walking a labrador puppy
If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to adopt a Labradoodle in Oregon? And we can certainly understand why. How To Choose A Labradoodle Breeder Responsibly In Oregon When looking for Labradoodles, the Oregon breeders in our guide have proven to follow ethical practices while providing the dogs the highest of care. So, what should you look for when choosing an ethical Labradoodle breeder in Oregon? This greatly reduces the chance of puppies inheriting any life altering conditions. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, some breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. More specifically, in Azalea, Southern Oregon, which is about 10 miles northeast of Glendale. All of their dogs live with them in their own home or with carefully selected guardian families. You can be sure that they really are one of the best Labradoodle breeders in Oregon, as all of their puppies come from loving family environments. In addition to that, Autumn Harvest Dood Ranch already starts with introduction to potty training, crate training, and obedience training. Puppies will also have numerous car rides, a trip to the vet, groomings, and other experiences that will make your transition much easier. Related Content. We Produce Australian Labradoodle Puppies … and not just any puppy, but one of the best! Our focus at Mountain View Doodles is breeding multi-generation Australian Labradoodle puppies that have a blocky body type, a wonderful coat of silky soft, non-shedding fleece, as well as a fun-loving, sweet temperament. Since our puppies have gone all over Oregon, to every state in the US, and some internationally as well! Apply Today We are always accepting applications for Australian Labradoodle puppies to reserve! Please visit our Available Puppies page to see our expected litters for the coming months. Sometimes our litters fill up fast so we encourage you to apply and get on a reservation list to ensure your spot. We provide all three sizes of Australian Labradoodles. We take great pride in the puppies we produce as well. Our process works with each family individually to find exactly what they are looking for not only from a aesthetics standpoint, but also a personality point of view. Our goal is to find a fabulous fit for each family that will thrive in their home. Available Puppies. Learn more Close to Portland, OR, Suncrest offers Australian Labradoodles that you can trust will come home with a clean bill of health and the right temperament for your family. All premium quality labradoodle puppies are checked for health and temperament before being released, ensuring they are of the highest quality. Tips and Tricks For New Dog Owners Owning a Labradoodle is a wonderful experience, but a few tips and tricks can help make it even better. Here are a few of our top suggestions: Socialize your Labradoodle early and often. Socialization will help your pup grow into an even-tempered, friendly dog. Make sure you introduce them to various people, animals, and environments, so they learn to be comfortable in all situations. Crate train your Labradoodle. Crate training will help your pup understand their space and provide a safe place away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Exercise regularly. Labradoodles are intelligent and active dogs, so exercise is essential for their physical and mental health. Take them for regular walks and playtime, and provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them stimulated. Brush your Labradoodle regularly. Labradoodles have thick coats that can become matted and tangled if not properly taken care of. Brush your pup at least once a week to keep its coat looking its best. Take your pup to the vet regularly. Keep up with vaccinations and other preventative measures. If you have issues finding a puppy for sale in Oregon, there are plenty of doodle breeders nearby. Most notably, San Diego, California breeders have quite a few close by! How much does a puppy cost? The cost of a top-quality puppy can vary depending on the breed, size, and age. The cost of supplies such as food, toys, and vet care should be factored in when considering the total cost of a puppy. This can, of course, vary from breeder to breeder. Make sure the breeder has done their due diligence as much as you have. Should they not want to answer questions, this can be a huge red flag. How long does it usually take to get a puppy from a breeder? The timeline to get a puppy from a breeder typically depends on the availability of puppies in their litter. It is not uncommon for breeders to have a waiting list, as they often have more people interested in their puppies than puppies available. Some breeders may require additional paperwork or health checks, which can add time to the process. What red flags do I look for when finding a breeder? When looking at a dog breeder, you want to stay away from puppy mills. There are a few common red flags to look out for. Breeders with experience will not do this and insist on a visit. Puppy mills have no standards for health and are not trustworthy breeders. Be wary of any breeder pushing you to buy a puppy or refusing to answer questions. These are all signs that the breeder may not be trustworthy. What is the lifespan of a Labradoodle? Labradoodles typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This depends on the health and lifestyle of the individual dog, so proper nutrition, regular exercise, and regular vet visits are essential for a long and healthy life. Is a Labradoodle a high-maintenance dog? No, we do not consider Labradoodles high-maintenance dogs. They make wonderful and loyal companions. Can I leave a Labradoodle at home all day? No, Labradoodles should not be left at home all day. They are active and intelligent dogs and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Are Labradoodles difficult dogs? No, we do not consider Labradoodles difficult dogs. With proper training and socialization, Labradoodles can be well-behaved and loving companions. Well-balanced and healthy puppies will be easy to train, and their eagerness to please makes them great dogs for novice owners. Conclusion In conclusion, Labradoodles are fantastic family pets and will bring years of joy to their ideal family. With the help of this article, you can find the perfect Labradoodle puppy from one of the top five reliable breeders in Oregon. There is also a breeder directory with your local kennel club or online. Be sure to do your research and ask lots of questions to find an ethical breeder who puts the health and well-being of their puppies first. Following these tips and tricks will ensure you and your pup have a glorious life together. Consider your lifestyle, the size of your home, your budget, and any other factors that may influence your decision. She currently owns three dogs a greyhound, saluki, and golden mix and has gone through several types of programs to further her education in the pet world. Many of my questions were answered by your comments and suggestions. I recently owned a labradoodle; however, she passed away at a young age 7 of lymphoma. It was a devasting loss. She was my walking partner, travel partner, and best buddy! Dogs have always been a treasured part of our family and everyday life! After experiencing twelve cherished years with our Labrador Retriever, Barnard, and fourteen years with our beloved Standard Poodle, Ellie, it seemed a natural choice to look into the Labradoodle as our next family companion. We began researching the Labradoodle, hoping that we may indeed be able to find the perfect blend of the best qualities of both breeds. We found that the breeding of Australian multi-generational Labradoodles is what brings unparalleled consistency in producing the ideal family companion. Soon thereafter, our first Australian Labradoodle, Boon, joined our family. It was love right from the start, and he continues to brighten our everyday with his joyful, loving self! Our passion and excitement for this very special breed has inspired us to become breeders of quality, genuine Australian Labradoodles puppies here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We are not breeders in a kennel or facility; guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to live with a family in their forever homes. All of our sweet puppies are raised here in our home, with our family, where they are socialized and given an abundance of love! Each of our breeding dogs undergo extensive health testing to ensure our puppies are the healthiest and happiest they can be! Follow our puppy joy on Instagram. Email us at: springcreeklabradoodles gmail. Spring Creek Labradoodles has served on several committees focused on the development and health testing of the Australian Labradoodle breed. Our commitment to quality and accountability means you can have peace of mind about purchasing one of our puppies. We specialize in allergy friendly, non-shedding, wavy fleece coats and gentle, intuitive, friendly, intelligent puppies. Consistency in looks and temperament set our dogs apart. We are dedicated to breeding only the best Australian Labradoodle puppies that are the quality you deserve, from health tested lines. We offer life time support to our families who adopt one of our puppies! Our 20 acres of forest land is nestled in the rolling hills between Creswell and Lorane. It is the ideal place to raise our puppies and to give them room to run and play. Come visit us when you pick up your puppy and enjoy some time exploring this gorgeous area of the Willamette Valley! Read our testimonials from families across the world and discover why Spring Creek Labradoodles has been the Australian Labradoodle breeder of choice for many families when looking for the Australian Labradoodle puppy of their dreams! What does our commitment to health testing for all the common genetic issues mean for you? It means peace of mind. We ensure all breeding dogs will not produce genetic issues that can be ruled out by diagnostic testing. Being a conscientious Australian Labradoodle breeder, we have very strict guidelines and requirements in place for our dogs before they become part of our breeding program. Newsletter Subscribe to Spring Creek's monthly newsletter for training tips, recipes, dog health care, seasonal tips, grooming advice, behavioral help, and more! Just enter your email address and sit back and enjoy our monthly news! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder, and one of the first in the U. Why get a labradoodle puppy? Labradoodles are smart, loving, child-friendly dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, fun loving, family companions. Labradoodles also come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes. We breed all sizes of labradoodles, but concentrate mostly on mini labradoodles and medium labradoodles with an ocassional litter of large standard size labradoodles. We have found the miniature and medium sized labradoodles to be the perfect size for families on the go. They are wonderful companions and are just the right size for a snuggle on the couch, sleeping at the foot of the bed, or riding in the car running errands. On a personal note, our family fell in love with labradoodles when we saw what a patient, loyal companion a labradoodle was for our 6 year old son with autism. By breeding labradoodles, it is my hope to provide this type of loving companion for other families. Why choose Pacific Rim Labradoodles? Located in Southern Oregon, Pacific Rim Labradoodles takes pride in being a very reputable and ethical breeder of Australian and American multigeneration labradoodles. We are a family that has fallen in love with the labradoodle breed. We began breeding labradoodles in so that others could experience the joy of labradoodle ownership. Every labradoodle puppy is born and raised at our home. We are a small Oregon breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful labradoodle puppies for companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. All of our breeding stock undergoes genetic testing for soundness of hips and eyes. The temperaments of our breeding dogs is also very important to us. We breed only labradoodles with phenomenal temperaments since the disposition of the parents is the best indicator of the disposition of your puppy. We back up all of our labradoodle puppies with a 2 year genetic health warranty and our continued support for the lifetime of your dog. The climate and low population of our gorgeous Oregon coast means that our dogs and puppies have 36 acres of trails and forest land to play on. Our labradoodles are kenneled only for safety issues when necessary. Our goal is to provide you with a happy, healthy labradoodle puppy and an enjoyable puppy purchasing experience. We look forward to working with you to find you the perfect new addition for your family.
Nutritional requirements of a Golden Retriever What exactly should the diet of a Golden Retriever consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your Golden Retriever, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Golden Retriever, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. Golden Retriever raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Golden Retriever, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. The Best Food for Golden Retrievers: Nutrition and Diet Tips Learn why good nutrition is so important for your dog as well as what you should look for and avoid when selecting the best food for a Golden Retriever. Learn why good nutrition is so important for your dog as well as what you should look for and avoid when selecting the best food for a Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most lovable, loyal, and fun-loving dogs. It's no wonder this breed is so popular! If you're the proud owner of a Golden, you want to keep them as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible. And one of the best ways to do that is through proper nutrition. Take a stroll through the dog food aisle at your local pet store or supermarket, or scroll the products on sites like Amazon and Chewy, and you'll easily be overwhelmed by the amount of choices you'll see. There are all sorts of different brands — Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, and countless others — not to mention grain-free diets, diets made for different types and sizes of dogs, and foods made for puppies or senior dogs. How do you know what to choose? Read on as we learn why good nutrition is so important for your pet as well as what you should look for and avoid when selecting your dog's kibble. Then, you'll be able to decide on the best food for your Golden Retriever. Dogs have specific nutritional needs, like any animal. They need precise amounts of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. A balanced diet is, to put it simply, key for a healthy life. Golden Retrievers need good food to: Grow properly: Nutrition is essential for proper growth, particularly during puppyhood but throughout life. Protein, in particular, builds your dog's muscles and tissues to help your dog grow healthy and strong. Maintain a healthy immune system: Your dog's immune system uses nutrients to fight off diseases and purge the body of toxins and free radicals harmful particles that cause cell damage. Provide energy: Protein and carbs provide your dog's body with the energy necessary for daily life. Whether you have a Golden Retriever puppy with a high activity level or an older Golden who prefers to lounge most of the day, their sole energy source comes from their food. Keep the coat healthy: Food that contains the proper amounts of antioxidants and nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids makes for healthy skin and fur. A good diet keeps your dog's coat shiny and the skin properly moisturized. Try Native Pet's Omega Oil to give your dog's coat an additional boost of nutrients! Maintain healthy weight: Quality dog food keeps your dog at a healthy weight by giving them the right amounts of nutrients without excess calories or unhealthy fat. Since obesity can result in everything from heart trouble and breathing problems to poor joint health and diabetes, it's wise to avoid it before it takes hold. How do you know if the kibble you're holding is the best food for your Golden Retriever? Here's what to look for when selecting a high-quality diet for your pet: Wholesome, Natural Ingredients Natural ingredients are always better than artificial ones. Artificial additives and meat byproducts have no nutritional value for your dog. Look for real chicken or chicken meal, beef or beef meal, etc. Meat meal is simply a dehydrated or ground version of the original meat and is safe for your dog and provides healthy protein. When it comes to non-meat ingredients like veggies, look for sweet potatoes , carrots , brown rice , and other "real" ingredients that you recognize. Try to steer clear of corn, soy, or wheat, which don't provide as much nutritional value. You might even see healthy fruits included in some dog food formulas, like blueberries , which provide healthy nutrients like antioxidants and amino acids. Quality Animal Protein Sources The phrase "meat by-product" refers to a meat substance made from internal organs, hooves, and other parts of the body that your dog really doesn't need to ingest. Try to avoid these, and opt for real meat or meat meal instead. There are foods made with chicken and chicken meal, fish and fish meal, beef and beef meal.Watch out for the phrase "by-product meal," which you might see on some dog food packaging. This is still a meat by-product. Products with this designation can complete your dog's diet with no additional supplements or additions. So, it's a good idea to look for these phrases on dog food packaging. Try Native Pet's probiotic powder to create a thriving environment for healthy flora in the gut. This can help regulate your dog's bowel movements and promote digestion. If you'd like to support your dog's bladder function, our Bladder Chicken Chews are a great choice. They help build defense against frequent UTIs and can help with long-term urinary tract health. Formulas for Size and Age Adult Golden Retrievers are considered large breed dogs, which means they need large-breed formulas. Large-breed formulas are made with the specific nutritional requirements of bigger canines in mind, like a lower caloric density to match their slower metabolisms and added nutrients like glucosamine to aid in joint health, for example. The food is also made in larger pieces. Large, deep-chested breeds like the Golden Retriever are at a risk for a dangerous condition called bloat when they eat too fast. Large dogs tend to gulp down large amounts of small kibble at once, which increases the risk of bloat, while larger pieces force them to take their time when eating. Larger pieces mean your dog gets the same nutritional value in a smaller portion size, reducing the risk of bloat. If you have a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure to feed them puppy food. Later, around eight weeks of age, they can start to transition to dry dog food, ideally a large-breed puppy formula. You may remember hearing about grain-free dog foods in the news recently. Back in , the FDA announced it was studying the possible connection between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , a serious heart health issue. It seems that dogs eating grain-free food are correlated with a higher risk of developing DCM, although the FDA has not issued an official statement confirming this to date. A grain-free diet is not necessarily healthier than diets that include grain, so there's no reason your adult dog needs to eat grain-free food unless they're allergic or sensitive to grains. Talk with your veterinarian to find out whether or not a grain-free diet is a good choice for your pet. What's the Best Food for a Golden Retriever? Image credit: aryaandsamwell The best dog food for your Golden Retriever might not be the same one that works for another Golden Retriever. It all depends on factors like your dog's age, weight, current health, allergies, specific nutritional needs, and others. However, generally speaking, the best food for a Golden Retriever contains natural, high-quality ingredients, uses real meat or a meat meal as the main protein source, is labeled as nutritionally balanced or complete, and is formulated for your pooch's age and size. Avoid things like meat by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, fillers like corn and soy, and unnatural preservatives if at all possible. If your veterinarian confirms that your dog has an allergy to a certain ingredient, you'll obviously want to avoid it — some dogs that are sensitive to gluten may need to eat grain-free food, for example. You should always contact your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist if you're unsure what the best food for your Golden Retriever might be. With expert advise, you can rest assured your dog is getting the very best pet food option for their needs. To read more about your dog's health, nutrition, and wellness needs, visit the Native Pet blog. Read more. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.
