best book for training labrador puppies

best book for training labrador puppies

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We ensured that none of the Labradoodle breeders mentioned here has a bad reputation and that no breeders with unethical procedures or puppy mills were listed. Secondly, PuppySpot offers a range of resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Labradoodle home as easy as possible. Lastly, PuppySpot is committed to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. They have a strict policy against working with puppy mills or substandard breeders and partner with animal welfare organizations to support their mission. They make the process easy, and their commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare is something to be proud of! You can trust this breeder, who has been breeding Australian multigenerational miniature and standard-sized Labradoodles since , to do everything she can to raise healthy and happy puppies. All puppies have been vaccinated, microchipped, and checked their health. You can also request health and genetic tests from this breeder. Hips, eyes, and other joints are among the most common health examinations. Furthermore, genetic testing guarantees that your dog will be free of inherited disorders. You will get a Labradoodle puppy that will share your home for the rest of its life. Each breeding parent has undergone extensive health checks and genetic testing. Before you can be approved as a breeder, both organizations need you to undergo health tests on your dogs. This breeder spends time exposing puppies to various stimuli and lifelong conditions such as nail trimming and bathing. Most Labradoodle breeders in New York will not provide their puppies with this additional training and stimulation. All puppies are vet-checked, given their first set of immunizations, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Parent dogs are health-tested and genetically checked, providing you peace of mind when choosing a Labradoodle puppy. This breeder is known for its multigeneration medium-sized Labradoodles. All pups come with a health guarantee of 2-years, up-to-date immunizations, microchipping, and free pet insurance for an initial period of 30 days. All breeding parents are entirely healthy and have had their eyes, hearts, knees, elbows, and hips examined by the OFA. This breeder is known for its multigenerational medium and standard-size Labradoodles. They only have a limited amount of certified therapy and service dogs available each year, so talk to them if you want your Labradoodle to be more than just a family pet or a companion dog. In New York, Guardianship initiatives are an excellent method to receive a low-cost Labradoodle pup. Within one week of the buyer receiving the puppy, a veterinarian will inspect the puppy. They breed F2B standard-sized Labradoodle puppies. At 6 weeks of age, the puppies will get their first checkup and vaccinations with the Country Side doctor. We usually suggest contacting each breeder individually and asking them a range of questions. Choose a breeder willing to address your issues and choose the best dog on the basis of temperament rather than appearance. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in New York. Unlike many other types of dogs, Australian Labradoodles are totally non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Doodles are the perfect pick for people who love dogs but hate sneezing, coughing, and picking up clumps of fur every day. Our dogs are soft, cuddly and photogenic, which is probably why so many have their own Instagram followings! Friendliest Dispositions Doodles are famous for being patient and friendly. Perfect Family Pet Australian Labradoodles are adaptable, which means they fit in with so many types of homes and families. Labradoodles love other pets, kids, quiet people, outgoing people, relaxed people, active people.Labradoodles just love people. Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in New York Our premium network of breeders allows us to better meet the high demand for our dogs while still maintaining the integrity and high standards that keep our puppies happy and healthy. Highest New York Labradoodle Breeder Standards Our system of guardian homes and limitations on litter count and breeding age keeps our mommy Labradoodles healthy and happy, while our breeders also maintain exceptional living conditions for our puppies, too!

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! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Millie is the sweetest little mini girl! We are so proud of the great job she does as a companion to her family and as a mother to her sweet puppies. Lily is a daughter of Popi and Oscar, this pairing has consistently produced some of our all time favorite dogs. Cocoa is the result of extraordinary breeding and exactly why we love raising these amazing dogs. This sweet girl weighs 25 lbs. What a blessing. She was one of the first black and white partis that we delivered and we are thrilled to see the unique coloring. We look forward to lots of funny, smart and beautiful puppies from this gorgeous girl. She never tires of getting loved on, chasing sticks and being an all round good sport with whatever is going on. She makes us laugh all day. Luna weighs 35 lbs. We are so grateful to have this true Ruby red lady as part of the Texas Labradoodles family. Everything we could hope for in an Australian Labradoodle Puppy. Everything we could hope for in an Australian Labradoodle. We fell hard for him the moment he was born and we have loved him ever since. He's a VERY smart and funny dog that entertains endlessly. Charming doesn't quite cover it, but trust us, he's very easy to love! His coat is wavy fleece and so far has remained a true deep chocolate. We love his white little beard and his tiny size. Ollie weighs 23 lbs. He has a fantastic fleece curly coat, which is the perfect compliment to our girls loose wavy coats. He has a caramel ice wavy fleece coat and a beautiful teddy bear face with dark eyes and a black nose. We are so grateful to have this boy in our breeding program. We are absolutely thrilled with his good looks and fun temperament. He is always happy, ready to play and ready to cuddle. We are grateful to have this handsome boy in our breeding program. He has gorgeous parti markings with lots of white. Thanks to Butch Charlton with Downunder Labradoodles for this precious addition to our family. What a great addition to our dogs. We are grateful, once again, to Butch Charlton of Down under Labradoodles for this phenomenal boy.

