nice or look fascinating. Keeping human multivitamins safe and out of reach will ensure that your pets do not accidentally ingest them. Look out for pills that fall to the ground while taking your dose of supplements and carefully dispose of them. Can a multivitamin hurt a dog? Several components of a multivitamin supplement might be unsafe for dogs when ingested in large amounts over an extended period. Excess vitamins A and D cause gastrointestinal upset and systemic signs like lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and anorexia. Iron toxicity with similar symptoms may occur when you administer vitamins that contain the element in large proportions. Other vitamins like D and B are also unsafe in large proportions, and accidental ingestion or prolonged use often has severe consequences. Observation is key to ensuring that you do not exceed the daily recommended dose. You may consult your veterinarian for proper advice and suggestions on the correct use of supplements. Research multivitamin supplements and choose options, preferably with a seal of approval by the National Animal Supplement Council. Xylitol poisoning is the leading cause of liver failure in canines, hence the need to keep products that contain the ingredient away from your pet. In cases of accidental consumption, a quick visit to the ER can save the life of your pooch. Final thoughts Humans and animals need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and carry out daily activities effectively. Choosing the right supplements for your dogs is essential, especially if the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are not already present in the dog food. Since getting the right supplements may be difficult, tips to help you through this process are available in this article. You May Also Like.

American Pit Bull: Boxer Puppy Biting and Nipping When we talk about Boxer puppies biting children, both younger and older kids, toys or even biting at your feet, what most are actually talking about is nipping. There is a huge difference between the 2 words. A nip is a quick snap of the jaws, it can be done in the air close to a person or it can make skin contact yet it is a pinch type bite that often does not break the skin. Boxer puppies and even older dogs nip, not to attack someone, but to send a warning. The warning is not necessarily that of an impending attack… Boxer puppy nipping is done for one of several reasons: As play — Young pups are used to nipping at their littermates as a form of play and this may carry over as they transition into their new home. If a Boxer puppy is biting a lot, it may be an issue of the dog needing to learn the rules of the home and needing to learn that was used to be acceptable with other pups is no longer acceptable with his humans. A Method of Sending a Message — Boxer dogs of any age may nip for many reasons. Unable to vocalize, the nip is a message. Often it is a low growl, lasting just seconds, with teeth bared. In some cases, there will only be a growl as the dog lowers his back, hunches over and bares his teeth yet does not actually physically bite. On the other hand, an actual bite not a nip is a full force, aggressive action in which the jaws lock down and teeth puncture the skin. The dog intends to inflict injury and the person on the other end often receives it unless thick clothing gets in the way, etc. In the following section we will discuss how to stop a Boxer dog from biting in the sense that the dog is actually nipping and it is not a full force, aggression bite meant to do serious harm. Training to Stop Boxer Puppy to Stop Biting and Nipping Overview Many owners feel, and rightfully so, that a bite is a serious issue and a behavior that needs to be addressed immediately. For this reason, they feel that taking serious action is the only way to stop the behavior… and this is where things can go wrong. And this is because it does not teach the dog what he needs to learn. Yelling, hitting or otherwise intimidating a puppy or dog will only serve to make the dog afraid of his owner. Alternatively, some dogs will see this as a challenge. So, owners must choose: Fear or respect. For a happy, healthy environment in which humans and canines live in peace, the Boxer or any other dog should be taught to respect his humans, not fear them. In addition, for a dog that bites, physically isolating him will stop the problem short term…while the dog is taken away of course he is not biting anyone…. It is a huge mistake to miss out on a chance to train a dog to stop biting. Of course, in the rare chance that a dog is full out biting, causing injury and is clearly dangerously aggressive, the dog should be removed… And measures must be taken to keep the family safe from any potential attacks…but again, this does not relate to puppy nipping, play biting or nipping due to teething, etc. Training a Boxer puppy to stop biting takes a bit of mental will power. You may have heard this before: Ignore the puppy. There is no other way for a dog to interpret this, as it is canine mentality. His humans and any other animals in the home are his pack. Every single pack that exists has a leader. Having a leader is a defining element of a pack. Problems can arise when a dog does not have a clear understanding of who that leader is. Humans begin eating. Two to three minutes pass. Once the dog obeys, a delicious and healthy meal is set down for him. So, once a dog knows that his human is in charge, how does this training stop the Boxer from biting….? When a Boxer understands that his human s are his leader s , being ignored is akin to being rejected by pack. A dog will suddenly be very humbled. He will worry that his pack has turned their backs on him… he will question his behavior and, when done correctly, he will make the connection that his action of biting caused a major problem with his standing in his family…. If you were both on the floor, stand up. If you were holding him, place him down. If you were both sitting on the sofa, rise up. This means zero talking, absolutely no looking in his direction…nothing. As a Boxer puppy works very hard to gain attention of any one in the house, everyone even those who were not bitten should be completely indifferent to the dog. Allow 10 minutes to pass. Now, when you are doing this, 2 minutes may feel like 20, so take a look at the clock and then choose an activity flip through the TV, check your email, get a drink…do whatever you want, but do remain in the house so that your Boxer can see that you are ignoring him and wait it out. After those 10 minutes, it is time to speak to your Boxer, but not engage him in any activity yet. Many times, the puppy will test things out. Simply mull around near your dog, speaking a bit and acting matter-of-fact. Do not give praise. Wait things out for about 5 minutes. If your Boxer does not nip or bite at you, it will be time to go back to the position that you were in when the bite occurred. It is at this time that if your Boxer does not nip at you that praise and attention can be given. If the dog does bite again, the complete ignoring method of training must be done — this means that the dog is testing things to see if it was indeed his nip that caused his temporary outcast from the pack. Scared Mum Sep 24, 22 PM i have 2 dogs 14 and 13 with cateracts and one has become very angry, aggressive and bullish to the point of picking serious fights with the other.Sep 24, 22 PM When I am sitting on the couch, she will get right in my face, sometimes she wants to be petted, loved, to go outside or to be fed! She can be so sweet Owners father aggressive pit bull mix Sep 24, 22 PM This dog will sit lay down rollover shake speak ifyou say it has bit my daughter when she reached to pet him bit her boyfriend for the same and attacked Aggressive blue nose fawn male sibling towards each other recently fighting one another Sep 24, 22 PM I have 2 blue nose fawn pitbull male puppies and just lately they have been fighting each other, they are around 6 months old. He has stenosis of the spine, scolisis, a hernia, and carpal laxity. A couple of weeks ago we got a two months old Alaskan Malamute, male puppy. From day 1 he is prone to biting not nibbing , growling at us, did Aggressive terrier mix Dec 30, 21 PM I adopted My now 6 yr old terrier mix from the shelter. He was surrendered by his last owner and came out with a kennel cough. They have become aggressive toward each other during the last year. They become jealous around my husband Aggressive St.