Life Span Did You Know? A Brittnepoo is a cross between a Brittany Spaniel and a Poodle. Although a mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents, a Brittnepoo tends to be an energetic, fun, and loving dog that makes a great family pet. The Brittnepoo is a sensitive dog with a sweet disposition and a fun-loving, energetic personality. They love spending time with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They do have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the household. They do tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, but will often retain the urge to chase smaller animals outside of the home. The Brittnepoo is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of their energy, they tend to be a better fit for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate plenty of time throughout the day to make sure they get enough exercise. Although this dog tends to have a fluffy-looking coat and does well in most climates, they may need some winter dog products to stay warm through cold temperatures. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. You can also ask to see relevant health clearances or test results. The Brittnepoo is also one of the dog breeds at-risk for developing bloat. Although they are high-energy, the Brittnepoo is a highly trainable dog breed that can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and tend to be in-tune with their owners. This means they pick up on things quickly. They respond best to consistent training focused on positive rewards. They tend to strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, the Brittnepoo coat sheds moderately or not much at all. Brushing is daily or every other day to prevent mats. Bathing is on an as-needed basis and professional grooming may be necessary every weeks. Trimming nails monthly can sometimes be enough to keep them from growing too long. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt and moisture, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help prevent dental diseases later in life. The Brittnepoo is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus at least an hour of time to run and play every day are usually sufficient for this dog. But, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. They tend to be athletic and versatile dogs that can handle a wide range of activities once they have finished growing. A fully-grown Brittnepoo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds A Brittnepoo generally lives for years. Although Brittnepoo tends to be the most popular name, these dogs are also sometimes called a Brittany Spoodle, Brittanypoo, or just a Brittany Poodle Mix. Featured Brittnepoo Article. Most F1 Brittanydoodles will have loose wavy gorgeous curls, but tight curls are possible as well. Puppies will not typically have straight hair with this cross. Although, it's important to note that most F1 Brittanydoodle will start out as newborns puppies with the appearance of straight fur and their waves and curls develop as they mature. Their appearance can range from Brittany features or those of the Poodle or somewhere in-between. The first generation benefits the most from hybrid vigour. Tighter curls are more predominant in this type of F1B Brittanydoodle, but looser curls and straighter coats more like the F1 do show up as well. Their appearance will lean more towards the Poodle features, but again, Brittany features can be present. A Double Doodle is the fusion of two hybrids with complementing attributes bred together to create a new hybrid with more hybrid vigour. Their appearance will be most like the F1 Brittanydoodle with wavy to loose wavy curls. The benefit of such a cross is that they are "second best" for retaining hybrid vigour. Generations Explained. It is our goal to provide a happy, healthy Brittany Spoodle that your family will grow to love as a member of the family. When it comes time to find that special puppy, no matter whether you call it a Brittany Spoodle, Brittany Doodle, or a Brittnepoo , to raise in your home, we hope that you will look no further than Bow Creek Kennels. Our parent dogs are all genetically health tested to ensure your puppy has a strong start for a long healthy life. Bow Creek Kennels specializes in a breeding program that has led to high quality, healthy Brittany Doodle puppies. This allows the puppies at Bow Creek to enjoy a socially and physically active environment. Reserve Your Puppy — Kick off the process by filling out a puppy application. This will require a closer look at specific puppies and or litters unless you are looking for the first available. If so, we can work with you in deciding which breed would be the best fit for your family, the Brittany Spoodle or the Bernedoodles puppy. Contact is made within 48 hours of puppy application being received and a deposit will need to be placed to hold the desired Brittany Spoodle. Select Your Puppy — Once puppies hit 5 to 6 weeks old, it is time to select a puppy. Bow Creek Kennels works closely with their clients to ensure that each family has access to a puppy that matches their needs. Health guarantees and puppy contracts will be signed at this time. Ground delivery is also available with varying costs based on the state in question.
For a number of years we have wanted to expand our breeding program to the Non-Sporting Group, specifically French Bulldogs. After several years of detailed research and thorough groundwork, Affinity French Bulldogs was born! Excellent health, stable temperaments and winning confirmation is our goal! At Affinity French Bulldogs, we lovingly hand-raise each of our puppies in our home where they are broadly socialized to both humans and other animals, exposed to a variety of age-appropriate stimuli and experiences and the foundations of crate training and litter box potty training are started. Our puppies are thoroughly examined by our on-site veterinarian at birth and again at 8 weeks of age, de-wormed and vaccinated and come with our comprehensive health guarantee and life-long breeder support. We also provide micro-chip services to our customers. The most wonderful experience from start to finish! Thank you so much! Affinity French Bulldogs focuses on superior pedigree, stable health and excellent temperament. While our goal is for many of our dogs to go on to distinguished show careers, our Frenchies also make the perfect family companion and will change your life forever with their bright, affectionate and playful personalities. They happily adapt to life with individuals and families, do well with children of all ages, get along well with other pets and they adore making new friends — both of the human and K9 variety! French Bulldogs are easy keepers, do not require a lot of exercise and do not bark excessively although their naturally observant tendencies make them quick to alert to strangers or unusual activity around the home. They are well-suited to apartment life and are patient and affectionate with their owners and especially children. We are honored to be a part of so many wonderful families and would love to match you with your very own loving and vivacious Frenchie! Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.
Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Share 0 Shares Massachusetts rescues are a great place to find adoptable Golden Retrievers, but you might not know which rescues are best to go with. Researching for the most trustworthy and reliable rescues can be time-consuming and tedious, so we decided to do the work for you! One is a Golden Retriever-specific rescue, while the others are two amazing reliable animal rescues in Massachusetts. These rescues should give you a place to at least start when on the hunt for your new dog. Yankee Golden Retriever Rescues Massachusetts 1. This rescue works specifically with Golden Retrievers and they are working to help the homeless Golden Retriever issue in New England by getting all of their adoptable Goldens from New England. This organization helps to pair up needy dogs from New England with adoptive owners looking for a new addition to their family. Their mission is clear as they are here to save homeless Goldens and provide them with medical care, care for them, and do behavioral assessments. Joan Puglia and Susan Foster are the co-founders of the organization and they started with very limited resources to get this program started. With the help of fundraisers and volunteers, they were able to bring this organization to where it is now. This kennel has been in the dog business for over 20 years and they have since then raised many different Golden Retrievers. Their goal is to raise Golden Retrievers that are great for showing, training, and breeding. Having these amazing quality dogs gives reassurance to anyone looking to get a Golden retriever that they are getting a great dog that has been trained well and bred to be a champion-style dog. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our high quality, health tested and beautiful dogs are achieved through our knowledge and careful care as professional breeders. We import our lines and take special care to keep health as our number one priority in our Golden puppies. We also have a keen eye for good looks! Please browse our website for resources on choosing puppies carefully, and please consider getting to know us. Our Puppy Process What is our deposit? We have a real business so we do things professionally. How do you pick your puppy? We temperament test our puppies and observe them since birth. We are professionals at matching puppies with families lifestyles, but the choice is ultimately yours, which puppy you get. Our Golden Retriever puppy pick-outs are at around 6 weeks. We allow you to choose out of a group of puppies depending on your pick spot. Our out-of-state buyers usually use Facetime or Facebook to pick their puppies out with live video. You'll see weekly videos and pictures of the puppies as they grow, so you it will be an informed decision for you to choose when it's your turn. We will share with you their temperaments, sizes and builds, so you get a great match. You are also welcome to visit the farm and pick your puppy out in person. Most of our buyers reserved to visit once when they pick their puppy up at 8 weeks. English Golden Retriever Puppies We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your English Golden Retriever puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of puppies, please reach out. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. We look forward to hearing from you. We live on a gorgeous acre hobby farm that we built from the ground up for our family and animals. Our son and daughter and both breeders. Our Son's family lives in Idaho and our Daughter lives in Maryland. We are in Western Pennsylvania. We have many happy families with our dogs in Massachusetts. One of the benefits to our network is that we can be a local breeder for both sides of the country. Please reload Yes, email me when Golden Retriever puppies are available. Message sent. We are a breeder and family-run business that works directly with a network of reputable breeders. We deliver healthy, playful, loyal, extremely intelligent Goldendoodles, with an incredible temperament! We know what it takes to breed awesome, healthy puppies! Our puppies come from us or our carefully selected breeders who are ethically responsible. We only work with breeders who breed on their property! We never work with puppy mills! Our puppies come from our home or from our breeders directly to our home, where we care for the litter until they are homed. We believe doodles are awesome! We love helping people find the perfect new addition to their families, and enjoy a reputation as a kind and caring breeder and business. To learn more about us, or to inquire about available puppies, please contact us. Call or text today. Puppies come from our breeders directly to our home, where we care for the litter until they are homed. We believe Goldendoodles and doodles are awesome! We love helping people find the perfect new addition to their families. We enjoy a reputation as a kind and caring small business. To learn more check out our reviews on our facebook page, and google reviews. Goldendoodles are a designer breed that is part Golden Retriever, part Poodle. A first Generation F1 Goldendoodle is half golden retriever, half poodle. Deeper generations involve crossing a Goldendoodle back to the parent breed. An F1B Goldendoodle consists of a Goldendoodle crossed with a poodle. These are generally hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Goldendoodles are gentle and affectionate dogs with an easy-going temperament. They are extremely intelligent, friendly, and easy to train. According to the Goldendoodle Association of North America, they rank in the top 5 most intelligent dogs. The golden retriever ranks 4 and Poodle 2 on most intelligent dog list. They are also very social. Hypoallergenic and Low to Non-Shedding. Hypoallergenic means, below-average allergy causing symptoms. Some people are allergic to pet dander. Pet dander consists of specks of skin that are released from dogs that shed. This can cause allergies in some people. Symptoms would include, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation on humans. Because Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, the poodle genes limit any dander that would normally be released from a golden retriever. Since , the volunteers of SGRR have rescued Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and Golden-hearted dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or relinquished by their owners. We are dedicated to finding the best possible homes for these dogs in need. September is National Preparedness Month! The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is here which is why it's important to take some time to reflect on disaster preparedness. As unlikely as it may seem, a disaster can strike at any moment. Whether it's a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard, it's critical to be prepared and have a plan in place. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unintentionally left out of their owners' disaster preparedness plans which makes it difficult to know what to do with them during an emergency. Luckily, you can plan ahead for your pets using these tips: Listen to your veterinarian Make sure your pet wears a collar with up to date information on it, get them microchipped, and have them vaccinated. These recommendations will come in handy during a disaster and help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as being unable to get into a shelter with an unvaccinated pet or losing them during an evacuation. If possible, take your pet's medical records with you and attach their rabies tag to their collar. Find out which shelters allow pets Do some research into where you can safely evacuate with your pet during a state of emergency before a disaster occurs. Your local police department can typically give you this information. If not, they'll likely be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Though unfortunate, it is not true that hotels must accept pets during evacuations, so please keep that in mind while planning ahead. Prepare a pet disaster kit In a suitcase or other easily movable storage container, pack food and water bowls, a manual can opener, two weeks' worth of canned food and bottled water per pet, plastic poop bags for dogs , litter and a small litter box for cats , and two weeks' worth of any medications your pet may need. You should also pack cleaning items, sturdy leashes and harnesses, toys, and a copy of your pet's medical records. For small animals and cats, have a carrier ready. Use this checklist to prepare. Create handouts Create an identification handout and a boarding instruction handout. Have both ready to go at a moment's notice. They should contain important information, such as your pet's name, age, sex, markings, microchip number, allergies, and vaccination status. If you get separated from your pet, make sure you're safe before you begin your search. If you're in a shelter that houses pets, inform a caretaker and provide them with the identification handout. Once you've been given the OK to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control and call the microchip company to make sure all information about you and your pet is current. Stay safe out there! Some dogs become comfort or therapy dogs, while others are champion security systems. Dudley's adopters, however, found he is quit the poet!! Kind of melts your heart, doesn't it? We hope you will be too! Looking for a good gift for yourself or someone else and make an impact at the same time? Go over and see our friends at Golden Retriever Coffee Company! Not only do they have amazing products, but they're big supporters of SGRR! Also, shipping is always free in the U. This all-natural craft bakery offers delicious treats for your furbabies such as pumpkin hearts, peanut and blueberry chews, turkey and sweet potato duckies and more pup-alicious flavors. Everything in the dog bakery is made with natural, healthful, nutritious ingredients, blueberries, duck, cheese, turkey, rolled oats, whole dried eggs, and more. Sunshine also will share a percentage of the bakery profits with other golden rescue organizations. Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets. We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. New to SGRR? Want to Learn More About Us? We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously. The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups. Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful. We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us! You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! To make a very long story short, she went on to become the saving grace of my life and a certified therapy dog who was with me for 13 years. After she crossed over that rainbow bridge, I did a lot of research with adoption agencies and came across SGRR. After filling out the application and being interviewed I was offered a dog by the name of Daisy, a beautiful red Golden Retriever. I thought I would never feel about another dog the way I felt about my Julie but it was not long before I fell in love with that sweet, sweet girl who was also with me for 13 years. Everyone loved Daisy, she would go up to people and do that lean into thing, a Golden thing, and they would just laugh and pet her. That is when I realized what an amazing organization, so full of caring and wonderful people who often go above and beyond for these wonderful animals. When my Daisy girl crossed over after a few months went by I thought it time to bring another friend home. Golden Retrievers had become hard to find so I decided to take a mixed breed home which was a big deal for me being the Golden Retriever lover that I am. I never had a male or a mixed breed before so I did not know what to expect. Finnie settled right in and is a wonderful companion and friend to furry sibling Gracie. Finnie took some training but I knew in time he would be a great dog and he is a great dog. He is very different than the other dogs in my life but he is so much fun to have with us. He loves people and gets very excited with everyone and will jump up in the air like an acrobat we are working on that , but a great dog. I would encourage everyone to think about a mixed breed. With time, love and patience you get a great dog and companion. We are excited and proud to share it with all of you. Click the button below and enjoy! The soft light and subtle fragrance will be a sweet reminder of the love you have shared. Please check out their website to learn more about J. Lilienne Custom Candles Pet Collection. SGRR is designated as a c 3 organization which means your donations are tax-deductible. You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute. Single Payment Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee. Recurring Donation Sponsor a Dog If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog. We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. We thank you in advance for your generous support!
