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They are located in the St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and St. Pete Beach areas of Florida. To learn more you can visit their website here or send them an email at tbalusa gmail. They have been in business since .They breed allergy and asthma friendly mini, medium and standard size Australian Labradoodle puppies. All of their breeding dogs are health tested according to the standard of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association. The kennel was founded by Peggy, who opened her business because of her love for dogs and desire for safer breeding practices. They socialize and teach. And, they provide a lot of interaction between their puppies. Individualized attention to their litters. They start training early and send them home vaccinated. They are located in Tampa Bay and Central Florida. To learn more about Seaspray and their upcoming litters, visit their website here. Lakewood Labradoodles Lakewood is a breeder of allergy friendly australian labradoodles. Located in Winter Haven, they raise their puppies inside their home as members of their family. Before you can take them home, Lakewood helps to begin the training process by laying a foundation for a well trained pet. For more information on their upcoming litters, visit their website here. They specialized in miniature to medium sized Australian Labradoodle puppies. I do not work outside of the home and I am fully involved in their upbringing, early development and training. They test for genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, PRA and have eye exams annually. Before you bring your puppy home, they will be vaccinated, given a microchip, dewormed and given a well-puppy exam at 8 weeks. Plus, their litters are evaluated by a behaviorist to ensure good behavior before you bring your new dog home. To learn more about their upcoming litters and to view their dogs, visit their website here. They genetically and radio graphically test all their dogs for genetic disease and any health issues. Their puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. The communication you provided during the process was spot on. With an excited family, it was great seeing the updates on the puppy and the pictures. Beau is beautiful and loved. He has a personality all his own, different than the Labs we owned. My wife Kelly got diagnosed with breast cancer not long after we got Beau and he has been a great pal for her. He loves her and she loves him. They breed their dogs to the highest of standards and each dog is registered and health tested to the regulations of the ALCA. Additionally, they have all of their breeding dogs DNA profiles so you know that you are getting an Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle. Before you bring your puppy home, they use neurological stimulation and activities to promote well behaved and confident pets. We want to raise our Australian Labradoodle puppies to have the best chance to grow into confident, stable and able to handle the stresses and challenges of a modern lifestyle. Fursure Helps Pet Parents Find The Best Pet Insurance Policy With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. We are starting our waitlist now as these puppies are very popular. They are the smallest we breed at 20 to 35 lbs. Temperaments are great! Stud to be determined. He adapted very quickly and never really fussed being in the crate. He is very intelligent and easy to train. We are very very happy that we found him as he is quite the companion and a very easy dog. My grandson and he get along very very well and he is very gentle with him although I can see there being competition for toys going forward. He does love his bath-Scott is very good at giving him one. He is quite the hippie dog! The communication you provided during the process was spot on. With an excited family, it was great seeing the updates on the puppy and the pictures. Beau is beautiful and loved. He has a personality all his own, different than the Labs we owned. My wife Kelly got diagnosed with breast cancer not long after we got Beau and he has been a great pal for her. He loves her and she loves him. Flordia Kahlo is amazing! She's so gorgeous!! Coat like her dad I think- never had a single tangle! Sheis so so sweet, not hyper, playful and loves to give hugs.Thank you so much for blessing us with our beautiful Kahlo! We are proud to be a member and abide by the ethics of this organization. These certifications help ensure that your new Australian Labradoodle puppy is the real deal. Our dogs are carefully selected so their puppies will have wonderful dispositions, amazing conformation, and hypoallergenic coats for which the breed was developed and is sought after. Our goal is to provide allergy friendly Australian Labradoodle puppies that are healthy, smart, and people oriented as family pets as well as therapy and service dogs. Our foundation dogs were chosen specifically because they were the best examples of the breed standards set forth by WALA. With each and every litter we produce we are striving to produce a better puppy that lives a full and happy healthy life. This ensures that our dogs are as healthy as possible before breeding. We use temperament testing and conformation evaluation to help us breed for for calm, confident, and people focused puppies with correct structure. We also use the temperament test results to help place puppies in the right homes. These breeding practices help ensure that you get the best possible Australian Labradoodle puppy available for your family or service dog. We feel that every family should own one of these wonderful Australian Labradoodle puppies for a joyful addition to your family. See why we belong to WALA in this video below.Sunrise Australian Labradoodles. He had received a request from a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband was allergic to longhaired dogs. This breed has since gained worldwide popularity and remains a very sought-after breed today. This breed is the perfect mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever. This Labradoodle is known for having a very loving, caring, and pleasant personality. They are very smart dogs and eager to be a part of your family. They also tend to be very social and interact well children and other pets in the home. They are not aggressive dogs and have very warm and approachable demeanors. They make marvelous family pets and are known to quickly bond. Labradoodles do not shed heavy and do not require excessive brushing. Most do well with standard grooming every six to eight weeks. Making sure your Labradoodle is properly groomed will allow him to look and feel his best. Labradoodles do best with a balance of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats. This breed also tends to do well being fed twice a day with meals spaced apart every twelve hours. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The Standard Labradoodle stands between twenty-two and twenty-four inches tall. At maturity this breed weighs between fifty and sixty-five pounds. They have an average life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Fact: Labradoodles are a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Fact: This breed is considered a very smart dog who trains with ease. Fact: Labradoodles have different coat types and are not known for heavy shedding. What are the diseases that Labradoodles are prone to? Labradoodles are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, ear infections, and hypothyroidism. Do Labradoodles shed at all? Although Labradoodles are known as non-shedders, there are some of them who still undergo shedding, most especially the Labradors with hair coats. How should you feed your Labradoodles? But, bear in mind that however you feed your Lab, be careful not to get your Lab bloated or underfed. A Labradoodle has an average lifespan of years. Can Labs go for hunting? How big do Labs grow? The average male Lab can grow up to 22 to 24 inches while the female one can grow up to 21 to 23 inches, and both can weigh as much as 50 to 70 pounds. Is it safe to leave my Lab all alone when we are out? Labs are social dogs and they need to be around people or other dogs most of the time, hence it might not be safe to be away from your Lab for too long, to avoid behavioral problems such as depression, frustration, and unhappiness. Does gender matter when getting a Labradoodle? Not at all. Both genders of Labs make awesome family pets. You can decide to either adopt or buy any gender of your choice 9. How much do Labs puppies cost? The cost of buying Labradoodle puppies varies, depending on where you are buying from. Contact us today to learn more about the cost and availability of our Labs .When can I start training my Lab? Are you interested in purchasing a Labradoodle? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Pensacola Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Our adorable Sticks has now been in his Amazing Foster home for over a year! He has literally never had an accident in the house. He loves to sleep in bed with you and will burrow under the covers and sleep the whole night there. He has done great around dogs of all sizes and genders. He walks well on a leash. He will definitely let you know if anyone is around your house. Sticks does great on a routine! He will throw a toy up in the air over and over and over. He loves the male foster in the home, but it took a while for him to be truly comfortable. He has never bitten a child or anything like that but due to the barking and growling, better safe than sorry. I got him DNA tested and his breed make-up is largely dogs on restricted lists. In an imaginary world where I could pick a perfect home for him, it would be an older, single lady, with another dog, a fenced in yard, who likes to hang out at home with her dog! But this is the real world and I know homes like that are few and far-between. If you or someone you know is looking for a dog like Sticks, and fits the above, please let me know! If you have made it this far, please share this post so we can get Sticky to his people!!!! If you would like to meet any of our pups, the first step is to fill out our online application so we can contact you. Sticks is neutered, current on shots, rabies vaccine, and a registered microchip. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 12, , pm.

Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Tom Thorpe Blog Have you ever wondered how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers? That said, if you have a female golden retriever and someday you want to let her have some litter, you are prepared and able to calculate some expenses beforehand. In this article, I will attempt to cover the question regarding how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers. Average litter size of golden retrievers Time and again, we always say that golden retrievers are a one of a kind canine breed. The fact that they are the friendliest, affectionate, energetic, and stranger to none, these reasons are what makes the golden retrievers popular and it will become one for many years to come. Interestingly enough, the largest litter size was produced by a Neapolitan Mastiff back in .On the other hand, the largest litter ever produced by a golden retriever is 17 albeit there are no official records, only online sources that only appeared. With that, golden retrievers are capable of producing a litter between 1 to 17 young pups. We can safely assume that golden retriever breeds have an average litter size of 4 to 8 puppies. For most instances, the first litter size is somewhat smaller compared to succeeding litters. Also, this is true among golden retriever breeders. They know the ins and out of very golden retrievers. Another important fact you should keep in mind is the ratios of females and males differ. Other litter will have more females than males, while in some, males are more. In addition, there is a small chance that the puppies are of one gender only. This is because there are numerous factors that make the outcome of the litter different from any other golden retrievers and other canine breeds. Thereby the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever will likely have come from these factors such as: Consider the genetic factor Every canine is different from the other, although they have some commonality if we are going to categorize them according to their breeds. But still, they have different genetic structures and they are all individual creatures. This also includes the litter size. The most common observation in regards to litter size, if the mother of your female golden retriever produces in large litter size, chances are, your female dog also will produce a large litter size. That is, of course, assuming some factors remain constant. In relation to the litter size, keep in mind that the majority of the traits largely came from a dam female dog and the small percentage came from the sire male dog. The sire has likely had an influence on the litter size. Among the sire can influence are health, age, size, breed, and genetic structures. Gene Pool Diversity At some point, the gene pool diversity will somehow affect the litter size. This again will vary from dog to dog. The fact that canine who are drawn from diverse backgrounds tend to have large litters. Diet Another factor to consider is the diet. Compared to dogs fed with substandard kibble food and supplement. Health Again, health plays a crucial role. This is because they can somehow affect and have a chance to have more puppies. That said, if the golden retriever is not healthy enough, it will inevitably affect the litter size. An ideal healthy weight for golden retrievers is usually slim, and those who are overweight are prone to health issues. Thus, giving a routine exercise and a well-balanced diet has a possibility to produce in larger litters. More particularly in the case of a male dog. Male dogs who are 5 years old and above have a smaller sperm count than those who are in ages 5 years and below. This means the litter size will also decrease. This is the reason why dog breeders who have dog show quality are often bred extremely and intensively in order to produce as many quality female dogs as possible. But, it has a more major point in influencing the size of the litter size than the male and this is actually quite true. That means, dogs over the age of 7 years will have a greater chance to produce large litters than those of young age under 5 years of age. Usually, the first litter regardless of age will likely be smaller than the succeeding production of litters to come. Also, a female golden retriever who was never been bred until the age of 5 will have a tendency to produce smaller litters that are permanent. On that note, the ideal age of female golden retrievers where there is a yield in litter size is between the age of 2 to 5 years. Generally, the larger the breed, the larger the litter size. In the case of golden retrievers, the average size of litter rangers from 4 to 8 and other dog breeds like Spaniels. The fact that genetics and other various factors in dogs alone have the possibility to increase the litter size, all these factors lead to a different outcome and are somewhat related. But can humans influence or somehow affect the size of a litter? Is there any correlation regarding this? The short answer is yes, but to a certain extent only. The long answer is, although yes, there are no guarantees as to how much can humans change the course of the litter size. Fortunately, there are things that humans may likely increase the odds. In fact, breeders who are using artificial intelligence are becoming even more rampant. Thanks to the ai, the chances of finding champion dogs both in the US alone and abroad are getting bigger. However, artificial insemination does not produce large litter sizes. Instead, it only produces a small litter size. Moreover, the kind of semen will largely affect the litter size regardless if it is frozen, chilled, or fresh. In addition, canine sperm will likely die because their semen does not freeze well. Post Breeding Management The best possible and simplest way to somewhat affect the litter size of your golden retriever is just to have the best possible care. Nothing more nothing less. Obviously, any dogs who lack proper nutrition and have an imbalanced diet will greatly decrease the chance of having a large litter size. If the golden retriever has improper housing and has nutrient deficiencies, they can absorb puppies due to lack of care. So, see to it that your female golden retriever has everything they need. Make sure to not miss any appointments in their scheduled checkups with your local vet. Give them proper nutritional needs and also groom them regularly. Care Tips for Golden Retrievers Proper Treatments The best way to secure a healthy pregnancy for your female golden retriever is to have her getting proper treatments. That means, getting treatments for fleas and worms should be consistent even while in pregnancy. Vaccinations Treatments and vaccinations are the most important and should be regularly maintained if necessary. This will guarantee that the antibodies are optimal while the female mother has a puppy bump. Consult your vet with the best possible vaccines in order to keep your dog healthy. There is some vaccination that can be administered while your dog is in pregnancy. The fact that pregnant golden retrievers or any dogs will feel become lethargic when the due is near. With having adequate exercise before their pregnancy, your dog will become fit and able to carry on while she has a puppy bump that is about to give birth. This can lead to stress and other health condition that may greatly affect their pregnancy. Final Thoughts All in all, I hope the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever is completely answered. If you are still confused, the average litter size they can produce is about 4 to 8. Also, if you are a first-time pet owner who has a pregnant golden retriever, you should know what to expect and even know some basic tips regarding the proper care of your pregnant golden retriever. Keep in mind that they should stay fit and healthy plus groom them regularly. Nov 29, Nov 5, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Busy taking care of puppies! A couple of weeks ago, Raven, our Golden Retriever had her first litter of puppies. Several weeks before she had her puppies we were all curious about how many puppies Raven would have in her first litter. And what did we learn? Bring your Calmeroos Puppy the day you pick up your puppy and rub it all over his litter mates and mama. Ten years later my memory of all those puppies is still vivid. Of course in the end we came home with our first puppy, Linus! Back then the smallest litter we saw was two six-week-old black Labrador Retriever pups. Our friends at Guide Dogs of America have experienced many, many more litters than I have or probably ever will in my lifetime. I would guess they have a litter of pups at the school nearly every week sometimes two litters a week! So what did I hear from my GDA friends? The largest litter I heard about was 16 Golden Retriever puppies! Let me say that again: 16 puppies!!! The smallest litter size was 1 lonely puppy…although only children get all the attention…right, Ali Ali is my wife…an only child :? After personal experience and talking to friends and family the consensus was Raven could have anywhere between 1 and 16 puppies. Our Golden Retriever puppies! Time for a little bit of internet research. Just ask Google the following questions and find the answers in the featured snippet: What is the average first litter size for a Golden Retriever? The average litter size for a golden retriever is eight puppies. Litter sizes vary from four to 12 puppies, and humans are not usually needed for help in the birthing process. Other sites in the top 10 search have similar numbers for average litter size. What is the largest litter size for a Golden Retriever? So we can probably expect less than 24 puppies…lol. The largest litter of Golden Retrievers we found on the internet were 17 Golden pups. The Golden Retriever Forum and other sites mention Golden litters as small as one puppy. After talking to friends, and family, and doing my internet research the consensus was Raven would probably have between puppies with the outside possibilities of only 1 pup or up to 17 remote possibility of 24! We took care of litters of puppies, but the youngest pups we had were already 3 weeks old. We got those little cuties when they were about weeks old and at that age, they were a handful. I specifically remember one of the rescue leaders saying that 5 or fewer puppies are much easier to handle. That number 5 has stuck in my head for over 10 years! My fingers were crossed… Puppies from our our Golden litter! However, the day we planned on bringing her in for an X-Ray her temperature dropped which was an indication she was close to giving birth. Rather than risk her giving birth in my car on the way to the vet we opted out of the X-Ray. Raven went into labor on Wednesday, November 9th, , and at… am — Female. There are a range of factors that contribute to the overall litter size. Often genetics play an important role in the size of the litter. The size of the breed as well as the overall health of parents also effect the total litter size. Golden retrievers are considered a large breed dog, resulting in larger litters. Many sites state various different ranges. Websites, with less authority, like Ask and PetPlanet have a range of puppies per litter. Their overall average is 8. The American Kennel Club used to state that the average litter size was in the range of .However, that information can no longer be found. With smaller litters it could quite possibly be that the bitch was not bred at the proper time. Some of the eggs may not have been fertilized. The stud may have tied too early, or too late. Or it could have been possible that the sire was too old and not producing an adequate sperm count. The overall health of both parents can also be considered. It could also be a problem with the mother, such as injury, or physical defects. With litters on the larger end, sometimes they may have to be delivered cesarean. If the time of delivery is too long, some puppies may be stillborn. Cases have occurred where a puppy may be retained in the uterus causing other problems. Litters this large are generally not in the best interest of the mother. From my experience, most litters are indeed around in number. That could just be coincidental. Further litters often will have less. This is just something I have seen, but is not scientific. It is also important to note that male and female ratios can go in either directions. It is also possible to have a litter with all one gender. Our recent litter from Tina came out all female. She had eight female puppies at once. I was told by another breeder that she had a litter of 10 that were all female. It is very unlikely, but it does happen. We derived that number from hundreds of litters from various breeders. As mentioned above, the range is between 1 to 15 puppies in a litter. A breeder can find out how many puppies a female may have while pregnant via x-ray or ultrasound. An x-ray can be taken after the bones have ossified. That occurs around days of gestation. Ultrasounds can be taken around days to confirm pregnancy, but confirming the litters size is less accurate. It is however less damaging on the mother and puppies.

