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Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and intelligent. Australian Labradoodle Appearance Since it is a hybrid the Australian Labradoodle does not have any breed standards. Regardless of size, this stocky but graceful pooch is often covered in a curly coat just like their Poodle parents. Due to its fur having the more hair-like qualities of a Poodle the Australian Labradoodle is a low-shedding dog. With soulful eyes and a dark button nose, many may mistake it as a large teddy bear if it was not for its constantly wagging tail! Height and Weight These pups come in a variety of sizes: Miniatures often stand around 14 to 16 inches tall, weighing 15 to 25 pounds. Mediums often stand 17 to 20 inches tall, weighing 30 to 45 pounds. Standards often stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. For those living in apartments or smaller homes, a Miniature or Medium would be ideal. Colors and Coat Australian Labradoodles often come in several shades of brown, from the milkiest cream to the silkiest dark chocolate. However, you can also find them in colors such as apricot and lavender. Their coats often come in three types: Hair, Fleece, and Wool. Hair is the loosest among the coat types, with a texture resembling a shaggy Labrador. Fleece lies somewhere in the middle, being softer and silkier than Wool but wavier than the Hair variety. This texture will shed less than the Hair type and is easy to manage. Wool is the curliest of the coat types most resembling a Poodle. This texture sheds little to none and is considered the most allergy-friendly. This texture will require regular weekly brushing and professional grooming to avoid matting. Expect smooth sailing when it comes to training as all its parent breeds are famous for being eager to please. Almost all the breeds that make up the Australian Labradoodle are in the sporting group so expect your pup to be as active as its parent breeds. The Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever are both known for their friendliness, making this social pup the life of the party. Wally Conron bred the first Labradoodle after a visually impaired woman named Pat Blum contacted him. Australian Labradoodle Personality and Temperament This hybrid is known for having the friendliness of a Labrador, the gentleness of an American Cocker Spaniel, the merriness of an English Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligence of a Poodle. Because of these qualities, they are the perfect family pet — energetic enough for the kids to play with and entertaining to watch in action. Due to their high intelligence, you will have fun finding creative ways to stimulate their minds. A fun family activity can be training them a variety of tricks or creating puzzle games for your furry little Einstein to solve. With proper training and socialization, they should be able to get along with all animals and humans. They are moderately active thanks to their parent breeds. Whether you are an on-the-go family or a sporty pet parent, this pooch should be able to keep up with you on all your hikes and runs. However, it will happily cuddle on the couch with you after a long day. Noise-wise, this dog is not known for being yappy. This dog can be a lot to handle for first-time owners and can get bored without enough mental and physical stimulation. However smaller Australian Labradoodles can thrive in an apartment or condo if given the right amount of exercise and entertainment. If you can put in the time to train and exercise you will be rewarded with a friend for a lifetime. Caring for an Australian Labradoodle Caring for an Australian Labradoodle requires a fair amount of time and effort due to their high intelligence and reasonable activity level. An active family or pet parent with time to dedicate to their physical and mental stimulation is best suited for this mix. As well as basic hygiene their unique coat requires professional grooming. Depending on their coat texture this may vary, but they will need regular appointments to a groomer to trim their coat and regular brushing to avoid mats. Grooming and adequate mental stimulation are very important and lead to a happy and healthy pup. Exercise Requirements With a lineage of active breeds, the Australian Labradoodle requires a reasonable amount of exercise. A minimum minute long walk would be enough for an adult, but several shorter walks throughout the day can also work. However, your pooch would not complain if you also added 30 minutes of off-leash play. They will enjoy the basic doggie games of fetch and tug-of-war, but feel free to be creative with this lively breed. With its Labrador roots, try taking fetch to the next level by teaching them to fetch in the water. The added activity of swimming back and forth will require more energy than your average park playdate. Taking your pup hiking can help with mental stimulation as your pup is introduced to new sights and smells. Agility training can also be a great option for those with backyards. All in all, a happy dog is a tired dog, and making sure to properly exercise your furry friend can prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Number of Walks Per Day: .Total Exercise Needed Per Day: minutes. Grooming and Shedding For an Australian Labradoodle, grooming can look different depending on the coat type they have. Hair-type coats will need weekly brushing to prevent odor and tangles. As this coat type sheds on its own it is likely that your dog will need fewer visits to the groomer. Fleece-type coats will need longer and more thorough weekly brushing sessions. Your furry friend will need a weekly bath and an appointment with a professional groomer every weeks. Wool-type coats are most manageable when kept short, with weekly brushing and grooming appointments every month to keep your pooch looking smart. In addition to the above, cleaning their ears once a month will help prevent infection. Using eye wipes can keep bacteria-filled gunk away but be sure to look for a brand that does not contain irritants. However, a good rule of thumb when choosing kibble is to avoid a brand that overuses byproducts and fillers. A good kibble brand will be complete and balanced with the necessary nutrients your dog needs to be healthy. You should consider grain-free as research has found this could be better for your pup. When calculating the number of calories your dog will need, consider energy level and weight. A general rule is to add calories for every pound your dog weighs. Of course, getting the advice of your vet is always key if you are ever unsure. Hip Dysplasia: Usual with most medium to large dogs where the hip joint becomes unstable and causes bone spurs and limping. The good news is that buying from a reputable breeder can decrease the likelihood of your dog inheriting these diseases. Having pet insurance could save you the headache of going to the vets. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If you are looking to bring a new puppy into your life, it is important to learn about the different sizes and needs of pets to ensure that the pet you are getting works out for your family. Mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale can be beneficial to many households. Here are some of the benefits of selecting mini Australian Labradoodles near me. Mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale tend to grow no more than 14 to 16 inches in length and weight around 16 to 25 pounds. Someone who lives in an apartment, condo or other small dwelling may want the companionship of a dog, but they may not have a lot of space in their home or a large yard to provide for a larger dog. In these cases, a smaller dog is perfect. A smaller dog needs less room to roam, allowing those who are in smaller spaces the ability to own, love on, and have a small dog as an acquaintance. Mini Australian labradoodles near me may also be a great companion to those who are elderly or have disabilities. Controlling a large dog while out on a walk requires strength and force. Not everyone has the strength to control these larger dogs. A smaller dog does not require as much strength, and most people can easily pick up these smaller dogs if they needed to. Are you ready to learn more about mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale and if they are right for you? Reach out to us at South Florida Australian Labradoodles with all the questions you may have. Proudly created with Wix. The price typically depends on where you live and the deductibles you include in your chosen plan. Some pet insurance plans allow you to visit any vet clinic in the country, including emergency clinics and designer breed specialists. These dogs are also only bred a total of three times to ensure their quality of life. Most puppies are ready to be welcomed into their new families at around eight weeks old. Mini Labradoodles of Long Island New York — Since , this reputable breeder has been raising and caring for designer puppies. You can secure a spot on the waiting list for a puppy after completing your family profile online. Faithful Doodles California — This family-run operation offers Aussie Labradoodle puppies raised with utmost love and attention. Every dog is registered with the ALAA and is given complete health testing. Although they are a designer crossbreed, you can adopt miniature Australian Labradoodles from local rescues and shelters. Adopting one will be significantly cheaper than paying a breeder for a puppy. Most importantly, you will be saving a puppy in need of a loving home. Here are mini Australian Labradoodle rescues you can consider browsing to begin your pet search: Doodle Rescue Collective Inc. Since its inception, more than 4, dogs have been saved. They focus on proper rehabilitation and medical care for Doodle breeds. Doodle Rock Rescue — This non-profit rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming overlooked Doodle dogs in Texas. The rescued dogs are placed in temporary foster homes as volunteers tend to their welfare and look for a suitable forever home for them. In the years since they started, they have rescued over 4, dogs. They provide essential care and fostering services before they can find a permanent home for these dogs in need. Their passion is to rescue all types of Poodles and Poodle mixes including mini Australian Labradoodles and rehome them in loving homes. Make sure to provide your pet with the proper nutrition, adequate physical activity, grooming, and TLC. Food and Diet Australian Labradoodles and their cheerful appetite make it easier for pet owners to choose among four different feeding methods: dry kibble, wet or moist dog food, and raw food. These adorable miniature designer cross breeds also have an easy feeding schedule to follow. You can start feeding them kibbles four times a day when they are still a puppy and shift to a twice-a-day meal when they reach the adulthood stage. The amount of food you need to feed your mini Aussie Labradoodles has to be proportional to their body weight. But for the specific measurement, 1 to 2. Training and Exercise If you are the type who only exercises moderately, the mini Australian Labradoodle is the ideal pet for you. They only require 30 minutes of exercise 2 to 3 times a day. They can quickly excel in various active training activities such as fetch, chase, hide and seek, and obedience training. If you wonder what training method suits them best, it is none other than reward-based training and positive reinforcement. Cleaning and Grooming The ideal time to take your Australian Labradoodle to a professional groomer is every 6 to 8 weeks. Brushing and combing your mini Australian Labradoodle must be done daily, and they must be given a bath at least 2 to 3 times a month. The parent dogs are the most significant distinction between the two Labradoodle breeds. The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Aside from the mini Aussie Labradoodle, there are two other size variations of this mixed breed. Firstly, the medium Australian Labradoodles measure up to 17 to 20 inches, with 30 to 45 pounds. Secondly, the standard Australian Labradoodle has a height of 21 to 24 inches and approximately weighs 50 to 65 pounds. The size greatly depends on the size of the Poodle used for first-generation breeding. Do Mini Australian Labradoodles Shed? Yes, since all dogs shed to some extent. However, the mini Aussie Labradoodle is low-shedding. They only lose a small amount of dead hair — ranging from very low to average shedding, especially those having a Fleece or Wool coat. Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? There is no such thing as a percent hypoallergenic dog, but mini Australian Labradoodles come close! These designer crossbreeds are considered allergy-friendly. How do you figure out if the mini Australian Labradoodle is the perfect dog for you? These high-demand lap-sized dogs are suitable for: people who live in compact apartments, singles and families with children and other pets, people who do not have much time in a day to devote to physical activities or exercise, and people with allergies. Friendly, loving, and playful — there is never a dull day when the mini Australian Labradoodle is around. Make sure to do some research to fully understand what kind of care your new dog will typically need. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your upcoming fur parent responsibilities. However, if you believe this tiny designer crossbreed is not the right fit, continue to browse along. 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. Welcome to Minton Manor Australian Labradoodles. UK breeders of multigenerational Australian labradoodles - our passion is breeding the finest quality Australian labradoodle puppies and our pride is the service we deliver. Reserving miniature Australian Labradoodle Puppies Spring - Breeding quality puppies will be available to approved programmes Our Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are bred from the best lines, with extensively health tested parents, raised in our family home in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside in the United Kingdom. The Australian Labradoodle is the perfect family companion, being non-shedding to low-shedding and miniature labradoodles are great with children of all ages and other animals alike. A dedicated breeding programme to provide families with happy, healthy, well balanced Australian labradoodle puppies with a professional, personal, friendly service. Our premises has been awarded a 5 Star Licence with our local authority so you can have confidence and trust in our high standards. We can export Australian labradoodle puppies globally, please enquire for more details. About Us Learn About the Miniature Labradoodle The Australian labradoodle is very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with incomparable beauty. They are perfect for therapy work or a perfect family companion. The Australian Labradoodle originated in Australia hence the name in the s and was intentionally bred for service and therapy work. They should also not be confused with an American Labradoodle which is the cross of Labrador Retriever and Poodle only. Their eager to please attitude and high intelligence makes them easy to train. As with any breed though, you will need to be consistent! They do best with positive reinforcement and a gentle trainer. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Australian Labradoodle puppy home. While Australian Labradoodles are known to have a low to moderate energy level, they are an intelligent breed that requires mental simulation and physical exercise in order to keep them happy and healthy! Their exercise needs can typically be met with about minutes of exercise playing, walking, etc. It is important to remember that not all Australian Labradoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! Australian Labradoodles are a very friendly, social breed that loves everyone making them great family dogs. They are sensitive and can be very in-tune with their humans, who they love to be with! The do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. Australian Labradoodles are happy go lucky dogs that are playful and smart. Always keeping their humans on their toes! The life expectancy of an Australian Labradoodle is between years. In general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc. Australian Labradoodles are known to be gentle, mellow cross that is smart and eager to please. Their happy go lucky personality makes them great individual or family dogs. Australian Labradoodles come in several different sizes micro mini, mini, medium, and standard which means there is the perfect size for everyone! Australian Labradoodles have been intentionally bred for several generations making their traits and characteristics more predictable. Australian Labradoodles have three main coat types: Fleece: A Fleece coat can either be wavy or curly and will have a silky feel. These are typically non-shedding and relatively easy to maintain. Wool: A wool coat is curly, with a Poodle-like texture, has a cotton-like feel. These are usually non-shedding and can be a bit harder to maintain if kept long. Hair: A hair coat can be either straight or have a slight wave and is comparable to a lower generation ie F1 Labradoodle. These have are typically easy to maintain and have higher chance of shedding, but will vary by puppy. Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles that have been intentionally bred for several generations are typically non-shedding or very low-shedding. However, it is important to note that some breeders we do occasionally will do infusion litters with one of the parent breeds ie the Lab or Cocker Spaniel. These infusion litters may produce some puppies that are low to moderate shedding depending on their genetics. Australian Labradoodles can come in very wide variety of colors and patterns! Below are some examples of the colors and different patterns that we produce. Please note that not all colors and patterns are included! Get Started The Benefits of Adopting a Mini Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles have gained popularity as beloved family pets due to their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. Within the Australian Labradoodle breed, there are two size variants to consider: the mini Australian Labradoodle and the standard size Australian Labradoodle. At Mountain Creek Labradoodles, we have focused our breeding program primarily on the Miniature Australian Labradoodle. Below are the reasons we believe adopting a mini Australian Labradoodle compared to a standard size Australian Labradoodle is beneficial. While not everyone may agree, we have found the mini size to be perfect! Size and Space: One of the most apparent advantages of a mini Australian Labradoodle is their compact size. These pint-sized pups typically weigh between 15 to 25 pounds and stand around 14 to 17 inches tall. If you live in a smaller home or apartment with limited space, a mini Australian Labradoodle can be a better fit. They require less space to move around and are easier to manage in terms of exercise and playtime, making them ideal for urban dwellers or individuals with limited outdoor areas. Portability and Travel: The smaller size of mini Australian Labradoodles makes them easier to travel with. They are easier to handle and transport, whether it's for short trips to the vet or longer journeys. Their size allows them to comfortably fit in travel crates, car seats, and even airplane cabins with their owners depending on airline regulations. If you frequently travel or enjoy bringing your dog along on adventures, a mini Australian Labradoodle can be a more convenient and hassle-free option. Energy and Exercise: While both mini and standard size Australian Labradoodles are active dogs, miniatures generally have slightly less energy compared to their larger counterparts. This means they require slightly less exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Mini Australian Labradoodles typically thrive with a daily walk, some playtime, and interactive mental stimulation. However, it is important to note that regular exercise is still essential to prevent behavioral issues and maintain their overall well-being. Be sure to check out our training tips for more information on training your labradoodle. Interaction with Children and Other Pets: Mini Australian Labradoodles can be a great choice for families with young children or households with other pets. Due to their smaller size, they are generally more compatible and less intimidating for young children. They can also get along well with other pets, making them suitable for multi-pet households. However, it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and children and properly introduce them to ensure a harmonious environment. Lifespan and Health: Mini Australian Labradoodles typically have a longer lifespan compared to their standard size counterparts. While this can vary depending on individual genetics and care, miniatures generally live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, while standard Australian Labradoodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Additionally, the smaller size of miniatures can sometimes be advantageous when it comes to potential health issues, as larger dogs are more prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia. However, it is essential to choose a reputable breeder who focuses on responsible breeding practices and health screenings to ensure the overall well-being of the dog. Choosing between a mini Australian Labradoodle and a standard size Australian Labradoodle depends on various factors, including your living situation, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Miniatures are a fantastic option for those seeking a smaller, more manageable dog that fits well in urban environments, is easier to travel with, and is compatible with children and other pets. However, it is important to remember that regardless of size, Labradoodle puppies deserves a loving home, proper care, and attention to ensure a fulfilling and happy life. They can comfortably live in smaller environments without feeling cramped. Easier Travel and Portability: Mini Labradoodles are highly portable due to their smaller size. Whether it's a trip to the vet, a weekend getaway, or a long vacation, they are easier to transport and can fit comfortably in travel carriers or crates. Suitable for Urban Living: Living in a busy city or urban area can pose challenges for larger dogs. Mini Labradoodles are better suited for urban environments, where they can navigate crowded streets and smaller living spaces with ease. Reduced Exercise Requirements: While still active dogs, mini Labradoodles generally require less exercise compared to their larger counterparts. They can get their exercise needs met with moderate daily walks and interactive play sessions, making them suitable for individuals with a less active lifestyle. Easier Handling: Their smaller size makes mini Labradoodles easier to handle and manage, especially for individuals who may have physical limitations or are less experienced with larger dogs. Grooming, bathing, and general care become more manageable tasks. Compatibility with Children: Mini Labradoodles are well-suited for families with young children. Their smaller size makes them less intimidating and easier for children to interact with. They often develop strong bonds with children, enjoying playtime and providing a loving and gentle companionship. Gets Along with Other Pets: Mini Labradoodles typically have a friendly and amiable nature, making them great companions for other pets in the household. Their smaller size and tolerant temperament enable them to establish positive relationships with other dogs and cats. Longer Lifespan: Generally, smaller dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans compared to larger breeds. Mini Labradoodles can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, providing their owners with more years of companionship and love. Reduced Food and Maintenance Costs: Due to their smaller size, mini Labradoodles require less food than their standard-sized counterparts. This can result in reduced food costs over time. Additionally, grooming and maintenance costs, such as grooming supplies and professional grooming sessions, may be lower for mini Labradoodles. Adorable and Cuteness Overload: Last but certainly not least, mini Labradoodles are undeniably adorable! Their small stature, fluffy coats, and charming personalities make them irresistible. Expect lots of "awws" and compliments from everyone you meet while walking your mini Labradoodle. Remember, it's important to choose a reputable breeder who focuses on responsible breeding practices to ensure the overall health and well-being of your mini Labradoodle. Ready To Get Started??? Already sold on the BEST breed of dog known to mankind?!?! Then click on the link below and fill out our Puppy Inquiry Form to get started! Look no further! Our free litter notification email is the perfect way to stay up-to-date on our latest and greatest litters of adorable labradoodle puppies! Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. About the Breed jpennington T Characteristics of Australian Labradoodles Temperaments Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles make exceptional family companions. They are known for their wonderful temperaments and their intelligence. They have fabulous relationships with children and other animals. They are very loyal family companions that are easily trained and love to please their owners and the people around them. Emotional Support Animals — Provide emotional support to individuals at home and in public places. Therapy Dogs — Provide comfort, companionship, and promote emotional well -being. They bring comfort to those in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and etc. .Service Dogs — Provide assistance for people with disabilities. They are trained to preform many jobs such as pull a wheelchair, provide medical alerts involving seizures and blood sugar levels, and provide assistance with seeing and walking. At Dawson Creek many of our breeders come from Therapy lines and continue to pass on their wonderful temperaments to our puppies. Size The Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle comes in a variety of sizes. Each size has that special personality. The Mini is for people who enjoy a smaller companion. The Medium of course is the middle size. For those who love large companions there is the Standard. Regardless of the size of the Australian Labradoodle there are common characteristics among the breed such as loving, intelligent, loyal, and adorable companions. The Multi-Generational Labradoodle tends to be a great companion for people with allergies. Their coats come in a variety of colors such as red, caramel, apricot, chocolate, cream, black, and parti. At Dawson Creek we feel our puppy protocol is a very important part of our program. We follow the Puppy Culture Program for Breeders and feel it is a major asset in the development of our puppies. Our puppy cultural protocol begins before the puppies arrive and continues throughout their stay at Dawson Creek. However, most importantly, socialization does not end at Dawson Creek for our puppies. We provide strategies and suggestions to help our customers continue the puppy socialization process at home where our Dawson Creek puppies can strive and flourish in their new homes. We would like to share with you a quick glance of what our puppy cultural protocol involves: From the moment of arrival, we begin touching and stroking our puppies as much as possible. Daily cuddle sessions begin during the puppies first stage of life. Days three through 16 are very important. During this stage we provide early neurological stimulation that includes placing the puppy in the palm of your hand and holding the puppy in a variety of positions. Daily cuddle sessions continue. A very exciting and precious time at Dawson Creek for us is the Transitional Period. During this period the puppies are two to three weeks old. The puppies began opening their eyes and moving around more frequently in the whelping box. The opening of their eyes and the toddling around are the first milestones that we record. Towards the end of the Transitional Period the puppies begin to move around with more stability. This is when we began providing the puppies with large squeaky crackle toys to get the startle -recover — curiosity exploration affect. Also, during this period we add a potty area to our whelping box, begin carrying the puppies to short visits to new rooms in the household, and allowing them to explore outside of the whelping box on a variety of textured quilts, blankets, and pads. During this stage the puppies are wormed for the first time and their toenails are clipped. As the puppies continue to grow stronger, they reach the Socialization Period. During this stage the puppies are approximately three to four weeks old. We continue daily cuddling, snuggling, and touching sessions. Also, new toys and sounds are being introduced on- a -daily- basis. The puppies continue to explore new rooms and areas of the house and begin having Short Pup visits with outside family members. During this stage the puppies are being introduced to water and mush. Socialization becomes a little more advanced at week five. The puppies are removed from the nursery and transferred to the weaning pin. Here they experience a variety of new toys, a potty area, crates, and a play pin. The play pin is full of tunnels, balls, toys, things to climb on, and variety of chew toys. During this time the outside world is viewed for the first time. This opens a new world of experiences with many out- door activities. The puppies motor skills have developed very well. Therefore, they are free to run, jump, and play with their siblings. Also, during this time the puppies are being exposed to new training experiences with a clicker. They are rewarded for good behavior such as coming when called, following, sitting on the grooming table, manding sitting with the bottom on the ground and focusing on the trainer. They receive their first visit from the vet and are receiving softened dog food mixed in with their mush. Snuggling, touching, and daily cuddling sessions continue daily. Socialization continues as the puppies move to weeks seven and eight. They are introduced to individual crates and their take home snuggle puppy. Also, the puppies are now taking potty breaks after meals, being exposed to very shallow water, and being introduced to a leash on a sniff and stroll adventure. Cuddling and snuggling session are still occurring daily. The puppies have now transitioned to dry dog food, been weaned from mom, and will receive another vet visit soon. As the puppies prepare to transition to their new homes Dawson Creek is gathering materials to send home with the new puppy parents where socialization will continue, and our puppies will thrive at their new homes. We are very proud to have joined the Puppy Culture Protocol for Breeders. We feel this has become an important asset to our program. Iuka, Mississippi .Post by: Emily W. These dogs can be described in many ways: wonderful family dogs, great companions, fantastic workout buddies, and a best friend. Since dogs of this breed have quite a bit of energy, they may be a little too much for first-time dog parents, but overall, these dogs can along with nearly everyone. Dogs of this breed can also do well in a multi-pet home, though it is most helpful when your pup is socialized and introduced to their four-legged siblings from a young age. Breed History Labradoodles first made an appearance in the s. Australian dog breeder, Wally Conron, was tasked with creating a guide dog that was more suitable for people with a dog allergy. Having a lower dander count, Poodles were the perfect breed to mix with the friendly and helpful Labrador Retriever, thus began the Labradoodle. Over the years, as Doodle mixes have become increasingly more popular, the Mini Australian Labradoodle came about as a mix between Poodles , Labradors , and Cocker Spaniels. These dogs are unique because they are a mix of three separate breeds, not the usual two. Mini Australian Labradoodles vs. Cockapoos vs. Cockapoos are a mix of two breeds: Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. As you may have already concluded from their name, Aussiedoodles have Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents. Attributes The typical Mini Australian Labradoodle temperament is favorable and easy-going. These are a great middle-of-the-road breed, making them a wonderful choice for most families. However, before adopting one, most pet parents first have some questions about these dogs that they want to be answered. Yes, Mini Australian Labradoodles do shed, though not excessively. With that in mind, how much your dog sheds may be determined by their coat texture: hair, fleece, or wool. Usually, hair will shed the most and wool the least. Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? No dog breed is fully hypoallergenic, but some are more allergy-friendly than others , the Mini Australian Labradoodle being one of them. Mini Australian Labradoodles are considered small, typically weighing between pounds and standing around inches at their shoulder. Even though these are the standard measurements for these dogs, there can be variance from one litter to another because they are a mixed breed. Training One of the many fun and rewarding parts of being a dog parent is getting to train your dog. Training can be a rewarding process that is both enjoyable for you and your dog, plus it allows you and your best pal to spend some quality time with one another. Training should begin as early as possible. Whether you adopt your dog at five months of age or five years, you can start training the very day you bring your pal home. Remember to be consistent, patient, never use harsh tones, and provide rewards for a job well done. If you notice that your dog seems to be getting bored during training, it may be helpful to keep sessions on the shorter side, mix up commands, or simply change the environment in which you are training. On top of commands, other essential training items include house training. You may be surprised just how quickly these intelligent dogs can learn, but some Mini Australian Labradoodles may take a little more time than others. For dog parents, crate training is also a valuable resource. Not to mention, whenever your dog is home alone, you can have the peace of mind that they will be secure in their crate, instead of possibly rooting around in the garbage or making confetti out of your couch. Going hand-in-hand with training is socialization. Socialization mainly involves introducing your dog to new people, places, sights, and sounds, so the possibilities are endless. Grooming Keeping your pup well-groomed is a major responsibility of being a dog parent. Helping your pup look their best can also help them feel their best. If they appear dirty, clean the outer ear with a cotton ball and dog-safe ear cleaning solution—never use cotton swabs or clean down into the inner ear. Though their floppy ears are adorable, Mini Australian Labradoodles can be more likely to develop ear infections because of them. Keeping their ears clean and drying them thoroughly after a bath or swim can help reduce infections. If you notice that your dog is prone to getting eye goopies, simply use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away from their eyes gently. Use a new cloth or the opposite corner for each eye. Of course, coat care is an essential grooming item when it comes to Mini Australian Labradoodles. On top of monthly nail trimming and a bath every few months, your pup will also need their hair trimmed every few months. Like nearly all Doodles, their hair will continuously grow, so you can either give them a little trim every so often or do a more drastic haircut a few times a year. Care Caring for a Mini Australian Labradoodle is a rewarding task. Given the care and attention they need, in return, these adorable pups will shower you with unconditional love. Step one of caring for your best pal is to find an outlet for that Mini Australian Labradoodle energy. As a smaller breed, these dogs typically require close to an hour of physical exercise every day. This can be in the form of a walk, hike, jog, or run. Even some off-leash running is a terrific option, as long as your pup is in a securely fenced-in area. On top of exercise, your Mini Australian Labradoodle will also want some playtime every day. Mini Australian Labradoodles are intelligent dogs that enjoy getting the chance to work their minds. Mini Australian Labradoodles are naturally social dogs that prefer to spend time with their family. By exercising and playing with your dog, you are simultaneously providing them with the one-on-one attention they crave and the mental and physical stimulation they need. Providing your dog with a nutritious and age-appropriate diet is crucial to keep them energized and in great health. Too many treats can lead to some unwanted pounds and eventually to obesity. Common Health Issues Mini Australian Labradoodles are relatively healthy dogs, but they are still susceptible to developing health issues. When you first adopt your Mini Australian Labradoodle, it will be necessary to establish them with a local veterinarian. Plus, these appointments can also be beneficial for you. Find out some fun facts about this fascinating breed. Look no further than the Russell Terrier.

Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. Our rescue is recognized by the IRS as a c3 charitable organization. All donations to this rescue are tax deductible. Unlike some other rescue organizations, all our officers, directors and board, as well as all our group members volunteer their time and efforts to this rescue without compensation. Our mission is to find loving permanent homes for abandoned and surrendered German Shepherd Dogs in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Our rescue does not have a shelter facility, instead we utilize volunteer foster homes to care for our dogs until their adoption. We have several foster homes located around Metro Atlanta and the north Georgia area. Adoption Policy Owning a German Shepherd Dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is also a serious responsibility. Owning any dog involves a commitment of time and money. GSDRGA wants every German Shepherd Dog we rescue to become a beloved member of their adopted family, living happy and healthy for the remainder of their lifetime. Therefore, we have established these adoption policies to assure that you and your new German Shepherd Dog will enjoy a wonderful friendship for many years to come. Anyone requesting to adopt a dog must complete an adoption application prior to consideration and agree to a binding adoption agreement at the time of adoption. We do not adopt out of state. If you are interested in adopting a dog, you must travel to Atlanta to meet the dog prior to adoption. All adoption applicants are evaluated.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. You can often find French Bulldogs in breeders throughout the whole of Ohio. However, it would cost you a few thousand bucks more. Thus, it makes adoption an ideal option to consider. Moreover, it would benefit you by saving a lot of money. Moreover, these dogs usually come with complete vaccines and registrations. With such a big save of money, you can use it for the well-being of your adopted dog. You can buy grooming tools and toys, as well as its food. Still, you need to find one that suits your personality and your capacity. For this reason, you need to find a good French Bulldog rescue or shelter. A good rescue has excellent programs for the benefit of animals A good rescue or shelter should have active and preventive programs against overpopulation. Moreover, they need to exert effort in applying differential licensing. For this reason, you can see a good rescue or shelter if it rewards owners of neutered animals with benefits. A good rescue values neutering or spaying Aside from overpopulation, spaying and neutering help prevent other health issues. Thus, all adopted animals need to get spayed or neutered. You can see a good rescue or shelter if it complies by neutering all animals before entering their new homes. Thus, you can see a good rescue if it prioritizes the well-being of every animal it accommodates. You can see these if they have a specific adoption process and a set of adoption policies. All these things direct the well-being of the animals. A good rescue is well-maintained and clean. Cleanliness plays a vital role for a place to be a comfortable haven for animals. For this reason, rescues or shelters need to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of their surroundings. Moreover, it mirrors a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue French Bulldog? In general, French Bulldogs are well-tempered and friendly pets. However, one thing to note is that they can be quite stubborn. Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good rescue French Bulldog. Observe the dog The first thing you need to do is observe the dog, and most rescues or shelters have a certain room where you can do so. As soon as it gets comfortable, you may start observing. A good French Bulldog would be a little aloof but not aggressive. This attitude will pass as soon as it lives with you. A promising sign will be if it approaches every time you call but still keeps a short distance. One thing to note is that shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. A good French Bulldog likes to get petted. Most shelter and rescue dogs have issues with such. It will pass as you get to know each other. Play with the dog French Bulldogs may not be as playful as other breeds. However, playing is still a vital interaction you need to test out. Thus, you need to take note of how well the dog interacts while it plays. While these dogs like to play, they can get tired quickly. It also makes sense since they sleep more than they play. Walk with the dog French Bulldogs get tired quickly, but you can still take it for a short walk. As you do so, observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything in the road. A good French Bulldog may like to walk, but not much. As I said, these cute pets may love playing and walking, but they can tire quickly. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. A good French Bulldog can deal with other pets, but they can also be territorial. While they can be friendly, most french bulldogs may get aggressive, especially to unfamiliar faces. You can teach it to interact and deal with others with proper training. As always, if you plan to adopt a pet, it would require a lot of effort and patience. Other States. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Ohio A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They have short noses, beautiful eyes, and bat-like ears. If trained properly, they are one of the best dogs, which is why they are the 4th most popular breed of dogs in the United States and one of the favorite family pets for people in Ohio. French bulldogs also tend to get complicated health conditions as they age, and these can get expensive to treat. There is also the fact that, unless properly trained, these dogs do not do well with other pets and sometimes are a menace to have around a new baby. The implication is that many of these dogs get sent to rescues and pet shelters, or they are abandoned or euthanized in worst-case scenarios. Fortunately, rescues are working hard to ensure that these dogs do not miss out on all the love they deserve. These French Bulldog rescues in Ohio are working hard to save as many of these dogs as they can and are helping them find new homes. There are many reasons why adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue is a good idea. You are providing homes to dogs that need them. You are ensuring that these dogs get the love and care they deserve. Adopting from rescues saves you money and help stop unnecessary breeders. You open up space for the rescue to save more dogs from being euthanized. If you are in Ohio and looking to adopt a French Bulldog from a rescue in Ohio, you have come to the right place. This article is a concise guide on the various rescues that have French Bulldogs for adoption and are located within Ohio. We will include contact details and include a note on their adoption processes. Our hope is that you will find the right dog for you and your family but also that you will choose to adopt and not buy. There is a very high probability of finding a French Bulldog for you and your family at this rescue. They are dedicated to providing a loving home, proper rehabilitation and healthcare to bulldogs with special health needs. These bulldogs are highlighted on their website as special needs cases. You can view their available Bulldogs for adoption here. Because of their dedication to ensuring the world is a better place for bulldogs, they go out of their way to find and rescue dogs who have been abandoned or sent to high-kill shelters. They also provide educational and informative resources on how to care for a bulldog. This is imperative because bulldogs are special dogs that require much financial commitment. Because of their commitment to providing healthcare and a loving home to special needs bulldogs, this rescue spends quiet a bit of money on vet care expenses. They are always open to donations and volunteer services from people who want to contribute to making the lives of these bulldogs better. The first step to getting a french bulldog from this rescue is to fill out and submit an online application form here. On their website, you will also find a list of adoption requirements. They do not give out dogs to people who are not older than 24 and who do not live in Ohio or are within a driveable distance from the rescue. Some of their dogs are special needs, and some require special conditions. So ensure you meet these conditions before applying to adopt a particular dog. The dog you want to adopt may also have other people hoping to adopt it. There could be a waiting period to review your application. The rescue will contact you and schedule a phone interview and a home visit if you are chosen. This is done to ensure that the French Bulldog is getting the best possible home for them. After this stage all you will need to do is make a final payment and pickup your new bulldog. Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center Columbus, OH Located in Columbus, this dog rescue is a government service that focuses on taking in and rehabilitating abandoned and stray dogs. They provide these dogs with love and care before they find new forever homes for them. Although they are not French Bulldog-specific, they welcome all dog breeds. Including French Bulldogs, and considering the sheer amount of dogs they take in, they are sure to get French Bulldogs from time to time. If you are in Ohio and looking for a place to get a French Bulldog, this shelter is a good place to start. Apart from serving as a dog rescue for homeless and abandoned dogs, they are also passionate about preventing animal cruelty and creating awareness about responsible pet ownership. They are always open to donations from people to help with their cause. Unlike other rescues that start their adoption process through an online form, this rescue starts their adoption process with a visitation. To adopt a dog, you visit the shelter, meet the adoption counselor, and talk about the type of dog you want and how qualified you are to take the dog. If the counselor decides that you are a good fit, you can go ahead and meet any of their available dogs. This is where you decide if the dog is a good fit for you. You can view their available dogs for adoption here. You are advised to come along with your family members and any pets you might have. The dog you are getting will be part of your family, so every member of your family should meet the dog before taking them home. If you have decided that you will get the dog, the next step is paying the adoption fee.

The dog is loyal and protective of its owner. They can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially if the owner is present. They feel they must defend the owner from other dogs, and other people. Excellent with kids and the best protective family dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train. Both parents have excellent hips and elbows. Puppies are ready for their new homes. They have been vet checked, inoculated and dewormed. Breeding restrictions apply. More photos on our webpage: Marsabet. Phone Annette Van Rensburg Posted .The coat benefits from regular brushing. When choosing a puppy, ask to see the parents' Hip Dysplasia certificates as this condition could be hereditary. German Shepherds need a big garden for exercise, and enjoy long walks. Train the puppy to walk on a lead. Some dogs have a habit of "shepherding" their owners by circling round them constantly, and you don't want the lead wound round your legs! We can picture the GSD shepherding livestock, and protecting them against predators. This breed has been favoured by the Police as their alertness and high intelligence makes them suitable for police work like sniffing for drugs, and chasing and attacking criminals. Do train your puppy from an early age. The back slopes downwards towards the tail. The male German Shepherd Dog grows to 63 cm, and a female 58 cm at the shoulder. The colour is black and tan, or solid black. The breed is German Shepherd Dog, but during the 2nd World War in Britain they changed the name to Alsatian to avoid the problem about a dog being called after the Nazi regime. After the war the name tended to stick hence many to this day still call them Alsatians. Or Alsations, to mis-spell it! White shepherds are called " White Swiss Shepherd Dogs. A German shepherd will guard us from bodily harm, but who will guard our inmost thoughts and hearts? Philippians chapter 4, verse 7. We are a charitable organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of German Shepherds and to the support and education of German Shepherd owners and the public about this special breed. Email admin gsdrescuesa. The ACNC regulates the charity sector in Australia by collecting information and publishing the annual information statements and financial reports of registered charities, as well as providing education, guidance and advice to ensure charities are meeting and complying with obligations. Find out more about our status as a Registered Charity here. About us We are a team of volunteers from all walks of life united by our passion for German Shepherds. In the past we have volunteered for other rescue organisations, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for teaching us so much about this stunning breed and about how to give chances to those who have had none. We humans prefer to stay out of the spotlight but we believe our dogs deserve to shine! Our own dogs are examples of what love, understanding and experience can bring to German Shepherds who may not have known much love in the past. While for some of our rescue dogs our support means helping them to overcome their fears, anxieties and pasts, for each and every one it is about finding them the perfect forever family. Why do German Shepherds need a rescue? This is a question we often get asked, and the answer has everything to do with the needs of our special breed. German Shepherds are sensitive, responsive dogs bred to work. They have above average energy and intelligence and need a family who can meet their need for physical and intellectual challenge. For one reason or another, these dogs can find themselves in need of a new home and we are here to help. Where do our dogs come from? The beautiful dogs come into our rescue from different backgrounds. Some may be dearly loved family pets, whose owners have found themselves in such difficult circumstances that they are no longer able to give them the care they need. However, other dogs will need significant medical and behavioural rehabilitation to give them the life they deserve. Contact Us. What Price are Pedigree Papers? What questions should I ask the Breeder? Are you listed with the German Shepherd Dog Club? Are the parents x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia? What are their scores and could you view their documents? Are the parents Breed Surveyed? Can I view their Breed Survey? What is Main Register? Australian National Kennel Council Main Register is a pedigree Blue in Colour for pedigree animals which can be exhibited in the conformation ring, trialling ring and bred with. What is Limited Register? Australian National Kennel Council Limited Register is a pedigree Orange in Colour for pedigree animals which can be exhibited in the Trial ring, they cannot be shown or bred with. They can be transferred to the Main Register with the Breeders authorisation. What is a Contract? Contracts are an agreement between two 2 parties, the Breeder and the purchaser of the animal. Prior to signing any contract you should read it carefully and fully understand ALL of the conditions involved in the contract. If you are unsure of any condition in the contract ask for an explanation. Note: Not all breeders tie up animals on contracts What information and assistance will I receive with my pup? Is there feeding information? Is there information on training or suitable Club to receive training? Are there any guarantees with the pup? Kennel Name:.