As with every designer dog breed, the best way to get to know a Great Golden Dane is by understanding its parent breeds — in this case, the Great Dane and Golden Retriever. One member of its breed, Zeus, measured an astounding 44 inches tall from paw to shoulder! Originally bred as a hunting dog in 16th century Germany, the Great Dane was quickly recognized for its friendly disposition and has become a popular choice as a companion animal in the present day. The Golden Retriever, true to its name, was bred with the purpose of retrieving fowl for Scottish hunters in the 19th century. Golden Retrievers are exceptionally active dogs, sometimes requiring over two hours of vigorous activity per day. Where does this combination of genes leave our Great Golden Dane, then? Borrowing from both sides of its family tree, the Great Golden is a large but not giant dog that is friendly, intelligent, and highly energetic. If you do choose to bring a Great Golden into your home, be prepared for plenty of cuddles any time you sit or lie down. They love learning new tricks and will eagerly perform for treats or affection. But due to their unique intermixing of traits, these dogs also seem to have developed a keen sense of loyalty that makes them a fantastic companion animal. Are These Dogs Good for Families? By no fault of their own, these dogs can be somewhat clumsy and accidentally knock smaller children over. You may occasionally see them boss smaller dogs around, but a firm voice and a small amount of training will stop this behavior quickly. Be prepared to serve them four to six cups of food per day, broken into multiple servings. Thankfully, the Great Golden Dane lies somewhere in the middle. They are typically happy with around an hour a day of walking or playing in the backyard, with the occasional game of fetch thrown in for good measure. Some potential health problems to be aware of include: Minor Conditions. Coat color typically has a base of various shades of yellow from cream to golden, but they can also appear in black, and in some cases, have light grayish shades as seen in some Great Danes. A brindle pattern is also possible. Black Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix will also have a coat that closely resembles a Great Dane which is single-coated, short, smooth, and shiny. Golden Dane temperament and personality Great Dane Retriever is a friendly and affectionate breed that parallels the personality of the parent breeds. They are very playful and show a good amount of energy but can easily plop next to you and be a lap dog. They love to be cuddled and do not handle being alone agreeably. Do Great Golden Dane make great family pets? Yes, the Great Golden Dane do make great family pets. Both the parent breeds are known for their calm and gentle personalities and it would not be too far-fetched to say that the offspring would inherit those traits. However, due to their size, small children should not be left alone with this breed to prevent them from getting knocked over especially, during playing. Labradanes can also get along with other pets in the house that they grew up with but may have a tendency to chase smaller animals. Are Great Dane Retriever Mix aggressive? No, Great Dane Retriever Mix are not aggressive despite their large size. Golden Retriever Mix Great Dane may look intimidating but she has a friendly disposition. Golden Great Dane training Golden Retriever mixed with Great Dane is an intelligent breed and easy to train because they are motivated to please their family. They may show stubborn behavior at times but with early training and the use of positive reinforcements, they would quickly respond to new commands. The ideal age to start their training is around 7 to 8 weeks of age. You can spread out their physical activity across the day by taking them for a brisk walk in the morning and some off-leash playing in a secure area later in the day. It is important to note that growing Labradane puppies should not over-exercised to avoid injuring their developing bones. The only time it is safe to let your Golden Retriever Great Dane Mix be off-leash is when he or she is playing in your backyard or patio. Some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If this is the case, you can still keep your K9 pals safe and sound by installing a wireless dog fence which will also help keep your pups safe and contained within your backyard. Many dog owners actually prefer the invisible dog fence because it can adapt to all types of terrains, be it a mountainous, hilly, or flat grassy terrain. Great Dane Mix with Golden Retriever living conditions Due to their large size, Golden Retriever mixed with a Great Dane would do well in a home with a spacious backyard, but apartment living is possible as long as their physical and social needs are met. Great Dane Mix with Golden Retriever are well-mannered breed so they can easily adapt to any living situation. If you let your Great Dane Mix with Golden Retriever roam freely and play outside in the backyard during the day, it is a good idea to invest in an electronic dog door so that your pups can head outside and come back into the house on their own. Canine owners can program curfew hours so that their four-legged friends can enjoy the outdoors during the day while stay safe indoors at night. So whether you work from home or at the office, the electronic doggy door will save you tons of time and headache of frequently opening or closing the door for your canine friends throughout the day. Great Dane Mixed with Golden Retriever grooming and cleaning Whether your Great Dane mixed with a Golden Retriever is single or double-coated, they need to be brushed several times weekly to keep their fur shiny and in good condition. Brushing their coat also helps to distribute natural oil throughout their bodies. You can use a brush with a rubberized bristle to remove any dead hairs or a deshedding tool like a Furminator , during heavy shedding seasons. The Great Dane has been bred for about years and is believed to be the descendant of the cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff. They were bred to hunt a savage and dangerous prey, the European wild boar. They became prevalent in Germany in the early s, and they then became popular in the United States in the late s. The Golden Retriever was first developed in Scotland during the mids. They were created as hunting dogs that could retrieve game birds while handling the cold and rainy climates of Scotland as well as the rugged terrains. The Great Dane Golden Retriever mix is known for their loving disposition, friendliness, and gentleness with children and other family pets. This designer dog breed makes a great addition to the homes of all who lead an active lifestyle. Well, they will have a mixture of their parental breed, but it is rarely ! So, it really depends on genetics which parent it will favor the most. However, you can expect the Great Golden Dane to have a long body with a solid and athletic appearance. The puppies will generally be larger than the typical puppy. And as adults, they usually weigh between to pounds — the male being on the larger side. They are tall dogs standing between 25 to 35 inches. They are lean dogs with very long legs and large chests, and they have broad heads. The Great Dane Golden Retriever mix has a long and deep muzzle, and their eyes are generally brown almond-shaped with the friendliest, most gentle expression. Their ears are medium-sized and floppy, which makes them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned regularly. Their tail is broad at the base and usually slightly curved at the end. The Great Golden Dane can have varied coats, which range from the short, single-layer coat of the Great Dane to the short, dense undercoat with a weather-resistant outer layer of medium-length glossy fur of the Golden Retriever. The color of their coat ranges from black, white, blue, or brindle. As with any dog, interactions between the Great Golden Dane, young children, and other dogs should be watched to ensure the safety of all those involved in the exchange. However, just because of their sheer size and overfriendliness, the Great Golden Retriever can be pretty intimidating and fearful to small children and other dogs. So, it is better to be safe than sorry than to have regret after something happens. Therefore, supervision is always recommended. While this breed loves to run, play, and be active most of the day, they also love to lounge and be on the couch with you. They seem to be oblivious to their large stature and strength, and you will see them display many of the same behavioral patterns you would expect to see in a pound dog! So be forewarned — be ready for plenty of petting and cuddles every time you sit or lie down. And, oh, by the way, the Great Golden Dane thinks they are lap dogs, so be prepared to share your lap while sitting as well! Because of their gentle and easygoing nature, the Great Golden Dane is sometimes known as the gentle giant. While they are brave and alert, they are never considered to be aggressive. So, it is safe to say your Great Golden Dane will also be a shedder as well. Also, it would probably be a good idea to invest in a robotic vacuum cleaner to help keep up with all the many fibers of joy and love in addition to the hair they emit. The amount of shedding also depends on the type of coat your dog has. The coat will be short and straight if your dog has more genes from the Great Dane parent. Then you might get away with brushing every two to three days. However, if your dog has more genes from the Golden Retriever parent, the coat will be somewhat longer and wavier, so it is best to brush your day daily. No matter which parental breed is dominant in your pet, the Great Dane Golden Retriever Mix is sure to have long, floppy ears. If left unchecked for long periods of time, these types of ears can be prone to yeast infections. At the same time, it is also a good idea to check their teeth. Regular proper teeth brushing will save you money in the long run! This will prevent many trips to the vet for teeth cleaning when your dog needs to be put to sleep. Consider having a spa day once a week with your pet where they get their usual brushing in addition to an ear and teeth cleaning. And speaking of their teeth, you might consider giving your pet a Greenie daily. Your dog will think it is a yummy treat. And since your pet will always want to be close to you, you will want their breath to be smelling fresh! Consider bathing your dog, at a minimum, once every three months. Always make sure to use a gentle shampoo formulated just for dogs. You can wash your dog as frequently as every other week. But you want to be careful. Too frequent bathing leads to dry skin, opening up a whole other can of worms for your pet. Let your pet be the deciding vote — if they are smelly — bathe them! The last thing you want is an unruly, hyperactive large dog thinking they are the alpha dog and taking over your household! Or worse, an aggressively friendly dog that scares your neighbors and terrorized their children. The good news — the Great Golden Dane is easy to train — they come from two very trainable parental breeds. Socialization and positive reinforcement are the keys to the successful training of your pet. They love to be rewarded either with yummy treats or verbal praise from their owners. Be consistent with your training and be aware of the tone of your voice. Never yell at your dog when you are working on training them. Crate training is essential with this breed, as with most breeds of dogs. You do not want your Great Golden Dane to have free roaming rights of the house as a puppy, especially when you are not home. So, start crate training at an early age, and make their crate a safe haven for them to enjoy retreating to. And be prepared to get the largest crate available. You want their crate to be as welcoming and comfortable as possible. Great Golden Danes are extremely intelligent. The Great Golden Dane learns new tricks and commands very fast at any age and will eagerly perform for you for treats or affection! Exercise is a must for any breed of dog. While the Great Golden Dane is not as hyperactive as their parental breed Golden Retriever, they are not as laid back as their parental breed Great Dane — they lay somewhere in the middle. You should expect to provide at least two daily walks and some playtime with your dog. Keep in mind this breed is highly playful as puppies, and because they grow very quickly, a strenuous activity that involves a lot of jumping and leaping should be kept to a minimum during their first year. Strenuous activities during their puppy phase can cause a lot of stress and damage to their joints. Walks should be shorter as a puppy, maybe two walks of 20 to 30 minutes, and avoid any roughhouse type of play. The gives their body mass time to catch up to their bone development and hopefully delay or stop any joint problems later on. The Great Golden Dane craves human companionship, so this dog does not do well if they are left alone for long periods. You might want to consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling your dog in doggie daycare if you must be away from home for long periods. Since the Great Golden Dane is a large dog, they also need to roam around and investigate, so they do best in homes with a large fenced-in yard versus apartment living. Prepare yourself to walk an average of 10 miles per week with your pet and strive for a minimum of two minute walks per day and some playtime with your pet. It is believed that the offspring of mixing two purebred dogs will be healthier than the parental breeds, but this is not always the case, so it is good to be familiar with the minor and major health conditions that might occur in the Great Golden Dane. So, if both parents were in excellent health, the odds are the mixed-bred puppy would be healthy. That is why it is essential to ensure you are dealing with a reputable breeder. Serious Health Conditions to Look For Bloat As with all large dogs, bloat is always a significant health condition to look for. Bloat is gastric dilation-volvulus, and it is the twisting of the stomach. This is the number one killer of Great Danes, and sadly it can be easily prevented by watching how fast your dog eats. Because of their size and ferocious hunger, large dogs tend to inhale their food in one gulp! There are special dog bowls designed to slow down their eating, and this helps to prevent bloat! Bloat is one life-threatening condition that all dog owners should be on the lookout for as it is preventable! Hip Dysplasia As mentioned before, this disease is common in large and giant dog breeds. Reputable breeders will test for congenital conditions like this to have healthy litters. While genetics is a primary factor in determining if your Great Golden Dane will have hip dysplasia, proper nutrition, and supplements can aid in decreasing the odds also. And be mindful that over-exercising in the puppy stage can also increase the odds of this disease. With regular vet checkups, proper nutrition, and exercise, these conditions should be caught early if they exist and can be treated. Generally speaking, this breed is relatively healthy, and their lifespan ranges between 8 to 10 years. These dogs are big, devoted, and smart. They are receptive to most people, both adults and children, and pets. But are they the right dog for you and your family? If you can answer YES to the following questions, then YES, they will make the perfect addition to your family: Do you have a nice-sized fenced-in yard? The Great Golden Dane is a big dog, and they need time outside to explore and play. Are you active? It was mentioned before that this breed needs lots of exercises. Preferably two 30 to minute walks a day plus some additional play time like catching a ball or frisbee or running an agility course. But remember, since this breed can be prone to hip dysplasia, keep strenuous exercise to a bare minimum during the puppy stage and opt for gentler activities like walking them. Are you home most of the time? Are you able to spend time with your pet? This breed does not like being left home alone for long periods of time, and they like to be with their family. If you have to work away from home for eight or more hours and you really want this dog breed, be prepared to enroll them in doggie daycare so as not to be alone all day. This large breed dog loves being around people so much they think they are lap dogs! Conclusion The Great Golden Dane is a hybrid of two wonderful parental breeds. Some might even consider them to be canine heroes. How could they not be — they are loving, energetic, and loyal. They love to be around their human family and treat each family member equally, loving from the smallest child to the oldest adult. So please, while they would never intentionally harm a child, they accidentally could hurt one just due to their sheer size and energy levels, so never leave them unattended around young children. These dogs make an excellent addition to a very active family. They would love to jog, hike, run, and walk right alongside their owners every day. And they can be creatures of habit. If you run every morning to jumpstart your day, be prepared for your Great Golden Dane to remind you it is time for your run in the morning. And if you like to spend Saturdays going for an all-day hike, be prepared for your pet to remember it is Saturday Funday and time to go for that hike. These dogs have a status of a relatively rare designer mix breed dog, so it might be challenging to find one for adoption. But please, take the time to check out the breeder and make sure they are reputable, and that your dog comes from two healthy parents. This breed is certainly worth the effort to find for anyone who loves the qualities the Great Golden Dane has to share with you! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. Should a Great Dane Mix take after their Dane parent, they will grow to be a huge, lovable dog that is gentle, affectionate, and playful. Great Danes are notorious for their size, but are also known for their sweet, loving, and affectionate personalities. These big dogs love to cuddle and will attempt to be lap dogs. They also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are protective of their families, they will warm up to strangers once they have been introduced as long as they have been properly socialized. The other parent breed will introduce their own set of quirks and traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started to socialize a puppy and train them, but it is up to you to continue doing that once you get your puppy home. Although they are huge dogs, Great Danes are also highly adaptable. The other parent breed may have some traits that affect adaptability in a Great Dane Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. A mix could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, but they could also inherit those common to one or both of them. From the Great Dane side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Great Dane Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and bone cancer. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested breed, Great Danes, and potentially a Great Dane Mix, are at risk for bloat. Great Danes are generally eager to please, intelligent, and easy to train. Their size and exuberance as puppies can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, but they tend to be highly trainable dogs. The other parent breed could make a Great Dane Mix more difficult to train. If that is the case, you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. A Great Dane Mix could inherit a coat that is just like one of their parents or one that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Great Dane coat, they will shed year-round, require brushing weekly or a few times a week, and need an occasional bath. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough and weekly ear checks can help prevent ear infections. Daily use of an enzyme toothpaste or brushing every day is an ideal start for doggie dental care and can help prevent painful diseases later in life. Although a Great Dane can be energetic while they are playing, they tend to sit in a low to moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this breed, but they may be up for more if you are. You do want to keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing to prevent damage to developing bones and joints. The other parent could affect the potential activity range to expect in a Great Dane Mix, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them and prepare for whatever potential range that could be. A fully-grown Great Dane usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Great Danes generally live for years. The other parent breed could affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Great Dane Mix. Featured Great Dane Mix Article. As with any mixed breed, they can take on the traits of one of the parent breeds or any combination of both of them. With a Golden Retriever Mix, the goal is to get the highly-trainable, super-friendly, and sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the best traits of the other dog in the cross. Because there can be variation in the puppies, you will want to ask the breeder about the other dog in the cross. This will give you an idea of what other traits you could be dealing with in a Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential friendly dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be good with strangers as they are more interested in making friends. The other dog breed in the cross could provide some other traits and variations to this, but your Golden Retriever Mix puppy should have a similar disposition to the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Mixes tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in larger homes with room to run and can adapt well to apartment living. As long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection, they tend to be quite happy wherever they live. Golden Retrievers do well in most climates and are sensitive to heat, as with most dog breeds. Your Golden Retriever Mix should be about the same. A mixed breed can take on potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Overall, a Golden Retriever Mix should be a relatively healthy dog breed. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train, which makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. Depending on the other parent breed, there may be a chance that your Golden Retriever Mix could have an independent or stubborn streak. In this case, you will want to be prepared for puppy training and obedience classes in case you want a little help in dealing with stubbornness. Classes are a great idea either way because they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy. Golden Retrievers tend to have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately year-round and requires brushing a few times a week. Bathing is usually on an as-needed basis. This may be the same for your Golden Retriever Mix or their coat could require more or less grooming depending on the other parent breed. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs. Your Golden Retriever Mix will likely be the same. Even if the other parent breed is a low or moderate-energy dog, you will need to be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog. Daily walks, playtime, plus extra activity are a must for dogs with a lot of energy. Be prepared to try a lot of different activities to find your favorites. Teach your dog to play frisbee , go for a swim, go running together, try taking a few hikes, go on trips to the dog park, and more. A Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Your Golden Retriever Mix could be the same or they could take after the other parent breed. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the other breed in the mix and meet the mother dog. This can give you a good idea of what size to expect as your Golden Retriever Mix puppy grows. Golden Retrievers generally live years. Unless the life span of the other parent breed varies largely from this range, you should be able to expect something similar from your Golden Retriever Mix. Featured Golden Retriever Mix Article.
Well its likely everyone reading this has experienced it and if you are reading this now then you are probably currently dealing with some soreness from a Goldendoodle that pulls on the leash. So why not train your dog to walk along side you without pulling and enjoy every walk without any pain or pulling! The great thing is its not as complicated as you might think! Sometimes it can be a 5 minute turnaround as expert dog trainer, Doggy Dan, demonstrates in his video below. But let me first walk you through some of the key mistakes that people make when walking their dog. We mentioned earlier there are several tricks to walking your dog on the leash correctly so that they walk along side you. And if you have a determined dog you may well need to know all of them before you can master the walk. Generally speaking, the tips I am about to give you now will really help. So lets get into the training. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog calm. If your dog is charged up like a raging bull as you head out of the door, like the one in the video then getting them to walk calmly on the leash is going to be a lot harder than if they were calm. So how do we calm them down? Think about your build up to leaving the house. You bring out the leash and BOOM! Your calm beauty becomes a chaotic tornado. They jump up, tail wagging, racing around wanting you to put the leash on them. The reason is simple. You are reinforcing their excited behavior with a reward, the leash. This behavior gets more and more troublesome as you continue to reward them with what they want. They become more excited not less excited as they get to go on more walks. Now think about what happens as you go out the front door. Your Goldendoodle drags you to the door and right out of it and down the street. The same thing is happening here as when you first put the leash on. They are being rewarded for what they are doing so it becomes habit. So for the next walk you plan to take try this. Pick up the dog leash and instead of just putting it on when they get all excited, wait. As long as they remain crazy just simply continue doing what you were and ignore your Doodles antics. Once they do calm down then put the leash on and if they do not then simply put the leash away. This can take some time and may take several attempts and in some cases a longer period. However, your dog will eventually calm down. Once they are calm you can try again and repeat the process until they are relaxed as you put the leash on. You can use the same process and repeat it through getting your dog down to the sidewalk. You can wait calmly with your dog on the leash until they do calm down before continuing or can go back and take the leash off and hold off a few minutes. You may feel like you are making no progress here. But you need to take some time and work on this. It is better to work it out now than continue to let your dog lead you and drag you around the streets of your neighborhood for the next 10 years or so. You cannot just ignore it, it will not fix itself. The next step is a basic exercise that involves you turning around whenever your Goldendoodle pulls ahead on the leash. If they try to go right then go left. Just turn the direction you wish to go. Take a step in that direction. Do this again and repeat till they take notice of what you are doing. On a larger scale you could change direction and go the other way whenever your dog starts to pull on the leash. When you do this do it quickly. Do not let your dog pull you or get far out in front. This exercise puts your dog behind you every time. This can take time and lots of practice but in the end would you rather walk your dog or be walked by your dog? In the video you can see Doggy Dan uses a special harness where the attachment is under the dogs chin, a leader leash. This is different from the traditional harness where the attachment is on the back and the dog ends up pulling like a sled dog. If you are not the pack leader in your dogs eyes then they will fight for the spot at the front. Its just their nature. Knowing when and where to let your dog have time and freedom to sniff and pee is another great tip to know. Related Posts. Place your pup on a loose dog leash. Use a treat to lure it into position at your side. Let it sniff the treat in your hand and then lift it to your shoulder and step forward. Repeat steps 4 and 5, but add another step or two before providing the treat each time. If the dog pulls the leash or moves away from your side, stand still and lure it back to you using the treat. Once your dog masters walking alongside you nicely indoors, take the training outside. This will keep them safe and protect other dogs and passersby. Stopping Unwanted Behaviors Dogs have terrible behavior when walking. The most common is when a dog starts pulling. Does your puppy want to keep loose leashes? The more leads that he gets the more permissions he thinks he should run and wander. If a dog pulls, stop immediately and respond using verbal cues or a clicker. Wait until the leash is tight and then start to move forward. It has traditionally been a practice for leash trained dogs to walk nicely alongside on your left. You can achieve this with your puppy through consistent puppy leash training or a help from a professional trainer. Positive Reinforcement Is the Key Dogs respond best to consistent positive reinforcement. Yelling, using fear tactics or pulling on the leash will result in confusion from the dog. Additionally, it will respond more to fear than to the promise of a reward or praise — which can lead to bad behavior. Give them treats or favorite toys if they followed your commands and behaved nicely. It may also be helpful for dogs to have clicker training for better walking behavior. Whichever route you take, few things are more rewarding than nurturing a pup into a happy and well-trained adult dog. Goldendoodles have a great desire to please. Teaching them what it takes to please you sets them up for happiness. In this blog, we are going to cover how to train your Goldendoodle puppy. Having a well-trained dog around is appreciated by all other humans that encounter your dog as well. The training you administer to your puppy will pay off in spades as he continues to use the skills you have taught to please you and your guests throughout life. Being isolated and not included in family activities will cause stress, anxiety, and overactive behavior to become the norm for the untrained dog. Are you a pushover? Do you give in and reward inappropriate behavior? Do you scold without giving direction on what you want to see in place of that behavior? Without giving consistent queues, you will easily confuse a young puppy or even an adult dog. You must dedicate yourself to always rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted behavior. While it is easy to forgive a puppy for exhibiting their love in a rambunctious way, you are doing the little fellow a disservice by not expecting good behavior always. Once he is an adult, you will look back and wish you had curbed that undesirable behavior when he was a small puppy. You also need to help the children in the home to understand how and why they should not promote undesirable behaviors as well. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? A hybrid with Golden Retriever and Poodle genes, Goldendoodles are always fast learners and easy to train. Golden Retrievers are, by nature, extremely loyal dogs and are always eager to make their owners happy. They tend to have a happy demeanor whereas Poodles tend to have a more sophisticated air about them. While all dogs can learn, some dogs have shorter attention spans than others. Training in a busy home with loud and active children can affect the attention span too. Make sure in the beginning to work on commands with no distractions like other dogs, traffic, children, or wildlife. Setting expectations is vital in establishing the groundwork before you begin your dog training. It is always best to start with a clean slate vs. Set boundaries such as no jumping from day one. Take advantage of this innocent period where you have no bad habits that have been set. Obedience training is essential to living a harmonious life with your dog and the amount of time it takes to train a good behavior will take less than half the time it will take to change a bad behavior. Because puppies have a short attention span, training sessions should be only minutes in length but can be repeated once an hour. Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement convinces your puppy that behaving accordingly or following instructions will merit them a reward in the form of food, verbal praise, or petting. While it is easier to instill fear in your puppy or punish them for inappropriate behavior, this method will never result in consistent positive behavior. A dog that behaves out of fear will eventually retaliate. Positive reinforcement training provides your puppy with an incentive to behave correctly. A treat will keep them seated quietly even when they are overly excited to meet your guests. Once a command is mastered, the food rewards can be rotated with pets or positive words each time the command is successfully followed. Over time, they will need fewer and fewer food rewards and be happy to oblige for a simple pat on the head or verbal praise. The timing is critical so that the puppy associates not only the click but also the reward as a positive reaction to their behavior. A clicker helps your puppy identify the very instant that they are doing what you want them to do making their learning process quicker. On the other hand, shock training is one of the most detrimental training methods you can utilize on your Goldendoodle puppy. This is a training method that makes use of punishment through the use of shock collars which subjects your puppy to pain as a result of unwanted behavior. This method may result in aggression or fear-based behavior. We advise you to give them positive reinforcements and train them with love and care. It is always best for your puppy to want to please you rather than to be afraid to displease you. Training Basics We love dogs who can perform a fun trick, but learning the basics of obedience first is important. Before we ask them to roll over, sit up on their haunches, or heal without a leash, it is crucial that they first learn the basics. You have to ensure they have already mastered the basic commands of sit, down, stay, and place as they will be the building blocks for all other commands. Some people choose to send their puppy to board and training, to get a jump start from a professional. Dog Socialization Dogs are very sociable and Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest breeds. Taking them out to dog parks or the mall or just letting them interact with your family members or other dogs helps them learn how to handle themselves around unfamiliar people or pets. Little by little, through guided socialization, they will learn not to be rattled by unexpected circumstances or guests. Keep in mind that until a puppy is fully vaccinated, he needs to avoid exposure to areas of high traffic of other dogs. Therefore, until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age the age of full vaccination , he needs to play only with other fully vaccinated dogs in areas such as your backyard. Carrying them in public places such as Home Depot and Tractor Supply will allow safe exposure. Your Goldendoodle puppy must meet as many as new people a week. Be consistent, and tolerant, and offer positive reinforcement when necessary. The time and effort you put in now will pay off in the long run. It is beneficial to purchase a crate for your puppy and use it when you are not able to directly observe him. Doing so will give him a safe and secure place to stay and will also help in the housetraining process, as dogs have an instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The