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Miami FL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Miami FL? The experience of Miami Boxer breeders will affect the price of each pup, as will their eye color, coat color, and markings. Can I only choose pups from Boxer breeders in Miami? We think that one of the best things about Uptown is that we work with a nationwide network of businesses and companies. You can even arrange to meet your new pup at your nearest major airport! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Miami? Uptown Puppies uses a rigorous application process to ensure that we only work with the best companies and businesses out there. All companies within our network have to sign our binding Breeder Pledge - a set of guidelines they must agree to adhere to. How is Uptown Puppies different to anywhere else? When searching for Miami Boxers for sale online it can be hard to tell the difference between honest businesses and scams or puppy mills. Many of the top results will be companies with the best marketing. That doesn't mean they have the best Boxer puppies for sale Miami though. What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are awful operations where profit is more important than the welfare of pups and parent dogs. Are there any Boxer puppies available right now? The first thing to do is start looking at our listings for Boxer for sale in Miami. We know there are some seriously cute pups on offer from companies in our network - your dream pup is waiting for you! Where are Boxer dogs from? The Boxer breed hails from 19th Century Germany although their roots go back as far as B. Initially a hunting breed, they quickly became prized for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence. First registered in the US in , they have been a fir favorite for hundreds of years since. What are Boxers like personality wise? Loving, playful, and even a little goofy with their families, these dogs quickly turn into fearless guard dogs if they think their loved ones need protecting. As an extremely high-energy breed, Boxers do best when given plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Are Boxers easy to train? A Boxer Miami will also need proper socialization so they become well-rounded and polite adult dogs. How big does a mature Boxer get? As Boxer puppies Miami mature, they grow into impressive dogs… a little imposing too! Male Boxers can mature to stand up to 25 inches high at the shoulder, weighing up to 80 pounds. Female Boxers are a little smaller, maturing to stand up to .Their coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn or brindled, with or without white markings, which may cover the entire body. Boxers are brachycephalic they have broad, short skulls , and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism an underbite , very strong jaws, and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. Boxers were first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards in Munich in , the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers held steady as the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States for the third consecutive year. Appearance The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. The breed standard dictates that it must be in perfect proportion to the body and above all it must never be too light. The greatest value is to be placed on the muzzle being of correct form and in absolute proportion to the skull. The length of the muzzle to the whole of the head should be a ratio of .Folds are always present from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides of the muzzle, and the tip of the nose should lie somewhat higher than the root of the muzzle. In addition a Boxer should be slightly prognathous, i. Temperament The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age. Wikipedia SW 40 St. Suite 27 Miami, FL gorgeouspuppiesandkittens gmail. All Rights Reserved.