Save Synopsis Pedigree dog food is the perfect choice for pet owners who prioritize their furry friend's well-being. These carefully crafted formulas are packed with high-quality ingredients that promote strong immunity, healthy digestion, and a lustrous coat. Ignite their vitality and delight with the finest Pedigree dog food, providing enduring moments of wagging tails and boundless happiness throughout their entire lives. Team ProductLine Choosing the right dog food is of utmost importance when it comes to the health and well-being of your canine companion, and Pedigree dog food stands out for several reasons. It is carefully formulated with high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals tailored to meet the specific needs of dogs. By promoting a healthy digestive system, Pedigree helps minimize the risk of digestive issues, ensuring that your dog gets the maximum benefit from their food. Pedigree dog food contributes to various aspects of your dog's well-being. It supports strong immunity through the inclusion of antioxidants and essential nutrients. It also promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat with the incorporation of key fatty acids. Additionally, Pedigree includes specialized kibble shapes and textures that aid in dental care, helping to keep your dog's teeth clean and their oral health in check. With Pedigree, you can have confidence that you're giving your dog the nutrition they need to thrive and enjoy a vibrant, active life by your side. List of the best Pedigree dog food Name. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all love our pets and we generally turn to the big named brands to ensure we get the right pet foods. However, it really is no secret that Pedigree has been one of the most popular brands on the market for decades. When the brand got its first big recognition, their marketing efforts were geared toward breeders and show dogs. However, over the years, the brand has shifted its marketing focus to more closely on shelter dogs, subsequently ending their partnership with the esteemed dog show. This article will take a deeper look into what this commercial dog food is actually made of and explore what customers really think of one of the most well-known dog food brands out there today. Our Rating After comparing multiple sites along with customer reviews of Pedigree Dog Food ingredients and satisfaction, Pedigree receives 3 out of 5 stars. If you want to see our top-rated dog food read the guide here. Reviews The Pedigree Dog Food reviews were quite shocking given the fact that the brand has been a household name for quite a while. There was obviously a need to determine the answer to the question is Pedigree a good dog food because there have been studies and analyses completed regarding the ingredients found in the well-known dog food. Unfortunately, while reviews from chewy. Pros Dogs Prefer Most of the comments regarding the canned food on chewy. Customers stated that while they have tried other brands, they have found that their dogs specifically choose Pedigree more frequently. There is also no denying that Pedigree dog food contains a source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as d-calcium pantothenate, monocalcium phosphate , potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and folic acid. Price Customers reported enjoying the price point of Pedigree because it was affordable with an ingredient list they could agree with respectfully. While corn is inexpensive and used mostly as a filler, dogs have a hard time digesting it. It has also been proven that corn is known to cause many allergies and skin issues for dogs; therefore, it is hard to understand why corn would be the number one listed ingredient in this dog food. Among the top ingredients listed were corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and ground whole wheat. With that much grain in one recipe, dogs are bound to produce much more gas and waste than ever necessary. Colors and Dyes According to Dog Food Insider, a breakdown of the ingredients list for a complete Pedigree Dog Food review showed that artificial colors and dyes were used frequently in all of their recipes. The customers even stated that their dogs refused to eat Pedigree Dog Food after just one taste. These were among the most common complaints found on the purchase sites. Watch this video from a veterinary surgeon for more pros and cons: Product Line. Pedigree dog food is a generally safe dog food option for owners on a budget, but due to its high level of grain-based filler — mainly corn — it is not considered the best choice for dog food. It does include meat in its kibble and wet varieties, but exactly what type of meat is actually in the food can be hard to determine. Pedigree brand dog food will serve the purpose of keeping a dog full and meeting basic nutrition requirements but lacks some of the health benefits of other dog food brands. At times, Pedigree dog food is found being fed in shelters and non-profit facilities because of its low price point and ease of purchase. However, if you have a dog with allergies or digestive struggles, Pedigree contains ingredients that may make things worse instead of better. If you are in need of dog food in a pinch or on a tight budget, feeding your dog Pedigree will do the trick. If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and has a low chance of causing allergy flare-ups, you may want to look to other brands. What Is Pedigree Made Of? Pedigree products are typically made of corn, meat, bone, and other grain sources. However, Pedigree does offer a wide range of variations on their dry dog foods with slightly different ingredients and nutritional profiles. They also offer a wet dog food line that has fair ratings for being well eaten by dogs with picky tastes. This may be a good thing for owners whose dogs have turned up their noses at other food brands. Corn is used in some dog foods as a filler and food energy source. The struggle with corn as the main ingredient is that it is not easily digestible by dogs. Dogs who have demonstrated having a sensitive stomach may find corn-based dog foods hard to handle. The animals used to produce meat and bone meal can vary, and there is no specific list of which animal Pedigree is getting its bone meal from. If you have a dog who needs to avoid certain animal ingredients, it can be hard to do when feeding a generically meat-sourced food. This is common practice among mid-range dog foods and, while safe, may make it hard for some owners to discern what exactly their dog is eating each day. Is Pedigree Harmful For Dogs? While Pedigree may not be the healthiest dog food on the market, it is not considered harmful for most dogs. Pedigree dog food has been recalled from time to time for various issues, and the choice of corn as a number one ingredient has raised concern among some pet owners and researchers. The use of meat products from an array of undisclosed animals and sources means that Pedigree is not the safest choice for those dogs that have allergies to specific protein types. That being said, many common store sold dog food brands also use similar labeling and products without any harm directly to the dogs who eat them. While on paper, Pedigree is a safe choice, it may not be the most beneficial nutrition source for a dog long term. Can Dogs Eat Pedigree Everyday? Dogs can eat Pedigree daily; it was designed to be consumed in this way. The exact amount of food to feed your dog is based on their age, weight, breed, overall size, and exercise levels. Each Pedigree product has a suggested serving schedule printed on its packaging. Puppies are likely to need frequent small amounts of food to help them meet their growth and energy needs without overwhelming their stomachs. Older dogs will eat slightly larger meals, usually 2 -3 times per day. Some people follow once-a-day feeding schedules, but this is not typically recommended for Pedigree products. Alternative Dog Foods To Pedigree While there are quite a few brands of dog food that could outrank Pedigree in terms of overall nutritional value, ease of digestion, and clarity of ingredients, one brand that consistently ranks high in all of these areas is Sundays For Dogs. It was designed by a veterinarian who wanted to feed her dog the healthiest food possible without having to dedicate her home kitchen to hand cooking for her pup every night. Sundays For Dogs was designed to provide more nutrition to a dog, fewer allergens, and make the process of ordering the right dog food simple and effortless. For this reason, this brand is appreciated by animal nutritionists and owners for having premium and minimal ingredients. The vegetables are ones that are easy for dogs to digest and support gut health. Not only is it clear what ingredients are in Sundays For Dogs, but the food is also guaranteed to be human grade which means the ingredients used must be of the same quality that could be served to a person for their own dinner. This food is ideal for all dogs; whether young pups still growing, or those with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and other digestive issues. And, this food will help to prevent medical issues arising in your dog down the line; something that would later cost you anyway. You can get a direct recommendation for which recipe is best for your dog. The process is simple to order and you can even order on subscription for regular deliveries. So, I suggest you head over to Sundays for Dogs and take a look for yourself. Wondering about other brands of dog food? Then check out my other guides:. Cute, furry and hungry! Your puppy is ready for proper food and so it is your duty to ensure that you start him off right. Puppies grow faster and choosing the best puppy food for your new pet is a daunting task as there are innumerable dog foods available in the market. Needless to mention, it holds intrinsic worth to feed your four-legged friend with just the proper nutrition to build up strong bones, muscles and teeth. Food also plays major part in supplying all the energy that he needs to play and learn. Puppies grow rapidly, therefore, it is the phase when they start to build up bones and muscles, and they begin to develop organs, which is a crucial stage as it is imperative to build healthy. And adult dogs are already grown up, they require diet only to maintain their bodies, so the nutritional needs are separate from puppies. Now, you might know that how your puppy needs extra ingredients to fuel his growth efficiently. How often should you feed your puppy? Puppies should eat three times a day from weaning through four to six months, if possible. After six months, twice-a-day feedings are fine. Treat and snacks are also an add-on factor to its variety. It also makes foods that are meant for oral care, hip and joint health, weight control, and other health concerns. Like other brands, it categorizes the foods by age — adult, puppy, and senior foods; and by the size of the dog — small, medium, large breed. Pedigree is an old as well as an established brand sold in grocery stores. The greatest thumbs-up feature of it is that the products are also priced to fit lower budgets. But, when they are over-used in his food as an alternative for meat proteins, it comes out as not-so-desirable food item. Corn gluten meal is a dried, reduced form of corn containing more proteins than the ordinary corns. Poultry by-product meal— This implies that the food can be any kind of poultry. Brewers rice— It is used exclusively in puppy foods. This is a carb filler. Additionally, preserving it with citric acid is also beneficial. Puppies can get healthy nutrition from these sources. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink.

Mixed Breeds By K9 of Mine Staff 19 min read July 14, 23 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Labrador retrievers are well known for their even-tempered personalities, loyalty, fun-loving natures, and complete devotion to their family members. In fact, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the US — a position the breed has held for 27 years straight! Take a gander and share your thoughts in the comments below! Note: K9 of Mine does not endorse irresponsible breeding — please keep in mind that this photo collection is intended for enjoyment and pooch appreciation, not as any kind breeding recommendation or resource. There is very little official data about mixed breed dogs, so the photos displayed here are chosen based on information given by owners. We are unable to personally verify the breed heritage of the pooches shown here — instead, we must simply trust that owners are truthfully describing their dogs with they share photos of their mixed breed canines. TL;DR: Just enjoy the cute photos of doggos! The Basics of the Labrador Retriever Before we introduce you to some of the cutest Lab mixes around, it is important that we talk about a few of the basics of Labradors. This will help you decide whether a Lab mix may be a good fit for your family! Labradors usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Labs have moderately long lifespans of about 12 years, though some reach even older ages. Labs are members of the sporting group, who were originally bred to help fisherman tend nets, until their owners started using them to retrieve downed birds. Labrador retrievers have a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and they usually get along with most two- and four-footers they encounter. Labs are full of energy and often make superb running or hiking companions. Labrador retrievers can make great pets for first-time dog owners, so long as you provide plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. Labs are people-oriented dogs, who thrive best in homes that are rarely empty. Labrador retrievers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze. Labs tend to shed pretty heavily, thanks to their thick double coats. Labrador retrievers do often suffer from a few common health problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. No dog breed is perfect for all situations or scenarios, but as you can see, Labs are certainly one of the most appealing breeds in the world and they have quite a bit to offer the right family! Without further ado, here are some Labrador designer breeds that are sure to steal your heart. In some cases, like the Labradoodle a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle , the names are pretty popular and used widely. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes also produces some puppers with pretty adorable coat color patterns , which just adds to their appeal. These pups are best paired with active owners. But while they may have blockier builds than typical Labs, most of these guys and gals are big softies, who love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Like Labs, American bulldogs excel at a wide variety of tasks, making them great all-around dogs for families, farmers, hunters, and more! Labs are lovable goofballs who are all about fun and games, while Akitas are no-nonsense pooches, who project an air of competence and quiet dignity. One pooch in the litter may take after the Lab parent, while another may more closely resemble the Akita. Name aside, these playful pups have energy levels that are off-the-charts, so be sure you have a big yard and plenty of time to visit the park before adding one of these dogs to your family. Well, the Beagador may be just the thing! But, they can be a bit aloof around strangers. But when you cross a bullmastiff with a Lab — a dog who views all strangers as potential pals — all bets are off! These mixes can be a bit of a house-keeping headache, as Labs shed pretty heavily, while bullmastiffs are Olympic-caliber droolers. Labs have held the 1 spot since , but the cocker spaniel has sat atop the popularity pyramid in 23 different years since the s. Note that there are two different corgi breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi , and each will produce a slightly different version of this mixed breed. Either are considered Lab Corgi dogs. Doberdor Labrador Retriever X Doberman Pinscher A post shared by Charli the doberdor charlithedoberdor Given that Dobermans and Labs are both very affectionate dogs who bond strongly with their owners, Doberdor mixed breed pups will make great companions for individuals and families alike. The Doberdor loves his human family and will make it known with endless puppy kisses and loyalty. Wanna see more Doberman mixes? Check out 15 of our favorites here! You may just want to consider the Dalmador. Labs make pretty good jogging partners themselves, and Dalmatians can run for days. Honestly, there are a variety of Dalmatian mixes available for fans of polka-dotted pooches. Dachsador Labrador Retriever X Dachshund. Jul 13, Share Labradors have been the most popular dog breed in the United States for quite some time. Their mild demeanor and affectionate temperament have endeared them to many. Originally bred for hunting as a waterdog, the Labrador is as intelligent and energetic as it is loving. They make excellent working dogs, companions, and family pets. But there are plenty of lovable dog breeds out there. What happens when you mix the iconic Labrador with one of these other excellent breeds? The 43 Labrador Mix Breeds 1. Boxador Boxer and Labrador mix Image By: Luke Sadler, Shutterstock Boxers are known for their bouncy, spunky, highly-energetic nature, which definitely tends to show through with the Boxador. Labs can also be a high-energy breed at times, so when mixed with a Boxer, expect your Boxador puppy to be rambunctious, ready to go, and a complete goof! The Boxador can be a pretty large dog, often reaching weights of 80 pounds while standing about 18 inches tall. All that size can make a Boxador quite the bull in a china shop when their excitement grows! But it also makes them adorable, and their loving temperament endears them to every member of the family. Like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever was bred as a hunting dog, so they both have plenty of intelligence and the desire to please their owners. Likewise, they make excellent family dogs. Golden Labradors have a friendly disposition similar to both parent breeds. After all, the Boston Terrier is just a fraction of the size of a Labrador Retriever! But surprisingly, the Boston Lab is a great pup with a friendly and loving personality that