crate will teach your pup to control their urge to eliminate until the appropriate time. It is important to ensure that everyone in the family follows the same rules for potty training a pup. Find an area in the yard that the pup can use as their designated elimination spot and take them there on a leash when it is time to go. The smell of this spot will act as a reminder to the pup that this is where they should go to do their business. Developing a consistent verbal cue during the toileting process will help to create a language between you and your canine companion. Have patience as your dog may need multiple attempts to go and may not always do so immediately. Focus on the task at hand, not on socialization. Reward them with positive reinforcement when they have completed the job. Once your puppy has completed their business, bring them inside to enjoy some quality time. Dogs are creatures of habit; they like to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves on a regular schedule. Creating a consistent routine for your puppy can be a simple process and it will become more straightforward as they age. Take note of when your pup usually does their business, such as in the morning, evening, or after meals, and then adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate these needs. In case you miss it, just tidy up the area and acknowledge your unavailability. Avoid reprimanding the puppy. As soon as you notice him behaving restlessly, sniffing around, circling, or attempting to leave unnoticed, immediately pick him up and take him outside, as these are clear indications that he needs to eliminate. Crate Training Your Goldendoodle puppy should be placed in the crate during any unsupervised time. When your puppy is 8 weeks old, it should be treated like a one-year-old human toddler. To ensure their safety, they should not be allowed to roam freely around the house or be left unsupervised for any length of time. If an accident does occur, avoid scolding the pup and instead reprimand yourself, as the puppy only learns if the reprimand is given at the time of the accident. Each accident is a setback in the training process and should be avoided. A puppy should not be allowed access to the floor unless it has gone potty outside within the last 45 minutes. This will help to avoid accidents. If the playtime reaches an hour, the puppy should be taken outside to potty again. In the crate, the limit is 3 hours, but outside the crate, the limit is one hour. Every month, the crate time limit can be increased by one hour. Food is an easy motivation for our furry friends to follow commands and instructions and works wonders when associated with a command or routine you want them to remember. Rich treats like liver or hotdog bits can cause stomach issues and should be used only in very small quantities. A properly carried-out routine is the most consistent form of puppy training you can provide. From meal times, bathroom breaks, and playtime to naps and bedtime, a structured list of activities will give your Goldendoodle a rhythm that they will grow to expect. Feeding your puppy around the same time daily also gives you consistent potty time. Professional Trainers Are Always an Option Not all dog owners have the time to train their puppies personally. Although this could be a rewarding experience, some of us may be too busy with work or other matters that may not allow consistency which is very important for retention and behavior formation. Some trainers will do board and train which means they keep your puppy for a designated amount of time to work one on one with your puppy to teach housebreaking and basic commands. Others will work with you and your puppy together which involves you in the process and this is typically a one-a-day-a-week lesson. In summary, Goldendoodles are great dogs, but they are the best when they are properly trained. If you emphasize their training from puppyhood on, you will be assured a polite, mannerly adult dog that is enjoyed by the family members and all others that come in contact with your Goldendoodle. But having a best friend means enjoying all activities together without being pulled all over the place. Activities on a leash include potty walks, exercise for both the dog and the human! Fox Creek Farms specializes in breeding and training Goldendoodles. While these tips and tricks work great on our Goldendoodles, they are universal for all pups. We encourage dog owners to begin all types of training including leash and potty training when your new puppy comes home. Training your puppy to be comfortable and consistent in walking on a loose leash can take time and patience, but with consistency and dedication, you can teach your puppy to be a good leash walker. Here are a few steps to follow: Gather the right materials Before you can start training your puppy to walk on a leash, you need the right leash. This is the most important piece to getting started. While you may have a leash at home, you need to ensure that it is the right fit and length for your dog. If you have a larger dog, a longer leash may be more appropriate, and vice versa for smaller dogs. Additionally, invest in a leash that is a comfortable and suitable material for you and your dog. Some leashes have rubber handles while others are made of rope. Be sure to purchase a leash with a handle that you can grip easily and plan to use throughout training. Retractable leashes are not recommended during training and should never be used within 30 feet of any roadway. It would help if you also had a properly fitting harness that remains on your puppy to which to attach the leash. This should fit securely on your dog but not cause discomfort. It is common for a puppy to scratch a bit at a harness until they become used to wearing one. Be sure the harness or collar is the right size and that its material is not bothersome. Having a certain type of treat and clicker is also crucial in this process. As you will learn, positive reinforcement is a huge part of the process of leash training. A toy can be substituted here if your puppy prefers to play with a toy. Keep in mind that overfeeding treats is not a good practice, so limit your training time and the number of treats during each session. Introduce your pup to a leash First, you have to get your puppy comfortable with the leash. Allow them to sniff and explore the leash. Then, attach it to the harness and allow them to drag it around for a few minutes. This allows your puppy to become more accustomed to how it feels, how heavy it is, and having something attached to its harness. Following you Beginning inside, practice walking around and encourage your puppy to follow you. This is best done in a quiet and closed space. Open space may have too many distractions and could delay the training process. The best way to do this is to reward your puppy with treats dispensing from the hand that will eventually hold the leash as they begin to follow you. You should continue the leash walking around the house with little to no distractions. This serves as a gradual way to get your puppy accustomed to walking with you while attached to a leash. Continue to reward your puppy with a treat or toy as they calmly follow you. You can also use a clicker to praise your puppy when it behaves well if you are utilizing a clicker for all your behavior training. This will allow your puppy to begin associating good behavior with positive rewards. They will learn to continue this good behavior in hopes of receiving treats, clicks, or toys. Walking on a loose leash It is time to head outside! This next step may cause some frustration as it is likely the most difficult step for you and your puppy. Using positive reinforcements is crucial to being successful as you teach your puppy to walk alongside you and practice walking on a leash without pulling. You should begin your walk calmly and continue to reward your puppy when they walk beside you. When they begin to pull and not obey your pace, do not punish them. Instead, pause where you are and wait for them to calm down or return to your side before continuing. This is one of the most important steps in training dogs to follow your lead. You can say their name to regain their focus back to you and reward them for doing so. You may also introduce hand signals or begin teaching your puppy verbal commands. In the same way that treats emphasize good behavior, repeating certain commands and directing them to act after you speak will begin to train your dog to associate those commands with certain actions. You may also adapt hand signals in place of words, but it is recommended that you stick with one or the other so as not to confuse the puppy. Several important commands are important for every dog owner to teach their dog. They make it easier to communicate with your dog and ensure that they are well-behaved while walking on a leash, interacting with other people, or simply playing around. This can be used when a new person is introduced or you need them to remain still. Fox Creek Farm puppies have learned this command before they leave us, but reinforcement will be needed to ensure consistency. This is a great way to teach a dog to remain still when approaching a road crossing. If he ever slips his collar, you will be grateful you worked on this command! This should be used when requesting your dog to come back to walk at your side. Repeated use of this term is beneficial in leash training. Of course, while on a leash, you have control of your puppy to avoid this behavior. This can be important on walks if they begin to excessively bark. It is also a useful command to get your puppy to be quiet when you are on the phone or when answering the door. Increase distractions After training in a quieter, less distracting environment, begin practicing in new and different environments. This may include venturing further than your previous route, walking in the opposite direction, or practicing in dog-friendly places like Home Depot. Introducing your puppy to these new areas is a great way to gradually increase the level of distractions. For example, a dog park will include other dogs and people that may serve as roadblocks and cause dog pulling. This is where you should continue to practice the behaviors as explained in step five. Remember to be patient Leash training a puppy takes time and every puppy learns at their own pace. It is important to stay positive, and patient, and remain consistent throughout the process. Remember that punishing your puppy or becoming upset may delay the process significantly. Your puppy will eventually learn to walk on the leash if you are diligent in your practice. Professional Dog Trainers Should all else fail, you may consider hiring a dog trainer to complete a training class or a session of classes. Trainers can offer great guidance with additional tips. They can demonstrate proper leash training and correct behavior that needs addressing. Many times, they will be able to point out actions the human is doing that is detrimental to successful training. Most reputable dog trainers will have a certification or training license from a certification council. Here at Fox Creek Farm, we offer several different types of boarding and puppy training. We have two, four, six, eight, ten, and twelve-week training options. We also have a list of online resources for at-home training! Leash training a puppy may be a little tedious but having this skill makes walking your puppy a much more enjoyable experience and ensures your puppy is under control and safe. Training your puppy to loose leash walking is so freeing. While it is challenging at first, it is worth the effort. Being able to leisurely walk with your dog without being pulled will no doubt become a favorite activity for both the dog and the human. This list of tips and steps are a great place to start on your journey to walking with control. We go out of our way to offer high-quality health warrantied Goldendoodle puppies for sale to anyone that is within a 5-hour radius of our Goldendoodle nursery. Walks will help to tire out your Doodle, but it must be done right — otherwise, they end up tiring you! Doodles will bounce off your energy. If you find them being too rambunctious before a walk, try to keep the atmosphere calm. Even if they are being super cute! Spend plenty of time with your young Doodle, as dogs need to trust their owners before they begin listening. Then, remember to start off with the basic commands before you research how to leash train a dog. Doodles are very friendly, meaning you can expect them to want to approach and interact with other dogs and people. The Best Type of Leashes Before you get started walking, you have to make sure you have the right equipment to begin. Talking a walk down the leash aisle at the pet store can be very overwhelming. There are a ton of options and many leashes have different uses for different temperaments. Before buying a leash, consider its purpose, material, length, and attachment style. For leash training your Doodle, there are some leashes that work better than others. A standard leash like this one is good for training your dog. While training, you want a leash that is on the shorter side, from feet. Avoid retractable leashes as they actually train your dog to pull on the leash. Instead, use a harness — it will give you more control over a dog while it still needs guidance. See Also: Click the image You can also consider using a leader leash like this one. This helps you assert control by keeping the dog at your side rather than letting them push ahead. As your dog learns and is getting better trained, consider a leash that attaches to you around your waist. This lets you have two free hands and offers more balance. Your hands can be used to dispense treats or help to direct the dog if needed. This is also great for runners who like to bring their dog along with them. Begin with these steps to get started and after practicing, you will find doggy success. Tire Them Out There is more to walking a Doodle than simply grabbing the leash and heading out the door. Having an untrained dog full of energy on a leash is just begging for trouble. Exercise your puppy with play out in the backyard beforehand. Toss a ball back and forth and practice fetch. Before throwing the ball, have your dog sit — this allows them to play and get their minds rolling. They know they are rewarded by good behavior when you toss the ball. Before the Walk Now, you want to wait for your puppy to be calm. You want your dog to be completely calm before you leave the house. Once you grab the leash, wait for them to calm down — this may take a while, so be patient. Feel free to put the leash back, wait until they are calm, and then try grabbing it again. If they get amped up again the second they are outdoors, only take them as far as the sidewalk. Then, bring them back inside again. Your puppy needs to learn that calm energy is the right walking energy. Master the Loose Leash The ultimate goal is to have your walking buddy at your side with a loose leash. Yanking and pulling is the main thing you are trying to prevent. You are the pack leader and it is important to establish yourself as such while walking. The first step to training is to always keep a short leash. A leash should be short enough that your arm, wrist, and elbow are relaxed. If your dog begins to stray or starts to sniff, first try sending signals through the leash with gentle taps. This is you reminding them that straying is not allowed. Never yank or pull the dog. Do not move until they come back and the leash loosens up a bit. Once they are waiting and calm, start walking again. Soon they will learn that they can only walk when the parent is walking in their direction of choice. Praise works just as well most of the time! Start your training off in familiar areas like your home or yard. Practice walking through the lawn on a leash. Then head to the front yard, up and down the street or a short loop. Then, graduate them to a larger walk — baby steps are important. Doodle with a training prong collar. Practice Turning Dogs need to learn that they can only go in the direction their doggy parent is taking them in. A good way to instill this in your dog is by practicing turns. Do this activity in a familiar area to get them started. To practice your turns, you want to walk normally with your dog at your side on a short leash. Next, gently step in front of the dog by turning, blocking them with your leg. Practice turning in front of your dog up and down the sidewalk. You will soon notice that your dog will follow your lead no matter which direction you go. Remember, all kinds of obedience training will take a while, even for a smart breed such as a Doodle. Having a controlled walk lets them work both mentally and physically. However, there need to be moments where the dog is allowed to roam a bit. Leash training will help the owner maintain overall control. But, you also need to make sure you give your pup time to do their doggy stuff. This means letting them go to the bathroom and sniffing around. Difficult Dogs Sometimes, no matter how much you try, there are always going to be some difficult dogs. The best advice here is perseverance. Training your dog will definitely test your patience, but the worst thing you can do is give up. Start off small. The fewer distractions the better, so avoid walking during busy parts of the day if possible. Most importantly, be consistent. Ensure that you are following and teaching the same rules and your dog will eventually catch on. Of course, any food-motivated dog can benefit greatly from some treats. Be picky when giving out treats and reward them only when they are calm and looking at you. This is especially important if your dog gets too excited by an approaching dog or person. Related Content. Like most good skills, practice makes perfect - but leash training your 'Doodle is really not difficult! We've broken it down into 4 simple steps - read on to learn how you can teach your 'Doodle to walk on a leash! If your Doodle is still a puppy we recommend buying one that's adjustable as he grows. Find healthy treats your dog loves! Our dogs love these treats from Life's Abundance. Need more treat ideas? Here is a list of healthy snacks you can give your puppy! That's right! Patience is key! Leash Training Step 1: Build Positive Association Before you go off on adventures with your 'Doodle, he should be completely comfortable wearing walking equipment. Introduce the collar and leash, have him wear them for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats. If you plan to use a body harness, introduce it slowly. The goal here is to build positive association, where you you dog thinks that leash-time is fun and exciting! Leash Training Step 2: Practice Recall Besides practicing to have your 'Doodle to come on command, teaching your dog to "come" while on leash is a great way to help prevent pulling or other problems. Practice inside first, where there's fewer distractions. If he comes, back up a few paces, and offer treats or praise when he reaches you. Once your puppy understands, practice the progression until your puppy readily comes and walks with you a few steps. After your 'Doodle seems to have a good grasp on what "come" means indoors, take the practice sessions outside. With more distractions, coming on cue might prove to be a challenge for your pup. But don't give up! A little patience goes far, and any baby step is a success! Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and sweet. Puppies in particular have a short attention spans, and they tire easily, despite their seemingly boundless energy. Practicing throughout the day in short minute intervals will get you much further than one long training session. Leash Training Step 3: Positive reinforcement This step goes hand-in-hand with step 2. Dogs repeat behaviors that earn them rewards, so positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach him to walk nicely on a leash. Positive reinforcement reward-based training is teaching your pup a cue that means, "reward is coming. Whichever one you choose, the method is the same - pick one and stick to it. Make the sound, and wait for your pup to offer you even a tiny second of eye contact or attention—then immediately mark and reward. The more accurate and quick your mark is, the more effective your teaching becomes. Once your 'Doodle has grasped the concept of positive reinforcement training, this method is extremely useful while he's on the leash walking beside you. Practice walking a few steps and stopping and asking for attention. Mark and reinforce for moments of nice leash walking and anytime you stop. This is the first step to a well-behaved dog while out and about. Consistency is the key here! Keep the first walks short. Gradually move from your home to the neighborhood, as your 'Doodle masters the skill. If you are walking, and your puppy starts pulling or getting distracted, make your cue sound and ask for his attention. Be sure to mark and reward when he obeys! Your 'Doodle should be walking steady at your side with a loose leash and no pulling. The method of loose-leash walking is to stop or turn the other way as soon as pup begins to pull. Wait until the leash is slack before continuing, and reward him when he walks next to you. This teaches your dog that pulling is not the way to get anywhere, and walking nicely is the only way to make forward progress. You can also gradually decrease the number of treats you give your puppy during a walk, but do keep some on hand at all times, for rewarding good behavior. Training should be fun for you both! Keep in mind walks are for your 'Doodle's benefit as much as yours! Allow your dog the freedom to do doggy things too such as sniffing, potty breaks, and greeting other dogs. Walking should always be a fun adventure, never a chore! We hope you enjoyed this article! Properly leash training your 'Doodle will set you both up for years of enjoyment plus helps to keep your dog safe when out and about! Love This Post? Share It! Can you buy a pre-trained puppy? Always keep an eye on your pup if he is wearing his leash and never leave him crated with a leash on to avoid him becoming dangerously tangled. This practice of wearing his leash around the home ensures the leash is not some exciting trigger that gets the dog in an excited and distractible headspace before the walk even starts! Once your puppy is used to his harness and leash, you can start with short walks less than 5 minutes outside. Puppies have short attention spans, so once he begins to lose focus, it is time to take a break. Give him the treat every few steps and very slowly lengthen the time he is able to heel without a treat. Once your puppy understands the command to heel, you can practice longer walks. If he begins to pull, simply stop the walk and correct him to heel, sit, or otherwise redirect him in some way. Do not begin walking again until the pup has regained his composure and his focus is on you. It can be slow and tedious, but the consistent training will pay off. Allowing your pup to pull, even if it seems harmless, is reinforcing this behavior. He feels he is pulling to get to whatever interesting thing he wants to see or sniff. You can linger at the fire hydrant for an extra minute or two. Allowing your dog some freedom to sniff and explore will help him enjoy walks and overall build a positive bond between the two of you. He will learn that listening to you and respecting the boundaries of the leash leads to fun exploration, extra sniffs, and the occasional treat! Correcting your dog during leash training and other training activities We have spent some time discussing how to get your dog to do various good behaviors such as going potty outside or heeling on the leash. But how do you appropriately discourage your puppy from unwanted behaviors such as jumping or nipping? It is important to let your dog know when you are displeased with something he is doing so that he can learn proper manners and be a positive addition to your family. First of all, you need to get to know your particular dog. Many doodles are sensitive and intuitive by nature thanks to their Poodle heritage so would be overwhelmed by harsh correction. For example, if your dog jumps to get your attention, simply turn the other way and completely ignore your pup. Another example is nipping, puppies often use this behavior to get your attention and try to instigate play. Giving him something to do to replace these negative behaviors is key to helping him understand what you expect from him. We always recommend starting with the most gentle form of correction. Returning to the case of unwanted jumping, a more stubborn or even more zealous dog may continue jumping over and over again despite being ignored. In this case you may need to up the ante by moving your dog to a different room or otherwise physically separating yourself from him until he settles, and you can try again. It will also likely take more than one try! But be consistent. If you firmly separate your dog each and every time he jumps on you, even the most stubborn pup will learn that he can only be with you when he has all four paws on the ground! The very second he starts going for the pile of shoes, is the moment to correct. Yelling or screaming at your dog is unnecessary. As mentioned previously, some more sensitive dogs will respond to any type of negative verbal command. But if your doodle is a little more resistant, then a louder correction may be helpful. If your dog cowers, then the correction was too strong. In conclusion, it is up to you to teach your puppy what you expect from him. Many doodles respond well to simply ignoring negative behaviors and rewarding positive ones. And finally, redirect your dog by giving him a positive behavior he can perform to replace the misbehavior.
Hiding treats for your dog to find. Obedience training Grooming The White German Shepherd is a heavy-shedding dog with a double white coat and requires regular brushing. Ideally, a White Shepherd should be groomed every other day, possibly daily, during the peak shedding season. Male vs. Female While for many animal species, the female is larger, with the German Shepherd, it is the males that are larger. While German Shepherds are all loyal and loving family dogs, it is often noted that females are more docile than males. This makes a female Shepherd a better choice for homes with young children. A female White Shepherd reaches sexual maturity at two years of age and has a litter of between five to ten puppies. They have an intelligent and fearless personality and are eager to learn and please. These traits make them wonderful family pets. A determined personality also makes shepherds adept at being working dogs. The White German Shepherd is a loyal and loving dog that quickly forms an unshakable bond with its family and is fiercely protective of them. It is vital for all dog owners to understand that training is important. Any German Shepherd breed needs to be trained and socialized correctly. Failing to do so leads to problems with jealousy and distrust of strangers. White German Shepherd Health and Care All dogs come with their own potential health problems and care requirements. For the White German Shepherd, there are several critical quality-of-life considerations to make. While both White and regular German Shepherds suffer from a lot of the same health issues, there are some with a higher prevalence in white breeds. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by White German Shepherd dogs. Caused by a misformation of the hip joint, dysplasia is a painful condition resulting from bone-on-bone grinding. While it can be seen in White German Shepherd puppies as young as four months, it is more common in older dogs. It can be treated with the help of CBD Oil for hip dysplasia. Sadly, this painful condition is very prominent in German shepherds. This is largely due to their combined size and energy levels. Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured. In the White GSD, arthritis is more common in their hind legs than in their front. Gastric Bloat Gastric bloat is the common name for a serious medical complaint known as gastric dilatation volvulus GDV. Bloat commonly occurs in larger dogs, particularly German Shepherd breeds. There is no time to waste with this condition. If a dog is showing signs of bloat, they need immediate medical attention, as it could quickly become fatal. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy CDM Canine degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the spinal column. German Shepherds are one of the most commonly affected breeds. The result of CDM is commonly rear-leg paralysis. Middle-aged dogs between 4 and 14 years are more likely to be diagnosed with CDM. Pay attention to any limping or signs of motion impingement. Other Diseases Deafness is another disease that is more common for the White German Shepherd than other breeds. As a general rule, deafness is a common health concern for white-coated dogs and other animals. Some of the core allergies that affect this breed are related to chicken, wheat, and dairy. Dental decay is also a serious problem that is frequently observed in German Shepherds. More so with them than many other breeds. Using dental chews in combination with a healthy diet is a great way to promote healthy teeth and gums. They love to be challenged, while their loyalty sees them eager to please. While Shepherds make great pets, it is important to train them from a young age. Below are five training tips for White German Shepherds. Be consistent: White and other German Shepherds all respond better to training when there is consistency to things. Everything from your manner to the commands you use needs to be consistent from one training session to another. Layer your training in easy-to-iterate steps. Master one of two commands before introducing something else. Be a leader: It is important to remember that dogs are looking for you to be a leader and not a dominator. You must be prepared to take charge rather than use aggression as a training tactic. Communicate properly: Dogs do not communicate the same way humans do. It is important to understand the right way to communicate with your White Shepherd. Short and clear commands yield the best results. Also, avoid using similar-sounding commands, as these are likely to confuse your dog. Practice positive reinforcement: Never punish a dog for not doing well in training or for struggling to recognize a command. Instead, positive reinforcement is the recommended training practice. Reward your furry friend for every good deed. However, the exact costs will vary depending on where you are and the size of the litter. The price also relates to buying White Shepherd puppies from a recognized breeder and not from a puppy farm or through shelter adoption. White German Shepherds are different from other German Shepherd dogs in so far as they have a white coat rather than the traditional tan and brown. However, genetically, there is no difference between White Shepherds and other shepherds. The difference between them is that the White German Shepherd carries a recessive white gene that changes its fur color. This is the same way some humans are born with blond hair. Conclusion The White German Shepherd is the rare form of one of the most easily recognized dogs in the world. Wonderful family dogs. German Shepherds love to be part of the family. They struggle when home alone for long periods. Luckily, this breed is very good with children. The same as any other dog, White Shepherds need to be trained. Exercise is also crucial for this breed, as they can become destructive if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation. If you work from home or have a family member at home a lot of the day, then a White German Shepherd is an ideal dog. Just make sure ahead of time that you understand the amount of work it takes to train a shepherd puppy from a young age. Whether you are a new or experienced dog owner, the White Shepherd is a great choice for your house. All dogs need love and affection, but the hyper-intelligent German Shepherd needs more than most in order for them to truly feel settled in their home. Luckily, the effort you put in is returned multiple folds in the affection your dog shows. Related Guide:. Life Span Did You Know? A Miniature German Shepherd is a cross between a German Shepherd and a smaller dog breed that is meant to result in a smaller version of a German Shepherd. Although these Mini Shepherds can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, they tend to be energetic, intelligent dogs that bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. Miniature German Shepherds make great family dogs. They may be hardworking while on a job, but they have a playful spirit while relaxing with their family. They also tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, they do have a high prey drive. Mini German Shepherds are also protective and alert. They will bark to alert you and will be naturally suspicious of strangers. Proper socialization and training early on can help make sure barking does not become a nuisance and will help them open up to strangers once introduced. Miniature German Shepherds are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to be a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt just as well to apartments as long as they get the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond so closely with their families and want to be near them, they do not do well with long periods of alone time. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs because of genetic diversity. However, this is not a guarantee. They could inherit no conditions common to the parent breeds, but they could also inherit some or all of them. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. For the Miniature German Shepherd, potential health conditions to be aware of include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Because of their body shape, they are also at risk for bloat. Although Miniature German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle on their own. Their high energy, working dog instincts, thirst for learning, and need for structured training can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended if you are not an experienced dog owner. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your dog, and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, a Miniature German Shepherd will have a coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavier seasonally. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath is usually sufficient for this coat type. If a Miniature German Shepherd has a Mini Poodle parent, there is a chance they could inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although good dental care for dogs is essential, it is often overlooked. This is one of the reasons why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in older dogs. You can help protect your pup from painful dental diseases later in life by brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day and keeping up with regular vet visits. Although a Miniature German Shepherd may be smaller than a German Shepherd, they are still a high-energy dog with working dog instincts. In addition to having a job to do, these dogs also need daily walks plus playtime and time to run to be happy and healthy. If they like it, swimming can be a good low-impact activity while they are still growing. Once puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like hiking, running, training for dog sports, and more to see what they like. A fully-grown Miniature German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs about 50 pounds. There can be some variation depending on the other parent breed in the cross, but meeting the mother dog in-person can give you a better idea of what size to expect in a Mini GSD. A Miniature German Shepherd generally lives for years. If the other parent crossed with a German Shepherd is a Standard Poodle, the result is a Shepadoodle. Featured Miniature German Shepherd Article. Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.