Diarrhea and vomiting are the apparent and first symptoms to notice when your pup is not capable of digesting milk. Therefore, in this case, you must not serve your German Shepherd with any lactose-based dairy products. Even experts recommend avoiding giving ice cream or yogurt to your dog if they are lactose intolerant. Always consult a vet to know the accurate health of your dog. In case of an accident, do not hesitate to get proper medication. But, is there any form or type of milk that is acceptable for dogs? What kind of milk can dogs drink? When we mention that milk is not suitable for dogs, it does not include all milk categories. Some alternatives are indeed allowed for dogs and even for German Shepherds. As mentioned above, lactose-free milk such as soy milk and almond milk are perfect alternatives when it comes to serving milk as a treat. While exploring dog stores, you will realize a wide range of alternatives that are not harmful to the health of our dogs. Make sure any alternative kinds of milk do not contain added sugars, sweeteners like Xylitol , or other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. Just like humans are provided with cow milk in case of any digestive issues, why not try some alternatives for our beloved German Shepherds? Almond milk The first healthy alternative that comes to mind is almond milk. Additionally, there are different flavors available, such as vanilla and coconut. Cashew milk The milk is not only healthy but also has a better taste than regular goat or cow milk. Coconut milk You may notice that your German Shepherd enjoys having coconut milk in its diet due to its taste and easy-to-digest nature. Additionally, you can serve your dog with coconut water if coconut milk is not available at times. However, it may be less flavorful compared to coconut milk. Some dogs may refuse to have coconut water, while others may crave it in their meals. Additionally, there are no known allergies or issues related to coconut milk or water, but consulting a veterinarian is still recommended. Oat milk Last but not least, an alternative to milk is oat milk. Oat milk is a mixture of oats and other ingredients, making it both tasty and healthy for dogs. Can German Shepherds Drink Milk? Can German Shepherds drink milk? When it comes to giving your canine a treat, more and more pet owners are opting for human foods as dog food for German Shepherds. In most cases, this is fine. But there are a few things that should be avoided, as they can cause distress and harm to your pet. So, can German Shepherds drink milk? German Shepherds, like almost all other dogs, are lactose intolerant. Other dairy products like cheese and yogurt should also be very limited, if offered at all. Knowing why you should refrain from giving your canine milk, even as a treat, is important. You should also be aware of better alternatives you can give your pet so that he can feel special. Are German Shepherds Lactose Intolerant? We have all heard of humans being lactose intolerant. Did you know that the majority of dogs are, too? As a puppy becomes more mature and leaves his mother, he loses a crucial enzyme known as lactase. That being said, the majority of German Shepherds are lactose intolerant. Ingesting milk can cause a slew of problems for your dogs that will typically show up within the first 12 hours. If your German Shepherd is lactose intolerant, you will likely see the following happen: Vomiting Rashes on certain areas of the body A sudden decrease in appetite Slower growth than before Weakness and lethargy Excessive thirst As you can see, giving your dog a bowl of milk or letting him consume too much dairy can have quite an impact on his health and happiness. When a dog consumes too much milk or dairy, the fat present in these products can cause vomiting and diarrhea to worsen, leaving your pet in more pain than he was in before. If you continue to serve your dog milk and other dairy products on a regular basis, the high-fat content will begin to cause stress on the pancreas. Consistent consumption of dairy and milk can lead to pancreatitis in a fairly short period of time. This is just another reason why dairy should be avoided at all costs. For some dogs, the high-fat content of milk and dairy products can lead to obesity. The best way to ensure your German Shepherd stays strong and healthy is to simply avoid giving them any milk or dairy products whatsoever. Like most other animals, a German Shepherd will rely on his mother for the few weeks to months of his life. She will provide him with milk that is necessary for his proper growth, leading him to successful adult life. However, as the puppy begins to reach maturity, he will stop producing lactase altogether. At that point, milk should be avoided altogether, as a mature German Shepherd does not have the proper enzyme needed to breakdown milk. There are a lot of milk alternatives on the market. Some of the best options for milk alternatives include the following: Almond Milk. Almond milk is a great choice to serve to your dog. Cashew Milk. Another great choice, cashew milk is a sweet option that many people and dogs find enjoyable. However, just like the almond milk, you need to make sure your dog does not have an intolerance to nuts. Coconut Milk or Water. Some dogs love it, while others will turn their heads away. Oat Milk. Another simple solution is oat milk. Even with milk alternatives, the amount consumed should be limited. Use a small bowl of these goodies as a reward for your German Shepherd. It really depends on your dog. Some German Shepherds can have a piece of cheddar cheese and be perfectly fine, while others will end up with an immediate stomach ache. The best practice is to avoid milk and dairy altogether. The risk outweighs the reward. Related Questions Can German Shepherds eat yogurt? One tablespoon of white yogurt every once in a while should not harm your German Shepherd. Again, this will come down to how dairy affects your canine. Your dog can benefit from calcium and probiotics. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Eggs are loaded with protein and other essential vitamins and minerals that can truly benefit your German Shepherd. Serve as regular scrambled eggs or get creative with recipes. Your dog can have an omelet with vegetables or a hardboiled egg. Avoid extra spices and seasonings while cooking to avoid potential stomach aches. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. The lower the amount of lactose, the better chance your dog tolerates the food without any distress. Can German Shepherds Drink Milk? This appears to be quite a common question for dog owners. So, can German Shepherds drink milk? Well, take a look at my German Shepherd in the below photo lapping up some milk! German Shepherds can drink milk as long as they are not lactose intolerant. Milk is high in calcium, vitamin D, and potassium and, as a rich source of high-quality protein, contains all the essential amino acids. However, milk is high in fat and natural sugars, so you should give your dog a small amount. My German Shepherd Willow enjoying a lick of milk! Nonetheless, some dogs may experience unpleasant reactions to milk, including flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you find your dog cannot tolerate even a small amount of milk, it will be an unpleasant experience for both of you! For example, whole-fat milk contains the same amount of lactose as low-fat milk. Many dairy foods, for example, whole-fat milk and cheese, may also contain too much fat, which can also lead to diarrhea and vomiting. German Shepherd dogs are known to have sensitive stomachs , and repeatedly eating high-fat foods may also lead to pancreatitis, a potentially serious disease. High-fat foods can also lead to obesity — especially if your dog is inactive or elderly. You may also find that your German Shepherd is allergic to the protein in milk, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy red skin. So, what about German Shepherd puppies? Can they drink milk? German Shepherd puppies can not drink milk as it contains too much lactose. Even with this small difference, puppies will have a hard time digesting milk which can overwhelm their delicate digestive system, causing diarrhea and vomiting. German Shepherd puppies should only have the milk that comes straight from Mom! Even in rare cases where the puppy has been orphaned or the mother has fallen ill, milk from a cow is still inappropriate. It is important to either seek out a foster mother for nursing or use a puppy milk replacer in these situations. It is also easy to prepare. German Shepherds can drink lactose-free milk. Alternative dairy-similar products include lactose-free milk, almond milk, and soy milk. Several varieties of lactose-free milk and lactose-free dairy available may be suitable for your German Shepherd. However, when choosing a non-dairy milk substitute, bear in mind that many lactose-free products contain added ingredients, e. If you decide to try your dog with almond milk, you will need to experiment first with a tiny amount. Soy milk products are generally safe for most dogs. Soy milk is also high in calories and sugar, leading to weight gain and tooth decay. You must also carefully check the ingredients and make sure the product does not contain xylitol sweetener which is poisonous to dogs. Remember, if you wish to feed lactose-free dairy foods to your German Shepherd, only feed small amounts in moderation, and make sure you speak to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about any lactose-free products. My take on the subject is this — there would have to be a perfect reason why I would want to feed my dog lactose-free foods, as your dog will thrive perfectly well on a healthy diet suitable for a German Shepherd without them. Just my two cents worth! The fermentation of bacteria in their colon may also cause gas and general discomfort. German Shepherd lactose intolerant will experience the same acute intestinal symptoms as humans suffering from the same condition. The symptoms are not life-threatening unless they continue for an extended time, although this is rare. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in German Shepherds are: Abdominal pain and bloat. Health So, can German Shepherds drink milk? It depends! Generally, it is safe for German Shepherds to drink milk meant for human consumption, but only in limited quantities. How do dogs become lactose intolerant? As they grow older and become weaned, their bodies produce less lactase. Consequently, many of them become lactose intolerant. Additionally, the milk processed for human consumption is very different from that produced by nursing dogs. How do you know if your German Shepherd is lactose intolerant? Unfortunately, the easiest way to know if your German Shepherd is lactose intolerant is to observe for reactions when you give them milk. According to the American Kennel Club , different dogs will react to milk differently, depending on how sensitive they are. Typically, a lactose intolerant dog will have excessive gas and soft stools soon after drinking milk. Some might exhibit more severe symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. These reactions will typically occur within 12 hours of drinking milk. Instead, use it as a rare treat. Generally, half a cup of milk should be enough for your adult German Shepherd to savor the treat without risking gastrointestinal upset. So, it is easier to digest and is less likely to cause any allergic reactions. Avoid milk variants that are fortified with iron. Although iron toxicity is unlikely in small quantities, your dog should absorb it from their own food rather than as a supplement meant for humans. If you are interested in other articles about what German Shepherds can eat check out some of the articles below:. Abdominal pains Lactose Intolerance and Dehydration If your dog ingests milk and is exhibiting diarrhea, make sure that you closely monitor her water consumption. A dog that has diarrhea will often become dehydrated, and dehydration if left unchecked can be deadly to a dog. Then press on the gums with your finger with enough pressure to make it turn white. The color should come back immediately — if it takes any longer, then this is a sure sign that your dog is dehydrated. He will be able to recommend a course of action to get your dog hydrated again. This will often involve the use of intravenous fluids. Some people view soy milk as a safe alternative to feeding their dog regular milk because it is non-dairy and plant-based, and therefore does not contain lactose. Many commercially available dog foods also contain soy-based ingredients in them for nutrition. In addition, most soy milk has sugar added and it is also high in calories, both things that are best avoided by your dog. Again, avoid feeding your dog soy milk if possible, as there is no necessity — your dog is just fine without soy milk, so there really is no need to take a chance. Another beverage that you may think should be fine to feed your dog because it is non-dairy and plant-based is almond milk. However, while almonds are not toxic to dogs, they are not easily digestible and may nonetheless cause stomach problems. In addition, almonds are high in fat, too high for dogs, and feeding them to your dog can lead to obesity. So stay away from feeding almond milk to your dog if possible. If you must, again, first check with your veterinarian. If he says that it is ok, then make sure that it is unsweetened, as most almond milk contains sugar and sometimes xylitol which can be deadly to dogs! Never feed your dog macadamia milk, even in small quantities. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, weakness in the back legs, and diarrhea. In fact, if your dog accidentally eats macadamia nuts, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. This milk is known as colostrum , and it contains a high percent of the nutrients necessary for a puppy to develop strong bones and a healthy musculoskeletal system. These include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This is necessary for a puppy since they are most vulnerable to illness at a young age. In this instance, you should only replace the milk with a specifically formulated puppy formula. You should first call your veterinarian to ask for suggestions pertaining to the specific type of puppy that you are caring for. Yogurt as an Alternative to Milk Yogurt is also a dairy product, but unlike milk, it contains very little lactose. Because of how yogurt is manufactured, the lactose that is initially present becomes converted to lactic acid — and lactic acid is much more easily digestible by dogs than lactose. If you do choose to give your dog yogurt, just make sure that you are feeding her only natural organic yogurt without any sugars, flavorings, or other additives. Experimenting to see if there is a lactose intolerance present can only cause your dog discomfort or worse — the benefits simply do not outweigh the potential harm that can be caused to your dog. So just be smart about this issue, and you will ensure that your dog stays happy, healthy, and well-fed without the need for milk. This can be reassuring to know if your German Shepherd decides to drink your cereal milk or chow down on some cheese you forgot and left out on the counter! But some dogs have a much harder time digesting dairy milk. For these dogs, symptoms can range from simple digestive distress to an urgent condition caused pancreatitis, which we will talk about here more later on. This is a great question and worth exploring further. As VCA Animal Hospital explains, in most cases, the weaning process will begin around the age of three to four weeks. The mother dog knows instinctively what to do and will start pushing the puppies away when they approach her and try to nurse. However, there is an important difference between the milk of the mom German Shepherd and the milk that people drink, which is most frequently from cows. The mother German Shepherd dog includes the exact combination of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals the puppies need to grow up healthy. This enzyme is called lactase. At birth and up until weaning begins, German Shepherd puppies have a lot of lactase that helps them break down and digest their milk meals. Once GSD puppies begin weaning, however, their bodies produce less lactase. Over time, many German Shepherd puppies will become lactose intolerant. As every experienced German Shepherd dog breeder knows, there is always something that can go wrong when you are breeding dogs. One thing that can and sometimes does go wrong is that the mother German Shepherd is unable to produce milk to feed her puppies. This could be due to illness or infection or for other reasons. Since GSD puppies would normally drink milk, is this a time when milk can be safely fed? The answer here again is that giving dairy milk to German Shepherd puppies is not the best choice. In this short video, a GSD breeder explains how to make your own puppy formula using goat milk, water, an egg, and a little Caro syrup. Another option many German Shepherd breeders use is commercial milk replacement formula or powder for puppies. Usually, this is mixed with water and offered to the puppies every few hours. For example, we just mentioned goat milk as a possible meal replacement for GSD puppies. According to Dogs Naturally Magazine , goat milk is quite a bit easier for puppies to digest than dairy milk from cows. Goat milk has a number of properties that make it easier for German Shepherds of any age to digest it. It has less of a protein group that is linked to milk allergies in dogs. Goat milk is also less fatty and has more essential amino acids to help German Shepherds break down the fat and nutrients quickly and without gastrointestinal symptoms or discomfort. Soy is a fairly common ingredient in many commercial dog foods today. So it would seem like if German Shepherds can eat soy, such as in the form of soybeans, they could also drink soy milk. Mercola Healthy Pets says that soy is not an ideal food source for dogs of any age. Soy also contains compounds called phytates that can prevent your pup from fully absorbing other nutrients in their food. It is actually hard to keep track of all the new non-dairy milk alternative products that are now populating grocery store shelves. Oat milk, hemp milk, banana milk, almond milk, coconut milk…. Some of these are nut milk and some are plant protein milk. There are a few things you really have to watch out for when choosing a non-dairy milk alternative made from nut or plant sources: 1. Make sure the milk does not have any xylitol! Even in very small quantities, it can be fatal to dogs and other pets. Because of this danger, a good rule of thumb here is to never keep any product containing xylitol in the house. Steer clear of macadamia nut milk and walnut milk. If there is a nut in the world right now, there is probably milk made from it. But as VetWest advises , macadamia in any form is extremely toxic to dogs. Walnut milk is also to be avoided, especially if the milk is made from black walnuts. Nationwide Pet Insurance reports that pet insurance claims arising from walnut poisoning are one of the most common claims owners submit each year. Grain-based milk may cause allergies in dogs. German Shepherd dogs tend to be more prone to food allergies than many other dog breeds, as WebMD for Pets explains. So choosing hemp milk or oat milk, for example, may trigger a food allergy for your GSD. The exception here may be rice milk since rice is usually well-tolerated and can even be a part of food allergy elimination diets for dogs. Modern Dog Magazine explains that rice products can be useful to help ease an upset stomach in dogs because it is bland and easy to digest. So now you are aware that dairy milk and most non-dairy milk alternatives are best left on the no-no list for your German Shepherd dog. This is especially true because GSDs can be genetically prone to sensitive stomach and food allergy issues. But what if your German Shepherd swipes your ice cream cone or slurps up your yogurt before you can stop them? How much should you worry and what symptoms should you be watching for? Yogurt may actually be the one exception to not offering your German Shepherd milk.