makes it perfectly suited for families. These dogs love to please their owners and will go out of their way to do so. They are also highly intelligent and much calmer than most pure Labs thanks to the more easy-going demeanor of the Boston Terrier. But look out, because the Boston Lab does sometimes show their stubborn side! When combined to make a Labsky, also called a Huskador , you can usually expect the offspring to display a similar personality. Huskies can also be a bit stubborn at times, but Labs are known for their obedience and intelligence, which can temper the stubbornness in the Labsky. Labskies can be about 24 inches tall and weigh around 80 pounds. They often inherit the long, thick coat of the Siberian Husky. This means year-round shedding and lots of maintenance. When mixed with a Lab, the resulting offspring is just as high energy and can still have plenty of herding instinct left over. Both parent breeds of the Labraheeler are highly intelligent working dog breeds. Because of this, the Labraheeler is great at training and can easily learn to perform tasks or follow obedience commands. This is a rare breed, but despite their rarity, they make excellent pets because of their loving demeanor and undying loyalty to their family. This breed sheds non-stop, so expect lots of loose hair and plenty of grooming time. But thanks to their high levels of intelligence, they can be trained well and will easily learn obedience commands. But the result is surprisingly cute; a small to mid-sized dog that looks like a small lab with short legs and big, floppy ears. What they do have are some known medical concerns. They also have interesting body proportions that can actually result in mobility issues because of how short their legs are compared to their body length. Once mixed, any of these issues might show up in the offspring. The Dachsador is starting to gain popularity. They were originally bred to reduce the health issues that both Labs and Dachshunds commonly display. Labradors are more playful and upbeat and quite a bit larger. The French Labrador is about as friendly of a dog as you could meet. This is especially true because of how closely they bond with their owners who they desperately want to please. It was originally bred to maintain the best traits of the Lab while reducing the numerous health concerns that plagued the breed. The Corgidor that results when you mix these two breeds will have the stubby legs that distinguish the Corgi, but with the face and colors of the Labrador. Hailing from two well-respected working dog breeds, your Alaskan Malador will need a job to keep it happy. They often have the colorations and markings of a Rottweiler and can grow to the same size, up to 27 inches tall. This mix makes for a very large dog that can be somewhat unpredictable in temperament. Make sure to properly train and socialize your Labrottie. But Rottweilers have shorter life expectancies than Labs, so your Labrottie might not live as long as a purebred Labrador Retriever. Labs are much more active and energetic, though. When bred together, the resulting Labernard could go either way. Because both parent breeds were bred as working dogs, Boradors have the innate intelligence necessary for training. They can learn easily, but they can also have very high levels of energy from the Border Collie side of the family, so a firm hand and plenty of patience are necessary to train a Borador. Because the Border Collie has much longer hair than a Labrador, the Borador is going to require some extensive grooming. They also have a natural herding instinct that tends to display itself around small children, so this breed is best for individuals or families with older kids. Great Danes are known to be very gentle, calm, and affectionate. They make great family pets and even do great as service dogs. Despite their large stature, Labradanes only need a moderate amount of exercise. German Shepradors make excellent guard dogs. Labollie Collie and Labrador mix A post shared by Maple mapleypup Collies are loyal and friendly dogs that were bred for sheepherding. Labradors are friendly and loyal dogs that were bred for hunting. Combine them, and you get the Labollie; a hard-working dog with above-average intelligence and an utterly friendly disposition. They have plenty of energy, but they also know when to be calm. They have lots of energy and need tons of exercise. But when you mix them with Labs, the resulting offspring can look very similar to a Dalmatian, or just barely show their Dalmatian lineage. The signature spots that the Dalmatian is known for might cover the entire coat of the Dalmador. But the Labrahuahua actually seems to work quite well! They can vary in size drastically and take their visual cues from either side of the family. But they can also be playful and happy dogs from the Labrador side. But this makes them a danger to children, especially considering their high prey drive. This breed is highly intelligent but can still be difficult to train because of their stubbornness. Once trained, they can make excellent companions, but socialization will be very important with Labrakitas. But Beagles are much smaller with fewer space demands. It gets its massive size from the Bull Mastiff side of the family and can sometimes be as heavy as pounds. You might expect such a massive dog to need loads of exercise, but the Bullmasador is a bit of a paradox since it really just needs one walk each day. This is a very loyal breed that makes an excellent companion. They are very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. Both of these breeds were originally used as hunting dogs, so the Spanador offspring they create are good-natured and very intelligent. They are excellent with children and make great family pets due to their calm, gentle personalities. Still, the Labrasenji is a dog that will need a lot of exercise each day and just as much patience to properly train them. Cavador Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador mix A post shared by Paul Martin Jones jaypjay44 Cavadors are incredibly friendly dogs, which makes sense since both parents are known for their friendly disposition. These dogs are often described as charismatic. Look out for problems like mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. They have a short lifespan of around eight years, which is common with such large breeds. When mixed with a Labrador, the lifespan will likely even out between the breeds, so you can hope for a ten-year lifespan in a Labernese. Labs tend to be friendly and trusting, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is the opposite. Socialization is extremely important with the Bernese Mountain Dog, and it will be just as important with the Labernese. They can make great companions, but make sure to socialize early on to avoid the distrusting behavior that can develop in the Bernese Mountain Dog. They have lots of affection to give and want to receive the same from their person. Labradoodles often inherit the curly mop of hair from their Poodle parent. Expect to spend plenty of time grooming to keep all that hair in good condition! Labrabull or Pitador Pitbull Terrier and Labrador mix Image Credit: Stephanie Denise Powers, shutterstock Pitbulls are muscular, stocky dogs with large heads and powerful bodies that are low to the ground. Labrabulls are easy to care for and require little maintenance. What they do need is socialization. Labmaraner Weimaraner and Labrador mix.

Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Their body temperature at birth is around 94 — 97 degrees. They are not able to regulate their own body temperature so they depend on their mother for warmth. They also cannot see or hear or eliminate on their own. They cannot walk. About all they can do is smell, suckle and crawl. They are totally dependent on their mother and the environment the first 2 to 3 weeks. They are mostly influenced by their mother and litter-mates during this period. We weigh the puppies everyday the first 2 to 3 weeks. Week Two: Poodle Puppies usually open their eyes around 8 to 10 days and their ears around 13 to 17 days. While sleeping all healthy and contented puppies will twitch. This is an activated sleep, characterized by muscle twitches. This is normal and healthy. Week Three: During the third week we will often see teeth start to erupt and the puppies will start to stand and walk around. Everyday is amazing to see these helpless puppies start to become independent. At this age their nervous system is more developed so that they can urinate and defecate by themselves. This is when the puppies will also start to play a little bit more with their litter-mates. This week is very important in the puppies emotional development. They will start not only the interaction with their litter-mates but also with their mother. We never start the weaning process during this week. While mother may come out of the whelping box during this week she will never be far. Week Four: At this age the puppies will be introduced to our own homemade puppy mush and their supplement which will help grow their immune systems. Puppies are born without an immune system and depends on their mother to supply this protection through her milk. Their body temperature will usually be around degree and they will be able to begin regulating their own body temperature. Every day they will eat more and more. The puppies will start to eat more food and move around more easily. They may even start to chase each other, bark, and bite. We still weigh them at least every other day if not every day. This is the time that the mother starts leaving the puppies at longer intervals of time and start to regulate their nursing. So this is a good time for us to introduce the puppies to the weaning box and start the weaning and potty box training. Week Five: Puppies start to establish some sort of dominance in the pack. Growth and development is rapid in this week. They become very aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to training. They begin to growl, play, challenge, and learn disciple from their mother. They also develop a bit of a competitive spirit. Training ability is developed and puppies are ready to begin learning. They also start to discover their toys and play with them more. Keeping them stimulated is important. Puppies can start to control their need to potty and now know they need to move away from the sleeping area. Good experience with people from week 5 — 7 will play a large roll in how they will continue to interact. Week Six: By this time it is amazing to see that little puppy wake up and walk over to the potty box to eliminate. Puppies enter their socialization period by the end of the third week. However, the most critical period — age six to eight weeks — is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family pack. The integrating of the human family is so important and will effect them for the rest of their life. The puppy brain waves look of an adult dog by about the 50th day, but he is not yet programmed — that is the job of the human trainer, and the job of his mom, siblings and other canine family members. This is when the fun begins for all humans and puppies. We know how important this time is for puppy to adjust to humans and how playtime stimulates their little brains to grow smart and wise. We introduce them to the outside. We bring in more interactive toys. We introduce them to the pool, weather permitting. If outside pool is out we use the grooming bath for water play. They also learn not to bite the human hand ever! It is at the 7th week, day 49, that we conduct the Volhard Test. This is actual one of several that will occur through its life. Instead of meeting new or familiar people and objects with curiosity puppies start to react with fearfulness. Anything that frightens them at this age may have a lasting impact. So take care that the baby is not overstimulated with to many changes or challenges at one time. This does not mean that your puppy will grow up to be a scared-y-cat; it is simply a normal part of development where puppies learn to be more cautious. Careful socialization during this period helps counter fear reactions. Because your puppy is actively working on social skills and is paying attention to both litter-mates and humans. Your puppy is learning at an extremely fast rate. This is why we will NOT hold any puppy beyond the 9th weeks. All puppies that cannot be picked up during puppy pickup week must enter their puppy into a training program. Weeks Thirteen — Sixteen: During this phase a puppy will attempt to challenge you for dominance. Here is where they test to see just how much they can get away with and test your level of tolerance. The more a puppy is allowed to get way with during this phase, may cause the dog to lose more and more respect for his owner. This may result in behavioral issues that can snowball if not corrected through training and obedience. Formal obedience should begin here. This will assist the dog in becoming the best he can be. This is the time your puppy will begin to understand and use ranking in terms of submission and dominance. Are you the owner going to be a good pack leader? Puppies will need to be taught what they can and cannot chew. Puppies need to be taught that it is never acceptable behavior to jump on a human, small or big. This is the time that the pack leader, the human in charge, especially needs to be confident, but firm with positive reinforcement. An obedient dog, a good canine citizen, is a pleasure to be with. A disobedient dog causes stress for all and can cause damage to things and other humans. What do I mean by that? The canine depends on a human, however, he is and his thinking is canine. He needs the human to communicate and set the standards for him. If the human does not then the dog will have no choice but set his own standards, doggy style. Be prepared to be a Good, very good, pack leader! Your puppy now understands that he has a pack which may consist of both humans and canine and his behavior will be most influenced by this group. You can expect your dog to challenge you more as he explores dominance and his role in the pack. Rather they are just working out what their rank is in the pack and what is expected of them in their position. Again: be a Good, very good, pack leader! Canines that are not spayed or neutered will also start exhibiting sexual behavior during this period. Be responsible and spay or neuter you canine. Some puppy owners hire a canine trainer to come to their home to teach them how to train. Some owners learn ahead of time what they need to do and immediately begin their puppy on this program. Still others have their puppy enter into our training program. We have much information on the website about training. And for our puppy buyer we are here whenever they need any coaching along the way. Be Consistent, Persistent and always have a Routine! Raising Puppies at Three Weeks Old Sassy the English Mastiff At three weeks old, the pups are wormed with a mild wormer they were also wormed at two weeks. Giant breed dogs are up and walking at 3 weeks old and can be started on food. Medium breeds can start food at 3. Toy breed dogs on the other hand cannot have food yet as they can asperate. Toy breeds cannot start food before 4 weeks of age, 4. Soaked kibble is best for pups this age. In this particular case the pups were not being cared for by the dam and were given mush. It turned out to be a little too early, but it was worth a try considering the circumstances. Feeding mush is Not needed and NOT advised, unless you have a litter you need to wean early, because the mom is not tending to them. Or if the mom dried up early or you are fostering a litter, or the litter size is just to large for mom to comfortably tend to you can feed them mush, but otherwise it is not something that is recommended and is considered old school breeding. Feeding puppies blended up food before they are ready will equal this. Puppies covered in food. They walk in it and get it all over their faces and do a face plant in it. Last year I know of two puppies that died at 3. At 3 to 5 weeks, depending on your dog's breed size, take good quality puppy kibble and soak it 2 parts water and 1 part kibble. Some kibble needs more water than others. The kibble will hold it's shape and soak up the water. You want to use as much water as you can and have the kibble pieces swell up and go very soft. Give the food to the puppies in their eating area, not in their potty area or their play area. The puppies will be able to pick up a piece of soaked kibble and eat it. If they are not ready to do this they are not ready to eat solid food. A dam will often let you know it is time to start feeding the pups solid food when you see her regurgitate her kibble for them. It is a sure sign that soaked kibble is what you should be feeding them. Listen to the dam's instincts. I find if I try to wait until 5 weeks to add solid food to their diet, the dam will beat me to it the day or two before. This confirms that the timing was right on. It was a feeding frenzy.I obviously have to feed in shifts, maybe using two bowls. They dove in and swam; they were more interested in swimming around in the food, and then licking it off of each other. Tips greatly welcomed.At 3 weeks or when the pups start walking and about the time you make a small potty area outside the whelp box add a shallow bowl of water. Pups need to learn to lap water first from a bowl. See house training puppies with the Misty Method. In most breeds, if done correctly, this is at weeks. Then when you add food, pups sometimes get a little or large piece of poop on their rear ends stuck like glue that will NOT come off called will-knots or dingleberries. This can also lead to death, as we also see every year. You need to check each pups butt every 12 hours. A pup last year went to bed with a plugged butt and strained all night, and blew out the sidewall of his bowel. Don't let a puppy suck on your chin, not even for ten seconds. Tonight I added water with Pablum to the bottle. At three and a half weeks, feeding is much neater. This little pup is thoroughly enjoying his dinner, every last morsel! AND they are all peeing and pooping on their own, yippee! Puppy about to poop With solid food come solid poops. This is one of the first of many poops that will need to be cleaned up. Courtesy of MistyTrails Mastiffs.