If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of those breeders have a proven track record and are committed to the highest standards of ethical breeding and health testing. Carefully screening the parent dogs helps the breeders to choose the healthiest pups for breeding purposes. You can also reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently adopted a Labradoodle in your state and ask about their experiences with different breeders. They raise their pups in their home and socialize each puppy with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups eat high quality human-grade food and receive lots of love and care every single day. What Makes This Breeder Unique? ADEL is a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the healthiest puppies. Although they currently have no information about vaccines and dewormings on their website, feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to learn more. We are a small home based breeder of a wonderful family oriented and very versatile breed of dog called the "Australian Labradoodle". Our breeding dogs are considered part of the family and puppies are raised in our home with lots of socialization, love and affection. We only have two breeding dogs that live in our home and all of our other breeding dogs live in wonderful guardian homes. We specialize in breeding medium size and small standard size Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles and only breed a couple litters a year. Our medium size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. Our small standard size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. We offer a variety of colors red caramel, chocolate, cream, chocolate and white parti as well as caramel and white parti. Arizona Labradoodles is thoroughly "Committed to Responsible Breeding. Let us share with you what makes us Responsible Breeders. Our Dames and Sires to our litters are all health tested to the highest possible standards. Each of our dogs are genetic tested for all 22 recessive diseases found in the Australian Labradoodle. We feel the financial investment in health testing our breeding dogs is critical for betterment of the breed. Our high standards of health testing gives us great comfort knowing we are offering our families puppies that come from generations of health tested dogs. This has been done to protect the buyer and support parentage identification. We only work with Australian Labradoodle breeders that are also "Committed to Responsible Breeding" and the preservation of the Australian Labradoodle breed. We place our whelping box next to our bed to ensure a safe delivery of puppies and to monitor mom. During your puppies first weeks of life they are carefully cared for by us and never left alone. Each puppy is raised inside our home and are properly socialized with a variety of people, different noises, they are bathed, blow dried, nail trimmed, held and loved by us every day until they are ready to go to their new home. Each of our puppies is exposed to early neurological stimulation exercises known as the "Super Dog" Program. Studies have proven positive benefits for improved cardio performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Each puppy receives a full health evaluation and given age appropriate vaccinations by a licensed Veterinarian. We stand behind our 2 year health guarantee and lifetime guarantee against recessive diseases. When you adopt your puppy we want you to feel comfortable knowing we have done everything we can to offer you a good start with a healthy happy puppy. Our health guarantee protects you and your precious furry family member against life threatening diseases, joint dysplasia, and 22 recessive diseases. We are here for you for the life of your Arizona Labradoodle. If you have any questions, concerns, or need any guidance we will try and help you in any way we can. Our adoptive families have been carefully chosen to be a part of the "Arizona Labradoodles Family" for a reason. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. We often get the question "What is a Australian Labradoodle? Fabulous fleece coats that are allergy friendly Non shedding There are a variety of sizes and coat colors Can adapt to any type of lifestyle Highly Intelligent. Always conduct your research to determine how much a pup costs to purchase, feed, house, and maintain including veterinary exams. After selecting a breeder, you apply their kennel. However, not all breeders will have available puppies at the time of your application. Every breeder will manage their waitlist differently. Once pups are born, some will allocate them on a first-come, first-served basis. Others will link the appropriate family with the proper puppy. Thus, it is common for breeders to have a month waitlist, mainly if they breed infrequently or if their pups are highly popular. Dogs are faithful buddies. Nevertheless, these cuddly companions demand much care, food, and maintenance. Therefore planning for everything your pup needs at home will help guarantee that your new pet lives long and gives you the company you desire. Be Consistent My first tip is that you must be super consistent when teaching your puppy. When I got my puppy, my OH had an annoying habit of allowing little Raffles to bite him, saying it was just because the puppy was teething. Raffles has a habit of dashing off to play with other dogs when we go to the park, and the best way to train him to recall reliably is to promise him a treat when he comes straight back to me. Teach Basic Commands Decide on a few basic commands that you want your puppy to understand and be obedient to, and focus on training him to perform those early on. We taught Raffles to sit, lie down, get down, leave it, stay, and come when called. Those basics are extremely helpful in many daily activities. For example, when getting a lively, curious puppy ready to go on a road trip to the park, it can be challenging to persuade him to have his harness, collar, and lead put on. So, with treats in hand, I instruct my puppy to sit down and remain sitting while I put on his collar and harness. When he tries to grab the harness in his mouth, I tell him to leave it. The penny will eventually drop! Dog breeding is both an art and a science. Breeders use genetics and temperament, among other things, to select which puppies will be the next champion. However, you must always be alert to choose the best breeder. For instance, if the breeder is unskilled, there may be a chance of genetic flaws or health issues. Besides, you risk infectious illnesses if a breeder sells Labradoodles before receiving veterinary treatment or vaccinations. You must exercise caution while evaluating puppy mills to get an experienced and qualified breeder. Get Your Labradoodle Labradoodles are among the most devoted and protective dog breeds you will ever encounter. Did you enjoy knowing where to find the best Labradoodle breeders in Arizona? Besides, they will guide you on the best ways to care for your new furry friend. Make sure you follow the tips on this topic, as they will help you get a responsible, legitimate, and highly-qualified breeder for healthy Labradoodle puppies in Arizona. If this article was helpful to you, leave a comment and share it with your friends! Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. As with every other breed, train and socialize your Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly in order to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat. See store for details on a particular puppy. International Designer Canine Registry.
walking a labrador puppy - This sweet creature, unfortunately, gets a bad rap because of its past and because of owners who raise Pit Bulls improperly and for inappropriate reasons. Despite being originally bred for fighting, playful Pitties excel in being companions, working dogs, and service dogs. As long as you properly train and socialize your APBT, it will get along well with kids and other pets. The American Pit Bull Terrier With a height that ranges from 17 to 21 inches 43 to 53 cm and a weight that can reach up to 60 pounds 27 kgs , the Pit Bull has a muscular and proportionate body with floppy ears and a long tail. Pitties are also famous for their irresistible smile, which gives this dog a happy, expressive face. The Boxer Bred as an ancient war dog, the Boxer is another muscular and powerful dog that is said to be great with families. As a natural jumper, the playful and energetic dog needs an owner with a lot of patience who can provide him the exercise, training, and socialization he needs. A Boxer puppy It has a short muzzle and full, round eyes, and looks confused or curious in an irresistible way. With a short, sleek coat, this dog has a height between .Boxers, without a doubt, are loving dogs. Does this hybrid look more like Pit Bull or the Boxer? Their appearance is unpredictable, but one thing you can be sure of is that Pitoxers could have more attributes from one parent compared to the other. How big will a Pitbull Boxer mix get? Male and female Pitoxers can grow to 17 to 20 inches 43 to 51 cm and 16 to 19 inches 41 to 48 cm in height, respectively. Males have an average weight range of 60 to 80 pounds 27 to 36 kg while females can weigh between 50 to 70 pounds 23 to 32 kg. The beautiful Pitbull Boxer Mix This medium-to-large dog has a broad head and chest, short muzzle, long legs, and a short, smooth coat. Its coat comes in all sorts of colors, but the most common ones are black, brown, yellow, and tan. With their short hair and lack of double coat, they are sensitive to extreme weather conditions. During summer, stay away from intense heat by taking your Boxer Pit mix out early in the morning or at night. They also have a fun-loving, even-tempered nature, so they usually fit in well with most families. Boxer Pitbull mixes generally have a more stable temperament and are less aggressive. They like staying close to their pack, so many of them are affectionate and loyal companions. The key is to reduce the likelihood of aggression in the Boxer Pit mix is proper training. You can keep your Pitoxer from turning into an overprotective guard dog by introducing him to as many animals and people as you can. If they are socialized at a young age and are treated with love and respect by the people around them, these crossbreeds can be such a joy to have around. A good dog is a reflection of its owner, and how your Pitbull-Boxer cross turns out depends on how you raise it. Does this pup look like a scary fellow to you? How does the Boxer Pitbull Mix behave around other pets like cats? If a Pitoxer puppy gets proper socialization, it will grow up without having trouble getting along with the other pets that you have in the house. Yes, even with cats. Taking in a full-grown Pitbull Boxer Mix is a different matter. Prepare for a potentially problematic situation between him and the other pets, especially cats and smaller dogs. Be gentle yet consistent in teaching your dog commands. Use rewards and lots of praise to encourage him to be obedient. Punishing your pet is likely lead to result in aggression. Do these hybrids shed fur? Brushing his coat once a week is enough. You can use a bristle brush or a grooming mitt for ease. Unfortunately, the coat of the Pitbull Boxer mix is not hypoallergenic due to its moderate shedding. You can bring them to the vet or a reputable groomer once a month for ear check-ups, too. Big breeds like the Boxer Pit need 2 cups of dry dog food a day, split into two or three meals. If your dog has an average level of activity, they would need around 1, to 1, calories a day. Aside from food, make sure your Boxer Pit mix has clean drinking water at all times. Providing the exercise these crossbreeds need Coming from strong, muscular purebred parents, the Pitbull Boxer mix requires a lot of physical activity. Help your Boxer Pit mix release his pent-up energy through 2 hours of physical activities per day. Once you notice that your dog is starting to slow down and pant, give him a 5-minute break and give him some water to hydrate and cool-off. Make sure to give your dog the exercise it needs. Insufficient physical activity can lead to frustration which means barking, digging, and destruction. These are tips for a full-grown Pitoxer, though. Health problems that the Pitbull Boxer Mix may get You might think that giving your dog enough exercise and keeping an eye on his diet should keep him healthy enough throughout his lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Though these hybrids are generally healthy, they can still be susceptible to the health conditions that affect their parent breeds, such as:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bullboxer Pit Highlights The Bullboxer Pit is a mixed breed dog. Bullboxer Pits may tend to overeat. Owners must be diligent about monitoring diet. Bullboxer Pits have often been used as farm or guard dogs, due mostly to their loyal nature and powerful strength. The most regularly seen coat colors are brown, tan, yellow, and black. Although their coats are easy to maintain, Bullboxer Pits do shed all year long. Brushing can help. Due to their exercise requirements, physical strength, and need for training, this breed might not be best for novice dog owners. Boxers came on the scene in Germany back in the s; the dogs were often used to transport supplies and ferry messages to troops during the first two World Wars. The American Pit Bull Terrier was first employed in blood sports and used in baiting bears and bulls. The first ever Bullboxer Pits can be traced back to a German dog breed called the Bullenbeisser, which is now extinct. Due to the care and attention Bullboxer Pits require from an owner, many of them can end up in shelters. Bullboxer Pit Size The Bullboxer Pit is often described as a medium-sized dog, although they are also stockier and sturdier than many other middle-sized canines. Most weigh in at 50 to 80 pounds and range in height from 16 to 20 inches. Female Bullboxer Pits can often be a little smaller than their male counterparts. Bullboxer Pit Personality Bullboxer Pits have often been used as farm or guard dogs, due mostly to their loyal nature and powerful strength. These dogs can be especially devoted to their families, and often become very protective of any children in the household. Very upbeat walks—or even jogs—are required, so the owner must also be able to maintain a healthy and regular exercise routine. Around two hours of exercise per day is required—adding agility training or even swimming to the daily sessions can help vary things up. Apartment dwellers may find that many buildings do not permit Bullboxer Pits to live with them. Some of the more common health problems Bullboxer Pits suffer from include: Obesity due to overeating. Brindle 2. She needs plenty of exercise and lots of play! Given that both the Boxer and the Pitbull were bred for use as working dogs, these breeds are very energetic, so your Boxer Pitbull Mix requires a lot of exercise. This is what a well-exercised Boxer Pitbull Mix should look like: The Boxer Pitbull Mix is very playful and will need lots of toys at home. Careful, though! With her strong jaw and love of chewing, this dogs can destroy a chew toy within minutes. When you take her out, take a ball or a Frisbee to play fetch. She will love it! You should take her out for a brisk one-hour walktwice a day. If you are running, twenty minutes to half an hour should be enough. If your dog tires you will notice her slowing or beginning to pant excessively you should stop for a five-minute break and hydrate her. I recommend taking out a collapsible doggie bowl in which you can give her water. A note on exercising your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy This advice on exercise applies to the adult dog only, as when large-breed puppies do too much running and ball-chasing this can cause long-term injuries. With your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy, it is best to do lots of short walks and indoor play until she matures, at about 1 year — 16 months. Watch this 11 week old Pitbull Boxer Mix. She is curious, playful, active, and absolutely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Whatever the weather — not with this dog! In rainy weather, she will need a doggie coat to keep her warm. During summer months, it is best to take her out in the early morning or the evening when the sun is less intense. She may still need sunscreen, but make sure you purchase one without zinc oxide, as it is toxic for dogs. The Pitbull is also a very affectionate dog when well-socialized, who will lick you all over if you give her an inch. She was in fact bred for both work and companionship , and due to her gentle nature, is beginning to be used more and more as a therapy dog. Both Boxer and Pitbull are also great with children , which makes them excellent family dogs. The Boxer is very patient and protective, while the Pitbull is solid, a people-pleaser and highly trainable. So mix them together and what have you got? A companionable, affectionate dog who fits in perfectly with a family, wants a lot of attention and gives in return. It is, of course, worth noting that as puppies they are going to be more hyper, and so their contact with children must be supervised. Also, your dog must