Due to so many dogs and puppies being purchased during lockdown without proper consideration about the long term welfare of these dogs, rescues are now being inundated with unwanted dogs that have missed out on proper socialisation and training in the early months of their lives. The result is that the dogs coming in to rescue require much more time to rehabilitate which means the dogs coming in are staying with us longer than normal and our kennels are full to bursting. If you looking to rehome your dog, we will endeavour to assess your dog as soon as possible and put on our website, HOWEVER, we cannot take any more dogs into our care at present unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you are looking to adopt, we will endeavour to carry out your home check as soon as possible, HOWEVER, we are having to be extremely strict on our criteria at present due to the type of dogs currently in our care. Many of these dogs are not good with other dogs due to lack of socialisation and whilst we can work with them with other large dogs, we do not have the facilities to be able to test them with small dogs. The same applies to cats and young children. Just because your cat or your child is used to large dogs, we will not put any animal or child at risk unnecessarily. We will also not consider any applicant without large dog experience as currently we need homes with experience of handling a large breed dog who may potentially have some issues to still work out. Thank you for your understanding at this difficult time. GSRE is backed up by a team of unpaid volunteers who strive to aid and promote responsible ownership of the breed. We not only look to re-home dogs but keep them in their original homes by offering training and behaviour advice. Through our volunteers and website we want to inform people on all aspects of dog ownership before you decide to take the plunge especially as German Shepherd Dogs are a large working breed and are not suitable for everyone. GSRE is a registered charity that works alongside many other reputable rescues which means that through team work and pulling together we can help even more dogs in need. We are a proactive charity with a common goal; the welfare of animals. Show more Things you should know about buying or adopting a pet While pet sellers can be reputable individuals or breeders who treat their animals well, the ease of selling pets over the Internet also makes it attractive to careless, irresponsible breeders and scammers. To protect yourself, you must be careful and believe only what you see and not what you are told. It is highly recommended to arrange for an inspection of the home where the pets are bred. This allows you to check that the mother and other animals are living in suitable conditions, being well cared for, and are in good health. Remember that the Kijiji Pets section is NOT intended to facilitate uncontrolled breeding, irresponsible commercial pet trading, trade of dogs or any other animal for the purpose of fighting or stud services. Any ads that are suspected of promoting this kind of activity or reported to us will be removed. Users are responsible for adhering to the applicable conditions in relation to adopting, buying, selling or listing of an ad on Kijiji. Kijiji encourages, where possible, the adoption of pets and encourages all pet owners to have their animals spayed or neutered as well as microchipped. When looking for a pet, it is important to meet the breeder or seller and examine the pet before agreeing to anything. Since Kijiji is local to your community, this should be easy to arrange. She will be ready for a new home on July 14th. Our puppies are family raised with lots of TLC. They are handled from the minute they are born until they leave us, and are hugged, kissed and fussed over daily. Being quite pleased with themselves and their babies, the mothers are very accepting of all the attention. As they grow, the puppies are exposed to many different sounds and noises around the house and kennel, such as radios, slamming doors, cars, etc. Our adult dogs also interact and play with the puppies, making the birth of each litter a family affair. This prepares the puppies for new surrounding when they leave us to go to their new homes. We take extreme care in socializing our puppies with many visitors, neighbors and family members anxious to play with the puppies. After all, who does not love kisses, cuddles and puppy breathe! This human contact is invaluable in the development of good temperament, disposition and developing an overall sound dog. Puppies are sold with a health and hip guarantee, as we stand behind each puppy that leaves our home. The puppies are vet checked and sent home with a health record of first shots and de- worming. New owners also receive a booklet containing a picture of the sire and dam, a copy of their pedigree, feeding instructions, general care tips, training tips and AKC registration papers. We are forever available for questions, concerns and any help we can provide our extended families. And we love getting pictures and updates! Socialization Essentials Safely exposing your pup to new people, places and things is a process called socialization. To grow up well-mannered and confident, German Shepherd puppies need to learn how to gently interact with people and get along with dogs and other pets. Socialization is most effective while a pup … In this section News Flashes! More litters coming. Stud services available from Dozer and Owen — Contact me! Contact Us.

We believe that we give them the right start to go on to do what they were bred or trained to be. We strongly believe in training and socialization for all our dogs. Our german shepherd puppies make great pets or go on to be working dogs, show dogs, therapy dogs. We breed the different and highly desired white shepherds, long coat german shepherds, and traditional working and show lines from Europe. Guardian Angel German Shepherds I fell in love with the German breed the first time I saw one run through a field to retrieve a ball. I was amazed at how intelligent, beautiful, and loyal a german shepherd could be. I have had many german shepherds since then and I constantly crave for more knowledge, understanding, and betterment of the breed. I still strive to breed only the most excellent, healthy, superb examples of the German Shepherd breed. See what our puppy owners say about us. Our adult dogs start out raised indoors until they are at least 6 months to one year old to bond and form their indoor manners. Our shepherds have over 6 acres of field to run and play in. Our puppies are whelped indoors in their own birthing suite with their mother. Mother has a whelping box and puppies have a play pen area. They are weighed, touched, and monitored daily. They are exposed to sounds, music, and noises. Our puppies come with our guarantee. Our clients are viewed carefully by application before considered for ownership. They have amazing drive and attitudes built for easy trainability. We produce long haired puppies, short coats, sables, bicolors, and white german shepherd puppies. They have rock solid nerve bases to produce well mannered, playful, affectionate, loyal and well balanced family members. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

While healthy Frenchie adult generally require 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walks every day, the case is different for French bulldog pups. Daily walks are not a necessity and are not even recommended for puppies because their bones, muscle and joints are still in development as opposed to that of the adults. In fact, waking your Frenchie puppy daily may result in complications and harm rather than making them healthier. The best way of exercising a French bulldog puppy is to give it free reins in playing as much as possible with toys suitable for his age. Socialization is another form of exercise for pups because it is an excellent way of expending that puppy energy while becoming socially acquainted with other people, pets and places and also learning new social skills. The older your Frenchie gets, the more their needs for actual physical exercise increases. If you do need to walk your Frenchie pup, the maximum amount of time for a puppy is around 2 minutes for every month of age. So, for instance, if your pup is 3 months old, the walking time will be 3 month multiplied by 2 minutes and that will of course be 6 minutes of exercise. When walking your pup, ensure you look out for signs of fatigue and exhaustion such as panting, lagging behind, etc. Although French Bulldogs are generally low energy and are happy with apartment living, they need exercise just like the rest of us. Making sure your dog gets exercise at least once a day is recommended. Whether that be a trip to the dog park or a walk around the block. One of the many bonuses to having a Frenchie is that you can do this without carving out too much time during the day. Short walks and playtime at home provide the perfect amount of exercise for them without running the risk of overworking your dog. There are a lot of different activities to meet the interests of your dog and get them moving. Frenchies are known to be smart and social, so consider providing them with physical activity that can appeal to both of these qualities. It can also be nice to take your dog to a local dog park where they can interact and socialize with other dogs. Overall, it is recommended that Frenchies walk for about minutes per day at a minimum. One easy inside activity is to use house-friendly toys to get your Frenchie moving. This could be a good old fashioned tennis ball or a toy that your Frenchie naturally gravitates to. Then, train your dog to respond to another word to come and find you. You might be more successful with this activity with a treat, but overtime they will want to find you even without the treat. As with any dog, Frenchies can be over-exercised. However, Frenchies are at particular risk because they are a brachycephalic breed with a flatter face and shorter nose that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. The best way to determine the amount of exercise you should be providing your dog is to be particularly observant of when they tire during physical activity. Whether you just added a Frenchie puppy to your family or have had one as a companion for many years, it is important to know that Frenchies are prone to being overworked more easily. Overworking puppies and older dogs puts them at greater risk for joint problems and heat exhaustion. In addition, because older Frenchies have given so much love over their lives, their heart might not be as efficient as it once was and may render them more tired when exercising. Thankfully, Frenchies are pretty smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Whilst they can become over-excited at times, they will typically stop exercising and try to cool themselves down if they need to. You might also consider having play time in an air-conditioned place during the summer months. Always make sure to bring water and have shade readily available when you are walking your dog outside. The first signs of heat exhaustion usually consist of increased panting and foamy saliva. Although Frenchies are generally calm, puppies can be nippy especially when they are excited or around new people or dogs and environments. Although this behavior usually decreases with age, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and environments at an early age to prevent this hyperactive behavior and allow your dog to lead an active lifestyle. Tips for walking a french bulldog To make walking fun and easy for both you and your French bulldog, here are 3 helpful tips. Use a Harness when walking For brachycephalic dog breeds like the French bulldog, it is recommended to use a harness rather than a collar when walking them. This is to prevent their restricted air passages from causing complications while you are walking them. Exercise in the early mornings and evening This is especially important during the hot climate. Again, this is because the French bulldog is a brachycephalic breed and is prone to overheating. Take your dog out for a walk in the mornings and evenings when the weather is cooler. Walk them with treats To make walking fun and also keep your dog by your side, you can consider walking them with quality treats. This should serve as a lure to keep your pup from pulling on its harness and staying by your side while walking. These include joints limber, maintains muscle mass, prevent obesity and generally keep your dog happy and healthy. So, how do you know when you are over-exercising your Frenchie? Worn-out Paw Pads Paw pad injury is common in French bulldogs when they are being over-exercised. However, it gets even worse when your dog has a blistered paw. Over-exercised pads always have tears present. Sore Muscles Pain in the muscles is another sign that your Frenchie is being overworked by you. One way of detecting muscular pains in your dog is to observe whether it struggles to pick itself up after resting from the exercise. Your dog may also avoid walking up and down the stairs because it is in so much pain. Overheating Heatstroke is a very common problem in French bulldogs because of their inability to regulate their body temperature. Behavioral Changes The most obvious signs of over-exercising which any caring dog owner should detect at once is changes in behaviors of the dog. For instance, if your Frenchie normally enjoys walking with you but suddenly starts to shy away from any form of walking, you may want to pay a visit to your vet to find out why your dog is refusing exercise. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a French Bulldog need? French Bulldogs are one of the most popular small dog breeds and are known for their playful, adaptable, and affectionate nature, not to mention their big bat-like ears. How much exercise does an adult French Bulldog need? Around 60 minutes of daily exercise is plenty for these pooches. One way you can do this is by having multiple gentle walks daily with plenty of rest in between. PitPat will do it for you. How much exercise does a French Bulldog puppy need? Whilst they may seem like little balls of energy when it comes to walkies, they should be limited to around 5 minutes for each month of their age. So, for example, a four-month-old French Bulldog only needs 20 minutes of total walkies each day. This will help prevent overexercising them, which could cause joint and mobility issues in the long run. At this age, walkies should be spent exploring the world around them rather than a march around the block. Give them opportunities to do lots of sniffing, experience different types of places, and interact safely with new people and animals. As your French Bulldog edges closer to adolescence, the amount of exercise they need will increase. But by how much? Just download the PitPat app to get started. How much exercise does a senior French Bulldog need? As your dog gets older, the amount they need to walk will decrease. But again, by how much? Well, every dog is different, so let them set the pace. And if they look to be slowing down, it might be time to head home. Keep an eye on them, and if you notice them looking stiff, trailing behind, or struggling in any way, start reducing the length of their walks. Why not try some of these? Snuffle mats. So young French Bulldogs usually have a slower walking pace. Past a certain age, dogs will gradually decrease in health and physical conditions. So a senior French Bulldog can walk less and less far as he loses stamina and speed. Old dogs are also more prone to joint problems that could restrict them from walking long distances, such as arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia. So a senior Frenchie can probably walk between 30 and 45 minutes per day at a slower pace, which means about 3 km or 2 miles. Since older dogs are more fragile and less athletic, you should ideally divide it into two or three short walks throughout the day. French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory and mobility problems that could restrict them from walking long distances. French Bulldogs in perfect health should be able to walk for around 5 km 3 miles or even more. But some of them with special conditions might not be able to go that far. In general, the healthier a dog is, the longer he can walk. Fitness Level Some Frenchies are in better shape than others. The more stamina, endurance, and strength a dog has, the farther he can walk. Although walking is a moderate physical activity, it still requires good physical conditions. Some French Bulldogs are more energetic than others. And the more energy they have, the longer they can walk. So if your dog is active and never seems tired, he can probably walk 5 km 3 miles or more. On the other hand, a lethargic and lazy Frenchie can probably not go that far. But keep in mind that it can vary according to the time. Your French Bulldog might have more energy in the morning or less after an intense effort. Walking Speed How fast a dog walks will also influence how far he can go. A French Bulldog can generally walk for up to an hour per day. But some dogs are faster than others and will be able to go farther because of that. On the other hand, the more speed, the more energy is generally spent. So it tends to balance out at a distance of about 5 km 3 miles per day. Weather Another element to consider is the temperature and weather. And in the winter, it might just be too cold, snowy, or icy to walk. So the weather and extreme temperatures can influence how far your Frenchie can walk. Walking about 2 km 1 mile two or three times per day would be ideal. I recommend at least one walk in the morning of about 2 or 3 km 1 or 2 miles and another shorter one in the afternoon of around 1 or 2 km 1 mile. Finally, most French Bulldogs can walk around 5 km 3 miles per day. But some might be able to go more or less far depending on their health, age, fitness, and other conditions. Also, keep in mind to start slowly and gradually increase the distance. Dogs need time to develop their muscles and build stamina before walking long distances. And make sure to give your Frenchie as much water, breaks, and rest as needed. You can also run, play games, or do any other physical activity. Learn more about the exercise needs of a French Bulldog. Exercise and health: Overweight French Bulldogs will experience breathing difficulties, diabetes, and hip and joint damage. French bulldogs are already prone to a number of medical issues, but walking them on a regular basis can help to reduce their risk of dying prematurely due to weight gain. Mental stimulation: Indoor dogs who do not get the exercise they require will become mentally unstable. Natural instinct: Walking your dog allows them to release built-up energy, which will keep your Frenchie active and allow them to run around as they would in the wild. Socialization: Walking develops a healthy sociability in your Frenchie, allowing them to socialize with other dogs, people, and adapt to different circumstances so that they may grow into well-adjusted pets. This will make your puppy or adult dog much more content and less prone to depression. Training and behavior: Walking your Frenchie allows you to train them, practice obedience skills, and reaffirm your own connection with them. Dogs who are walked on a regular basis are generally better behaved all round. Overexerting your Frenchie can cause a number of health problems that you will want to avoid. French Bulldogs are prone to several different medical issues, and their respiratory system is not made for extended periods of running and strenuous activity. Take your French bulldog for a walk using a harness rather than a collar. A harness, on the other hand, provides excellent support for the dog — and if they begin running and pulling on the leash, it is less stressful. Morning and evening walks are ideal for this breed. Because of their tiny noses and restricted airways, French Bulldogs have a hard time breathing when they exercise. Overdoing any sort of activity that raises the need for oxygen is not a good idea. Frenchies have a harder time keeping their body temperature steady, so you should always walk them during the cooler hours of the day which can be 5am in the summer and 11pm at night. In heat and humidity, avoid taking your French bulldog for a walk. Heat exhaustion may be recognized by increased panting and foamy saliva, which are the first indicators. Always bring water and find shade when walking your dog outdoors if you do go out during the day. During the summer months, you might want to play in an air-conditioned location instead. Before meals is the ideal time to exercise your French bulldog. When their stomach is full, French bulldogs tend to become drowsy and wish to simply lie around. Whilst they may seem like little balls of energy when it comes to walkies they should be limited to around 3 minutes