The other two remained in Europe until retired. We are fortunate to have Luxor in The US. When it comes to appearance and performance Luxor is one of our all time favorites. His striking black sable color including the black stenciling on his toes is incredible. His performance is extraordinary on every level. His being pain stimulated corrections get him excited combined with his food and play drive enabled him to become so flashy he is in a perpetual state of showing-off, even if just being told to lay down at dinner time. He jumps into every position with his ears up and tail wagging just waiting for another command. In the last 30 years there are only two other dogs, both in Europe,we have seen produce on this level. As an example in Europe puppies are usually brought to training clubs three times a week to imprint protection and begin developing drives and bites. The hope is by 7 to 10 months these young dogs are biting full and hard. The puppies from previous Luxor litters, both in Europe and in the U. What we have consistently seen is the very first training session they demonstrate extreme drive. Their very first bite is completely full and hard as if they have been in training since they were puppies. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Dept of Justice Crime Statistics 2, Children reported missing every day. Over 3 million burglaries experienced in U. Amy understands dogs and dog behavior like no one else I know. With training from Amy, one could expect a dog from Valor to not only effectively protect the home and family, but also be able to be fully integrated into family life as well.The dog would be able to shift from protection dog to family pet with ease. Button text Brooke Hansen If you are looking for a personal protection dog, look no further. Valor Protection Dogs are the best in the business. Amy and Justin take great pride in producing the best results in their dogs, and it shows. They are the epitome of honest, hardworking individuals. They have taken the time to answer all my questions regarding personal protection dogs, and I have been able to met Freya, Rip an and Zion. I also had the pleasure to meet their own personal protection dog, Havok. Button text Zach and Bri Where can we start. Amy is absolutely amazing. Our dog [Xxanto] is absolutely amazing. The entire process was seamless, warm, and fun. A gifted trainer with the best of the best when it comes to her dogs. Button text Casey Clubb We are so glad we found Amy! Valor Protection Dogs has vastly exceeded all of our hopes and expectations.Amy truly cared more about making the best match than about making the most money.Tess is a dream. There's nothing quite like the joy of having a happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved dog.Amy has been very thoughtful and thorough in the handover training and guidance for how to bring Tess into our family. And she continues to be there for us. Button text Kelsi Long They genuinely care about the quality of training, quality of the dog and take the time to teach the owners how to be successful. Each of their trainers share these same qualities as well! Abby Rowland I've known Amy for a year now and have nothing but good things to say about Valor and the way she runs her company. Working with Amy and Justin has always felt 'right. Valor is run with professionalism and integrity.From a Valor Protection Dog, I would expect a dog that is incredibly driven and clear headed. Basically, everything that Amy expects from and teaches her personal dogs. I was lucky enough to attend the shadow student program.Havok is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs. A confident, stable, level-headed family dog, but also has drive and is a natural when it comes to bite work. The work and dedication Amy has put into Havok is evident in the amount of control and precision of their work. I've attended multiple shadow and retreat programs under them, and they conduct their business with efficiency and integrity - something that is hard to find in the dog world nowadays. Hard work is ingrained into both of them, and they have a standard of excellence in every aspect of their business. This program sets your family up for success in both of these areas. Lose the worry. Get with Valor today! Button text Best in class service from a company that operates with honesty and integrity. Button text. All dogs shown on this page reside at our luxury kennel or in private homes and are available for immediate pick-up or delivery directly to your home. Contact us to discuss the details of getting the training you need to achieve optimal success with your new dog. Our prices vary depending on the degree of personal protection training for each dog. Hundreds of training hours in obedience, home training, protection training, tracking, and social training are needed before a dog can pass the stringent requirements of training. We train with family in mind and can train to your specifications. Contact us today, we will train for your needs. If you decide to pick up several hours of instruction will be provided to you at no additional charge over the purchase price of your dog. If you opt for shipping we will endeavor to provide you with video instructions on the handling of your new dog. Or if you would like to have a trainer deliver your new dog and provide in-home instruction to you and your family we can accommodate those needs as well. Bred Exceptional. Trained Exceptional. Overall Training can take up to 3 years and starts shortly after birth. Proven and accomplished protection skills. Training is based on praise and confidence. Family Training is also essential. Training focused on intimidation or rushed wide electric collars. Short Cycles — A quick transfer from Import to New home with little or no training or evaluation. Questionable behavior around children. Socialization and acclamation around other types and breeds of animals is minimal. Shipped to the new home with little or no hands-on training for the new family. Protection skills may not be proven. Police K-9s are not Family Protection Dogs. No pedigree or titles at all usually equates to problems. There is always a reason why… How long has Trainer been in business? Often change company name to hide from poor reputation and legal issues. Offer multiple services instead of specializing in what you need — a solid family protector. Your family is most important and precious to you. Harrison Prather, founder of Harrison K-9 and is still involved and has made it a lifelong commitment to provide you with the best family protector. His right hand, November, has been trained by him for the last 27 years to continue his legacy. There is nothing more precious to you than your family. Critical factors to consider when selecting a canine for your family protection dog: Never Buy Aggression and Fear Many people confuse confidence with aggression, but this can be an extremely dangerous mistake. An aggressive dog will chase and attack out of fear. This dog can become frenzied and out of control, failing to respond even to his handler. Obedience to the family and handler is of the utmost importance. Every client receives hands-on training on handling their dog before it is released to the family. This assures confidence on the part of the dog and the family with their new partnership. A confident dog will chase and attack only on command, or if his handler or himself is physically attacked first. A confident dog is never frenzied and can be called off immediately and without question. For a family watch dog, we have found that the best dog breed for protection displays confidence and courageousness, making the European German Shepherd the undisputed champ. Working dog competitions specifically test for the most desirable qualities for which German Shepherds were originally bred. While the competition and conformation of dog sports has been opened up in recent years to permit other breeds to compete for titles, few other breeds have been able to demonstrate consistency at the level of the European German Shepherd. The undisputed, most levelheaded award goes to the … European German Shepherd. Obedience, willingness, and reliability are at the heart of the European German Shepherd. These traits in addition to decades of structured breeding and evaluations, are what make them capable of earning top recognition. The European German Shepherd is well known in the working and conformation world as the top breed and the best of the best. Other breeds just fall short in one area or another. As an individual looking for the best protector and family companion, even considering another breed for the safety of your family is settling for less. Our leadership and expertise in the industry have been profiled in dozens of magazine and newspaper articles, plus on news broadcasts and television documentaries. We do not need to advertise your name to place our dogs.

Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Our commitment to the breed! The German Shepherd Dog is an exceptional dog. GSDs are able to perform at a high level in many different skills and duties: search and rescue, nose work, protection, herding, service and therapy work, and sport work, all while being loyal and loving pets. A GSD will always have your back! Unfortunately, poor breeding has created many genetically flawed and sick dogs. These genetically flawed dogs break hearts and bank accounts and destroy the standard of the breed. Our breeding program is committed to providing genetically sound, clear in the head, true-to-the-breed-dogs, both in body and mind. All our breeding dogs are genetically tested for disease markers to ensure that they will not be subjected to these diseases. All our dogs go though hip and elbow testing and all are titled in Schutzhund or AKC and are certified in police, service or therapy disciplines. Our breeding stock are all imported or from imported stock and have outstanding lineage. From a Medal of Honor winner and IPO3-titled dog to a certified narcotics detection and patrol service dog - our GSDs come from highly awarded lines, true to the breed and clear in the head. We start working with our puppies the day they are born. They receive early neurological stimulation: They are introduced to sounds of city noises and thunderstorms starting the third week - these sounds are introduced very quietly at the beginning and increase over time. We "play" as soon as they are able, working their natural drive and building confidence. They get a head start on the housebreaking process: At 4 weeks we introduce a "litter" box and at 6 weeks we move to outside potty breaks. We begin crate training at 6 weeks, with the goal of having them sleeping singly by the time they go to their forever home. You will appreciate this more than you know! And of course, they are age-appropriate vaccinated, microchipped and thoroughly examined by our veterinarian. We have answers. Of course! Are there any San Antonio German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? Every single breeder and company on our site is pre-screened to ensure they match our high standards when it comes to not only breeding, but transparency. Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale San Antonio? Rather than focus on price, the breeders and businesses that we work with pour their heart and soul into breeding the healthiest and happiest German Shepherd puppies. We only work with the best breeders, and we know that their prices reflect the time, dedication, and financial investment it takes to breed the best. Whether or not to choose to bring home a shelter dog or one from a breeder or business in the Uptown network all comes down to choice. Before being cleared for travel, your puppy will get a clean bill of health. We highly recommend requesting their records and then booking an appointment with your local vet for once your pup arrives. Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies San Antonio, or do they need more exercise? So as well as regular active walks, you need to spend plenty of time looking after their mental health as well. Training classes, agility, puzzles, and games are all ways to keep these smart dogs engaged and content. How big will a German Shepherd for sale San Antonio grow? German Shepherds are tall and powerful dogs. Males are larger, weighing 65 - 90 pounds, and standing 24 - 26 inches tall. They might be big, but they still love a good nap on the couch! What will a San Antonio German Shepherd for sale be like to train?

Are your pets aging? Here are signs you should look out for Dear Lindsay, When a puppy is itching a lot at 11 weeks of age, the most likely cause is sarcoptic mange or fleas. A puppy of that age is really too young to have allergies yet. It has not been exposed to anything long enough to mount an immune response. The more I read and reread your email, this puppy has a lot of problems at such a young age — bladder issues, ear infection, itching all over. I'm sorry your vet was so rushed. Unfortunately, it seems that most veterinarians are finding it hard to make time for all the animals that need to be seen today. Getting in to see the veterinarian is getting more and more difficult and I want to applaud you for getting your pet in for vaccinations. They are so important at this age and until your puppy is 16 weeks old. When I see a puppy this young with an ear infection the first thing I look for is ear mites. A clue that ear mites could be the cause of the ear infection is seeing black wax in the ears. Ear mites can be ruled out by looking at some of the wax from the ear under the microscope. The little mites will be crawling around. Sarcoptic manage could be culprit When I see a puppy itching as badly as you describe, I look for sarcoptic mange or fleas. Sarcoptic mange mites are harder to find, but can sometimes be seen under the microscope when a skin scraping is taken. Usually if I suspect Sarcoptic mange I just go ahead and treat the pet and see if the itching clears up rather than do a skin scraping. The easiest way to treat for sarcoptic mange, fleas and ear mites is to give your pet a dose of a chewable flea and tick medicine called Nexgard. It is a chewy that is labeled for fleas and ticks and can be used on dogs eight weeks of age and older. While it is not labeled for the treatment of sarcoptes mites, it will kill them and it is very safe. Nexgard does require a prescription but since you have seen your veterinarian recently you should be able to call him and ask for the product. Get it today and treat your puppy just in case it is sarcoptic mange. Also wash all the bedding that can be washed and what can't be washed should be thrown away. Start there. If itching continues, I would be surprised. If it does continue you may be dealing with some form of rare allergy problem. CAD is common in certain breeds, particularly Golden Retrievers. The telltale sign of skin allergies is itching, which can range from mild to severe. Other than scratching to relieve the itch, your dog will rub, lick, chew and bite different parts of his body e. Skin allergies can sometimes lead to ear infections, so your dog might start shaking his head because his ears feel itchy. This head shaking can lead to the development of a hematoma large mass of blood on his ear. Clinical signs of skin allergies usually start appearing when a dog is 6 months to 3 years old. The more your Golden Retriever scratches, the more damaged his skin will become. Most noticeably, his skin will become very red. His skin may also develop hyperpigmentation, and become crusty. The scratching can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections on the skin, which would make the skin smell bad. For example, you may see reddening and hair loss around his eyes and muzzle. You may also notice his ears looking red. His fur will likely have patches of hair loss where he has been scratching. CAD is either seasonal or non-seasonal. If your dog seems to be particularly itchy in the late summer or fall, he may have a seasonal skin allergy due to pollen or other air allergens. If he has year-round itchiness, he probably has developed a skin allergy to something inside your home, like dust mites. Knowing when your dog becomes extra itchy will help your veterinarian diagnose the skin allergy. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies in dogs. They work by blocking the release of histamine from mast cells cells involved in allergic reactions. Antihistamines work best in dogs with seasonal or mild skin allergies. Antihistamines are inexpensive and have very few side effects. Antihistamines work best when given consistently, not just as needed. Antihistamines for dogs are given by mouth. Antihistamines do not work the same in every dog. For this reason, your vet may recommend trying up to three antihistamines before moving on to a different type of therapy. Examples of dog-safe antihistamines are Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Note that the active medication in Benadryl can vary depending on the country. Always check with a vet to make sure the key component of any antihistamine is safe. Try each antihistamine for 10 — 14 days. Before using these over-the-counter antihistamines, ask your vet what dosage of antihistamine your dog will need. Your Golden Retriever may still be itchy with antihistamine therapy. However, the itchiness will probably be less than what it was before. Steroids are anti-inflammatory. By decreasing inflammation, steroids help a dog with CAD feel less itchy. However, steroids have serious long-term side effects, including increased drinking and urinating, liver enlargement, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Steroids can be given as short-term relief for flare-ups temporary episodes of itchiness. Your vet will determine which type of steroid therapy your Golden Retriever will need. If your Golden Retriever needs long term steroid therapy, your vet may prescribe a low dosage to be given every other day. Do not make changes to the steroid dosage on your own. This could make treatment more challenging. If your Golden Retriever is on long term steroid therapy, monitoring for side effects is very important. In addition to observing your dog at home, your vet will want to see your dog regularly to analyze blood and urine samples. If you notice any side effects e. You