be well-exercised to be around children, as if not she will be incredibly excitable and could knock over a small child. Her guard dog instinct is strong, which can be useful if there is an intruder or attacker. These are courageous dogs who used to risk their lives baiting bulls, so have no doubt that she will defend you and yours if necessary. If this instinct gets out of hand, however, it can become a problem. You must make sure that you socialize your Boxer Pitbull Mix from a young age with as many people as you can. Invite friends and neighbors to your home and provide her with a positive association by having the person give her a treat when they arrive. As long as you train her well and stay consistent, this dog will be the friendliest dog around. She might be too hands-on for older pets Providing they are both socialized properly, both breeds can get on well with other animals, particularly Boxers. As for play style, Pitbulls can be rough and Boxers like to use their front paws when playing much like a boxer… oh, that makes sense! People are also beginning to look past the negative stigma around Pitbulls and realize their high intelligence and trainability, too. Director of Operations at Universal K9 claims that out of the hundreds of dogs he has trained for police work, the Pitbull, Kiah, is one of the top three he has ever placed. These dogs can be stubborn, though, meaning that you need to be firm and consistent with them. As long as you are in charge, your Boxer Pitbull Mix should pick up basic commands quickly. Make sure you do enough repetition and provide rewards and lots of praise. As puppies, they are boisterous and energetic little characters. You will need to be assertive in order to get their focus. She is a moderate shedder Though these dogs have a short coat, they are moderate shedders and will require a good grooming session once a week. They will probably lose more fur in the Spring, from April through May, so it may be a good idea to brush her twice a week during these periods. She will also need her ears checked monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. She is usually healthy but has some potential health concerns The Pitbull Boxer Mix is generally a healthy breed, as both pure breeds are as long as she gets sufficient exercise, of course and as I mentioned in the intro it can live for up to 13 years. Having said that, it is always worth being informed on any potential health issues this breed can develop, so here are the main ones your dog could be prone to: Cancer While the majority of Boxers are healthy , they are at risk of an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma , which occurs in the blood vessel cells. It can be difficult to detect, but signs can include weakness, a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this cancer can spread rapidly. Hip dysplasia This condition consists of a malformation of the hip joint, where it is unstable or loose in the socket. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows that this condition occurs in both breeds , although Pitbulls are more susceptible. Severe cases can lead to arthritic joints and lameness. Signs can include walking or running with an altered gait and reluctance to fully extend their rear legs or jump. Weight control helps enormously with this condition; keep her slim, as any excess weight will put stress on her joints. Heart disease The Boxer is prone to a heart problem called aortic stenosis , which in most cases of the disease the dog is born with. This disease causes narrowing of the aortic valve, which puts pressure on the heart. Symptoms can include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, and congestive heart failure. If your vet picks up a heart murmur, the diagnosis can be confirmed with an X-ray and a cardiac ultrasound. Allergies Pitbulls can have various allergies , so your Pitbull Boxer Mix may be susceptible. They can be treated with antihistamines, and in the case of skin irritation, you should use shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin. Conclusion Are you a family with children without any older pets? Are you ready to dedicate your days to plenty of exercise and play with your new lively companion? Can you give her the consistent training she needs? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you are more than ready to own a Pitbull Boxer Mix, and she will be more than happy to have you. Have you got a Pitbull Boxer Mix and a story to share? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Had her posted on the local shelter site but no takers. We have a year-old Chihuahua and 8-year-old Yorkie so keeping the new dog inside is not possible. For a temporary measure we put a cardboard box with lots of pillows and blankets warmed in the dryer on the porch swing. It has since warmed up into the range. She appears to be happy running around outside and sleeping on the porch swing near the now chewed up box. We have ordered a dog house for her and are having her spayed tomorrow. We are a late middle-aged couple but I hope to be able to walk with her at least once a day. I hope you can wish us well for rescuing her. These large dogs are a loyal and energetic companion for any family and their intelligence makes them playful and fun to be around. They may look like their Pitbull parent or they make look like their Boxer parent. One thing we can be sure of though is that, with the right socialization, these dogs are an excellent family member. Breed Origin It can be difficult to know where the Pitbull Boxer Mix originated from, so we can take a look at the parent breeds in more detail to understand the origins of this dog. The Pitbull parent in the Pitbull Boxer mix can actually be any of four types of Pitbull. The Pitbull was created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull and bear baiting. They were thought of as aggressive fighting dogs but it was also known that they were very gentle with humans and made excellent family dogs. The Boxer was also originally a fighting dog and was used by the Germans to chase and hold down bear, bison and wild boar. However, as time went on, they began to diminish in size and therefore became much better suited to family life, thus becoming a family pet. Characteristics Of The Pitbull Boxer Mix As we have mentioned above, it can be difficult to know the exact characteristics of the Pitbull Boxer Mix because they may take after one parent more than the other. However, we can make assumptions based on past litters. You must make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance Taking a look at the parent breeds will give a good indication as to what your Pitbull Boxer Mix may look like when fully grown. The size of the Pitbull Boxer Mix depends on which type of Pitbull was used to breed. The American Pitbull Terrier is the largest breed of Pitbull and will produce the largest dogs. Coat The Pitbull Boxer Mix has a smooth, short coat as this is the type of coat both their parent breeds have. Luckily, they do not require much grooming, but we will go into more detail about that later on. However, they can come in a wide range of colors, including black, red, white, grey, blue, brown and tan. Temperament The Boxer Pitbull Mix is a loyal and lovable dog that loves to be around people. Super playful, these pups just want to be outside with you, playing games and accompanying you on hikes. If you need to leave them for more than 3 hours at a time, then it is a good idea to employ a dog walker or sitter to look after your friendly pup! These dogs are very intelligent, which is one of the reasons they love to play. Also because of their intelligence, they can get bored very easily. They must be kept entertained otherwise they can get frustrated and begin to exhibit signs of unwanted behaviors. It is a common misconception that because both parent breeds were originally fighting dogs, that the Pitbull Boxer Mix is an aggressive breed. This is not true. You will need to train and socialize your Pitbull Boxer Mix, but they are certainly not violent and really just want to be loved by you! Often, these dogs can feel it is their duty to protect their owners and can make good watchdogs and guard dogs. They will bark when they feel something is out of place or if there is a threat, so this is something to watch out for! Lifespan The Bullboxer has an average life expectancy of between 10 to 14 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any breed of dog, the Pit Boxer Mix is at risk of inheriting the same health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to. Below we have laid out the main health concerns that this breed face. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Aortic stenosis — this is a heart defect that is often found in large dog breeds. It can be treated with medication. Cardiomyopathy — this is an enlarged heart with poor function. It can be helped with medication. Degenerative myelopathy — this is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. There is no cure but there is treatment. It can be helped with intensive physical rehabilitation. Allergies — the Pitbull Boxer can be prone to allergies from a range of causes such as food and pollen. It can lead to scratching and other skin infections. Thyroid issues — this is common in Boxers, who can have either an overactive or underactive thyroid. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Bullboxer, it is time to take a look at what daily life with one of these dogs is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. This means that the amount of food you will be feeding them will vary. You should always check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding them of a particular food based on their weight. On average, a dog of this size with the same activity level will need roughly calories a day, which is about 2 cups worth. This should be split into at least two meals a day. This food you feed your Pitbull Boxer Mix should be a high-quality kibble. It should contain a good source of protein so that they can stay active. Take a look at the dog food we recommend below. The recipe features real meat, garden veggies, and fruit plus whole grains and LifeSource Bits rich in antioxidants. It also features ingredients that support healthy growth and development for a growing pup. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine are the building blocks of healthy joints and cartilages ideal for mobility. It is packed in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant benefits for lifelong health and happiness. This kibble made for large breed adult dogs also features Iams DHA Gold to promote mental sharpness and alertness and also to encourage healthy cognitive ability. It is crafted with prebiotics for healthy digestion and strong defenses. Puppies and adult pooches have diametrically different nutritional needs, and senior canines require kibble that is gentle on their aged teeth and stomachs. We suggest you pick one of our recommendations for the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food and see how your pup responds. Who knows? Given that your Pitbull Boxer is neither big nor small, they may like the taste of the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food alike, so you might want to offer them both kinds! Pitbull Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements The general advice for most dogs would be to train them while they are young. But in the case of your Pitbull Boxer cross, you have to very cautious. Puppies of large-breed origin that exerts too much energy from running or playing can cause injuries that may last his lifetime. For puppies, activities may be limited to regular short walks or play until it has reached a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months. As it gets old, the daily exercise requirement will also change. For an adult Pitbull boxer, minutes of exercise should be adequate to maintain good health. It is a very energetic hybrid so they will thrive in a lively environment. An ideal home would mean lots of space to move around, inside or in the backyard. Some states enforce restrictions with regards to Pitbull mixes like your pitbull boxer, so you have to keep it on a leash while out exercising. Using a leash will also prevent them from running into or jumping into everyone they encounter. They are most happy walking around in the city or the Dog Park or even trudging in the mountains. Another essential thing to consider is the weather. During the rainy season, your dog will need a raincoat to protect her from the rain and also to keep her warm. Sunscreen can be used but avoid products with zinc oxide, as it is a poisonous substance. The jacket provides full chest coverage, and the solid print is stylishly chic. The elastic leg straps and adjustable fastener guarantees a snug band comfortable fit. It also features reflectorized stitching so you can see your dog even at night. It is guaranteed durable — it features a galvanized cable and coated with crack-resistant vinyl. It should be able to withstand up to 7x the weight of your dog. My Dog Nose It! Pitbull Boxer Cross Training The combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it is a suitable pet for someone with a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. And as always, your dog will react and respond best with positive reinforcement, rewards, and incentives. Punishment will never work, and more often than not, will only create or aggravate behavioral problems. It is essential to reward your pet to encourage positive behavior. Early socialization and training from puppyhood will form the foundation of a well-adjusted dog. Training your Pitbull Boxer should be a piece of cake because of their ability to pick up commands. To get their focus though, you would need to be tough and establish yourself as the master and make him obey you. We listed some training activities you can try out with your petpal: Behavior Training — How do you train him to stop barking mad? Constant practice will help you achieve the desired effect but never shout at him even if he continues to bark. Also, allow him to learn commands other than barking. Keep in mind that the goal is to reward your pup for being silent. Chores Training — Teach him to fetch your newspaper for you. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball should prep your dog for this activity. All you have to do is replace the toy with the newspaper and tech your Pitbull boxer how to get it, pick it up or bring it back to you. Fun Training — Rollover is one activity designed with your big Boxer Pitbull in mind. Start with getting your dog to lie down, and eventually how to roll over. Make sure you reward each action accordingly, and of course, practice makes perfect. Pitbull Boxer Combination And Families The Pitbull Boxer will become accustomed to any family dynamic most especially when trained well and socialized correctly. Their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids. There are specific training designed to help you manage this kind of behavior. Check with your local authorities with regards to the legal status of Pitbull mixes in your area. Find out if your Boxer pitbull mix is banned or restricted. Not only will they thrive in large spaces to allow lots of movement, but they will also want owners who will dedicate their time to train and socialize and to love and care for them.
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walking a labrador puppy - We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. In the beginning, the food needs for my Labrador Molly changed dramatically. I worried that I was feeding her too little. As she grew older, I became concerned that I was feeding her too much. So, how often should you feed a Labrador? You should feed an adult Labrador two meals per day. You should feed Labrador puppies three meals per day, unless otherwise stated on the food packaging. It is essential to adhere to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your Lab. You should also be aware of how to handle situations when your dog doesn't want to eat on schedule or doesn't finish its meal. In this article Labrador Feeding Schedules Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly. Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food. If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given. Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner. According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit that need the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household. Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death , they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals. Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals. In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total. Use Interactive Food Dispensers Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside. Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing. How Much to Feed a Labrador Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight. If your Lab is not at an ideal weight , you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight. Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision. Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food : Adult Target Weight:. Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.