for each month of their age. Snuffle mats, Kongs, Food puzzles, Lickimats and Interactive toys are great choices to keep your Frenchie occupied. How can I monitor my French Bulldogs activity level? How much exercise should Frenchies get? Do French Bulldogs Need Exercise? What is the best way to walk Frenchies? But in reality, Frenchies are a very active breed of dog. They are faster than you think, love to play for hours on end, and are eager to go for walks or play with other dogs. Although French Bulldogs are generally low energy and are happy with apartment living, they need exercise just like the rest of us. Making sure your dog gets exercise at least once a day is recommended. Whether that be a trip to the dog park or a walk around the block. One of the many bonuses to having a Frenchie is that you can do this without carving out too much time during the day. Short walks and playtime at home provide the perfect amount of exercise for them without running the risk of overworking your dog. There are a lot of different activities to meet the interests of your dog and get them moving. Frenchies are known to be smart and social, so consider providing them with physical activity that can appeal to both of these qualities. It can also be nice to take your dog to a local dog park where they can interact and socialize with other dogs. Overall, it is recommended that Frenchies walk for about minutes per day at a minimum. One easy inside activity is to use house-friendly toys to get your Frenchie moving. This could be a good old fashioned tennis ball or a toy that your Frenchie naturally gravitates to. Then, train your dog to respond to another word to come and find you. You might be more successful with this activity with a treat, but overtime they will want to find you even without the treat. As with any dog, Frenchies can be over-exercised. However, Frenchies are at particular risk because they are a brachycephalic breed with a flatter face and shorter nose that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. The best way to determine the amount of exercise you should be providing your dog is to be particularly observant of when they tire during physical activity. Whether you just added a Frenchie puppy to your family or have had one as a companion for many years, it is important to know that Frenchies are prone to being overworked more easily. Overworking puppies and older dogs puts them at greater risk for joint problems and heat exhaustion. In addition, because older Frenchies have given so much love over their lives, their heart might not be as efficient as it once was and may render them more tired when exercising. Thankfully, Frenchies are pretty smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Whilst they can become over-excited at times, they will typically stop exercising and try to cool themselves down if they need to. Given that Frenchies have a harder time regulating their body temperature, you should always walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day generally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You might also consider having play time in an air-conditioned place during the summer months. Always make sure to bring water and have shade readily available when you are walking your dog outside. The first signs of heat exhaustion usually consist of increased panting and foamy saliva. Although Frenchies are generally calm, puppies can be nippy especially when they are excited or around new people or dogs and environments. Although this behavior usually decreases with age, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and environments at an early age to prevent this hyperactive behavior and allow your dog to lead an active lifestyle. I am now a big walker so can happily advise new owners on how much walking French Bulldogs need, the distance you can walk them, how often, how long, and also the walking requirements for puppies — which is very different to adult Frenchies. Do French Bulldogs need walking? There are many misconceptions over the Frenchie breed. In fact, I recall when we were first considering getting a French Bulldog, we were told that they were lazy , sedentary, and required very little exercise. The bottom line is that all dogs need to be walked. Claude loves his walks in the forest and on our local beaches. French Bulldogs need to be walked because… Exercise and health: Overweight French Bulldogs will suffer with breathing problems, possible diabetes, and damage to their hips and joints. Frenchies are already prone to a wide range of medical problems , but walking them often can reduce their chances of an early death related to weight gain. Natural instinct: Walking fulfils their natural instinct that harks back to their pack mentality of getting up in the morning and walking from their home to find food. Socialization: Walking lets your Frenchie socialize with other dogs, other people and adapt to unique situations so they can grow up to be well adjusted dogs. This will make them far happier and less inclined to exhibit depression. Training and behavior: Walking your Frenchie lets you train them, practice obedience skills, and reinforce your own relationship with him. I hope that convinces you; all Frenchies need to be walked. But exactly how often and how far should their walk lengths be? How much walking do French Bulldogs need? Adult: 30 to 45 minutes. Older Frenchies: Dependent on health. Please Note: The above walking times do not mean my Frenchie is walking constantly for these minutes. This is just the amount of time we are out of the house so will include walking, stopping, playing, pooping, and sniffing around. He will not be constantly on the move. The times above are based on my own experience of owning this breed, and how much time Claude would need walking before he became an adult. Your Frenchie might be different and may not be able cope with this amount of long walking time — alternatively he might demand more. Be careful though; Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed so you should avoid walking them in hot weather or letting them run continuously for more than 5 minutes; they can quickly overheat and have breathing difficulties. Be careful walking your Frenchie in the sun as they can quickly overheat. However, how often you walk your French Bulldog will boil down a number of factors; Age: The older they get, the less they will need or be able to walk. Health: Frenchies are prone to health problems, some of which limit walking. Character: All dogs are different, and some could be less active than others. Again, this is all down to my own personal experiences of walking our own Frenchie… How far should you walk a French Bulldog? An adult French Bulldog walk length can be as far as 3 miles. I walk my own Frenchie this far and this long many mornings through our local forest providing its not too hot. He then demands a further afternoon walk of around 1. At the very least, our Frenchie is getting 3 miles a day in walks. Can French Bulldogs go for long walks? This depends on how you define a long walk. However, how long can you walk a French Bulldog should be treated with caution. Can you walk a French Bulldog too much? Yes, you can walk a French Bulldog too much, and it can be dangerous. I have got personal experience of why this is so important due to an incident when Claude was younger. My family I went for a walk in our local forest when the sun was behind clouds. As we turned back to walk the 1. It was cloudy at first but then the sun came out and Claude got very overheated on his walk. Within 10 minutes Claude was totally exhausted due to the heat. I had to leave him with my wife and run back to the car, and then drive back to get them. Never will we make this mistake again, it actually very scary. Handy Hint: Read my guide on how to tell if your Frenchie is overweight with tips on how to help them with a weight loss diet. The morale of the story is you need to keep an eye on the weather. Frenchies can easily overheat, and when they do, you need to take steps to cool them down. Signs of over-exertion Here are the signs that you have over-exerted your Frenchie with too much walking, either distance and time related, or to do with the heat: Heavy, continuous panting. French Bulldogs are a small dog breed with a unique body structure, and their exercise needs can vary depending on various factors. They still have plenty of energy to burn off so regular exercise must be part of their everyday life to maintain physical and mental health. As a general guideline, adult Frenchies should have around 60 minutes of physical activity every day. That should include a short walk in the morning and a longer walk or playtime in the evening, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. As they grow, their exercise needs increase gradually. Senior French Bulldogs will again require less physical activity depending on their health. Weight: Overweight French Bulldogs may require more exercise to shed the extra pounds, along with a lowered food intake. Health: French Bulldogs with health issues may require less exercise or special exercise routines. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning a new exercise routine for your French Bulldog. For example, Frenchies with respiratory issues may not be able to tolerate strenuous exercise and may require a more gentle exercise routine. Rebeca, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Energy Level: French Bulldogs that are highly energetic and fit require more exercise than those that are not as active. Some French Bulldogs may have a higher energy level than others and require more exercise to burn off excess energy to prevent destructive behaviors. Considering their low energy and compact body structure, low-impact exercises are the way to go for French Bulldogs. These will not only keep their joints healthy and free of strain but will also not tire your furry friend extensively. Walking and Light Jogging Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your French Bulldog active. A leisurely stroll around the block can be enough to keep them healthy and happy. If your Frenchie is up for it, you can even add a bit of light jogging to your walks to increase their heart rate and help them burn more calories. Playing With or Without a Toy Walking is definitely great but it will not tire your puppy sufficiently: it is also essential to challenge their mind and wear them out mentally as well. Interactive games like fetch, hide and seek, and tug of war are great ways to keep your French Bulldog engaged and active. These games provide both physical and mental stimulation, which is important for keeping your Frenchie healthy and happy. Read our article on how and why you should play with your Frenchie. Run away from your pup and let them catch and wrestle you. You could also try the opposite, run after them playfully and try to catch them, they will love it! You can play games like hide and seek, tug of war, or even set up an indoor obstacle course for your Frenchie to navigate. These exercises can be a great way to burn off some energy and keep your French Bulldog entertained. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email 5. In addition to games, regular training sessions are perfect for this. That can include teaching tasks and command words such as sitting, lying down, staying in place, giving a paw, the key is that your Frenchie pays attention to you. Always motivate and praise your baby with treats. Introducing basic rules into everyday life can also be helpful, and should be practiced on a daily basis. Kate and Romi, French Bulldog puppies at TomKings Puppies When creating an exercise routine for your French Bulldog, always make sure to consider their age, weight, overall health and activity level. Aim to set up a regular schedule and stick to it as closely as possible! You should also experiment with various types of exercise until you find the ones that both of you enjoy. Depending on your schedule, the longer walk can also be in the morning before work, but in that case another longer walk is necessary after work as your Frenchie is alone all day without getting any exercise. Half an hour in a dog park is also great! The more you time you dedicate to these the better! Weight gain Just like with humans, if your Frenchie is not getting enough exercise, they may gain weight. Obesity makes French Bulldogs more prone to health issues such as joint issues, heart disease and breathing problems as well. Regular exercise along with a healthy diet are essential for your French Bulldog to maintain a healthy weight and prevent these health problems. Boredom can lead to depression and separation anxiety , so providing regular exercise will keep your French Bulldog mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. Excessive chewing or destructive behavior If your French Bulldog is bored, they may also resort to destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or shoes. Regular exercise can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behavior. Agitation or restlessness If your French Bulldog is not getting enough exercise, they may become agitated or restless. They may pace, whine, or bark excessively. Common Mistakes to Avoid As a responsible owner, you will also want avoid some common mistakes that Frenchie parents might make when it comes to exercise. Ask someone from your friends or family members to help out, or consider hiring a dog sitter or dog walker. This can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and other health problems. Exercising in high temperatures French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat, and exercising in high temperatures can be dangerous for them. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day , and make sure to provide plenty of water and shade if you do exercise outside. Neglecting mental stimulation In addition to physical exercise, French Bulldogs also need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Ignoring these signs can lead to further injury or health problems. Always pay extra attention to senior Frenchies! By following the recommended exercise guidelines and choosing the best types of exercise for your Frenchie, you can help them maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of health problems, and ultimately give them a happy and enriched life. By providing proper care for your furry friend, you can enjoy many joyful years together! An adult French Bulldogs needs about 60 minutes of exercise per day. Younger puppies and senior dogs require much less. What kind of exercise is best for a French Bulldog? Low-impact exercises, such as walks and playtime are best for French Bulldogs. Signs of a well-exercised French Bulldog include a healthy weight and well-behaved behavior. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. If they begin showing signs of fatigue and exhaustion, stop and allow them to rest and recoup. A Quick Sidenote: As you may have already discovered, there is a lot of inaccurate information out there about Frenchies. Pick up your copy today! The biggest tip I can give on him at the puppy stage is finding something they can grip well with those little puppy teeth. Puppy teeth are sharp but not super long. The harder material toys are tough for him to really grab on to for playing around. The sandals will kind of pull apart and not keep their shape, but they will last a long time. He loves to chase it and play tug of war with it. The Duck that comes with it is also a big favorite for downtime. French Bulldogs may not need a lot of exercises, but they do need some. Be sure to read our Complete French Bulldog Overview here. Doing it this way will give them the exercise and stimulation they need regularly without them becoming excessively tired. It will also allow their young joints and bones not to become injured from running and jumping as puppies tend to do. French Bulldogs are one of several breeds of dogs that are brachycephalic. Brachycephalic dogs have shortened heads with flat faces and short noses. Because of this anatomical shape of their head, they often have trouble breathing and can overheat very easily in the hot summer months. This article explains the various health issues common to the breed. This is another reason why their exercise should be broken down into a few different sessions. Many Bulldog owners choose to take the dog out for a walk in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler. Each dog is different. While one might like the idea of exercise, another might prefer to become a couch potato. Avoid the frustration, lost time, and wasted money that comes with not knowing how to properly and easily care for your Frenchie. Get Your Copy Today! Find helpful training tips for Frenchies here. French Bulldogs can become overweight without sufficient exercise. Some of the best types of exercise you can give your Frenchie other than walks are romping in the yard or playing ball. These balls are specifically designed for brachycephalic breeds and allow your Frenchie to get plenty of air even while running with the ball in his mouth. Because of its brachycephalic built, they are more susceptible to breathing problems when pushed too far. Pay attention to the dog and allow him to stop if he appears tired or excessively thirsty. Perfect for puppies Too much for the little ones Casual walks with a leash around the block. Let him stroll with you. Jogging or cycling for long or even moderate distances. Free play in a backyard or park for a short while. Long stretches of running and strenuous play. Walks around the house or apartment. Climbing stairs or hills. Long periods of play with kids. A short, low-stress game of fetch. Long sessions of fetch or similarly high-energy play. Mental stimulation for your French Bulldog can begin on the day he is born or on the first day you bring him into your home. Our Complete Guide to Mental Stimulation explains how important brain-boosting activities are and gives you lots of ideas to get your pup used to stretching his mental powers. Touch his paws, ears, nose, or any part of his body so he becomes accustomed to human touch. Your vet will thank you for this when the dog has his wellness checks and knows how to behave. In this article we show you exactly what to do and how to handle the occasional accidental nicking of the quick. Honestly, one of the best ways to start with mental stimulation, along with playtime, is to just get your pup a Kong Toy. Medium is a good size for him at lbs. I fill it with half dry dog food, half treats, and put a seal of peanut butter on top. He loves it! And he has to work a bit to get the food and treats out. As is the case with most dog breeds, your Frenchie does need to get exercise and mental stimulation to prevent him from getting bored. A bored dog often becomes a mischievous and destructive dog. Many dog owners fail to give their dogs the exercise and mental stimulation they need and label the dog as naughty when the dog chews on things in the house or jumps on people. At the end of the day, a tired dog is usually a happy dog. French Bulldogs are very affectionate dogs and enjoy spending time with their owner. Can they ever be left alone? How long is it okay to leave them alone? Discover the answers here. They get a lot of their mental stimulation just from being around their owner. Because Frenchies are intelligent dogs, they enjoy challenges and solving dilemmas. Toys with hidden treats inside like this puzzle game with three types of hidden compartments provide the dog with mental stimulation as they try to figure out how to get to the treat. Check Price on Amazon Playing fetch for limited amounts of time also provides them with mental stimulation. See our top recommendations here. With so many different varieties on the market today, choosing the right leash and collar or combination can prove to be a daunting task. Even if you choose to use a harness, as many Frenchie owners do, you should still have a collar around his neck to clip on the dog tag. The dog should always have a dog tag as well as a rabies tag. If the worse scenario happened and the dog ran away or got lost, the tag would provide identification. When choosing a collar for your Frenchie, look for one with these qualities: Durable. Water repellent. Soft material. Choosing a leash is not near as difficult as choosing the collar. In many cases, owners find the collar they want and just buy a matching leash. Harness Harnesses are necessary for French Bulldogs. Harnesses provide more control when the dog is older and going on walks. See our top picks here. If the dog starts pulling on the leash, it can cause choking or undue stress, which can bring on breathing difficulties. When shopping for the collar and the harness, feel the underside of both items. Rub your fingers over them. Do they feel rough or smooth? The less constrictive and more breathable the harness, the less your Frenchie is going to fight having it on his body.