do not have to wait until your regularly scheduled appointment to have your Golden Retriever examined. In addition to steroids, your vet may prescribe other medications, such as antihistamines, with the goal of limiting or eliminating steroid use. Follow prescription instructions for these other medications. Your vet will determine if the other medications are working well enough to start phasing out the steroids from the treatment plan. Your vet may recommend a drug called cyclosporine, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Unlike steroids, long term cyclosporine therapy is generally well tolerated by dogs. Therefore, the cost of cyclosporine therapy would decrease over time. Talk with your vet if you are concerned about the overall cost of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is an oral drug. Then, the dosage is gradually decreased to the lowest effective dose. Give the cyclosporine on an empty stomach. Cyclosporine can cause several side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. Side effects usually occur within the first two weeks of therapy. Contact your vet if you observe these side effects. Your vet may recommend stopping the cyclosporine for a few days, then restarting it by giving it with a small amount of food. Even if you become impatient with waiting for a treatment response, do not change the cyclosporine dosage on your own—this could lead to treatment failure, which could make your Golden Retriever feel even itchier. If the white blood cell counts are low, your vet may need to adjust the cyclosporine dosage. These follow-up visits will also allow your vet to determine how well your Golden Retriever is responding to therapy. It can help your Golden Retriever achieve remission no visible signs of CAD without the use of other medications e. Immunotherapy is most helpful for dogs that have skin allergies for longer than two to three months at a time and have not responded well to other skin allergy medications. It is a lifelong treatment. Immunotherapy injections are usually given about once every one to four weeks. Your vet will let you know how often your Golden Retriever will need the injections. It may help to schedule several appointments at one time to make sure your dog receives stays on schedule with the treatment. At the beginning of immunotherapy, your vet will increase the dosage of allergens until a maintenance dosage is reached. Your vet will determine the maintenance dosage and keep your Golden Retriever at this dosage level. Your vet may change the frequency of injections during the course of therapy. This may be the hardest part of immunotherapy, since it may take anywhere from a few months to a full year before a dog responds to this type of therapy. Because your Golden Retriever will not respond to immunotherapy very quickly, your vet will recommend treating your dog with other skin allergy medications during the course of immunotherapy. Before starting immunotherapy, your vet will probably ask that you commit to this treatment for at least 1 year to see if it will work. This amount of improvement could mean that a dog does not need to be on other skin allergy medications. Golden retrievers are extremely intelligent, loyal, and sociable dogs. They are the quintessential family dog. However, owning one means you will have to also deal with allergies and food intolerances. This guide provides a brief run-down on what to expect as a new owner of a golden retriever. Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Skin Issues Golden retrievers are known to have a myriad of skin issues that are often noticeable when your find them aggressively scratching. However, some skin issues can be hard to notice as they tend to be covered by their dense undercoat or thick fur. In fact, it is this thick fur that stores and retains heat and humidity so close to the skin that consequently results in skin issues. Mainly, they are prone to environmental allergies and atopic dermatitis. Like several other breeds, some stuff in the environment, such as tree pollen, dust, and even certain cleaning products are well-known causes for these allergies. Most Common Golden Retrievers Skin Allergies Golden retrievers are quite susceptible to skin allergies and allergen agents. Most common of all is atopic dermatitis. This is a condition that is predominantly genetic in a significant number of golden retrievers. It causes their bodies to become highly inflamed and sensitive to dust particles, grass, tree pollen as well as certain cleaning products. The other types of allergens that can affect some golden retrievers include certain dog supplements for itchy skin, some medications, mold, food ingredients and fleas. Corn and wheat products have also been found to cause allergic reactions in some golden retrievers — hence the prevalence of insect-based dog food these days. If the skin problem of your golden retriever is a result of food allergies, it is recommended that you use the same approach you would use for humans. What this means is that you should try putting your dog on an elimination diet. Should the symptoms be alleviated during this period, then it is certain that your dog was reacting to a food allergy. In other cases, a vet may recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy — which is basically a method that involves introducing small doses of the allergen to your golden retriever regularly until their sensitivity to the allergen becomes negligible. Hot spots, which often presents as swollen and inflamed skin, can be treated by putting your golden retriever on a course of dog supplements for itchy skin, anti-microbial hot spot spray, medicated shampoo, or hot spot anti-microbial hydrogel. All of these are designed to provide a relieving effect. Itching in dogs such as golden retrievers can be caused by many things. The most common culprits, however, are fleas, food allergies, environmental allergies, dry skin, mites, or an ear infection. Once you notice that your dog is itching a little more than usual, you need to observe first to try and isolate the cause before rushing to provide treatment. You may make matters worse by providing the wrong treatment. If home-based remedies are not providing any tangible relief, be sure to see a professional vet for further guidance. As a general practice, any dog that suffers from food allergies should be put on either a limited ingredient food course or a hypoallergenic food course. A limited ingredient food course is basically food that has few components. The idea here is to make it easy to isolate what is causing the allergy. Thanks to advancements in industry today, these foods do not have to be bland. You have an array of flavored limited ingredient foods that can be enjoyed by your golden retriever. One example of such a protein is hydrolyzed soy. If you are unsure of which hypoallergenic foods or proteins to use, consult a professional vet. Some studies have shown that certain dog breeds are more susceptible to chicken allergies and golden retrievers are among them. It is, however, hard to put a concrete figure on the proportion of golden retrievers that are allergic to chicken. What we do know is that it tends to be genetic; therefore, breeding dogs that exhibit some chicken intolerance will likely spread that allergy to subsequent generations. The symptoms of chicken allergy in golden retrievers, like many other dog breeds, presents as a lot of itching and scratching. In a few cases, chicken allergies have been found to be severe if left untreated for a long time. Golden retrievers are considered to be water dogs. They have a thick fur and their skin secretes natural oils that are water-repellant. The question of how often you should bathe your golden retriever depends on lifestyle factors. One that stays indoors a lot gathers dirt less than then one prone to playing outside or in algae-filled ponds. You should also keep in mind that washing your dog too much can be just as bad as not washing at all. This is because excessive washing will strip away the natural oils that provide a protective coating to its fur. Studies have shown that it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-odor properties. Some vets suggest using coconut oil on small cuts and wounds to help prevent your dog from getting infections. The best way to prevent allergies in your golden retriever is by making sure that your environment is clean and free of dust mites and pollen. Also, incorporating dog supplements for itchy skin in their diet has been found to help. We suggest consulting a professional vet guidance if you are having trouble with dog allergies. Also read these important recourses for your dog:. Skin inflammation Watery eyes A runny nose, If left untreated, can result in infections so if you suspect your Golden has an environmental allergy, it is important to consult your vet. Something you can do at home is to wipe your Golden Retriever with a damp cloth after they go out in order to remove allergens from their coat and skin. That thick coat is beautiful — but is also vulnerable to skin irritations. That thick coat is beautiful — but is also vulnerable to skin irriations Food Allergies Another common issue for Golden Retrievers is food allergies. The most common food allergens for dogs are animal protein sources such as chicken, beef, and dairy. A recent study revealed that animal-based ingredients beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, egg, pork, fish, and rabbit were responsible for over 3 times the amount of food allergy cases in dogs than plant-based ingredients. Beyond causing skin issues, food allergies can also cause other problems such as upset stomach and other gastrointestinal issues. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Food allergies can develop at any age so even if their food has not been changed, it may still be the cause of their allergies. Hot Spots Hot spots are red inflamed skin lesions that ooze. They tend to appear quickly and may even contain pus. They develop as a result of scratching an initial itch. In Golden Retrievers, common causes of the initial itch are allergies and the hot, humid environment near the skin created by their thick undercoat. Once a dog begins licking the sore spot, they irritate the superficial nerve endings in the skin, which only further stimulates them to lick, causing more self trauma. In order to stop the self trauma cycle, the first step is to stop the trauma. This can often be accomplished by placing an Elizabethan collar on your dog. Remember that this does not address the cause of the itch, and so it is recommended you consult your vet. For severe cases, immediate veterinarian attention is recommended. Parasites Fleas are one of the most common culprits behind Golden Retriever skin issues. Much like allergies, they will cause your dog to itch a lot. They can infest your home too, spreading to other pets and living in soft furnishings. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to keep your fur baby parasite free, it is best to give your dog a monthly flea and tick preventative year-round. Speak to your veterinarian to determine which is best for your pup. Prescription preventatives are usually recommended as many over the counter preventatives are not very effective. Now you know about some common Golden Retriever skin issues, and more importantly, you know what to look out for. Thick undercoats make golden retrievers very vulnerable to skin issues, especially if they remain wet. Trapped moisture and a natural disposition for skin issues can be a problem. Since graduation, she has worked in general practice, on telehealth platforms, and in animal rehabilitation. She has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in the field of canine nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework, and plans to pursue her Masters in Animal Nutrition. In this article:. The Most Common Causes for Itchy Skin in Golden Retrievers — And How to Treat Them Itchy skin often stems from the environment, food allergies, parasites, underlying infections, or plain skin irritation that leads to excessive itching. Instead, allergies in Goldens may become present through their skin. The Solution Your vet might prescribe injectable or oral medications, like Apoquel, Atopica, Cytopoint, or some antihistamines. Although Golden Retrievers can develop an allergy to any ingredient, the most common allergy-inducing ingredients that frequent the dog food market today are dairy, beef, chicken, soy, and wheat gluten. If your Golden Retriever has a particularly low resistance to this type of food, their antibodies will react with the antigens, resulting in itchy skin as a symptom. Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet that uses protein-rich sources that are unrecognizable as antigens by their own antibodies. Your vet may also perform a food allergy test to see what foods your Golden Retriever is most sensitive to, so you can be diligent about what ingredients you should avoid in the future. Knowing parasite seasons in your area will help you better plan when to visit your vet so they can start medication treatment. Medication is proven to help avoid parasitic infections in dogs. If an infection is left untreated, it could result in worse symptoms or even spread to other household members. Dogs can contract infections via contact with other animals, exposure within the environment, or simply an overgrowth of fungi that is already naturally present due to a weakened immune system. Conclusion Itchy skin is never comfortable for anyone, so when your four-legged best friend is suffering from consistent itching, the first thing you want to do is get to the root of the problem. Itchy skin is usually a result of outdoor allergies, food allergies, parasites, fungal or bacterial infections, dry skin, or simply compulsive behaviors like boredom or anxiety. Although Golden Retrievers are prone to skin issues, you can better guarantee a healthy dog when you choose to adopt from a reputable breeder like Snowy Pines. Learn more about our available puppies today! Share on. Soy Corn By putting on your allergy detective hat, you can solve the case and help your golden retriever live a much happier life. Some potential parasites your golden retriever may encounter that could affect their skin health include: Fleas Ticks Mites Treatment for parasites varies by the type of bug, but can include topical treatments, oral treatments, or a combination of both. Reducing uncomfortable symptoms caused by the hot spots helps your pet feel better, which in turn can help them stop scratching and biting the area. This gives the spot a chance to heal instead of devolving into a potential bacterial infection. It can help protect areas of your dogs skin suffering from rashes, sores, burns, or moist canine atopic dermatitis. In addition to helping your pet heal and feel better, antimicrobial hydrogel can also help prevent future hot spots. Medicated Shampoo — Medicated shampoo can help treat various skin conditions, including hot spots and itchiness. At Vetericyn , we combine science and innovation with our passion for helping animals to create products used and recommended by veterinarians across the world. Safe for animals at all stages of life, our products avoid ingredients like antibiotics, steroids, iodine, and tea tree oil. Instead, we focus on quality ingredients that help heal your pet, without creating unwanted side effects like stinging, burning, or harming healthy tissue. You can find Vetericyn products at Amazon , Chewy , and Petco. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: Golden Retriever Society. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We ensured that none of the Labradoodle breeders mentioned here has a bad reputation and that no breeders with unethical procedures or puppy mills were listed. Secondly, PuppySpot offers a range of resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Labradoodle home as easy as possible. Lastly, PuppySpot is committed to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. They have a strict policy against working with puppy mills or substandard breeders and partner with animal welfare organizations to support their mission. They make the process easy, and their commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare is something to be proud of! You can trust this breeder, who has been breeding Australian multigenerational miniature and standard-sized Labradoodles since , to do everything she can to raise healthy and happy puppies. All puppies have been vaccinated, microchipped, and checked their health. You can also request health and genetic tests from this breeder. Hips, eyes, and other joints are among the most common health examinations. Furthermore, genetic testing guarantees that your dog will be free of inherited disorders. You will get a Labradoodle puppy that will share your home for the rest of its life. Each breeding parent has undergone extensive health checks and genetic testing. Before you can be approved as a breeder, both organizations need you to undergo health tests on your dogs. This breeder spends time exposing puppies to various stimuli and lifelong conditions such as nail trimming and bathing. Most Labradoodle breeders in New York will not provide their puppies with this additional training and stimulation. All puppies are vet-checked, given their first set of immunizations, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Parent dogs are health-tested and genetically checked, providing you peace of mind when choosing a Labradoodle puppy. This breeder is known for its multigeneration medium-sized Labradoodles. All pups come with a health guarantee of 2-years, up-to-date immunizations, microchipping, and free pet insurance for an initial period of 30 days. All breeding parents are entirely healthy and have had their eyes, hearts, knees, elbows, and hips examined by the OFA. This breeder is known for its multigenerational medium and standard-size Labradoodles. They only have a limited amount of certified therapy and service dogs available each year, so talk to them if you want your Labradoodle to be more than just a family pet or a companion dog. In New York, Guardianship initiatives are an excellent method to receive a low-cost Labradoodle pup. Within one week of the buyer receiving the puppy, a veterinarian will inspect the puppy. They breed F2B standard-sized Labradoodle puppies. At 6 weeks of age, the puppies will get their first checkup and vaccinations with the Country Side doctor. We usually suggest contacting each breeder individually and asking them a range of questions. Choose a breeder willing to address your issues and choose the best dog on the basis of temperament rather than appearance. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. They have puppies that come from very good bloodlines and they focus mostly on Australian Labradoodles, Multi-Generational Labradoodles F3 , Goldendoodles, and double doodles. Johnson raises them like their own within their own home and they teach them basics from a young age until they go home. They socialize the puppies with people and other dogs so they are ready to go to their forever homes. Tips for New Puppy Owners Congratulations on your new puppy! That tip is to take the time to prepare your puppy for his first visit to the grooming salon! Most puppies have their first grooming experience at around 11 or 12 weeks of age when their course of vaccinations is complete. Daily Brushing First of all, you must get into the routine of combing and brushing your Doodle pup every day. After a few days of wriggling and attempting to steal the grooming tools, Raffles has now gotten used to the whole rigmarole and accepts it without too much protest. Blow Dry Many dogs find the sound and sensation of a blow dryer quite alarming, so I started to introduce my puppy to that from day one. When I dried my hair, I simply put Raffles on the bed next to me, set the dryer onto its lowest, coolest setting, and gently allowed the air to pass over him. Here is a Labradoodle puppy checklist to help your puppy settle in during their first month in your home: Make sure you have a safe place for your puppy to sleep. This could be a crate or an exercise pen with a soft bed inside. Puppies need to eat three to four times a day, so make sure you have a regular feeding schedule of good quality pet food for the healthiest puppy possible. Puppies should be taken outside frequently to go to the bathroom. They may not hold it for long at first, so be prepared for accidents. Happy puppies need a lot of exercise, so make sure you have time for long walks or play sessions every day. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and be consistent with your rewards and corrections. Remember to be patient! Enjoy this time and create lots of happy memories with your new furry friend. Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that churn out puppies for profit without regard to the welfare of the animals. The puppies are often raised in horrible conditions and may not receive proper vet care or socialization. The breeder seems more interested in making a sale than answering your questions or getting to know you. The breeder has multiple breeds of puppies available. The breeder has puppies that are very young less than eight weeks old. We made a list of ethical Labradoodle breeders from nearby states, so you will not fall into the hands of these puppy mills. Check these out:.

Eyes checked by an eye specialist for Entropion, Distichiasis double eyelashes and Pigmentary Keratitis Heart testing for heart murmurs Whilst health testing is ideal, tests need to be breed appropriate and have a tangible outcome. May-Hegglin Anomaly was found in only one dog, a Pug or Pug cross. Dogs in the susceptible group may never develop the condition. A flowchart for diagnosis was developed as part of research that led to the susceptibility test. What is a well-bred Pug like? Contrary to belief, when a Pug breathing can be heard, this does not always indicate health issues. Some of her Pugs have competed in Obedience. I think Pugs are only limited by what their owners are willing to do with them. Health is not something considered highly in unregulated breeding. The only way for these colours to be there is through cross breeding at some point. Along with the colours will come genetics for diseases not previously found in Pugs. Follow the Dogs Australia three Rs ; Right time — Is it the right time now to get a puppy for your family? Right breed — Have you researched all you need to know about your breed from its natural instincts to grooming? Right Breeder — Is your breeder responsible, operating under a code of ethics, with regulations and health checks? From getting a dog to keeping them happy we will have you covered at dogsaustralia. It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities. Keep Updated Want to stay across the latest news? Sign up here and we will add you to our mailing list. Advice before making contact Tips and advice when contacting a breeder While we make every effort to ensure that the breeders listed on Perfect Pets are registered, responsible, and maintain high ethical standards, please take 5 minutes to read the advice below and also see our detailed information on finding a reputable breeder. Our recommendation is that you purchase pets locally and in person. For many reasons, it is always preferable that you meet and get to know the breeder and vice versa. While many reputable breeders send animals interstate safely and without issue, we do not encourage this. When you contact a breeder, keep in mind that responsible breeders will want some information about things like - the type of home you will offer, how much time you have for your new pet, if you have experience with the breed and if not, if you've researched the breed. Responsible breeders don't want to receive emails and messages that simply ask 'how much for a puppy? Please make sure the breed you are interested in suits your family and lifestyle, and that you can give it the type of home it needs to be happy. Above all - use common sense and don't be impulsive. Please ask the breeder these important questions: 1. Can you meet the mother and father, and how old are they? Have the mother and father had any health issues? What health checks and tests were done on the parents and grandparents, are they appropriate for the breed, and can this be verified with documentation? Specifically, what vaccines have been given? Are they microchipped and registered? Have they been treated for parasites fleas and worms , and what treatments were used? Have they been checked by a vet, and is there evidence of this? How much socialisation has the puppy or kitten had? If answered positively and appropriately the answers to these questions should reassure you that the puppy or kitten you're interested in will grow to be a happy healthy animal. Please note that information regarding breed specific health checks can at times be difficult to understand and interpret. Common genetic disorders are a serious and growing concern. It's not a bad idea to write down the information you've been given and seek advice from your vet for confirmation. Breed clubs are also great sources of information on health testing. A responsible and caring breeder will also want to make sure you are going to provide a loving and safe forever home, and will ask you lots of questions. They will also provide extensive advice regarding feeding, health, ongoing socialisation, and the long term needs of your pet. Please note that because Perfect Pets cannot be directly involved in interactions we cannot accept responsibility for any agreement entered into by a breeder and a pet buyer. Please follow the advice provided. Perfect Pets has no powers of enforcement and cannot guarantee the reputation of any breeder, or the soundness or suitability of the pet you choose. You must satisfy yourself that any pet you decide on is fit and healthy, and will fit with your family and lifestyle.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. They enjoy physical activity and have many favorable traits as a gundog bred to retrieve downed game birds. They are friendly and gentle and often train as assistance or detection dogs due to their easy trainability. Apart from starting training while young, other breed-specific reasons make training a Golden Retriever puppy easy. Here are three examples: Golden Retrievers are among the smartest dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs , canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranks Goldens fourth of the brightest working dogs. So, even at just two months old, your puppy has it in his genes to learn and execute commands. To perform their original hunting job of retrieving felled ducks and other game birds in the Scottish marshland, Golden Retrievers had to be watchful, eager, and energetic. These are primary learning attributes. Golden Retrievers also have advanced skills as gundogs. They also have to excel at obedience. These are core training requirements that make your Golden Retriever easy to train. To succeed in your training mission, however, there are specific principles you need to follow. Read about these key training standards in the next section. Key Principles of Golden Retriever Puppy Training The purpose of any dog training is to have behavioral skills mastered. I explain these training requirements in my 10 key principles of successful Golden Retriever puppy training. However, they also have to handle grooming, making them feel uncomfortable. Your Golden Retriever can learn to manage this uneasiness if exposed to handling when young. In one study, puppies subjected to early gentling behaved more calmly at 8 weeks old than puppies not experiencing early handling. You can continue to hold your pup gently as soon as you arrive home. Teach Name Recognition How does your Golden Retriever puppy know you are talking to him if you only make commands? It would be best to teach him his name as this is the foundation for his future training. Say his name first, then give the command. That way, your pup knows to answer when you call. Assert Yourself as the Alpha Leader In dog training, your Golden Retriever must know that you are the boss from the start. Set rules and boundaries, and be