Three cheers for that! The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is very family-oriented, highly social and not known to be aggressive. They are the epitome of the social butterfly and love meeting new people. Their family comes first, though—they bond strongly to their people and get along well with kids, dogs and cats. This high-energy breed is happiest outside where they can run and romp. Bred to be sporting dogs, the Flat-Coated Retriever will be happy to retrieve game for you, but the breed is also well-suited for sports like agility, tracking and scentwork. The Flat-Coated Retriever breed has a longer flat coat, and they need to be brushed once a week at a minimum. Then, follow with a metal comb to ensure you got all the tangles out. While your brushing your pup, check their ears for debris or wax build-up, and clean them as needed. If your Flat-Coated Retrievers loves to swim or participates in hunting activities, be sure to clean them after every outing. If you notice signs of infection redness, swelling or foul odor , contact your vet. Plan to give your dog a bath every three to four weeks at a minimum. If your pup has been swimming or especially active, you may need to give them a bath more frequently. Start by introducing teeth brushing when your dog is a puppy. Flat-Coated Retrievers will also need regular nail trims about once a month to keep their nails at an appropriate length. Training Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are friendly and enthusiastic, and they can grow to be quite large. Starting with positive reinforcement training aka rewarding good behavior with treats, toys or praise and focusing on leash manners and how to politely greet people when your dog is a puppy will be helpful as your dog grows. Flat-Coated Retrievers also tend to mature slowly, which means some puppy-like behaviors may carry on well into their adulthood. Training can help with this, and enrichment and exercise like food puzzles and nosework games can keep your dog engaged and entertained. Instead, work with a trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement and who can set your dog up for success. Take them on walks and let them meet new people and other dogs. Puppy school is a great way to start socializing your pup. Flat-Coated Retrievers are people-lovers at their core, but they can sometimes express that love in undesirable ways. For example, they have a tendency to jump on people when greeting them, which is well-intentioned but not ideal, given their larger size and height. Training can help curb their enthusiasm and teach them to greet new friends in a more socially acceptable way—perhaps a paw-shake and a vigorous tail-wag? Highly active dogs, like many Flat-Coated Retrievers, will benefit from a high-protein diet. If your dog loves to run and play, they may need this higher protein content. Consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right high-quality dog food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise To keep them happy and healthy, Flat-Coated Retrievers need at least 90 minutes of exercise a day. Time to put them to good use. Because this breed has a high energy level, getting them started in dog sports can give them another way to burn off energy. Their sensitive noses are perfect for scentwork and tracking. Your dog might also love obedience and rally sports—anything that keeps their paws and nose active! Ideal Environment Their high energy and larger size means that Flat-Coated Retrievers do best in larger homes or even a farm, where there is space to run and roam with an active pet parent. They can fit into smaller homes and apartments as long as there is a fenced-in yard or other outlet that provides them plenty of exercise. Thanks to their friendly and eager-to-please nature, the Flat-Coated Retriever tends to form strong bonds with their pet parents and loves to be surrounded by family. They get along great with kids, other dogs and, yes, even cats when properly trained and socialized. This breed loves people, and most Flat-Coated Retrievers will happily meet your guests at the door with an enthusiastic tail wag. The Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is slow to mature, and their puppylike behaviors may continue for years. For that reason, this breed is best-suited for experienced pet parents with a sense of humor. While this breed tends to be fairly healthy, there are some health issues you should be aware of. Knowing about these issues can help you to avoid or quickly recognize them, keeping your dog healthy and happy. This can get worse as your dog ages and can make it difficult for them to run and play. If your dog does develop hip dysplasia, there are many treatment options, including pain medications and surgery. This can be painful, and your dog may limp on and off as the kneecap shifts, then returns to its correct position. Surgery can help to correct this issue. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires surgery. Gastric dilatation often affects dogs who have deep and narrow chests, so the Flat-Coated Retriever can be at risk. You can also help prevent bloat by feeding your dog more frequent meals throughout the day using a slow feeding bowl. If they progress, some cataracts can cause blindness. Cataracts can be hereditary, and they can be surgically removed. Ear Infections: Flat-Coated Retrievers love to play in the water, which can increase their chances of an ear infection. If you notice your dog shaking their head frequently, scratching at their ear, ear discharge or ear flap redness, these are all symptoms of a potential ear infection. Your vet can diagnose, and most ear infections can be treated with medicine. The breed was heavily influenced by the St. Flat-Coated Retrievers were bred to be easily trainable and to be physically suited to the hunt field. They accompanied hunters while duck hunting, swimming out to fetch the ducks that had been shot. These dogs were initially highly popular. They did well in dog shows and field trials. Initially, the black-coated dogs were valued more highly, but the liver-colored dogs became more popular in the s. However, the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever were also recognized as separate breeds, and these breeds gradually surpassed the Flat-Coated Retriever in popularity. After the World Wars, breeders turned their attention to preserving the breed and their history, which they did successfully. Since then, selective breeding has helped to restore this unique breed, and today, the Flat-Coated Retriever is popular as both a hunting and family dog. You can also reach out to local shelters to see if there is a Flat-Coated Retriever to adopt. Yes, Flat-Coated Retrievers shed significantly, so things can get hairy when you have one or more of these dogs in your home! Frequent grooming will help minimize the amount of fur that ends up on you, but be prepared to put in some extra time keeping your house and car hair-free. How long do Flat-Coated Retrievers live? The average Flat-Coated Retriever life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years. Are Flat-Coated Retrievers rare or extinct? These dogs are highly intelligent and active, and they tend to retain their puppy-like behaviors even well into adulthood. What are the most common Flat-Coated Retriever mixes? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Flat-Coated Retriever Overview At first glance, you might think the Flat-Coated Retriever resembles a black or brown Golden Retriever , but no such thing. They generally mature more slowly than other dogs and maintain their puppylike exuberance for years. This playful energy makes them a wonderful and entertaining companion, but it also means extra time and patience when training them. A harsh correction will cause him to shut down until you make amends. Tolerant and friendly, Flat-Coats love everyone, including children and other dogs. They are great friends for active older children but may be too energetic for toddlers, knocking them down with a swish of their frequently wagging tail. He retains his hunting skills and should live in an environment where his talents can be used—or at least one that gives him the opportunity to run and swim. Expect to give him a couple of minute walks, runs, or other activity daily to satisfy his exercise needs. He prefers to be with his people whenever possible. Many breeders and enthusiasts are the first to admit that Flat-Coated Retrievers are not for everyone, but there are a lucky few for whom this affectionate and good-looking retriever is a perfect match. Flat-Coats only come in solid black or solid liver. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a high-energy dog who requires about 90 minutes of exercise a day. He makes an excellent jogging companion once he reaches physical maturity. Flat-Coated Retrievers mature at a slower rate than some other breeds and you will find that you are in possession of a rather large puppy for several years. This timeless puppy can be both a joy and a frustration. If you want a dog that is quieter and less puppy-like as an adult, you should look for another breed. Flat-Coated Retrievers enjoy human contact and will become destructive if they are left alone for too long. Routines help establish what the dog can expect and reduce their stress level. Flat-Coated Retrievers are not recommended for apartments. Training is a must with this breed as Flat-Coats are both joyous jumpers and, like all retrievers, orally fixated—that means they like to chew. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. Keep training fun, interesting, and kind. With harsh verbal or physical treatment, Flat-Coats can become stubborn or stop responding altogether. They are unaware of their strength and can hurt people with their exuberant jumping and roughhousing. Flat-Coated Retrievers will bark an alarm, but they are not a guard or watchdog in any way. They are more likely to greet intruders warmly, happily licking their hands and face, than they are to deter them. Flat-Coated Retrievers may eat their own poop, a habit known as coprophagy. Flat-Coated Retrievers are considered to be a healthy breed in relation to other breeds but they do have a high rate of cancers. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Old Bounce, and her daughter, Young Bounce—natch! They were members of a working strain of retrievers owned by gamekeeper J. Hull in .Shirley, who helped mold them into a stable type. Also contributing to their advancement was H. Cooke, whose Riverside Kennel produced many fine field and show Flat-Coats. His numbers became dangerously low, and he flirted with extinction a time or two. Fortunately, his fans were able to bring him back from the brink by the mids. The Flat-Coat never regained his early popularity, but breeders count that as a plus. It has helped them to preserve his natural working ability, intelligence, and sweetly goofy nature. He is still a rare breed, ranking th among the breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club. If you want a Flat-Coat, expect to spend a year or more on a waiting list, not to mention undergoing the third-degree from a protective breeder who wants to make sure you will provide just the right home for one of his or her puppies. The average weight of a Flat-Coated Retriever is 55 to 70 pounds. He may react by becoming stubborn or simply refusing to do anything you ask until you soothe his hurt feelings. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Flat-Coat puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Hip dysplasia is considered to be hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. It originates in the histiocytes, white blood cells found in the skin and loose connective tissue in the body. Malignant histiocytosis is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the prognosis is usually poor. Lymphosarcoma: This is one of the most common cancers seen in dogs and can be found in various parts of the body such as the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow. The cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Hemangiosarcoma: This form of malignant cancer is found in the lining of blood vessels as well as the spleen. It can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is poor. Osteosarcoma: Generally affecting large and giant breeds, osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer. The first sign of osteosarcoma is lameness, but the dog will need x-rays to determine if the cause is cancer. Osteosarcoma is treated aggressively, usually with the amputation of the limb and chemotherapy. With treatment, dogs can live nine months to two years or more. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis which is a degenerative joint disease. Patellar luxation can be mild or severe. Dogs with severe cases may require surgery. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these signs, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. He has a moderately high energy level and is best suited to a home where he has many opportunities to run and swim. Expect to exercise him about 90 minutes a day, or two minute walks, runs, or other vigorous activity such as playing fetch or training for agility or flyball. Flat-Coated Retrievers make wonderful jogging companions when they are trained properly and have reached maturity. Go easy on puppies. They need approximately 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age per day. So if your Flat-Coat puppy is 4 months old, he needs about 20 minutes of exercise per day. Too much exercise can stress his still-growing joints. The only foolproof way to avoid this is to pick up his stool and dispose of it immediately. Start training your Flat-Coat as soon as you bring him home. Be kind and consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards. Flat-Coated Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Flat-Coat in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Flat-Coat, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. On the neck, especially in males, is a mane of longer, heavier coat. The coat comes in solid black or solid liver, a deep reddish-brown color. Flat-Coated Retrievers are relatively easy to maintain and require only weekly brushing unless the dog is shedding. You can trim the ears, feet, belly, and tail tip for neatness. Bathe as needed. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails once or twice a month. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and protect your shins from getting scratched when your Flat-Coat enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. They can be overwhelming for toddlers, however, accidentally knocking them over with one whack of that ever-wagging tail. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They might be a little too fond of pet birds, if you know what we mean. Flat-Coated Retriever Rescue Groups Flat-Coats are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Flat-Coats in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Flat-Coated Retriever is a sweet, exuberant, lively dog that loves to play and retrieve. They are on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This breed is among the most devoted and companionable of dogs, a true family dog. They need regular exercise to be on their best behavior, however. They are a sensitive breed and very responsive to training. Their hallmark is their wagging tail. Upkeep This active dog needs daily exercise and fun, and especially enjoys the chance to hike or swim. This is a family-oriented dog that does best when allowed to live inside and play outside. The coat needs only weekly brushing and little, if any, minor trimming occasionally. Health Minor concerns: CHD, glaucoma, patellar luxation, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, gastric torsion, fibrosarcoma Occasionally seen: seizures, diabetes Suggested tests: eye, hip, knee Life span: 8 years History One of the earliest uses of retrieving dogs was to help fishermen retrieve fish and objects from the water. In the nineteenth century, such retrieving dogs were especially popular with the cod fisheries around Newfoundland. Of these dogs, the most popular breeds were the Labrador not to be confused with the present Labrador Retriever and several sizes of Newfoundlands. In fact, it was among the earliest breeds to be shown at English dog shows. Near the end of the s, crosses with a straighter-haired breed were made because the wavy coat was thought to be less water repellant. Crosses to setters and collies of the time may also have been made. The resulting Flat-Coated Retrievers became tremendously popular. The breed was not recognized by the AKC until , by which time it had already begun to drop in popularity. By the end of the Second World War, the number of Flat-Coats had dwindled to the point that the breed was threatened with extinction. Concerted efforts to bring the breed back slowly succeeded, and the Flat-Coat now enjoys modest popularity as a companion and show dog, but has not regained its field presence. Related Content. To be sure, his similarities to other Retrievers are obvious; however, make no mistake about it: the Flat-coat is his own, unique breed. Gun dogs, as they were called, included any number of setters, spaniels, mixes, and what today we call Labrador Retrievers. By the middle of the 19th century, distinct types of Retrievers were established. The Wavy-coats were bred for intelligence, scenting ability, a soft mouth, obedience, bravery, and a gentle spirit with a desire to please. For practical reasons, size was factored in, as it was clear to many that the larger Newfoundland-type dogs were more difficult to transport and required considerably more food. The early Wavy-coated Retrievers were bred with black Retrievers in an effort to flatten out the coat and soften it from its original, more wiry texture. There was some resistance to this. Hunters argued that while the soft, flowing coat looked pretty in the show ring, the wavy, coarse coats were actually more resistant to water and brush. They succeeded, however, in managing both, creating over time a working breed that can transition from the show ring to the field in no time flat. That soft, luxurious coat was a show-stopper—and for whatever reason in those early days, it was the black variety Wavy-coats that caught the eyes of dog show judges. As a result, the black-and-tan or more golden versions of the breed were bred out over time. Black and liver-coloured Flat-coats are all that remain today. The answer is multi-fold. On top of this loss of public interest, both World Wars had a devastating impact. As with so many breeds, the Flat-coated Retriever emerged from World War II close to extinct, and it came down to the concerted efforts of a handful of dedicated fanciers who worked diligently to preserve and advance the breed. In conformation, excess weight is a no-no. These dogs should weigh 55 to 8o pounds, with the males on the higher end of the scale. This is a dog that should be able to leave the show ring and head straight to the fields—and he does. The head of this breed is distinctive. There is nothing unnatural or exaggerated in his head, which is set back into a relatively long neck. Having spent a lot of time with a lot of puppies, I must admit a bias. I have gotten lost in those soft, soulful eyes a few times. And temperament? A dream. But outshining all of those