Aggression towards people, other animals Hyperactivity Sadness, depression and being withdrawn Counter-surfing Digging …to name just the most common few! As previously stated, many of these are perfectly normal behaviors but unwanted when living with a human family. But some are real psychological or pathological problems that need to be properly researched and skillfully addressed, most likely by a vet or professional behaviorist. If the behavior problem is just one of normal canine behavior such as digging, barking, chasing small animals or pulling on the leash, natural behaviors but that are unacceptable or unwanted by an owner, then training alternative and acceptable behaviors in their place is the answer. This still takes knowledge of the particular cause and motivation of the behavior, knowledge and skill to choose and train an alternative behavior and patience and dedication to see the solution through. But these types of problems are solvable by the average owner and solutions for these problems will soon be appearing on this site. The sort of advice that can only really be given and be correct if offered by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. The first step is to see a vet to either identify or rule out any physical or pathological problems, and then be referred to a certified and reputable behavioral specialist. Many cases require a unique approach for which the only advice that can really be given is to seek professional help. We have to remember that Labradors were bred for a particular job and come with hard-wired instinctive and driven behaviors that we developed in them through many generations of selective breeding. Labs have needs and desires that have to be satisfied. They have traits and behaviors so deeply genetically ingrained that you simply cannot eliminate them. Although in most cases you can train alternative more acceptable behaviors. There are of course also more severe and worrying behavior problems, stemming from either pathological or deep-seated psychological issues. With understanding, patience, dedication, a caring attitude and a carefully planned scientific approach, almost all problems can be overcome or at least successfully managed. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Some may have seen i wrote a post about my muppet the other days in regards to his appalling behavior when coming inside the house. .We have tried suggestions on there and he's still mental as ever but we're trying to remain positive and patient with him. .My other issue is this behaviour is now becoming more apparent than before both inside and outside the house.He was normally quiet calm, hypo at times like any lab but was content with his surroundings and listening to us. At the moment he is completely different, he's destroying beds just lost number 4 , he's pulling washing off the line while i'm standing there hanging it out which he's never done we have it guarded off normally , he gnawing on my arms, legs, feet and even his toys are copping it surely he can't be teething at 10 months , he's jumping way more than normal, won't listen to commands which he always has listened too and feels that every time we open the door to go inside he will ignore us and come rushing in and run away so we can't put him outside. The only way we have managed to put him outside is with a treat and slowly walk with him to the door and gentle push him outside, which i feel is praising bad behaviour. Nothing different has changed in our routine, we have breafast, he gets a bone, we go for a walk in early afternoon, have a game later than afternoon then dinner around 5. He also repeated all this bad behaviour at my parents house yesterday when he too pulled washing off there line, nearly knock my father over from jumping up at him and wouldn't listen even to a deep mans voice. .He is desexed, and is getting a good decent walk everyday, only thing i can put it down to is slight separation anxiety, yet there is no whinging or crying like he has when he was a small pup, or his brain is on holidays. .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's Wrap This Up! Labradors mouth due to their ancestry and genetics. Having been bred to retrieve game for hunters, they naturally enjoy having things in their mouths. Dogs also mouth during instinctive play, when exploring, or relieve teething discomfort. Mouthing and play biting are not aggressive — and there is a significant difference between typical play biting and aggressive behavior. Adopt an immediate preventive training approach to prevent innate mouthing and play biting from becoming an aggression problem. But how? To stop a Labrador from mouthing, teach him his bite inhibition. This is where he learns to control the force of his mouthing. You should initiate bite inhibition when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. They soon realize if they bite their littermates too hard, the fun and play stop! The dam teaches good canine manners and disciplines her puppies when they bite too hard or misbehave. So how exactly do you do this? When teaching your Labrador puppy bite inhibition, make a sharp cry when he mouths or bites you and continue until he lets go. Quickly redirect the behavior using a chew toy, and reward him with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Continue to do this until your pup stops biting or learns to bite without hurting. You are undoubtedly on the right path when you first notice your Lab licking your hand instead of biting. Puppies chew to explore their new environment using their mouths, even before using their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. They also chew to relieve pain and discomfort when teething, clean teeth, and strengthen jaws. But sometimes, chewing becomes abnormal or destructive, resulting in your Labrador destroying your couch, cushions, furniture, possessions, clothing, and shoes. Labradors engage in destructive chewing due to inadequate obedience training as a puppy, seeking attention, habit, easing hunger, boredom, lack of exercise, and insufficient mental stimulation. They also chew due to loneliness, fear, separation anxiety, malnutrition, or OCD. You will only cause your Lab to fear and resent you and cause confusion and aggression. As with the causes, the solutions for excessive-destructive chewing in your Labrador can be varied. To stop a Labrador from chewing everything, train him from an early age by redirecting his chewing to alternatives such as chew toys, treats, or bones. Fix incomplete training, or seek the help of a professional trainer. Essentially, you need to provide your Labrador with alternative chew toys that can also serve as bites. Consider these two from Amazon: KONG Puppy Toy is made from soft rubber designed for growing teeth and gums but durable enough to withstand the natural desire to chew. This multi-functional toy can be used as a fetch toy or treat-dispensing toy to stuff with delicious treats or peanut butter. It allows a good grip from the wishbone shape and lasts for weeks. You also have various sizes to choose from as your puppy grows. Here are some other helpful suggestions to stop your Labrador from chewing: Puppy-proof your home. You can use a playpen or baby gates to section off part of the house or use a long leash and keep him tied to your waist. Retrain your dog. If you think basic training was poorly done or incomplete during puppyhood, you may need to retrain your Labrador. Consider the help of a professional trainer. Give your Lab a bone to chew. Always supervise your dog when giving a bone. Feed frozen treats or ice cubes. These help your dog to find some relief from sore and painful gums. Try frozen strawberries or raspberries as an alternative healthy treat. Lots of daily exercise. Ensure your Lab has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily for an adult, which could consist of morning and evening walks or runs, and play and fun games at other times. Puppies should receive 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Consider health issues. Labrador puppies will generally stop chewing, due to teething, around six months of age once the discomfort has gone. Older puppies may also go through a chewing stage up to 12 months old. As long as you keep normal chewing behavior from becoming destructive, your puppy should outgrow this chewing. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but also their desire for food or treats during training sessions makes training easy. Many owners find it tricky to keep their Lab at a healthy weight. Labradors eat so much and are highly motivated by food due to genetics, illness, lack of nutrients, boredom, or anxiety. Many are obsessed with food due to a specific mutated gene, the POMC. This gene, responsible for appetite, body fat, and weight, is commonplace in the obesity-prone Labrador. The only other breed to have this mutation is the Flat-Coated Retriever. Your Lab may also be eating so much food to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, or due to a diet deficient in nutrients. You can learn more about separation anxiety in the next section. Furthermore, specific health issues can cause increased appetite and cause your dog to gain weight. Labradors are prone to hypothyroidism and may become obese despite normal or increased hunger. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat inedible objects such as rocks, dirt, wood, socks, toys, or even poop! It can is caused by nutritional shortcomings, starvation, or psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, attention-seeking, or OCD. If your Labrador is snacking on rocks and dirt, he may be suffering from pica. There are many ways to stop your Labrador from overeating. However, your priority is to find out why he is overeating or munching everything in sight, maybe with the help of your vet. You can then formulate a plan together. Here are some suggestions. To stop a Labrador from eating so much, feed a highly nutritious and balanced diet, keep a feeding schedule, monitor portions and weight, and feed alternative healthy treats. Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Stick to daily feeding times and monitor portion sizes and calories. Do not allow free feeding, and have your Lab regularly weighed. Ensure your dog is eating highly nutritious food. Ensure your dog has a good-quality nutritious diet. Check out my article on the best diet for Labradors for a ton of nutrition information, type of diet, and more. Alleviate boredom. Not only does he need lots of physical exercise, but lots of cognitive stimulation too. Lots of chew toys and interactive toys will keep your dog entertained. Feed alternative healthy treats. Many store-bought dog treats are full of calories and additives and offer little nutritional value. You can choose some good healthy treats, but fruits and vegetables are better options. Dog-proof your home. Muzzle your dog. If your Labrador tends to eat anything he finds while out on a walk, consider using a muzzle. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety purely means the dog cannot cope with being apart from his owner or family. But are Labradors prone to separation anxiety? Labradors are prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament. They are social, affectionate, friendly, good-natured, and high-energy, and soon get bored. They love to be around their pack, which means you! If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will find something to relieve their fear, worry, and stress, so they often resort to destructive behavior. General symptoms are destructive chewing, house soiling, digging, escaping, destroying furniture, barking, and howling. Repetitive behavior, pacing, and self-harm may also occur. Keep departures and arrivals low-key to stop separation anxiety in your Labrador. Leave your dog in a relaxing and comfortable spot with his favorite interactive toys and chew toys. Train him using behavior modification methods such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. You should never leave your Labrador alone for longer than four hours, even less for young puppies. Consider alternatives to prevent or treat separation anxiety. Reduce the time that your Lab spends at home alone by hiring a dog sitter, walker, or professional trainer. Have friends and family call around, use local doggie-day care, and work from home if possible. This toy will keep your dog entertained and is great fun, especially when he finds the treats! Stay connected with your Lab. How cool is that? Use behavior modification techniques. Counter-condition your Lab by training him not to associate departure cues, such as the sound of your keys jingling. The aim is to teach him not to worry about your exit by associating the sound of your keys with getting a treat. Hold back on the doggie kisses and leave! Use desensitization techniques. Gradually teach your dog to cope with being alone by carefully exposing him to being alone in small steps. For example, start by making progressive departures of minutes when you leave your Labrador and progressively increase. Train your dog to be alone from an early age. I would leave my girl in her crate for a few minutes at a time at eight weeks old and gradually increase. Treat with medication. Both anti-anxiety medicine and natural supplements can help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment plan for your dog. Labrador Urine Marking Behavior Does your Labrador stop on every street corner to pee a small amount? Spraying is instinctive dog behavior, but why do Labradors mark their territory? Dogs will leave their scent on new smells or near where other dogs have urinated. Urine communicates the reproductive status and status rank of the dog. So, why do Labradors mark their territory inside? Labradors mark their territory inside when sexually active, especially in unneutered dogs, or claim ownership of you, e. To stop your Labrador from urine marking inside, neuter while young, keep new and unfamiliar items out of reach, supervise your dog or use a crate. Increase bonding with new pets or family, eliminate anxiety, rule out other medical reasons, fully clean up the mess, and consult a canine behaviorist if needed. Thoroughly clean the areas your dog has marked using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell and prevent further scenting. Myths vs. Barking at Other Dogs Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and Labradors are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when your Lab has developed an unfortunate habit of barking at other dogs, this may cause you to wonder why? Labradors bark at other dogs due to a lack of socialization and becoming fearful or anxious. Other reasons are insufficient or incomplete training, being protective or territorial of you, or generally being social or excited and wanting to greet or play, especially if under-exercised or stimulated. How to Stop Barking. Work on obedience training and positive reinforcement, allowing time, patience, and consistency. If your Labrador also lunges when barking at other dogs, use a comfortable front clip harness. It is reasonably priced, easy to fit, and comes in different colors and options. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your Labrador not to bark, as these only tackle the symptom and not the cause of the problem. Rolling in Fox Poo Bathing your dog can be a challenging task. Their ancestors would disguise their scent to confuse their prey. Dogs also mark their territory by leaving their scent behind and communicating their rank or dominance to other dogs. They also enjoy leaving their smell around. Sometimes, prevention can be your best tactic! To stop a Labrador rolling in fox poo, try to prevent it by keeping him away from known areas frequented by foxes. If your dog suddenly puts his nose to the ground, anticipate he may have picked up on the strong scent of fox poo and quickly distract him away. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your Lab displays certain behaviors such as snarling, growling, biting, and lunging over food, favorite toys, or space, e. It is also known as c a n i n e possessive aggression , and your dog might growl at you if you go near their treasured possessions or run away with the item. Although resource guarding is natural canine behavior, it is not desirable. Some owners prefer to try and change the behavior in addition to the usual precautions of keeping people safe, especially children. Early and frequent training can help prevent resource guarding before it becomes a significant problem. Nonetheless, here are some steps to stop your Labrador from resource guarding: Consult a certified trainer or dog behaviorist. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Instead, we try to redirect the behavior. Like all other breeds, Labradors have innate behavioral tendencies that are unique. Think of their overwhelming friendliness and easy-going nature. They are a good first dog but make a hopeless guard dog! Your Labrador will develop into the dog that you train him to be. So when socialization and training are not done correctly, behavior problems will inevitably occur. And as you saw in the video, the first one is a lack of structured exercise! Insufficient Exercise and Stimulation The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. Leash walking alone will be insufficient. Incorporate a combination of swimming, agility, frisbee, hiking, fetch, and off-leash running in a safe area. Your dog will also need lots of cognitive stimulation and interactive play. Research has confirmed that less active dogs will demonstrate behavior problems than well-exercised canines. Genetic Disposition to Certain Behaviors It has been scientifically proven that dog behavior has both genetic and environmental key factors. This is documented in a study on the genetic examination of behavior traits in dogs whereby the German Shepherd breed was utilized. The research confirmed the theory that dog behaviors are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. In simple terms, your dog may inherit genes that urge him to retrieve. Your Lab may inherit genes urging him to find and recover, just like his ancestors, who retrieved ducks from the hunt. He has a natural desire to bring you back things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include dead birds or squirrels! However, this does not mean that you cannot subdue the behavior through training. Field-bred Labradors are typically higher energy and more boisterous. Another inherited attribute of the Labrador is their strong pack drive. Extremely social dogs with high pack drives tend to follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom! One drawback to this trait is that they may find it difficult when left in kennels for vacations. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved Labradors. This is when the puppy acquires nearly all of his adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities. If a puppy is not socialized well, he will become a problematic and untrainable adult. This makes him more confident and calm than anxious and aggressive in unsocialized and poorly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your Labrador understand what you expect of him. Then, he can progress to more advanced training, such as sit-stay, wait, speak, roll-over, and other tricks. Many new dog owners believe a week or two of training after bringing their puppy home is enough. Not so! Consistency also means using the exact words to command specific behavior from your Labrador. Aversive Training Methods Punishing your Labrador to make him learn good behavior will only result in the opposite. Your best friend will be so confused and only grow to resent and fear you. They can also cause aggression and escaping behavior. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, creates the best behavior in dogs because you encourage your pet to repeat good conduct by consistently rewarding him. It simply means giving a reward to increase the frequency of response. Hormonal Effects and Neutering Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs, but studies have proved mainly inconclusive. Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. Research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show that neutering does not necessarily reduce aggression. This interesting study showed no significant increase in aggression in sterilized dogs , except for those between 7 and 12 months of age. Scientists can still not explain this. Additionally, this study discovered that other hormones cause aggression in dogs. Oxytocin a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction and Vasopressin which maintains the concentration of salts and glucose in the blood plasma and the volume of water in the fluid surrounding cells can negatively impact dog behavior. Letting Your Labrador Run The Show What if you heard a Labrador owner say his dog never badly behaves, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to have the upper hand? Would you call that a well-behaved dog? Failing to set boundaries can be another reason your Labrador has behavioral issues. Dominance aggression is when the dog will try to be the alpha or single out one particular member to dominate. I can certainly relate to this, as my dog tried for months to boss me. Although I was as firm as the male family members, she never wanted to dominate them! Spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs. Medical Conditions or Malnutrition Your Labrador may show behavior problems due to medical issues, either physical, psychological, or both. For example, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD may show tail chasing, circling behavior, vocalization, pica, self-directed aggression, and self-mutilation through biting. In this study , the most common clinical features of OCD in dogs were self-mutilation or grooming. Other medical conditions include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. A hungry or malnourished Labrador can also cause behavior problems such as destructive chewing. Sometimes a history of starvation experienced by rescue dogs may leave them with an eating disorder in which they seek nourishment from non-food items known as pica. Owning a Labrador Retriever is exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make it a challenge. What is most encouraging is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating triggers, and seeking a canine behaviorist are helpful and constructive ways to help your Labrador overcome his behavior shortcomings. You must practice patience and consistency every day and work at it. Good luck! When learning how to decipher the different types of dog speak, you need to understand why your Labrador is barking so much. Labradors bark for many reasons, including alerting you of danger, such as a stranger. Here are some examples: A warning or alert bark will be quick and sharp and may become more intense. A Labrador demanding something such as food or attention will have a piercing and persistent bark directed at you. A bored dog will have a repetitive monotone bark. A Labrador suffering from distress such as separation anxiety, or panic, will have a high-pitched and highly repetitive bark. As the dog gets more stressed, the barking may become even higher pitched or howling. A fearful or suspicious bark will be fast and low. A playful bark will be high-pitched, more tonal, and modulated. Labradors are creatures of habit, thrive on routine, and are one smart cookie. So, if your Lab constantly barks at you, you may wonder why? Your Labrador will bark at you demand barking to communicate various things to you, especially when he wants to get your attention or get something specific from you, such as food, play, or to go outside. Dogs soon learn that they can get what they want, mainly if you usually give in. The secret is to try and understand why your dog is barking in the first place and prevent it from occurring, for example, by ensuring he is sufficiently exercised. When your Labrador barks at you, and notably, if he also stares at you — this is known as demand barking. He will eventually learn that when he is calm, he receives something positive. Is your dog keeping you awake at night? Other than occasionally needing a toilet break or if he is ill or in pain, if this has become a regular occurrence, you will want to put a stop to it — quickly! So, why does your Labrador bark overnight? Your Labrador might bark at night to alert you of a danger or if he is anxious, fearful, or purely wants attention. Here are some tips to prevent your Labrador from barking at night: Use a crate from the first night you bring your dog home. Choose something like the all-inclusive Midwest for Pets icrate from Amazon. It comes with everything you need, such as a divider and a removable wipe-clean tray. This one also gives you the option of a single or double door, which is handy. But should you let your Labrador Puppy sleep with you? You have to ignore him. It can be hard to do this on the first night you bring your new puppy home, but you will undoubtedly thank me for this advice! Ensure your dog is comfortable whether you leave him in a bed or crate. Have water and toys handy. Make sure your Labrador has been exercised enough throughout the day. Most well-exercised dogs are desperate to go to bed at night to enjoy a sound sleep! Why Do Labradors Howl? Most people will associate howling with the wolf-like Siberian Husky. But did you know your Labrador also manifests this wolf-ancestry behavior once in a while? Labradors howl for many reasons, such as to warn you about a danger they can sense or respond to another howling dog in the neighborhood. They may also howl when reacting to high-pitched sounds such as sirens or music, seeking attention, if in pain or distress, or if suffering from separation anxiety. Usually, howling is a form of communication that dogs use outside their usual barking, groaning, or whining. Unless it is incessant, you have a normal dog. If your Labrador is howling to get your attention, treat this behavior similarly to demand barking. You need to ignore him and teach him that howling at you will not work. When he goes quiet and stops howling for a few seconds, use positive reinforcement, such as treats, and toys, with lots of verbal praise. Why Do Labradors Whine? Have you ever taken your dog on a car trip and heard the most horrendous whining as you park up somewhere? You may wonder why your Labrador is whining. Consult your vet if stress and anxiety have become an issue for your dog, as anti-anxiety medication may help. Separation anxiety. Treatments include counterconditioning that focuses on developing an association between being alone and good things, like treats. Desensitizing techniques can also help, along with medication. Again, consult your vet or a professional animal behaviorist. Attention-seeking whining is similar to demand barking, as mentioned in the section above. You will need to teach your Labrador that remaining quiet will lead to a more positive outcome. Appeasement whining is normal canine behavior and occurs when your dog tries to appease people or other dogs when they perceive aggression or a threat. Never yell or physically punish your Lab, which only causes fear and resentment. Why Do Labradors Groan? My dog will often groan with pleasure after eating a meal and flopping down with a full belly! Sometimes, it can be really amusing. But why does your Labrador groan? Medical reasons can also be the cause, e. Behavioral groaning is of no concern and is normal canine behavior. However, consult your vet if you suspect your Lab is groaning due to a medical reason. Labrador Retriever behavior consisting of lying or sitting on your feet can be cute — but sometimes annoying! So what exactly does it mean? When your Labrador lays on your feet, it can mean a few things, such as seeking and offering protection, wanting attention, or initiating play. Other reasons are to seek or show affection, feel warm and cozy, or mark his territory by spreading his scent on you. Here are a few examples of why your Labrador may lay on your feet, sit on your feet, or even lay on you! Seek and offer protection. Your Labrador will lay at your feet to feel safe and offer you protection simultaneously. Among pack dogs, the alpha has a prominent position. So, laying at your feet shows that he recognizes you as the alpha. But he also feels safe and secure alongside you. To seek attention or initiate play. Seek and show affection. Your Labrador may lay on your feet or sit on you to seek affection or show you their devotion. Labs are very affectionate and friendly, have a warm temperament, and love to cuddle. For warmth. Have you ever wondered why pack dogs would lie close together, especially in cold weather? Most pack dogs would lie close to each other to keep warm. Territory marking. Your Labrador will communicate that he belongs to you by spreading his scent on you. So, laying or sitting on your feet, lap, or belly whenever you sit or lie down is his way of labeling you with his scent. A study of 32 dogs showed that dogs preferred to be closer to pleasant people. You may wonder why your Lab will circle his bed, an area of the carpet or rug before lying down. Dogs may also assess their laying spot for anything harmful, such as vermin, or could cause them injuries before making a comfy nest. Despite centuries of domestication, there is little scientific data to prove the above — except for the belief that dogs circle before lying down to make a comfy nest. This small study of 62 dogs suggested that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when presented with a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep. OCD is a psychological condition that often has a genetic tendency. Stricken dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy. Dogs worried about predators and protected their bellies by sleeping on them in the wild. Sleeping belly-down also allowed them to get up quickly if needed. So why do Labradors sometimes sleep on their back? Labradors sleep on their back with their paws in the air to cool down or when they feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. This shift is the result of hundreds of years of dog domestication. One of the cutest sleeping positions of puppies is when they sleep upside down — they are just more comfortable sleeping on their backs! Adult Labradors that sleep on their back for a while are also adorable. They are trusting of you and will no doubt sleep anywhere. Labradors may roll on their back for many different reasons. This dog behavior might occur when your Lab is alone, playing with you, or when with other dogs. Labradors roll on their back when seeking attention from you, e. Or to groom or scratch themselves, mark territory, change their body smell getting rid of a shampoo aroma , show confidence or contentment, or regulate body temperature. A roll on the back is often interpreted as being submissive during dog play. However, research has shown that rolling on the back is a combat tactic, not an act of submission. Your Labrador may roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons: To avoid a bite on the side of the neck be defensive. To launch an attack be offensive. Labradors will often roll over to scratch their back — since they cannot reach it with their paws! This could be normal scratching, but it could also be due to a flea or tick infestation. How To Solve Scratching! Labs will roll on their back to get a rub or tickle on their tummy when playing. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it! Your dog may also roll on his back to cool down. Why Do Labradors Roll in Poop? This is one of the weird dog behaviors that we find a little difficult to understand — rolling in stinky things, such as fox and badger feces or bird droppings! Some dogs love to cover themselves in foul smells that leave you spluttering in disgust. So, why do Labradors roll in poop? Dogs like pungent scents, and they encourage rolling action. Wild dogs had to hunt to survive. Your Labrador is leaving his scent behind. Your dog might be trying to leave his scent, similar to marking or spraying behavior. Your dog is interacting with you, his pack! Other packmates would track the scent back in the wild, which helped with their hunting. So, now you know why your Labrador rolls in poop, how do you prevent him from returning with a foul, pungent stench? When out on a walk with your dog, stay alert and limit his poo-rolling activities. Learn to anticipate it right before it begins. If I notice my dog sniffing or tracking the ground with greater intensity, I know she can smell the strong scent of the fox. Excitement urination is mainly associated with puppies, and most dogs will grow out of this behavior. But why do Labs pee when excited? Labradors pee when excited due to becoming exceptionally excited during greetings and playtime. Other causes are incomplete housetraining, accidental reinforcement, genetic predisposition, or a medical condition such as urinary bladder dysfunction or incontinence in elderly dogs. I have a complete guide to potty training your Labrador if you need any help in that department. Once you have ruled out medical causes, there are some things you can do to prevent your Labrador from peeing when excited: Keep greetings low-key; stay calm and quiet. Greet your puppy outside when you return home. Take him outside to potty, and use positive reinforcement. Clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner. This is when dogs will pee to mark their territory. Do you find it funny when your Labrador chases his tail? Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs, and most behavioral issues stem from monotony and insufficient exercise. Healthy adult dogs need at least two hours of daily activity, consisting of various walking, off-leash running, fetch, frisbee, agility, or swimming — Labs love to swim! If you laugh every time your Labrador chases his tail, you inadvertently reinforce his attention-seeking behavior. Labs are eager to please you, and your encouragement acts as positive reinforcement. He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him! Has your Labrador been keeping an eye on you? Do you sense him intently staring at you from the corner of the room? Some stares may be cute, others not so. Your Labrador stares at you to communicate with you. Examples are expressing love and devotion, seeking attention, or manipulating you to get what he wants, such as food or playtime. He may also stare at you to communicate displeasure, sense your mood, or when resource guarding. Here are some examples: Seek Attention. Labradors will stare at you to seek your attention. His stare serves to remind you that he needs his meal too! Manipulate you to get something. When your Lab stares at you with eyes of pity, he wants you to concede and let him have his way! My dog will sit in front of me every evening and intensely stare when she wants me to play. In the wolf world, staring is rude and threatening, and some dogs may retain that trait. So, if your dog stares at you intensely, without blinking, and has a stiff stance, he might be communicating some displeasure. And if the uninterrupted hard stare is directed towards a stranger, they should back away and not stare back! Resource guarding. This is often combined with a hard, aggressive stare where your Lab will guard his food or toys. Resource guarding is a behavior problem, and you may need to consult a professional dog behaviorist. Check out this article for greater insight into this topic, Resource Guarding in Labradors. Final Thoughts As you have now learned, there are many Labrador behaviors. Most are entirely natural and designed to seek attention, protect, show dominance or defensiveness, express feelings, show affection, or mark territory. However, some dog behaviors may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. But you should now be able to identify those concerning ones where you should visit your vet. Related Posts You May Like:. Of course, it all happens much faster in them though, because they pack it all into and average of just 12 or 13 years. Between 6 and 12 months old, they will enter adolescence. At a year old, they are a mature adolescent. Sometime between 2 and 3 years old they become physically and mentally mature. And at 9 years old, they start to become seniors. Labrador behavior by age: the first 6 months Infant Labradors are champion nappers, attached to their primary carer to the point of clinginess, playful, and impulsive. Sleep patterns Young Labrador puppies are growing and learning fast, and they need a lot of sleep to support their development. So, they make up for it by napping frequently during the day. Which is alright for them, even though it can be cripplingly tiring for us! But hang in there — most puppies are sleeping through the night at 14 weeks old. After that they will gradually start waking earlier in the morning too. There is a double whammy of reasons for this. Firstly, they are instinctively aware that they are still too small and vulnerable to survive alone. Secondly, Labradors have been bred over many generations to be innately people-focussed, since dogs who were naturally motivated to remain close to their owners made better workers. Playfulness Labrador puppies spend more time playing than at any other time in their lives. But lots of first time puppy parents are taken aback by exactly how ferocious puppy play behavior can be! Barking, growling, lunging, pouncing, and biting are all completely normal elements of puppy play. In the wild, they would be valuable practice for hunting in future, and the natural instinct to start practicing early lives on, even this long after domestication. Impulsiveness Puppies of all types are generally a chaotic presence. They have very little impulse control, so they rarely sit still for long, and they cannot resist temptation. Make sure those shoes are kept out of reach in the first place, and give your puppy plenty of suitable toys instead. The sweet spot There is a point when a Labrador puppy is roughly akin to an 8 year old child. They sleep well, use the toilet in the right place, understand instructions, and hang off your every word. A whole new stage of Labrador behavior is coming! If we think of it in terms of their wild ancestors again, they are no longer so vulnerable and reliant on the protection of adults around them. And time to start thinking for themselves, in anticipation of being an self-sufficient adult soon. You might start to discover that the little puppy who never left your side off the leash will suddenly cross soccer fields to say hello to another dog. These are all normal parts of growing up. During this stage, you need to protect your cues by not using them when your dog is likely to ignore you, and manage their opportunities to make unwanted decisions instead. For example, by using a long line, or exercising them in a secure field. Adolescence is also associated with the onset of sex differences in behavior. For example, unneutered male dogs tend to carry out more scent marking than either spayed or intact females, or neutered males. And unspayed female dogs will start going into heat every 6 months or so. As they become more independent, and stop relying on others to look out for them, they instinctively become more cautious about new and unfamiliar things as well. If this happens, the key is not to push them to handle more than they are comfortable with — given them space, and and gradually restore they emotional response to a positive one using treats. Labrador behavior by age: adulthood By the time your Labrador is 2 or 3 years old, their physical and emotional journey to adulthood is complete. Hopefully, if you socialized them carefully as a puppy, and trained them consistently until now, they have become all the things you dreamed of. And at last, they have reached a point where if you treat them consistently, their behavior will remain consistent too. The Labrador breed is famous for being friendly and easy company. They are exceptional at learning and remembering new cues, and famously food motivated, so teaching and maintaining good manners should be straightforward. But without enough exercise they might resort to unwanted behaviors such as chewing furniture, barking or digging in the garden. Factors which will affect the behavior of your mature adult Labrador include: The temperament of their parents Socialization they received as a puppy Training How much physical exercise they get How much mental stimulation they receive Diet How much time they spend alone Health factors Positive and negative experiences An example of how health factors and experience can affect behavior is if a Lab experiencing joint pain from hip dysplasia is jumped on by a playful younger dog. This could make them reactive towards encounters with other dogs in future, because they want to warn off another potentially painful experience. Labrador behavior by age: the senior years In veterinary terms, Labradors are considered senior from roughly 9 years old onwards. However, many Labs remain active long past this point. The average retirement age of Labradors working as gundogs is 10 years old , and this is more likely to be due to physical factors such as arthritis or deafness than not being mentally up to the job any more. But, old age is associated with a broad range of physical changes, and increased likelihood of illnesses, many of which can cause behavior changes. For example Senior dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes , and are less able to fight off infections like UTIs. Which means their toilet habits might change, including needing to get up in the night to pee again. Sensory changes such as sight and hearing loss mean they might become less responsive to your cues, or less confident in unfamiliar situations. Physical changes like loss of muscle mass and degeneration of their joints means they might slow down, and be less interested in things they used to enjoy, like walks or playing fetch. The older they get, the more likely dogs are to show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction CCD , which his akin to dementia in humans. CCD may include behavior changes such as night waking, forgetfulness, and becoming disorientated. Take your senior dog for regular veterinary checks to help manage these changes, and for practical advice on making their golden years as comfortable as possible. Labrador behavior by age — summary Labrador behavior by age can be viewed in terms of four distinct periods — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and senior years. Adulthood is the easiest, and thankfully the longest too! Whilst all the other stages present their own unique challenges, they are just that — stages, which will pass. Knowing what to expect makes them easier to manage, and realizing they are transient helps us appreciate the privilege of spending a lifetime with our Labs. Have you got any tips for surviving the puppy and adolescent stages? In general, she's a great dog. Very sweet and smart, but for some reason over the past few weeks she seems to be testing the limits more than usual. I know about the adolescent phase they supposedly hit around months, but it's almost like she is hitting hers now. For example, yesterday I worked a half a day at the office. Usually when we leave her alone for that amount of time, we close the bedroom and bathroom doors and she has the rest of the house to wander around in, and she's always done just great with this. Yesterday I came home to find she had chewed up the arm of the couch. She also seems to be "listening" less.She gets plenty of attention, walks, exercise, etc. I'm hoping it's a late adolescence phase, as everyone tells us that labs stay in the puppy phase for a good two years.We are going to put her in doggy-day-care one or two days a week, hoping that will help with some of the excess energy she seems to have found lately. Think that might help? Yep, this sounds like the classic case of "the terrible twos" human children aren't the only critters to go through this phase. As to the chewing up of your sofa, that sounds to me like it might be a case of separation anxiety. Perfectly normal dogs that behave very well when at home with their owners suddenly become destructive when left alone. This is not a behavioral condition that is isolated to just labs either. It is good that you keep your bedroom and bathroom doors closed. Before I learned that lesson my mastiff puppy used to pull my clothes off the hangers in my closet and then dragged them around the house when I was not around. To keep my puppies from chewing my furniture I mix equal parts of alum and white vinegar together and covered my wood furniture with the solution. Even after it dries the alum remains. It is not toxic to dogs, cats, or children. If they lick the surface where it has been applied, it will leave a very sour taste in their mouth which most dogs do not like. Taking her to a day-care a couple times a week will certainly help. Buying her a few extra toys to play with may also help her with the separation anxiety, but not always. Most dogs get over this phase by the time they are two years old. Males may take a little longer than females to get over it because they mature slower.