consistent and fair. He will respect you as being top of the hierarchy. Never mistake being the alpha with punishment. It will only cause resentment. An alpha leader is calm and assertive, teaches his dog to be happily submissive, and approves of the behavior. Rewards reinforce the behavior, and you can use treats, a favorite toy, or activity, in conjunction with lots of verbal praise. Only Give a Command Once When it comes to training, you reap what you sow! Teach your pup to heed a command the first time you say it. Then make lots of eye contact. Repeat until he learns to obey the first time you give the cue. Dogs have poor short-term memory and will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes, as discovered in this experiment. However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, which means they remember based on associations and not memories. For example, if you put your shoes on and grab your car keys, your Golden Retriever knows you are going out. Once your puppy has corrected his undesirable behavior with the required behavior, reward him with a high-value treat and heaps of praise. Other unacceptable confrontational methods include growling at your dog, forcefully removing an object from the mouth, withdrawing food, staring, using a shock collar, or tying your dog for hours. Your dog needs to have consistency, which means everyone else in the household. Dogs need simple training instructions, and everyone should also use the same verbal and non-verbal cues. Perform the same basic commands every day. At this young age, ten minute sessions are far better than a ten-minute session. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the desired behavior and mastered it, including in different locations and with various distractions. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the essential areas that you need to train your 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in first. How to Socialize a Golden Retriever Puppy Dogs are social creatures, especially the Golden Retriever, who is super friendly, good-natured, and loves to be around you. To socialize a Golden Retriever, expose him to many different experiences, places, and situations. Include noises, smells, other people, children, babies, animals, cars, bicycles, objects, the weather, etc. Early socializing and training your Golden Retriever plays a significant role in developing adult dogs, as found in this exciting study. Check out these two important findings: Dogs socialized well as puppies are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games, helping them establish a real bond with their owners. Socialization will make your puppy feel confident around people and teach him to engage in his new world happily. You can teach your Golden Retriever social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. My best tips: Take one step at a time. Use positive reinforcement. I often get asked whether you can socialize your puppy before his final vaccinations. Take him to non-doggy places or carry him where necessary. To potty train an 8-week-old Golden Retriever, create a separate area where you want your puppy to go, establish a routine, and start with hourly potty breaks. Supervise your puppy at all times, learn to spot the signs, and never punish him after an accident. Give lots of rewards and praise when he goes. Many new dog owners fall for this — your puppy has to learn to tell you he needs the toilet. Make sure you take your puppy outside often enough. Stick to your schedule! It is a gradual process for him to grasp this. It may take a few weeks to master potty training, not days! Usually, puppies will need to go early in the morning, after a meal, and after a play session. Use their natural rhythm for daily poop walks. Dogs hate messing in their sleeping area, and most will usually hold it. Walk your Golden after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to poop. Do the same in the evening. Puppies need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and a short walk every hours is an ideal routine. If you crate your puppy when going out, get friends or family to help you stick to your routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new pup a pretty good idea of your expectations. To crate train a Golden Retriever puppy, get him used to the crate by letting him explore it. When he is happy to go in and out freely, introduce treats or feed inside, and close the door; that way, he associates nice things with his crate. Gradually increase the time he spends inside with the door closed. Here are seven fundamental principles when crate-training your Golden Retriever: Let your puppy sleep in the crate at night. Initiate crate training on the very first day. It will be harder to succeed if he gets accustomed to other sleeping arrangements! My puppy cried during the early hours of the first night, but then, she was just fine. A rough guideline for puppies to be left alone in a crate is one hour for each month of age, up to four hours. Keep your puppy in the crate when unsupervised. It only sends a message that he can get his way. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly associate that being quiet leads to positive things. He will quickly learn that this is his particular spot. Interesting toys and comfy bedding will offer some solace for your Golden Retriever. Dogs are denning animals, so they often go underneath tables or desks. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into it. My favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets Dog iCrate from Amazon, as it has everything you need, including a divider and a handy removable wipe-clean plastic pan. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check price on Amazon are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is also airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. This sends a message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth to prevent chase drive until he releases. Then, give praise and redirect the biting with a chew toy. When your puppy gets the hang of repeatedly letting go, and his bite becomes softer, this is a good sign that he is beginning to learn his bite inhibition. Helping a dog learn to curb the force of his bite is necessary to living with humans. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially began learning from their mother and siblings. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Golden Retriever puppy soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not be able to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and jaw muscles. Remember to have realistic expectations, as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his bite inhibition. Teach a leash cue, and start very short walks. Reward with a treat and praise. You can do this by letting him wear them inside the house or yard for a few minutes. I use this one as it gives you more control, is inexpensive, and comes in various colors and styles. Give a treat when your dog obeys the command. Introduce your Golden Retriever to short outside walks on his leash. Anticipate the behavior and quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is the crucial part. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. Follow the excellent training principles above and use reward-based training to train your puppy in these areas successfully. Be consistent in your commands, and always discipline at the precise moment of unwanted behavior. Are you looking for a puppy training schedule? Related Posts You May Like:. Paper training Constant Supervision Umbilical cord training Most people find that a combination of two or more methods works best. Crate training. Crate training offers numerous and continuous benefits throughout the life of your dog. As a tool for house training, it enables you to prevent mistakes and promote positive experiences within your home. It also gives you and your puppy a much-needed break from the stresses of training and constant supervision. Constant supervision. To avoid house-training mistakes, you have to constantly watch your puppy. Because just one mistake will create a major setback for your pup and it only takes seconds for them to have an accident. Paper training. While teaching your puppy to toilet in the house may not seem like an ideal choice, I use paper training when my pups have almost no bladder control until around 8 to 10 weeks of age. I always recommend avoiding paper training if possible. It makes training your pup to toilet outside harder, and it sends a confusing message to your puppy. They will have fewer opportunities for mistakes, which will create more positive experiences. This will allow for a faster and cleaner road to success when house training, and as an added benefit, your puppy will develop impeccable house manners a lot more quickly. Dogs will instinctively keep their den clean. Start by restricting your puppy to just one room of your home. When they are reliably keeping that clean, you can slowly expand the area where your dog is allowed. Each part of your home is a separate place to your dog. Not only will this speed up the house training process, but it will also reduce the number of accidents and the number of times you have to deep clean your carpets. Who can argue with that? What and How You Feed Your Pup is Incredibly Important Not all dog food is created equal, and what you feed your puppy is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding the care of your pup. This decision has a huge impact on house training, and the overall health of your dog. For more information about how food and water choices affect house training, check out this detailed article: This article will help you navigate around the world of dog food and how it relates to house training. They will be happier, easier to train, and more relaxed because they will know what to expect from you. A routine should include set times for eating, training, exercise, and toileting. As for house training, a schedule will make things easier for your puppy and for you. Conversely if you feed your puppy randomly throughout the day, they will defecate just as randomly. When your puppy is young, food travels quickly through their digestive system. As they grow, the digestive process takes longer and longer. If you stick to a schedule with your puppy, you can count on them using the toilet on a pretty regular basis. They will usually have to poop three to six times a day, but their urination habits might be harder to figure out. Plan on taking your puppy out to their designated bathroom spot on a consistent schedule based on their needs. Every puppy will be different. This will give you ample opportunity to praise your puppy for doing the right thing, which is a huge benefit to teaching the right habits. Do these strict routines seem like too much to handle? We all have a life to live outside of house training — your best is good enough. Keeping and following a written schedule may seem excessive, but for very little extra effort, the results are phenomenal. Try to feed them every four hours at the same time every day. Schedule the first meal of the day based on whatever time you wake up, and adjust the rest of the meals accordingly. Meals should be spaced eight to twelve hours apart. A note on drinking water: Your puppy should always have fresh drinking water available. Because drinking too much or too little water is a sign of health problems, you should monitor how much your pup drinks in a day. Your pup will usually have to go outside after any physical activity. If you schedule these bouts of playtime, exercise, or training, you will encourage predictable potty times as well. Schedule these activities to fit your schedule, just try to do them at the same time every day while your pup is learning. As your day progresses, jot down whenever your puppy uses the toilet, and what activity they were doing beforehand. Make note of when and where they have accidents in the house, and what activities they were doing before the accident. Lastly make note of all the times that you brought your dog outside, but they refused to go. As you get to know your pup, you will start to see pottying patterns that will help you and your puppy avoid mistakes in the future. This will look different for every puppy, but in general, you can start to stretch out the time between bathroom breaks about five minutes every three or four days. By the time your pup is five or six months old, they should be using the toilet every four hours during the day. Choosing and Using the Designated Bathroom Spot To make house training easier for both you and your puppy, you should choose a designated toilet area in your yard. A single bathroom area is much easier to clean than your whole yard too! Choose a spot that you can keep clean. An area with tall weeds might seem like a good idea at first, but if you neglect the spot for too long, your dog will refuse to go there. Taking Your Puppy to The Bathroom Spot In a perfect world, you would take your puppy to their designated spot, where they would empty themselves quickly and completely on command, and be ready to move on. This can be a reality most of the time , provided you follow these tips when using the bathroom spot. Use a cue word. When your pup is young, you should use the cue word whenever they use the toilet in the proper spot. When they are older and understand the word or phrase, you can say it when you want them to do their business, which will lead to faster results. Keep your puppy on a leash when toileting. Be boring, and just hold the leash until they start to go. If you get too excited when using your cue word, your puppy might not finish, and will end up emptying inside your home. Say the cue word once, and stand still while they finish up. A what? You may want to keep food rewards to a minimum when your pup is young. Remember, what goes in, must come out. I recommend staying out for up to five minutes. If your pup responds to your cue word, you can say it every thirty seconds or so. Then, bring them back to the designated spot and try again. Do not let them wander unattended — they may decide to sneak off and use your carpet. After ten minutes, head back out to your spot for another go. We took each puppy individually and did a rigorous eh, not really test to find out which puppies would be best suited to do service dog work. However, there were two tests that stood out: The Retrieve Test — We crumpled up a piece of paper next to our puppy to get his attention. I mentioned we performed 10 tests, but the results of the above two ended up determining which puppies would be our next service dog puppies in training. Puppy temperament testing is tiring! Liberty Berlin — While she performed about the same as all the other pups on every other test, Liberty stood out during the Umbrella Stability Test. She was the only puppy to enthusiastically approach the Umbrella. We knew from day 1 that Liberty was a confident puppy and had a good feeling that she would have no problem with the Umbrella. She lived up to our expectations boldly and playfully engaging the umbrella. Tank Bear — One of the larger puppies in the litter, Bear was our little cuddly buddy. He did not do well on the Umbrella Stability Test and neither did three of his siblings. However, Bear was a standout when it came to the Retrieve Test. Bear was the only puppy to run out, pick up, and bring back the crumpled-up piece of paper. Not only was he the only one to do it once he did it several times! Trooper Buster — Our smallest puppy by over 3 lbs. Trooper was our mini-mite. Even though he was the smallest he may have been the mightiest as he was the first of only 2 puppies Liberty was the other to climb out of the whelping box. While not exhibiting the enthusiasm of Liberty during the Umbrella Stability test Trooper had a more curious attitude towards the opened Umbrella as he approached, sniffed, and explored showing a more calm demeanor than Liberty. The response of the other puppies on the Umbrella Stability Test ranged from slowly moving away from the umbrella to cowering and running away from the umbrella. The Golden Bear Puppy — Checking out different surfaces. Day 56 — Puppy Names Since the beginning of this series, you may have noticed I listed 2 names for some of these puppies. After 8 weeks with these adorable puppies, they finally got to meet their puppy raisers. Bear stayed with us while Buster and Berlin went to new homes. Awww…Cuddly Golden Retriever puppies! Berlin — Our former first lady she was first born , Liberty first went to a puppy raiser home until she was 16 weeks old. Unfortunately, I did not have a puppy raiser to work with her for the full 18 months. As luck would have it the breeder we partnered with for this Golden litter was looking for a female puppy as a potential breeding dog. Again, we did not have a puppy raiser to train him and we looked to a service dog organization we volunteered with in the past. We contacted Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs and set up a meeting to have Buster tested, and he passed with flying colors. They fell in love with Buster on the spot and adopted him into their POOCH program where he is being trained at a prison to be a service dog. We kept our Lil Bear to train as a service dog. From the beginning, we knew he was a little softy, but he passed the retrieval test with flying colors so we had high hopes for him. We started taking him on outings to the book store, grocery stores, and shopping malls. He never showed the confidence we hoped and while he would eventually adapt to places after several visits he was always hesitant in new situations. He continued to progress and we were hopeful his confidence would grow as we exposed him to new environments and worked on his training. At the same time, an opportunity arose and we had to make a decision with Bear. Our friends had recently lost their long-time Golden Retriever, Sugar, and also tragically lost a puppy they had adopted. After discussing with my wife we decided to see if our friends were interested in adopting Bear. They said YES! And the rest is history. Heck, he has a huge following cheering for him every step of the way! Puppy Crate Training ? Once again, Happy Birthday to our Golden Litter! That concludes our 8-week journey with our Golden puppies! Just in case you missed any of the other blog posts in the series: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — This is Week 8! I hope you enjoyed our pics and insights into raising a Golden Retriever litter. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Definitely not for the faint at heart. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Are you about to bring home an 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a good starting point for learning the basics of how to raise and train a puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.