traits is this: his sweetness. These dogs are smart and obedient, loyal and brave—but they are sensitive and loving, too. Classic people-pleasers, they thrive on praise, positive reinforcement, and affection. They crave time with their people. There is more than a little bit of the goofball in every Flat-coat—a sense of puppy-like wonder and joy to be found in, well, pretty much everything. From my experience, this seems to last with them through the years. The Flat-coat is an up-for-anything breed, game to try new things. With his smarts and obedient nature, he can master any number of activities that you throw at him. Speaking of which, basic obedience training is advised for this and every other dog. As far as activity level goes, he needs long, brisk daily walks at a minimum. Play-time with this fun-loving breed is also important. And water? Hearty and athletic though he may be, bear in mind this is a family dog. The breed is slow to mature, and his puppy-like exuberance and general goofballery never entirely go away. Health-wise, the Flat-coated Retriever is a hearty breed, but as with all purebreds some inherited genetic conditions could crop up. Technically, this is a rather rare breed. In , the Flat-coated Retriever ranked 91 out of registered breeds. His cousin, the Labrador Retriever? Number one! So, there you have it. Sensitive and loving, this one is a bit of a Velcro dog—wherever you go, there he is. And lucky you are to be in the company of this sweet soul. Show your breed love with this beautiful solid gold pendant necklace from Siberian Art Jewelry.

Reading Pedigrees is very important. It represents the history of your German Shepherd puppy. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Tracing the lineage of a purebred dog is easy, and you should already have the main tool in your possession - the pedigree. Depending on the source, or purchase point, the information on the German Shepherd may be excellent, good or fair - or even worse. Not to alarm anyone, but it is always best to buy your German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder AFTER doing research and consulting your veterinarian and other health professionals first. You are considering adding a companion and friend to your family for the next 8 - 13 years - this is definitely not a purchase that you want to make on impulse. Owning a dog, any dog, can be an exciting, rewarding and, oftentimes, challenging experience. Whether you own a purebred or mixed-breed, understanding your dog is a very important aspect of your relationship. Tracing the lineage of a purebred dog is even easier, and you should already have the main tool in your possession - the pedigree. Knowing the history of your German Shepherd gives us an excellent idea of what we might expect from the dog - having a knowledge of the immediate ancestry is even better. Being able to see the German Shepherd puppies entire litter, their parents and possibly other related dogs is an important step in choosing a puppy. Puppies brought home from a pet store may have a "shady" background at best - and how will you not know whether or not a particular health problems runs in that litter or family of dogs? How it's litter mates and parents behave d? What can you expect from it temperament wise? You have no history to compare it to. Regardless, you now have the German Shepherd puppy and the pedigree in your possession. How do you go about deciphering that piece of paper? What do all those abbreviations mean, and who are all those other names listed on the page? Reading pedigrees does not have to be so hard. Many of the more common abbreviations will be described at the bottom of this web page. Depending on the dog and the breed you may see OFA followed by a number. This simply means x-rays of that particular dogs hips and sometimes elbows as well have been examined and evaluated by the staff at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA. An OFA number is very good - especially for a German Shepherd owner - and the more on the pedigree, the better. On a German GSD pedigree you might see an "a" stamp in which the dogs hips have been approved for breeding. The European countries have much stricter rules concerning breeding practices than those found in the U. Now, as you take the time to look through the names, reading pedigrees take time to investigate more than just the surface information - dig a bit deeper into the abbreviations, the numbers, kennel names, etc. Exactly what do you see? If you were lucky enough to purchase your German Shepherd puppies from a breeder who truly loves the dogs, you may additionally be able to get copies of photographs of some of the ancestors of your puppy as well as get to hear about some of the traits of several of these dogs. Below, for your convenience, we will list several common abbreviations you may see when reading pedigrees - your German Shepherd's pedigree or another, and what they mean. This paper and the information on it is very important and represents the history of your German Shepherd puppy. We are conveniently located in Wisconsin, two hours from Chicago. This makes us easily accessible to animal lovers all around the country. Shipping is also an option and our location means cross country shipments are not a problem. We also provide stud services in East Troy, WI. The Roche family has been raising and providing show quality German Shepherd puppies for sale since .Each of our dogs is raised in our home which socializes the animals and gives them a stable environment as they are starting their lives. We introduce the puppies to the outdoors at four weeks. At six weeks of age we begin their NuVet supplements which gives them an advantage as they begin their lives. German Shepherds are known as an exceptionally smart breed of dog. They are frequently utilized as bomb sniffing dogs as well as K-9 officers and for search and rescue operations. Because they possess such a good nature, they are also excellent pets for families with kids. For these reasons and more, German Shepherds are the most popular breed of dog in the world. Because of our strict breeding standards and excellent bloodlines, our dogs are highly sought after. They are extremely trainable, loyal, and hearty. We are also members of the American Kennel Club. Because we are a relatively small kennel, we are able to treat each animal with the individual attention it deserves. This ensures that the quality of our dogs is of the highest standard.