For dogs, as with other animals including humans, an important function of play is instruction. Puppies use yelps of pain and refusal to keep playing to instruct each other about the differences between playful mouthing and painful biting. Expose your young dog to other animals and people in a wide range of environments so that normal social situations are less likely to cause fear. You may think you are just teaching your puppy to obey, but you are also teaching him patience. Dogs with poor impulse control are more likely to bite when their wants are not immediately met. Let your dog know this in the same way as a litter of puppies. The earlier you start this process, the better. Play with your puppy and allow her to mouth your hand. As soon as the dog stops mouthing or licks your limp hand, praise her and start the process again. If you sense your puppy is about to bite you again, quickly say "no" or "no bite. This is a great way to use positive reinforcement to teach your puppy that biting is bad. If making your hand uninteresting for play is proving insufficient, employ time-outs. Leave the room for seconds after yelping to make it clear that biting is not a part of play time. Extend the time-out and reduce your threshold for what constitutes a bite as your dog learns. Utilize the same techniques as in the previous step, but also: Substitute a chew toy or bone when your dog begins to mouth your skin. Have the toy at the ready and quickly present it to the dog. He will learn that these are acceptable targets for his mouthing instincts. Distract the dog with a treat in one hand while petting him with the other. This is particularly useful for dogs who tend to mouth or bite when petted. The lack of focus on the petting hand will become normal over time, even if there is not a treat to distract them. Enjoy non-contact play, such as fetch. Show your dog that there are many ways to play that do not involve her mouth on your skin. This simple procedure can not only prevent you from finding yourself with an undesired litter of puppies, but it can also reduce the roaming and fighting tendencies that can cause some dogs to bite. 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. Puppy Training Tips An important facet of dog ownership is training. As soon as you bring your puppy home, you should begin training. On top of teaching your dog basic commands, it is also vital that they understand basic puppy manners, including how to behave in the home, what behaviors are appropriate, and what is not. Getting started can seem a bit overwhelming. But the good news is that in most cases, puppy biting is completely normal and something that is entirely trainable with the right techniques and attitude. Why does my puppy bite me and how can I prevent it? Regardless of breed, all puppies explore the world with their mouths. On top of this, like babies, puppies go through a teething process that can last a few months. Many puppies are used to also playing rough with their littermates, where biting is often a successful way for puppies to get attention or instigate play with their siblings. Combine this with their need to explore, and this often leads puppies to chewing things they shouldn't: furniture, shoes, arms, legs. However, we can approach this by offering the puppy plenty of appropriate chew items throughout the day to relieve their desire to chew. Most owners make the mistake of providing rope toys, squeaky toys, or stuffed animals. While these are fun toys, they do not actually encourage the puppy to chew on them, and oftentimes have bits that are easily torn off, making them a choking hazard. So, what is a good chew toy for puppies? Good chew toys taste good. If you think about it, a rubber toy tastes like … rubber. No wonder your puppy would rather bite your leather shoe or arm! When picking chew toys for your dog, look for ones that have a lot of flavor. Our favorites are bully sticks, cow hooves, pig ears or yak chews. That said, the more bitey your puppy is, the more frequently you should offer your puppy tasty chew toys as an alternative. Some breeds have a reputation for being extremely mouthy or predisposed to nipping and biting for example English Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles or Bernedoodles. If you have a puppy like this, you should aim to provide them with at least two hours of supervised chewing time a day. What if my puppy still bites? Try your best to be patient as you help your puppy work through the unavoidable biting phase. Puppies that are extremely mouthy can eat every single meal out of a frozen toy like this. By removing yourself from the situation, you are teaching your puppy that biting does not result in attention or engagement and instead, the fun is over. By doing this consistently, you should see an improvement in their biting behavior in a matter of days. Stop and redirect the inappropriate chewing behavior if you catch your puppy in the act. Make sure your puppy is getting enough exercise. Conversely, puppies need lots of sleep and downtime. It is perfectly normal, developmentally appropriate behavior for puppies until they are around six months of age. When can I start training my puppy? You should begin training your puppy the moment you bring them home. Puppies begin learning from the moment they are born, especially when it comes to socialization and handling. Formal training of commands can start at around eight weeks, which is around when your dog is ready to come home. Preferably, you want to get a lot of training done in the first few months that you have your dog. You want your dog to be well trained before they hit puberty, which often causes them to fly off the handle a little bit. Furthermore, what dogs learn in puppyhood is solidified once they become adults. Waiting will only make your dog harder to train later. For this reason, we highly recommend that you start puppy classes as soon as your dog has their first few shots. Steffi TrottProfessional Dog Trainer and Founder of Spirit Dog Training Conclusion You can help your puppy through their puppy-biting stage through a range of different techniques, such as providing plenty of appropriate and tasty chew toys for your puppy. With consistency, time and patience, your puppy will quickly learn that biting people or furniture is unacceptable, and that the urge to bite or chew should be satisfied with an appropriate chew toy instead. By providing a safe outlet for their instinct to bite or chew, both you and your puppy will be happier in the long run. For further guidance on how to train your puppy to stop biting, check out Spirit Dog Training's Ultimate Puppy Program! For more training tips and advice, visit Spirit Dog Training. Our Recommendation Puppy Recipes for Every Size Each carefully crafted recipe for puppies contains perfectly balanced nutrients to support healthy growth and development. How do you turn your puppy into a well behaved, sociable dog, and keep those Chompers off your skin? Bite inhibition training, or soft mouth training, is a fantastic way to get any puppy to avoid human skin, or not bite down when they do hit it. Imagine two small boxer puppy littermates, about 5 weeks old. At least for the next few minutes, that is, until all is forgotten and play resumes. He realizes he bit just a little too hard, and that is why play stopped for him. The Boxer pup has learned to control his bite pressure at least with other puppies! Your pup gets a little too excited, miss the toy, and clamps down on your hand! What are you going to do? Your solution here is a simple one. Mimic dog, or rather puppy, behavior! How would one puppy respond if the other bit him a bit too hard? Immediately stop playing your game! Drop the rope toy and walk away. The last thing your pup wants right now is for the game to stop. Your goal is very simple. Puppy Biting and Teething Your puppy will undergo two teething stages as the little one grows two different sets of teeth. The first stage happens at about three weeks, and there is no reason you should ever have to deal with it unless you bred your puppy. At about 12 weeks three months , the second teething process will begin and your boxer puppy will begin growing his permanent teeth! Your puppy will want to bite and chew. Human skin is just…. If your puppy does this, offer a chew toy instead. Puppy sized rubber Kongs make wonderful chew toys and tend to be very durable! Very few young puppies are powerful enough to break apart a Kong. Offer the toy if your pup starts chomping at those hands or toes during play! Teething puppies are going to bite no matter what you do. They might not be trying to play but relieve the discomfort they feel from the teething process. Stop play as soon as those teeth miss the toy and clamp on your skin. These are called aversives, or forms of positive punishment. Aversives are used as a form of punishment reinforcement. More often, a reward-based approach is recommended, or something the dog will enjoy. This is with adult dogs. Never, ever, scold or yell at your or any puppy! Even mild forms of chastisement or corrections are questionable. You only ever want to use reward-based enforcement techniques. Why are puppies so special, you ask? Why are they different from adult dogs? Your puppy could become permanently afraid! But why should you, anyway? Why does he even need to know how to control that bite pressure anyway? Socialize Your Puppy! This is probably more important than anything else listed in our article! Teach your puppy, while he is a puppy, that other people both adults and children mean only wonderful things! Introduce your puppy to all kinds of environments and as many friendly animals as you can! Introduce your little one to dog parks after he is vaccinated , crowds, and other public areas with strangers. Show your puppy that nothing he might ever encounter ever means him harm! Related topics of interest to our readers. Dogs , Puppy training Alex Andes Puppy Biting: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Curb It One of the most common issues we see poor dog training advice given for is puppy biting and mouthiness, so we're going to give you the most standardized professional advice possible for this issue. There's a reason why it's discouraged for non-professionals to give legal or medical advice to strangers on the Internet. At best, their advice could be wrong; at worst, it could it be potentially dangerous. We so wish the same rules applied to dog training advice. Puppies go through at least two fear periods in their first year of life, so when those sensitive puppy brains are involved, it's especially important to follow professional instruction! They go through an uncomfortable teething process that lasts for months. They play hard with their siblings, often using their teeth to successfully instigate play and attention. Herding breed dogs are predisposed to nip, herd, and chase small, fast-moving things. Young children often get the brunt of this behavior. Retrievers are predisposed to picking up and holding anything and everything within reach, including your hands and arms. A word on what to avoid: Above all else, avoid physical punishment when it comes to puppy biting. I have heard people given terrible albeit, well-meaning advice over the years, from squeezing your puppy's mouth shut, to pinning them on their backs, to muzzling them to stop the biting. Physical punishments like this range from silly and ineffective to cruel and downright abusive. In fact, you can create fear and aggression in your dog using these types of methods. So, what should you do about puppy biting? When you bring a puppy into your home, it's your job to create fair, consistent boundaries for unwanted behaviors, including when it comes to teeth on skin. Note: You are not putting your puppy in a time out. That involves way too much time, talking, and attention to be an effective punishment. You are either ignoring the behavior or removing yourself from it. That means play is over, fun is over, attention is over. Be as non-dramatic as possible. If the behavior is hard for you to ignore, go behind a door or baby gate where your puppy does not have access to continue nipping at you. If your puppy tries to nip at you when you return, remove yourself again. You should see a major decrease in the intensity of biting as well as the amount of biting attempts within a few days. An Important Caveat: Some puppies find the act of a person walking away reinforcing. If your puppy seems to enjoy you removing yourself as a game of chase, you can alternatively use the side of your leg not your knee, please! You may have to block them multiple times before they stop trying; don't give up! And most importantly, still avoid yelling or using your hands — bitey puppies tend to find both of these things very exciting. Remember, it's normal for young puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Things to keep in mind: Be sure to give your pup attention and praise when they are behaving nicely! All family members and guests MUST be consistent in order for this to work! Be aware that even doing everything right, this behavior may not go away entirely until months of age. Remember, this is a normal developmental period in puppies. For extra-bitey puppies, or those that are biting after months of age, this blog will help give you some additional tips and recommendations. Why Does This Work? A behavior that doesn't get reinforced will stop. Your pup will learn that we don't react to biting with play, attention, or even a negative reaction. All of these things can be fun for a puppy. Your pup will learn to self-entertain. Once they realize the nipping isn't working, they will eventually redirect themselves onto something else. Your puppy will seek out appropriate ways to get your attention, like offering a "sit" or laying at your feet. A few other suggestions: It's also important to have a management place for your puppy, such as a play pen or baby-gated bathroom. It gives you a break from your puppy, and is a calm place for your puppy to settle down if he gets too wound up. Make sure your puppy has plenty of rubbery teething toys, is getting daily exercise, and is not excessively crated. If his needs are not being met, the nipping will take longer to extinguish. Make sure your puppy is eating three meals a day. Things we may think are punishing, like pushing your puppy away, yelling at him, etc, can be considered fun, play-like behaviors for your puppy and can encourage biting. When doing the above exercise, be as quiet and calm as you can. When should you be concerned about biting in puppies? You should seek out a certified professional if your puppy: Is growling, snapping, or biting when a person comes near a resource. Food, toys, etc Stiffens and stares at the person before biting. Is consistently biting and breaking skin. Barks, growls, or nips not in play at new people entering the home. Snaps or growls at children. What if it's not getting better? Remember, we do not expect this behavior to go away entirely until at least months of age. We also need to take into consideration a dog's breed, social history, and any medical conditions that could be contributing. For example, if a puppy has an intestinal parasite that's depleting their nutritional stores, we often see an uptick in biting. For extra guidance with extremely bitey puppies, or those that are still regularly biting after 6 months of age, check out these additional tips. Need professional guidance on your puppy biting issues? We offer private and group online dog training that's accessible from anywhere in the world. More details here , or contact us. Puppies begin biting very early on in life. Just like human babies, it is common for them to chew on objects during the teething stage to reduce discomfort. Furthermore, many dogs prefer using their mouths rather than their paws for manipulating objects. Once again, this behavior begins in puppyhood as young pooches start to explore their world. Puppy biting may be cute at the beginning, but as your pup grows, these little nips can turn into painful bites. Thus, the puppy-raising experience will generally include that one moment when Fido playfully bites down on a finger and draws blood. Needless to say, this is not a behavior we humans want to have continue, especially not into adulthood. Want to learn how to get a puppy to stop biting? Here are the steps to take to stop puppy nipping. Inhibit the Biting The first step for how to get your puppy to stop biting is to inhibit the behavior. It is totally normal for puppies to mouth each other when they play. This mouthing, however, can quickly turn into a bite. When it does, the puppy on the receiving end will yelp, and this sound startles the puppy doing the biting, thus making him release. Humans can exploit this behavior to stop puppy nipping and teach your pup how much mouthing is acceptable. When a puppy latches onto your hand or finger too hard, let your hand go limp and imitate that yelping sound. When the puppy releases, ignore her for 10 to 20 seconds and then resume play. The goal here is to teach the puppy that gentle play continues and rough play stops. Eventually, you should be able to teach her that mouthing without biting down is OK but that anything more than that is not. For this method on how to make a puppy stop biting, each time the puppy tries to mouth you, pull your hand away before contact and promptly provide a treat or wave around a chewy toy for him to bite on instead. Keep in mind, however, to never let the tugging become too aggressive. Distraction In addition to mouthing people, puppies will also mouth things in their environment. This is mostly done out of curiosity. There are many ways to teach your dog not to chew on house furnishings. Besides puppy-proofing your home, be sure to provide an assortment of interesting and safe chew toys for your pup to play with. For example, if she shreds a plush toy in 2 minutes, you may want to stick toys made of rubber or hard plastic. Hide-the-treat toys are also great for distracting puppies from nibbling on other things. This type of toy not only distracts your pup but also provides mental stimulation as she tries to figure out how to get to the reward. A final option for distracting your pup is to arrange a playtime for your dog with other puppies or vaccinated adult dogs. Not only will this help to socialize her with other dogs, but those dogs will also assist in the process of teaching your puppy when a bite is too hard. Deterrence There are various products designed to prevent a dog from licking or chewing objects in the house. With that being said, this method of stopping puppy biting is not as simple as spraying your belongings with these products. There are two very important steps involved in using them for training. He should spit it out right away. After he spits it out, let him smell it so that he makes the association. This may sound cruel, but if your dog learns that he can just run to his bowl and get rid of the taste, the deterrent will become ineffective. Continue doing this for the next two to four weeks until your puppy has stopped chewing your belongings. This is particularly true for herding breeds. To teach your puppy to stop nipping at your heels, keep a favorite toy in your pocket. When she bites at your heels, immediately stop moving and wave the toy around to distract her until she latches onto it. Another method is to stop moving when she bites, and then, when she releases on her own, offer her the toy or a treat. Always praise your puppy when she releases from nipping at your heel. The idea is to teach your dog that good things happen when bad behavior stops. Puppy nipping and biting are natural behaviors for puppies but unwanted in adult dogs. Taking these few simple steps now will help prevent that bad behavior down the line and allow you to have a stress-free lifelong relationship when that little bundle of fur grows up. Looking for another method for how to keep a puppy from biting?