All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Pick up the puppies individually and hold them for several minutes at least once a day. Avoid letting small children handle the pups, as they can be too rough. While dams may be protective soon after delivery, they usually allow other people and animals around the litter by 3 to 5 weeks. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Take them out of the whelping box and let them play in penned, puppy-proofed areas. Introduce them to various surfaces, such as carpeted and hard floors, and give them safe dog toys with interesting shapes and textures. Be sure that the treats are tiny to help prevent unhealthy weight gain. Schedule play dates, and allow your puppies to meet and interact with new furry friends. When introducing a cats and dogs, a dog should be leashed, and a cat should have an avenue to escape if it feels threatened. Go to source Keeping the puppies with their litter and mother for 8 weeks is a must. Separating puppies prior to 8 weeks can lead to long-term behavioral issues. Puppies are highly adaptable, so most adjust to a new home within a couple of days. Go to source Having a familiar object can make a puppy comfortable with its new surroundings. These diffusers, sprays, and collars mimic the pheromones a mother dog produces, which can help soothe a puppy after it's left the litter. Whelping means the process where a female dog gives birth to puppies. And a whelping box is a container or box designed to keep the puppies safe and warm. Having a whelping box makes it convenient for the mother to give birth comfortably. Female dogs are very protective of their puppies. Hence the nesting box offers a sense of security. Female dogs need assistance and a safe place to give birth. Hence, a whelping pen would be of great help. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to get a box or make it yourself. For a small dog like Pomeranian, you can convert a large card box into a whelping pen. You can put your creativity into the process and make a nesting box for your dog. If your dog is big, she might probably give birth to a large number of puppies. Hence, the size of the box should be large enough to fit the puppies and the mother. Furthermore, you can get the box from a pet store if creativity and DIY are not your forte. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider: The sides of the pen should be high enough that can keep the puppies safe for three weeks. Also, make sure that the mother can move to and fro freely. The size of the pen should be spacious enough for your dog and puppies. It should have enough space where the mother can feed her pups comfortably. In addition, it should allow them to move freely. It will help to keep the pups warm when the mom is not around. These are the factors that you need to consider while getting a nesting box. It helps the mother and the pups in the long run. You would notice the growth within the first few weeks. They can move and stand up over the sides of the whelping pen. By three weeks, they become mobile and able to move towards the edge of the nesting box. However, before it reaches that stage, you should take care of it diligently. Some pups would go astray and get lost. Hence, getting a box with proper height is essential. Sometimes the mother has to go out of the box for a nature call or food. The box offers a sense of security both to the dog owner and the mother. When the puppies are born, they have no control over their body temperature. So, while the mom is out, the box will keep them warm. However, you have to make sure that the bottom of the box is covered with a soft blanket. By three weeks, they will start moving, and some puppies might even get out of the box. So, the real chaos begins when they reach three weeks. It would be best if you were more careful than ever. How to Keep the Nesting Box Clean? Taking care of puppies can be quite tiring. Once the puppies are born safely in the box, it would be better to change the sheet or the beddings. The mother will take care of it. However, from the second to the third week, the real work starts. It will help if you make sure that the box is clean. While cleaning the box, you can keep the pups temporarily in a warm blanket. You need to replace the sheet or newspaper at least twice or thrice per day. However, keeping the box clean prevents the puppies from possible bacterial infections. It also helps to keep the puppies clean. You should see that the nesting box is clean and dry. So, like a responsible dog owner , make sure that the box is clean and warm. Changing the Whelping Box to Other Areas Once the puppies have passed the first week, you place the box in other areas. It will help them to get used to the new smell and sounds. However, make sure that the place is quiet and warm. Some kids would like to hold the pups, which would be too early and maybe dangerous. During the first two weeks, puppies are pretty delicate. So, it would be best to keep far away from children. The first three weeks are a crucial moment for you and the pups. The puppies are in their developing stage, and they need a quiet and calm environment to grow. So, you should make sure that puppies are kept safe and warm. They would be too young to take the regular food and would cause indigestion. But you can keep water for the mother. They get very thirsty while taking care of the puppies. She requires good protein and energy to keep the pups fed through her milk. You can place the food in the water once they can move or walk. However, make sure that the food is easily digestible. Also, puppies tend to eat food without a limit. So, you should give the food moderately. Overeating can cause indigestion and vomiting. Hence, it would help if you were careful not to overfeed them. It offers a sense of security to the mother and the dog owners as well. Having a nesting box helps to keep the puppies from going astray. The first three weeks are crucial for the puppies to grow and develop healthily. Having the right size of the whelping box can help both the puppies and the mother move freely. It allows the mother to breastfeed the puppies comfortably. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to arrange a whelping box. It offers safety and assurance to both the mother and puppies. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. A whelping box is an important item to have when puppies are about to be born. You can construct something yourself or buy a specifically designed boxes from pet stores. When can puppies leave the whelping box? Puppies can often leave the whelping box at 3 weeks old. At this age, puppies can move out of the whelping box as they become more mobile. Puppies can stand up and even climb out of the whelping box nest. At this age, puppies start to explore outside of their nest, to find out more about the wide and exciting world around them. Well, I can tell you that a whelping box will help you and the mother cope better with a horde of tiny puppies in their first few weeks. What is a whelping box? Also known as a nest or whelping pen, the whelping box is a container designed to keep the newborn litter in one safe and cozy place. The mother also likes to have a place where she can give birth to her puppies in comfort while having a sense of security. Whelping means to give birth hence the name of the box. It should be placed in a quiet part of the house and set up a couple of weeks before your dog gives birth. This gives her time to get familiar with the box. Image via Pixabay. What can I use as a whelping box? If your dog is a little girl, you could convert a large, sturdy cardboard box into a nesting box. You can make your own if carpentry is your hobby or you could go to the local pet store and buy a whelping box. What to look out for when picking a whelping box You need to make sure you pick a whelping box that takes into consideration the following factors: The sides are high enough to keep the puppies safely contained in their first 3 weeks but low enough for the mother to move in and out freely. The size is big enough to accommodate all the puppies being born. The bottom of the box may come with whelping pads or you can simply line it with newspapers and a soft blanket. Some breeders will use wood shavings to cover the floor of the box. Some whelping boxes come with an extension which is great for more active puppies who are still too young to leave the pen but are moving around quite a bit. Picking the right whelping box goes a long way to keeping mum and pups comfortable and secure. When is the right age for puppies to leave the whelping box? Puppies develop and mature very quickly in their first few weeks. A whelping box is designed to keep the newborn puppies safe, warm, and comfortable. Keeping the puppies in one place and even using a heat lamp will help keep them warm. And, when the mother needs time out, she can leave the box and get some space knowing her pups are all safe in one spot. A whelping box gives you peace of mind your puppies are well-protected, staying warm, and not disappearing once they start crawling. But be ready for the exodus once they reach 3 weeks old and might start walking! How do I keep the whelping box clean? If your dog gave birth to the puppies in the whelping box, you would need to change the bedding once all the puppies are safely delivered. Keep them warm with a blanket. Use a non-chemical cleaning detergent and warm water to wash out the box. Remove any dirty bedding and replace with clean blankets, newspapers or wood shavings. Some breeders do put in a litter box for puppies once they start crawling. This could be the first step to house training your pups. Do regular inspections throughout the day to make sure the whelping box is always dry and clean. Can I move the whelping box to other areas? Once your puppies have passed their first week, you could consider moving them to different areas in the house. But remember, you need to keep them warm so make sure there are no draughts and the puppies are not too intimidated by the new environment. Be careful also with handling newborn puppies when moving them. For the first 3 weeks, the puppies are small, developing, and can be easily disturbed by too much activity around them. Do I need to put food and water in the whelping box? The puppies will be drinking milk from their mother for the first 3 to 4 weeks, before moving onto water. For the first 3 weeks, you could keep a bowl of water in the box for the mother. She will be very thirsty while nurturing her puppies. However, once the puppies start becoming mobile keep both the water and food outside the box. Conclusion Get ready for a whole lot of fun, but also stress. She will take them no doubt but being able to help just a little with whelping boxes, nesting, and more will make it so much easier for you. You might also like…. During that first three weeks we weigh the puppies daily, trim their toenails every days, and put new collars on them every days as their growth is so rapid. The standard puppies are weighed on a regular digital scale and should gain an ounce a day at first and then up to ounces daily, whereas miniature puppies gain in a tenth of an ounce to start with and then an ounce or two a day. Jenny with litter at birth in 4' x 4' whelping box with lots of absorbent padding. Tasy in her "birthing bed" with the first three pups of the TS5 litter "Tasy" moves into her "doll crib" after the puppies are born - shown here at 3 weeks of age. We find it essential that the dam have food and water inside her whelping box the first week, however once she is willing to leave the box for short periods of time it can be set just outside the box, otherwise she will not eat and drink enough to provide all the milk needed for the puppies well being, and if you are not supplementing with goats milk, your puppies can suffer from dehydration. The standard dam has to produce almost two gallons of milk a day by the time a litter of puppies is two weeks of age. That's twice the amount a good dairy goat gives, who is at least double the dam's body weight. We find that goat milk, canned or fresh, is a much better supplement than the commercial formulas, as we have better weight gains and hardly ever have diarrhea in our puppies. If you have more than 8 puppies it is also essential that the dam's tail area and vulva be washed each time she goes out to go, as since there are not enough teats to go around there will always be a puppy trying to latch onto the vulva. The puppies can pick up bacteria and worm eggs, and a one celled organism called coccidiosis in this way which can lead to diarrhea. Mandy with AM3 Litter x Sterling at 1 week old. We practice what we call "giving the puppies an opportunity to learn" as a puppy raising method. We whelp the puppies in one corner of the living room where we have easy access to the box. We have found that moving the whelping box or puppy pen set-up on a weekly basis exposes the puppies to new scents and air currents and increases their adaptability and development by about two weeks, especially compared to puppies who are raised in the same corner until they go to their new homes. This is the first stage of their house breaking. Within hours the smartest puppies of the litter, barely able to crawl, will crawl out to use the paper and then crawl back into the whelping box. Within a few days the entire litter will usually be using the paper. Supplementing the puppies these first weeks gives us a good chance to play with the puppies feet, and get them used to their faces being handled for grooming, however even when we don't supplement we take time daily to handle every puppy and get them used to different textures, smells, and having their feet, faces, ears and tails handled. At three weeks of age when the ears open we start their cereal feeding, and use a soft clap with a "come, babies" command each time they are fed. This leads to the next step in the transition of removing the second box and the addition of a paper lined exercise pen to the whelping box at four weeks of age. At this time we start walking the puppies outside about every two hours from AM to PM. During this time ,the 4th-5th week, we teach them some basic commands - "in", "out", "potty outside", "walk", "watch", and continuing with their "come" command. Once they have understanding of these basic commands we then take them out to an outside play yard, regardless of the weather. It's really important to have this set-up close to an outside door if possible, or to use sections of an exercise pen to make an aisleway directly outdoors. Puppies can be carried outdoors, however their "potty outside" is learned much faster if they walk out the door in tune to the "out" command and the "potty outside" command at the same time. Usually within two days my standard puppies have quit having messes on the paper and are actually asking to go "out" - often at AM at this stage, and I do get up to accommodate them as this speeds their training amazingly, and I have a lot less mess to deal with - and less dirty crates when that time comes along. You can see that I do sleep within hearing of the puppies - usually until those we are continuing training with for their new families are weeks old. TS5 Miniature Litter - 2nd day of cereal feeding and 1st trip outside to the "big" world. We also start the grooming training at 4 weeks of age - starting with a bath with a soft water spray in a utility tub, and using a soft flow warm air dryer and a slicker brush - brushing the coat up the body toward the head, and up the legs toward the back as it dries. We always groom on a table, or the washer or dryer, or a counter - this is essential in getting the puppies used to being groomed on a grooming table and getting over any tendency toward the fear of heights. We cuddle them in our arms on the table to help them feel loved and secure, and to build their confidence level. We try to take pictures at birth, day old individual pictures, then every week thereafter for their new families, and for our albums. We also try to take litter shots as well at the various stages. I find that special touches add a lot of enjoyment, both for us raising the puppies, and for our families who are kept in the "link" of their puppy growing from infancy to toddler weeks. A Tasy x Promise Puppy before his first grooming and after his first grooming. My, oh my, what a difference!! We also start the worming program at four weeks of age - and this is really essential if you occasionally have a puppy that coughs after feeding, or vomits back up milk or cereal. Round worms are the one type of worm that the puppies can get in utero, and they grow as fast as the puppies. A heavy case of worms can often mimic other serious conditions in young puppies. It is also essential to use a low dosage of wormer in cases of heavy infestation, and at times give the puppy a few drops of oil by mouth, and possibly even an enema with a few drops of oil to help pass the worms. We use pyrantel pamoate for our first series of wormings. It is essential to worm every days until no worms are seen - these worms look like spaghetti - and once you see a litter of puppies pass them you never forget them. The wormer works in about six hours and is very effective. We have a computer generated health record that we complete on each puppy, and note all the worming's on it and on the litter weight records as well. Once the worming has been done, and if the teeth are coming in on the entire litter we start adding softened and mashed with potato masher kibble to the puppies cereal mixture - gradually reducing the rice baby cereal. During the next two weeks we gradually start adding cooked rice, cooked oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, ground apple and carrot, and a supplement Green Vibrance which has microbials in it to their soft feed. As soon as the puppies are able to eat dry kibble well and not just play with it we gradually reduce the soft feedings to AM and PM. The puppies often prefer dry kibble during times of heavy teething, however dry kibble no matter how well promoted does not meet all of their nutritional needs. Also the more organically chemical, steroid, and low grade antibiotic free a puppy can be fed, the better for its health and longevity. We keep our puppies on microbials their whole life as this keeps their intestinal system in optimal health - they absorb more nutrients, they produce less fecal material, they are less prone to other bacterial infections, they don't have smelly gas, they are less prone to bloat typical in a number of large breeds , they have better pigmentation as a result of absorbing more nutrients. We have also found that since taking this approach to diet that puppy and show coats on adults are more luxurious. As you can see their fourth week involves a lot of changes for the puppies. At six weeks of age we start the weaning process - although most "mothers" have already started it. A poodle "mom" is the most devoted creature ever the first week or two, but after that usually reclaims part of her own life to be with her human family. She will return to the whelping box every few hours to take care of her puppies needs, but other than that spends her time on a blanket or pad outside the box. Using a higher powered water spray, a higher powered table dryer, and if the coat is still thin enough a palm pro clipper again to clip the face, feet, tummy and tail. At this time Mishelle also adds standing the puppy properly on the table and does the first scissoring around the tail head and up the rump - as much to get the puppy used to the sound and feel of the scissors as because there is that much coat to scissor off. This is also when we try to take the first pictures of the puppies in a nice stance to send to everyone. This also helps to train the puppy for standing on the table which benefits when we do the conformation evaluations at 8 weeks of age. Puppies fearful on the table are very difficult to assess. This is also essential for miniature puppies that are going to be shown. It's very sad when a miniature is put on a table in the show ring for the judges inspection, and is fearful. Just minutes a day on a table, being encouraged to stand and be touched, can make a remarkable difference in just a week. A Maddy x Calvin puppy at 6 weeks of age after her 2nd grooming Six weeks is also when we remove the whelping box, as the mother now just gets in with the puppies about 4 times a day and either sits or stands to nurse them. She also starts to regurgitate her feedings for the puppies at this stage. The teeth are starting to come all the way in at this time, and the puppies will start sparring, and at times will really yelp. They learn at this stage not to bite each other too hard, and this is the first step to them learning not to bite humans too hard. We often have families who want to get their poodle puppies at this age, especially if they are going to training in agility. We do not allow any puppies to go to their new homes until they are weeks of age, as we feel that they need the "sibling rivalry" stage to learn aggressive and defensive behavior - which is learned by their interplay with each other. Many of our poodles go to homes with runners, and I can't tell you how many times they have had to defend their owners from aggressive dogs of other breeds, and always successfully. You never know when your poodle may have to come to your defense, and the maneuvers they learn as puppies at this age are the foundation for their defensive techniques, increase their alertness, and the speed of their thinking and their reactivity time. I love watching the puppies develop their skills during playtime at this stage. It is their transition from infancy to toddlers. It is also at six weeks that we remove the whelping box replacing it with two small crates without the gates on. Our favorite crates are the Furrari's, as they just snap together, and the gates can be opened from either side and simply lifted off for this stage of training. The first night all the puppies will crowd into one small crate - then I will hear them in the middle of the night groaning and grumbling, and in the morning the puppies will be divided between the two crates. That day we add a third small crate, and go through the same process - which we repeat until there are two puppies per crate. We never put the gates on at this stage, just allow the puppies the freedom to sleep in or out of the crates, and to play with them. We estimate that a poodle puppy develops 21 years in it's first year. From infancy to toddler, to preschool, to kindergarten, to pre-adolescent, to adolescent, to pre-teen, to teenager, to post teen, and early twenties. Their intelligence is equivalent to that of many humans, and the learning of human vocabulary in a standard poodle is amazing. They are a joy to work with and to train, many almost training themselves. At this point we start giving the puppies rawhide chew bones to help with their teeth cutting, the cardboard rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, tape rolls, and small boxes that they can pack around, tear up and destroy. Much like a toddler builds a stack of bricks and then knocks it down destructive stage so also does a puppy need to go through this stage. So we give them things that don't cost anything, that are light weight, and the right size around for a puppy jaw to pick up. They love it. We also start giving the puppies soft and hard toys to play with, and also try to observe which puppies in the litter are water lovers - they play in the water and empty the container almost as fast as we can fill it. We often get asked for puppies that like water by families that boat, or live on rivers or lakes, or on house boats. We start watching closely for the different types of personalities that the puppies have, how they relate to each other, to new situations, to new people, to other animals they come in contact with. Those that are more adventuresome, more curious, more courageous, etc. We are also watching for activity levels and how they move. It is also at weeks that we take the puppies to the back yard to play - as they are then big enough to be taught to go up and down steps. We have closed back steps, and open backed steps like condos and the steps at the air cargo depots for them to learn on. This can be quite a challenge to some, and we usually have to delay this training with the miniatures for a couple of more weeks when they are a bit bigger. They are so proud of themselves when they achieve success in going up and down the steps, even though it is just three steps - and will run up and down just for the joy of it. In the back yard they also learn to drink from an automatic waterer, so that they don't fear the hissing sound as it refills. Having nice clean feet, faces, and tail head and rump helps us to evaluate the puppies much better, and they will score better when all can be seen and evaluated. We do not give the puppies any treats prior to testing, nor do we do any actual crate training in closed crates. At this age the puppies get their first bath in the grooming tub with a harder spray of water instead of in the utility tub. The Force dryer is used for the first time, and the Andis or Oster clippers. This is also the clipping that helps us to determine the color that the puppies might end up as - blues and silvers are born black, silver beige and cafe-au-lait can be born very dark brown, light apricots that are going to cream out - we study the nose, feet, heels, and under the tail and neck for signs of color change. Tasy x Promise Pup - Black - at 8 weeks! A Mandy x Sterling Pup - Silver - at 8 weeks. Silvers and blues are born black and change gradually - starting with the muzzle and feet We try to schedule temperament testing 16 tests and conformation evaluations a three page form using AKC breed requirements, International breed requirements, and Puppy Puzzle testing at 8 weeks minus or plus three days, as this is the most accurate time for assessing conformation before the puppy starts its rapid growth spurts. This is at times a little early for temperament testing, however as so many families want their puppies at 8 weeks of age, it is necessary to do this before the litter starts to go to new homes. Often our entire litters are reserved before they are even born, or at least by the time they are 6 weeks of age, and this helps us to match puppies and their capabilities and personalities and temperament to the homes they are going into, especially the puppies that are shipped across the United States. This also means asking our prospective families for lots of details about their home style, their activities, other pets or animals in or around their homes, and what they want to do with their puppy as an adult. We also help families at this point to decide the best age of puppy to suit their lifestyle, as many families in todays age have difficulty getting the time those first weeks to house train a young puppy. The weekly cost covers food, treats, training, vaccinations and wormings. Temperament testing is beneficial, although there are those that disagree. It is done in a strange place by a strange person. It's purpose is to note the natural instincts and adaptability of the young puppies, and our families have found our assessments to be pretty accurate as their puppies have developed. The disadvantage of testing at 8 weeks versus 12 weeks, is that puppies can be conceived over a ten day period. The gestation period is days, with all of the body development being in the first 50 days, and the weight gain being in the last days. If the bitch whelps according to the first puppy conceived, then the last puppy or puppies conceived may not have had much weight gain - however due to genetics it will not always be the smallest puppies. When we do temperament testing we also try to be aware of which puppies opened eyes first and last, which had teeth coming in first and last - as these can be indicative of which puppies in the litter are the oldest and the youngest - as the psychological development can also be different, with the thinking processes of the youngest not being quite as developed as the thinking processes of the gestationally oldest puppies. In temperament testing we are looking at social skills, inanimate object retrieving instincts, sensitivity testing, chase response, bird retrieving instincts, perseverance and motivation. These help to determine which puppies might be best suited as companions, service and therapy candidates, agility and obedience prospects, those with "bird" instincts, and very important today those with good search and rescue and tracking instincts. Conformation evaluations are where we literally take a puppies body structure apart and put it back together again - all on paper. We are looking for the few puppies in a litter that are the most correct by breed specifications in bone structure. As companions for runners, horse back riders, hikers, bikers, etc. Most of our standard puppies, after 10 years of breeding are quite structurally correct - however we try to match structural correctness, temperament and personality to the needs of a family. To be a pick of the litter puppy it must score high in all three areas. At times a structurally correct puppy may not have the best temperament for competitive events, and a senior family doesn't need a puppy with a high working drive. When we complete the testing we vaccinate each of the puppies and tattoo them with their individual identification number - that designates their dam, her litter number, and the number of puppy within the litter - in their left ear. This tattoo must be read and entered in the medical records of the puppy by the families veterinarian at the time of the "well puppy check" within 10 days of receiving the puppy for our 2 year from date of birth guarantee to go into effect. As soon as the testing is completed we start crate training the puppies. The first night two puppies are put into a crate with the gate on, and given 3 small treats. They are cuddled before being put into the crate, and we use the "in" command which they are used to. When they are taken out in the morning they are hugged and cuddled again, and given their "go potty outside" command as we take them "out" the front door. The second night they are crated individually, and are also crated during the day for short periods of time, to get them used to taking "naps" in their crates. They are always given three tiny biscuits when we want them in their crates, and usually within three days they compete to see who can get in the crates first and turn around for their treats. Usually at this age the puppies will crate from approximately PM to about AM without having accidents in their crates, however I do get up in the middle of the night and let them out if someone gets really fussy. In hot summer weather they at times need out during the night to get a drink just as much as they need out to go potty. We always make their last soft feeding of the day by PM, so that they have plenty of time to evacuate before bedtime. Remember poodle puppies are very smart, and if they get me up several nights in a row - I watch very carefully to see if they really needed to go - and if not they have just decided to get me out of bed for some extra attention and playtime - remember the pre-adolescent who wants another drink of water, etc. They will test their new families in the same way, and if they win they are ruling the family instead of the family ruling them. At this point the puppies are ready to go to their new homes to families living locally, or those driving from other states to get their puppies. If they are flying we keep them for two more weeks - and ship when they are approximately 10 - 12 weeks old. This allows us to start travel training and leash training of the puppies, and allow them to develop better holding capacity for daytime crating before shipping. Also it gives us time to receive family t-shirts worn until sweaty and placed in ziploc bags to give to the puppies in their crates three days before shipping. Having items of clothing which we tie into knots for a pillow or toy allows the puppy to get used to it's new families scents, and helps it to adapt and bond much more quickly. It also gives us time to ship their puppy pack to them, before the puppy is shipped. We follow up on our puppies for years, and encourage our families to keep in touch with us and contact us with any questions regarding nutrition, training problems or needs. We also board our own puppies back, which is wonderful as then we get to assess their development and personalities as adults. We have families now who purposefully plan their vacations for the Oregon Coast just so they can leave their much loved poodles with us - they come from as far away as Montana, Idaho, north eastern Washington, California, Utah, and of course the closer regions of Oregon and Washington. Unless we are expecting a litter imminently they get to come back and live in the house with us, and always enjoy playing with so many other poodles in our huge back yard, and side yard play areas. We also continue any training that is in progress on the younger puppies. A Mandy boy at 15 weeks! A Lucy daughter at 1 year - sent by her family in Idaho Many of our families also return with their puppies to take the one-on-one grooming classes with us - with Mishelle now being the primary instructor. Many of our families are now doing all of their own grooming, and even if they aren't have found the class very beneficial as they have learned what to expect from a good groomer. Many have returned for second and even third classes to learn advanced scissoring techniques, and several are now learning show grooming and handling from us as well. It's biblical that the older are to teach the younger - and we feel very strongly about this after not finding anyone willing to assist us when we first started out. We want those who have a true desire to become breeders of the poodles to start in the right way, learning to do the proper testing and research, taking part in genetic research projects, learn to groom their poodles properly, and to breed properly, caring for their whelping bitches and puppies correctly. Mishelle should have been in the picture with "Eve" but was in the Show Ring with her instead. She groomed 14 standards and 2 miniatures for this show. The poodle is a wonderful and unique breed - sharing life with it's family. Stages of Puppy Development Birth to 3 weeks The first 20 days of a pups life it is not capable of much learning. The mental capacity is about nil. The pup will react when it is in need of food, sleep, warmth and its mother. During the first 3 weeks it is VERY important to look after the dam as well. She will in turn, look after the puppies. Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away. No matter what the breed, this is the time when the dormant senses wake up. From day 21 to 28 puppies are in need of their mom more than any other time as their brains and nervous systems begin to develop and they become aware of their surroundings. As mom jumps out of the box, they suddenly watch her wondering where she went. Pups may start climbing out of the whelping box at this age, so it is time to expand their home. At this stage we add a small potty area beside the whelp box. If a puppy were to loose his mom at this stage it would greatly affect his emotional wellbeing. Emotional growth is just blossoming as the puppy realizes it is alive. It is also at this age that characteristics can develop like shyness and fear. Any negative characteristics that develop at this stage in life are often permanent personality traits. The puppies sleep 20 or more hours a day. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area, where life is happening in the home. This is not the age to be in the back bedroom, garage or barn. During this time, a puppy will learn to respond to voices, sounds and recognize different people. The puppies in their group will establish a 'pecking order', some will want to lead and some will want to follow. The dominant ones will eat first and the omega ones will wait. The dominant ones can become bullies and hog all the toys. This is an important stage to watch to learn the temperaments of each puppy and should be used for placing puppies into the proper homes. Some scientific studies prove that if there is a bully in a litter that is making others cower and be shy it can set in traits that are very hard to turn around, but it is also important to leave puppies in a social group long enough to be adventurous and for the puppy to acquire some social competitive skills. On the same note, a puppy should never be allowed to get too pushy. While shyer puppies have to learn to handle themselves in social groups, a dominant puppy needs to learn it is not acceptable to be a bully. Different breeds need to be separated at different ages. Often if the bully is adopted out first the remaining puppies will loose some of their shyness. Puppies at this age sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. By 7 weeks, a pup is considered emotionally developed and ready to learn, but the pup does not possess an adult brain yet. At 7 weeks old the breeder of the pups can start crate training for an hour or two a day with 2 pups in a crate. This helps with separation anxiety. By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before weeks of age. The mother dog teaches the puppies in the litter manners, respect, social skills, and proper etiquette, along with many other valuable lessons. When a puppy misses this stage it can cause the pup to have future behavior issues as most humans do not understand natural dog behavior enough to teach the pup these things. What a puppy learns now will be retained and become part of who the dog becomes and his personality. Most dams stop caring for their pups by 7 weeks, as they have teeth and she pushes them away. If a pup is left with the dam during this period it's emotional development can be altered, as it remains dependent on her. The same can happen if littermates are placed together. They rely on each other instead of the new owner and they often do not find adequate security in their mom or littermate. They need their new owner to take over the role and it is important that the humans understand natural dog behavior in order to fulfill the puppies instincts and needs. First shots should be done at 7. When a puppy stays with his litter after 8 to 9 weeks of age without adequate human contact it doesn't adjust as well to a human social life. The optimum time to take a new puppy is from 8 to 9 weeks of age. It is always best to have a pup do his learning from his new owner and in his new home. Puppies are often adopted out at 8, 9, 10 or 11 weeks. Older puppies can do just fine if the breeder has spent a lot of time socializing them away from their littermates. Ideally 9 weeks seems to be the perfect age for most breeds to go to new homes. What the dog learns from 8 to 12 weeks will be with him forever. At this time the puppy must be introduced to other people and go for walks on the pavement street avoiding dirt or grass until it has had its 2nd shots. If the first shots are done at 8 weeks and second are done at 12 weeks it is a good idea to enroll in puppy kindergarten that starts right at 12 weeks. At this age on up to several months old, puppies will sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take depending on the puppies energy level and the activity around them. Sleeping more during rapid growth sprurts. The sleep is broken up between night time sleep and naps during the day. It is common for a puppy to play hard, running around with bounds of energy, then suddenly crashing into a deep sleep. It is important to keep in mind that all puppies by this time have formed a general personality. Some are natural born leaders, some are middle of the road and could go either way and some are very submissive and really prefer not to lead anything. All puppies have an instinct to have a leader who can provide structure, because in their minds without it the pack cannot survive. Therefore even the most naturally born submissive dog may feel the need to take over as an alpha should they feel everyone else around them is too weak to care for the pack. These dogs are often very stressed out about their role because they really do not want it, but feel the need to lead just the same. After all, to them it's a matter of life or death. One of the biggest questions new owners call about is that the pup is an angel for the first couple weeks and then it starts to nip in an attempt to control things around it. This happens when a puppy does not see the humans as natural born leaders to which it can respect and it attempts to get the pack in order. If this happens it does not necessarily mean you got a bad puppy, but often means you are not being a good canine owner. Owners must be calm but firm and follow through. Set the rules of the home and stick to them. Teach basic obedience and how to heel on a leash. Do not let the puppy bolt out the door. Stay calm and confident and remember that dogs can feel your emotions. If you have emotional problems your dog knows and will see you as a weak being. Always remember to a dog anger is a weakness, so take a deep breath and control yourself. Should the puppy feel it is stronger minded than the humans it will not want to be at the bottom. Puppy owners should be prepared that the pup may attempt to establish itself as the dominant one in the family. This is where you need to understand a dog's natural instincts and learn their language so you can read them. It may see whether it can physically strike out at his owner like some teens and could nip or growl. Should this happen be prepared to stop the behavior immediately. It is kind of like kids wanting dessert before dinner or to stay up later. You just have to say NO. Each dog is different, just as kids are, therefore you need to figure out what works for you and your situation. If it is being aggressive one method is to pin it on its back and hold him there with a firm NO. If a pup is allowed to get away with bad behavior it will lose respect for the owner and learn that rebelling gets him his own way. The key is for the humans to be calm, confident and firm all at the same time. If you find yourself yelling or angry you as the human are out of control and need to learn how to portray yourself as someone your dog can look up to and respect. Dogs do not listen to unstable humans and anything but calm, confident and firm, to them is unstable. There should be zero tolerance for aggressiveness. Heaps of love and understanding will not stop bad behavior. A pup must be shown fast and firmly that you are the one in charge. If you have a good breeder who understands the dog even returning him for a few days can help as the breeder gets the dog back under control and you assess your own behavior and understanding of this animal you are trying to live with. Sending a dog away to be trained without training yourself never works, as the way your dog is acting often has more to do with the humans it is living with. This goes for any dog of any age. Learn how to groom your dog. Teach it to lie still for grooming and nail trimming. If you are having trouble call the breeder or a behaviorist for help. It is best to have earned a dog's respect and trust in regards to grooming by 16 weeks of age. A pups natural instinct will be to periodically try to test the order in the pack. Especially if there are children. If the owner is submissive, quiet and week, thus making the dog feel the need to lead the home, its respect for its owner will weaken and the owner will become inferior in the dogs eyes. In these cases the owner is destined to be owned by the dog and you will surely see behavior problems emerge. A puppy should have a good start on crate training when it leaves a breeder's home. Help your puppy feel secure by giving it its own bed and crate in a place where it can be alone when it needs some quiet time. It should be crated for one or two naps per day, especially when making and eating dinner and crated at night. It should not ever have the run of the house till after 6 months of age or housebreaking and training can become very difficult. A puppy should start formal obedience by 6 months of age, preferably sooner. Remember when you choose to adopt a dog you are choosing to take an animal into your home. The animal is not a human baby and humans are not born with canine instincts. Take some time to learn about the canine and be prepared to change your way of life to accommodate the new member of the family. The puppies have arrived. They have been weighed and identified; they have nursed and are now sleeping quietly except for the normal twitching. Now what? Your job is not over yet, in fact, it's really just beginning. Nutrition and Feeding The mother will be ready for some food and water. Bring the dishes to the whelping box, as she will not want to leave the newborn puppies. Do not leave the dishes on the floor in the whelping box, as the puppies could crawl into them. Hang the dishes from the side of the whelping box or offer her food and water at least every hours to start. She should be taken outside on a frequent and regular basis to relieve herself. Within days, the mother's appetite will dramatically increase to times her pre-pregnancy intake. She will need a near constant supply of a high quality puppy food do NOT use large breed puppy formulas, which are generally lower in protein, fat, and minerals and water to maintain her weight and health while feeding the puppies. She should not look gaunt or thin if her weight is maintained. Ideally, she should weigh the same at the time of weaning, as she did when she was bred. A healthy puppy is firm, plump, and vigorous. Puppies should nurse every 2 hours or so. If they nurse until their stomachs appear round and they sleep quietly, they are eating enough. If they are crying and moving a lot, they are not eating enough. They may be swallowing air, which makes the stomach appear larger. As they become weaker, they will lay still and not cry. Their weight should double in the first days. Before, during, and after nursing, the mother will lick the stomach and perineal area to stimulate urination and defecation. She will continue to do this for weeks. Weigh the puppy daily for the first 2 weeks, then weigh at least weekly. A food scale typically works well for weighing the puppies. Failure to gain weight is often the first sign of illness in puppies. At about 3 weeks of age, the puppies will begin to imitate the mother's eating and drinking. A secure shallow water dish should now be available at least part of the day. Prepare the puppy mush by placing 2 cups of high quality dry puppy food in a blender with .This should be blended until the consistency of human infant cereal. This feeds puppies of a medium-sized breed. The puppies should receive meals a day of this to start. Once the puppies have checked it out, walked in it, and have eaten some, the mother can be allowed to finish it and clean the puppies off. Each week, increase the amount of food, decrease the amount of the milk replacer and water that is added and the time of blending, so by 7 weeks of age, the puppies are eating dry food. Once they are on dry food, it may be left in with the puppies when the mother is out of the box or the meal times can continue. As the puppies eat more solid food, the mother may be let away from the puppies for an ever longer period of time. If the weaning is not rushed, she will naturally start decreasing milk production, as the puppies increase their intake of solid food. As the puppies begin eating the puppy mush at 4 weeks of age, start changing the mother's diet back to adult food to also help her decrease milk production. Keep increasing the adult food and decreasing the puppy food until by the 7th week postpartum she is eating only adult food. Hopefully she has been fed well during pregnancy and lactation so she weighs the same at weaning as she did before pregnancy. Want to learn how to save on your dog's veterinary care? Click here Sanitation and Housebreaking During and after whelping, the mother should be allowed to go outside to urinate and defecate. Take her out on a leash bring a flashlight if it is dark , and watch her closely, as she could have another puppy. The whelping box needs to be changed at least once a day at this stage, and times a day as the puppies begin eating solids and the mother is not cleaning up after them. A large heavy paper may be laid on the bottom, several layers of newspaper over that, and a tightly stretched blanket over the newspaper. The blanket should be large enough to fit under all 4 sides of the box. If the box was made so the sides set into the floor, the sides are picked up, the blanket stretched, and the sides set down to hold the blanket in place. Puppies can become lost under blankets or under wrinkles in blankets. When cleaning, check the consistency and color of the puppy stool. It should be brown and formed, but not overly firm. Any deviations and the veterinarian should be contacted. To facilitate housebreaking, the puppies should be given definite feeding, playing, sleeping, and elimination areas. Once the puppies are mobile, they will use one area for elimination. Cover this area with a layer of newspapers with cedar or pine shavings on top. The new owners then place a small amount of cedar or pine shavings in the preferred location of their yard to aid in housebreaking. Keep the elimination area clean and dry. Puppies head toward the heat source to nurse so do not have the heat source warmer than the mother. Hanging a household thermometer on the inside of the whelping box will help you know the temperature in the box. Puppies typically lay side by side or on top of each other to share warmth. If the puppies are scattered throughout the whelping box and away from the heat lamp, the temperature is too warm. If they are all piled on top of each other, it may be too cold. Puppies need the extra heat, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature until several weeks old. Health of the Mother Each mammary gland and nipple should be checked at least once a day for redness, hardness, discharge, or streaking color. If mastitis develops, the veterinarian should be notified immediately. If caught early, milking out the affected gland and applying hot compresses will help prevent a spread of the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary. If she gets multiple glands with mastitis, the puppies will need to be bottle fed. The puppies' nails should be trimmed weekly starting within days of birth. This will help prevent some of the scratches on the mother's mammary glands. The deciduous teeth start coming in around day .Check the mammary glands of the mother daily for bite marks. The mother will have a bloody discharge from her vulva which may be quite heavy for several days. It should decrease in amount and become darker and be almost gone within weeks. The mother's hair may have become very thick and luxurious during the pregnancy. Around the time of weaning, the mother starts to shed. This extreme loss of hair coat is natural and it should be back to normal in about another months. This shedding is more extreme than a normal shed cycle and some mothers become quite bald. This is often called 'blowing a coat. Click here Puppy Healthcare Puppies who are not thriving should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian to check for birth defects. Some defects, such as a cleft palate are not compatible with life. These puppies should be humanely euthanized. Dewclaws are removed and tails docked at days of age. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for these procedures to be done. Check your breed's standard, as some breeds need to have dewclaws left intact in order to show. Tail length changes, so again, the current breed standard should be consulted. When the puppies are at the clinic and having these procedures done, the mother should be taken for a walk around the block until the puppies are done. She should not be close enough to the clinic to hear the puppies crying. Once they are put back with the mother, the puppies normally nurse and then sleep. Vaccinations are started at weeks of age. Some breeders give a parvo virus vaccine at 5 weeks of age, if the puppies are at a high-risk. Ask your veterinarian if your puppies should be vaccinated early for parvo virus. They recommend puppy deworming for roundworms and hookworms start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, use a heart worm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies obtain the deworming history of their new pup and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. The mother should be dewormed at the same time as the puppies. A health check done by a veterinarian at weeks of age before the puppies head for new homes should include checks for heart murmurs, hernias, cryptorchidism, demodectic mange, other parasites, eye disorders, etc. Normal puppy development The umbilical cord normally falls off within days of birth. Infections of the umbilicus are rare in clean, well-managed kennels. Puppies normally twitch and jerk while sleeping. This helps with the development of their nerves and muscles. The puppies crawl well by days, walk at 16 days, and have a normal gait at 21 days. They need to be on footing that offers traction. By 4 weeks of age, the puppies follow each other and carry toys in their mouths. They will play-fight with each other and learn how to inhibit their bites. If a puppy bites a littermate too hard, the littermate will yelp and stop playing with him. If the puppy is allowed to bite humans, he will not learn to inhibit his bite. It may be cute as a 7-week old, but it will not be as a 7-year old. Puppies are born without teeth. The deciduous baby teeth start to erupt at weeks of age. All of the deciduous teeth are usually present by 8 weeks of age. The puppies' eyes will open around days of age. The retina matures around 21 days of age. Puppies should see clearly by 4 weeks of age. Do not pry open the lids for any reason, as the immature eye is not yet ready to handle light. If the eyes appear swollen before they open, take the puppy to a veterinarian immediately as an eye infection may be present that needs to be treated to prevent loss of vision. Some puppies will take a day to open the eyes while others will take days. The eyes will have a bluish color to them at first and then change to their adult color over time. If the eyes appear white or solid blue, take the puppy to the veterinarian right away. The ears open at days of age. They should hear clearly by 4 weeks of age. Deafness may not be noticeable while the puppies are together and first noticed when the puppy is in her new home. Interactions Between the Mother and Puppies By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. The box at this point should be big enough to be divided between eating, sleeping, playing, and eliminating rooms. At this stage, a crate with the door removed and lined with sheepskin or a dog bed can be given to the puppies for sleeping quarters and to familiarize them with crates. Puppy Socialization Early socialization of the puppies will help them become confident and develop fewer behavior problems. The puppies should be exposed to everything possible from metal food dishes dropping, to vacuums, garage doors opening and closing, thunderstorms, sirens, garbage trucks going past, cats, and other pets, etc. Do not try to keep the area quiet during the day. The puppies need to get used to normal household noises. Children should be allowed to play outside the whelping box supervised so they do not enter the box or drop toys in , as children behave differently than adults. Everything the puppy is exposed to now, will help her become a well-socialized, unafraid adult. The puppies should be handled several times a day. They can be picked up, their teeth looked at, ears checked, toes played with nails will need a weekly trimming , and have anything that may be done as an adult started slowly now. Play helps to develop the puppy's mind, as he needs to find solutions to problems he encounters. If the puppies are not in new homes by 10 weeks of age, they should be separated from each other for a large part of the day and given one-on-one time with humans. They can have play times during the day, but they should eat, sleep, and be handled separately. Being in a kennel group situation beyond weeks of age decreases trainability. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more!