And definitely one that gets talked about a lot. Often, we get asked questions about potty training like… Was it hard to train your puppy? How long did potty training take? Did you use a potty bell? Can you relate? Goldendoodle potty training tips Having house trained two puppies one Goldendoodle and one Labrador Retriever in the last three years, and with a year-old senior Goldendoodle in our pack, our family has done our fair share of research, and we have plenty of real life experience under our puppy collars, too. Most recently, we house trained the newest member of our pack, an F1 Goldendoodle puppy named Sadie. So the content in this article is just about as real time, authentic, and practical as it gets. These tips and ideas worked for our puppies, but every dog is different. Find what works for you. Vets are a wealth of information and your partner in puppy care. Additionally, if your puppy is having trouble potty training, speak with your vet. There may be an underlying condition that your vet can solve. We are not your puppy trainer or your veterinarian. I am a dog mom, and our entire family considers themselves to be Goldendoodle enthusiasts. We are committed to learning and researching all things dog, so that we can create a positive, welcoming place for other Doodle dog parents. So welcome to our pack. We hope this article feels like a friendly chat between Goldendoodle parents. Before your puppy comes home: 3 potty training preparation tips Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is an exciting moment, but it can also be a bit hectic. Gather your potty training supplies ahead of time. Here are the items we included on our puppy potty training supply list… Enzymatic cleaner — There will be potty accidents. Paper towels — Goes along with potty clean-ups. Collar and leash — Until our puppies were trained, when it was time to do their business, we took them potty on leash. Fortunately, we made it home without needing to use them. Choose a designated area outdoors for puppy potty training. Like new babies, puppies are tiny, wiggly vessels that need to be filled with love, tenderness, and positive bonding times with you. And never, ever reprimand your puppy for accidents. Next, what does the first day home look like? What are some tips for potty training when your puppy is settling into their new home? Here are our tips for potty training that worked for our pack. When welcoming your puppy home for the first time, give your puppy time to potty before going inside. Before you step through the front door, take a minute and allow your little bundle of fluff to sniff out her new puppy potty spot that you designated in your yard. Your puppy may need to go potty, or may not. Keep your puppy close by you. This tip probably will come naturally to you. For our family, keeping our puppy close by was a big piece of the puppy potty training puzzle. When we brought our puppy into our home, we kept her in a designated area of the family room. That way, we could not only observe her but also take her out to potty frequently. Oh joy! Keep your puppy on leash for potty outings. This tip goes hand in hand with tip 3 above. From day one, start observing your puppy for potty cues and behaviors. By observing your puppy, you can start to learn little intricacies about them—including what behaviors precede pottying. For our Goldendoodle puppy, we noticed that she would wander away from us, lose interest in playing, or start sniffing the floor when she had to go. So our family adopted this mantra… Eat. After a nap? After a meal? Then pottying. When we welcomed our week-old-Goldendoodle puppy into our home, these tips made potty training easier… 1. Even so, accidents are just part of potty training. Expect potty outings in the wee hours of the morning. Not only will your puppy bless you with lots of fun and sunshine during the day, but also your puppy will bless you with moments to observe the moon and stars at night too. In other words, at this age, you can expect that your puppy will need potty breaks in the middle of the night. If our puppy woke up she was in her crate at night and would rouse herself , that was our cue it was time for a night time potty outing. A peek at our night time puppy potty schedule At 10 weeks, our puppy woke up and had to do her business at a. In comparison, by around 12 weeks of age, her a. Looking back, this time of interrupted sleep went by quickly. Not more than a few weeks later, our puppy started sleeping until about a. Sniffing was definitely a sign that our puppy needed to go potty. Stopping in mid-play was a huge sign that potty was imminent. And those zoomies? While there are many reasons for puppy zoomies, for our puppy it was a sign that she needed to go out. Puppy potty training tips: The 3-month-old puppy What was happening at three months of age? For our family, three months marked big changes in potty training. Here we are at three months and we have so much to celebrate. Remember, give yourself and your puppy lots of grace. Potty training tips and milestones: What you can expect for puppies around 4 months old Four months of age is a big milestone for many puppies. There is an interesting biological reason behind this. Here are some tips for potty training at four months… 1. If your