Quality Not Quantity Our aim is to breed dogs as near the breed standard as possible. As a small breeder, we at Bonsaviour aim to have approximately 3 to 4 litters per annum, selecting our Dam and Sire carefully and concentrating on quality, healthy puppies as a priority. Bonsaviour dogs are fed a natural BARF diet which is keeping them all extremely fit and well. The barf diet is based on raw meat and meaty bones along with a few vegetables and added vitamins. More about puppies About us At Bonsaviour all of our dogs are first and foremost our companions and their welfare and happiness is of paramount importance to us. We are dedicated and love our dogs they are part of our family, they all live inside our home and are cared for in the best possible way for health, happiness and temperament. Our puppies are reared naturally for true health and temperament and are used to the normal day to day living. The puppies are socialised with our grandchildren and all the normal noises such as the hoover and TV. When the puppies are 8 weeks old and are ready to move on to the new family we guarantee the puppy will be a confident healthy and happy puppy. Bonsaviour are committed, responsible breeders rearing our puppies on a natural diet as nature intended for health. We're based in a small village in the beautiful, wooded countryside of Neachley which is near the village of Albrighton in the County of Shropshire West Midlands UK. Golden Retriever Puppies are available all year round, all bred from parents not only of superb quality from long-established proven bloodlines, but also with wonderful temperaments - a factor on which we place great importance. Our puppies are bred with love for type, temperament, intelligence and health, making excellent companions, as well as being suitable for the various purposes for which these dogs are renowned. Retrievers are wonderful dogs with great temperaments and we are sure that you and your family will be happy to become Retriever Lovers. Our Buddy is a lively, loving and gentle boy. With a teenager attitude right now. We had a puppy from you last year. He was born in March and we picked him up in May. We called him Alfie. Any accolades gained are from our customer or Independant third party reviews. In the "Dog World", ferocious opinions clash all the time. Our philosophy can be digested from the following article. Some of our Retrievers Puppies Litters of puppies are planned very carefully and are born and raised in the house. Bonsaviour puppies are adapted to family life well before they leave us. We have an occasional litter each year, most often puppies are sold before they are born. Reserving a puppy from planned litters is recommended. If you are interested in a puppy, we will require some background information about yourself, your family members, your home and lifestyle, including where you live, whether you have owned a pet before, opportunities for exercise and when you hope to welcome a new addition to your home. We are very happy to help in the process of selecting a puppy that is right for you and your family. When you purchase a puppy from Bonsaviour we will always be here to offer support for you and your puppy and help with any questions you might have for the life ofyour puppy and beyond. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust — until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. Our beautiful girl was born last April and we collected her in June. We named her Sienna and she is just the most adorable and loving girl. She loves going for long walks and running round the fields surrounding our home, although she does manage to seek out every muddy puddle to roll around in. She loves nothing more than playing hide and seek with her many toys and is so clever, she always finds them. My favourite time is in the evening, when she becomes sleepy and snuggles on the sofa with us, being totally pampered. We absolutely adore her and feel so blessed she is part of our family. Thanks again Jude. Well, the short answer is that while the English Cream has a lighter coat, it is still simply a Golden Retriever. However, held to slightly different standards in most ways they are exactly the same. Most people ask me if the English Golden is blockier or bigger and the answer is no! But lets go over the European history and breed standard of the English Cream Golden and what the differences are. When different Golden Retriever Clubs across the world describe the breed using words like 'rich' and 'lustrous' in the U. While in Europe, lighter colors are specifically mentioned. So breeders hoping to achieve the best match to the standard and win show titles would err towards light-colored puppies. European Golden Retriever Size Another point of difference in the breed standards is size. There has been no known difference in temperament. The Golden is known across the world as the ultimate people dog. The Golden Retriever can trace its roots back to the 19th century. But, differences in opinion about the ideal Golden Retriever has meant that in each country, breeders have typically tried to achieve slightly different looks. Around the same time, fans of the breed started taking them to America and Canada. Different breed standards This recognition by three separate breed registries is the crux of why European Goldens are sometimes described as being distinct from American Goldens. Each breed registry has drafted and agreed its own description of the ideal Golden Retriever. This is known as a breed standard. Fill out the Puppy Application to get started and we will be in touch with you soon. Northwest Golden Retrievers Rescue — Lancashire. Our last pick on the list of the most reputable Golden Retriever breeders in the UK is not a breeder, but an independent adoption and rescue center dedicated to rehoming Golden Retriever dogs. Northwest Golden Retrievers rescue was established in , with the main goal of finding responsible, new forever homes for Golden Retrievers that are either abandoned, unwanted, or due to other circumstances, in need of a loving family. Get in touch with Northwest Golden Retrievers Rescue to find the right Goldie for your lifestyle and your family. Although they are so popular and have many good qualities, they do have one downside. As you can already tell, there are a lot of options to choose from when searching for your new Golden retriever puppy. Keep in mind that even though the breeders on this list are trustworthy and reputable, you still want to make sure to ask all the right questions when talking to the breeders, as well as be prepared to be screened by the breeder about your home environment, lifestyle, and capacity for taking care of your new family pet. Even though these breeders are vetted and have good references, make sure your new Goldie comes with all the required paperwork and written health check records. Other than these general guidelines, we have only one more thing to say. We wish you luck in finding your new Golden Retriever puppy to be your pawfully wedded companion for life. Related Articles:. Bonsaviour Retrievers is located in the picturesque tiny town of Whinston, and parents produce all puppies with long-established, confirmed bloodlines. Bonsaivour Retrievers only have three to four litters yearly and are fed a raw meat and vegetable diet with extra vitamins. As pups are carefully planned and reared in the home, it is advisable to reserve a puppy from a planned litter. A deposit of pounds is required to reserve a puppy, and each Golden Retriever puppy now costs 3, pounds. All of their stud dogs and Kennel Club-accredited breeders are documented. Before being placed in their new homes, all puppies are thoroughly socialized and screened for health. In addition, the puppies are microchipped, dewormed, accompanied by a puppy pack, and come with six weeks of complimentary insurance. Not only are all pups socialized before going to their new homes, but you also receive a comprehensive health guarantee and, if necessary, puppy transportation. All pups sold by Harmony Golden Retriever include an ISO microchip, a health guarantee, playthings and snacks, and much more. Also included is a day money-back guarantee. On their website, they list the Golden Retriever pups, and there are also owner testimonials. They breed Golden Retrievers seldom and strive to create dogs true to kind. Before breeding, all dogs are screened for genetic disorders, and the website has information on both male and female dogs. If you are interested in purchasing one of their Golden Retrievers, you must do it as soon as possible. You may also see picture albums and puppy albums on their website and information on their show results. Location: Leicestershire, UK. Do your research — Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. Choose your payment method wisely — If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal. Buying a Puppy The Golden Retriever is an excellent choice for a family pet, and though a sporting breed, it is one of the most adaptable. A Golden can be all things to all people, from fulfilling its original function in the shooting field, to service dog for search and rescue, guide dog, hearing dog for the deaf and working dog for the police and customs. Most are intelligent, unfailingly cheerful and gentle making them ideal companions for families with children. As family pets they can be taught to compete successfully in obedience, agility and working trials as well as in the show ring. There are, however several points to bear in mind before you purchase your new puppy. Owning a puppy is a responsibility requiring a serious commitment from all members of the family, for this will be a partnership that can last anything up to 12 — 15 years. Perhaps at this point we ought to remind you of a few of their less attractive traits. Goldens shed their coats frequently and copiously. Do not buy one if you are house-proud, have pale coloured carpets or a dodgy vacuum cleaner. Goldens are large dogs with an uncanny knack of finding all the muddiest puddles. Some are great wallowers — yours is bound to be one of them! Faeces are a by-product of all dogs, which we all have to dispose of responsibly. It is one of the more unpleasant facts of dog ownership, and most public places now require you to pick up after your dog. Veterinary fees are expensive, so it makes sense to insure your dog, indeed most breeders will insist you do so. Goldens do not make good kennel dogs, most are real couch potatoes, who unerringly find the most comfortable sofas and the choicest position in front of the fire. Some Goldens are great landscape architects, if your garden is a show piece, having your own Ground Force team may not go down too well. The garden must also be well fenced with sturdy boundaries, like Anne Robinson, puppies will always find the Weakest Link. Although usually tractable and obedient, given an inch, most will take the whole nine yards! If you still insist that a Golden is the dog for you, read on. Choosing your puppy. Always buy from a breeder where you can see the mother with her puppies. This will give you an idea of how the puppies will turn out. If the breeder does not own the stud dog, ask to see photographs of him. Make sure that both the sire and the dam of the puppies have the appropriate health clearances, and ask to see the certificates. Click on the diamond for an explanation of the health schemes. Reputable breeders will have their puppies checked out by their veterinary surgeon prior to sale and bear in mind you may be asked to sign a sales contract. Are they scrupulously clean? Is the breeder making provision for proper socialisation of the litter? Are the puppies happy and out-going, with clear eyes and skin? If yours is a family with very young children, do not go for the cute, shy puppy sitting on his own in the corner. Opt for the middle-of-the-road puppy that interacts well with his siblings, is lively and happy without being too dominant, bold or brash. A Golden puppy should be confident and interested to explore his surroundings. If colour is important to you, bear in mind the puppies will all look considerably lighter at this age than they will end up. The colour of their ears gives an approximate guide to their ultimate colour. What may appear to be a quiet puppy may be the life and soul of the litter who has just had a mad half hour and worn himself out! Make sure you have been given all the Kennel Club documentation and copies of all appropriate health clearances with the puppy, an advice sheet and a diet sheet. Stick to the diet suggested by the breeder until the puppy has settled well into his new home before you make any changes. Well bred puppies should also be Kennel Club Registered, this is proof of lineage. There is no reason not to register a litter, it cost very little. Be wary of breeders offering puppies un-registered. Puppies should also come with advice of worming, vaccination and some offer an insurance cover note to cover pups for first few weeks. Do your homework. Buy, or borrow from the library, all the books you can on Goldens. Puppies do not sit gift wrapped on a shelf — be prepared to wait for the puppy of your choice. Caring for your new puppy. Training should start as soon as you arrive home. Have one set of rules for all the family and stick to them. Puppies, like young children, need routine and firmly established ground rules. Goldens are good with children, but make sure your children are taught to be caring and responsible with dogs. A puppy is a living, breathing real-life creature, not a toy and should be treated with respect. Your children and your puppy. Provide the puppy with its own bed and do not allow the children to disturb the puppy when it is sleeping. Always make sure there are no staples that the puppy could swallow. Do not allow young children to pick up the puppy. Do not allow very young children to play with the puppy unsupervised. Do not allow children to become over excited around the puppy. This means no screaming, no jumping and no fighting. Do not allow young children to feed the puppy or disturb the puppy while it is eating. The First Night. The first night is always a little fraught. It will be the first time your puppy has been separated from his mother and siblings, so expect him to cry a little and do not be unduly alarmed when he does so. Be calm and matter of fact, do not excite the puppy and make sure it has relieved itself before putting it to bed. Most breeders will have given you a small piece of blanket with the scent of his family on it, that you can put inside his bed and which will help to settle the puppy. Provide a warm comfortable blanket such as Vet Bed, which is hard-wearing and easily cleaned. Dogs are den animals and so prefer their bed to be tucked in a corner. House Training As a rule Goldens learn quite quickly and although at times it seems as though they will never be clean, most are by around four months. Puppies are not really capable of controlling bladder function much before this time, so anticipation and vigilance on your part is of prime importance. So as soon as you arrive home with your new pup carry him straight to the spot in the garden and stay with him until he has performed, then make a fuss of him, then he can go and explore his new home. The odd accident is an inevitable part of house training your puppy, so be prepared to experience it. Remember, prevention is better than cure! View accidents as a lack of vigilance on your part. Times to watch are after a meal and a sleep. Take the puppy outside to his spot in the garden. An eight-week-old puppy can spend a penny for England, so be warned! Remember that these dogs are retrievers, so it would be going against their nature if they were never allowed to pick things up. All puppies chew: It is a natural process that enables baby teeth to be expelled. If anything precious gets spoiled it is your own fault. Your puppy is an instinctive animal. There is no point in getting cross if your puppy chews things if he is unsupervised for long periods The Devil makes work for idle paws! If you do have to be away from home for more than a couple of hours, you will need to arrange for a puppy-sitter. Though Goldens are usually extremely biddable and kind to people, children and other animals, as youngsters they can be lively and boisterous and appear to be in trouble more than they are out of it Your puppy has no concept of the social graces unless you teach it, and people usually get the dogs they deserve. We strongly recommend obedience classes for you and your puppy to learn to become responsible members of society. Your breeder will be able to advise you of local classes. The very first lesson should be for the puppy to learn his own name and to come when called. Call him and make a fuss of him when he bounds over and give him a food reward. Hopefully by the time he has gained the confidence to go off exploring, the lesson will have been learnt and the thought of a treat will bring him back. If he is told off at this point he will associate the punishment with coming to you, not the fact that it was in his own time. NEVER hit a young puppy; violence solves nothing and your dog will associate pain to being with you and it will take weeks of patience to win him round again. Teach your puppy to accept you as his new pack-leader and that what you say goes. Use short one-word commands, but try to make learning fun. If you have a dominant, greedy puppy who guards his food, hand feeding him for several meals often works. If the puppy growls and guards a prized possession, remove the article and spend time giving the item back and then gently removing it again, until the puppy accepts your supremacy. Initially, a play in your garden is quite sufficient for your new puppy. After he has received his vaccinations, start with 10 to 15 minutes exercise off the lead in a safe area allowing him to set the pace. Exercise can be increased as the puppy grows, but very gradually. Remember your puppy is growing at an alarming rate and over-exercise and too boisterous play can cause damage to joints and cartilage later on. A good way to monitor exercise is a guide of 5 minutes for each month of the puppies life, ie: at 3 month 15 minutes lead exercise twice a day, which is then increased every month by 5 minutes. Take it slowly at first, and by the time your dog is 12 to18 months old he will be able to take all the exercise you care to give him, and more. The new Nobivac and Canigen vaccines out now, enable the vaccination programs to be completed earlier, so your puppy can be socialised earlier. Until last injection has taken effect, he should not leave the confines of your garden, unless he is carried. The breeder, using a proprietary brand of wormer should have wormed your puppy at least three times. Even so, it makes sense to be certain that children wash their hands after playing with the puppy and before eating. Worm again every couple of weeks until 3 months, then once or twice a year as a precaution. Ask your Vet for a recommended brand of wormer. Groom your puppy every day. This not only helps to keep him clean, but also establishes a bond between the two of you. Get your puppy used to having his ears looked at, his feet picked up and his teeth checked on a daily basis, so that any veterinary examination, should it be necessary at a later date, will not be too much of an ordeal. Initially, grooming will just consist of a thorough brushing, though later as the adult coat and feathering comes through, a daily check for knots and tangles will become necessary. And Finally. With just a little effort and training, your puppy will mature into a wonderful companion and a fully fledged member of the family that you can take anywhere and whom you will be proud to own. Should the unthinkable happen and your circumstances change so that you are unable to keep your puppy or older dog, please remember to inform the breeder in the first instance. If you live outside the UK, we would suggest you go to our links page and contact your nearest Golden Retriever Club. Club members: 1 Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items not accompanying a dog. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.