puppy is close to or even potty trained, keep up the positive reinforcement. Much like toddlers who are learning a new skill, keeping up the encouragement helps reinforce that new skill. So keep the positive praise and consistent potty schedule going. Potty time Breakfast — In her crate with a slow feeder, which gives the hoomans a few minutes to get ready while she is eating Potty time Activity — training, play time, leash walk, car ride Potty time Nap time in her crate — anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours Potty time Activity — training, play time, leash walk, car ride Potty Crate time — anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours Potty Activity — training, play time, leash walk, car ride Quiet time — Combing, grooming, paw handling about 10 minutes Potty time Snuggling on the couch around 8 p. Continue to take your puppy on leashed potty breaks. For our family, even though we had a fenced-in back yard where we could let our puppy out without a leash, we chose to continue leashed potty breaks. This way, we could continue tracking her pottying and praising her. For our family, these tools were working. And four months marked the first month with no accidents. Potty training milestones: 5-month-old Goldendoodle At 5 months, our puppy was potty trained! Was there ever an accident? Yes, of course! And usually someone in our family gave a hand-to-the-forehead-I-could-have-had-a-V8 moment because we saw the signs, but just missed them. Keep up the great work! Just keep at it a little longer. By five months, we decided our puppy was house trained and we could introduce the potty bell. The potty bell is simply a bell tied near the door where our puppy goes potty. Each time we took our puppy out, we rang the bell with our hand to cue that it was potty time. Fair warning: Sometimes she would ring it so she could just go outside. Yes, potty bells can become attention bells. Goldendoodles are so smart! They are only our little fur babies once and even though all great things take time, puppies truly do grow up so fast. If you have tips of your own, please share in the comments section below. We can all learn great things from each other. Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions When to Start Puppy Training It is best to start potty training your new Goldendoodle puppy at 12 weeks old, though some dogs need a few more weeks to develop adequate bladder control. Keep in mind that the older the dog is past 12 weeks, the more difficult it can be. It can take several weeks to successfully potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, depending on various factors. Goldendoodles have a reputation for being very obedient dogs, but some of them are more wilful than others. Be prepared to spend at least four months of potty training your puppy. This requires a decent amount of patience, but it is well worth the effort. These tips can make doing this a lot easier and help speed up the process. Photo Deposit Photos Stick to a Feeding Schedule You must adhere to a strict schedule for feeding your puppy and giving it water. Make sure that you let them go outside to do their business minutes after they finish eating and drinking. You should always make sure that water is available to them throughout each day. Having to let your puppy out to pee repeatedly can be annoying, but they must stay hydrated. Keep them close by You also want to keep your puppy nearby while potting training them. They are more likely to go outside to do this when you always have an eye on them. When you need to be in another part of the house away from your dog, you should keep them in a crate. This will provide them with a sense of security while you somewhere else. You can use baby gates to keep your dog where you want them in the house. An image of a light or Golden Cavapoo. Puppies that are two to six months need to be taken out to do their business about every two hours. Once they reach eight months old, they can go up to six hours without having an accident. This means that there should be someone home throughout each day to let them out when necessary. Otherwise, you are going to come back home to a pretty big mess. Ensure that everyone in the household is on the same page so that there are no schedule conflicts that would leave your puppy unsupervised. It would help if you were consistent with this. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement plays a significant role in potty training any puppy. It would help if you also gave them lots of verbal praise. This is especially crucial when you are just starting with them in the first few weeks. It would help if you never punish your dog for going to the bathroom inside of the house. The most you should do is to make a loud noise if you catch them in the act. Properly Clean their Messes When your puppy has an accident in the house and they will , make sure that you quickly clean it up. Make sure that you use an enzymatic pet cleaner solution. This will discourage your dog from doing its business in the same spot again. It would help if you also tried to keep them away from the area of the house where they had their accident for at least a few months. Choose a Certain Area in Your Yard One of the best tips for potty training your puppy is to mark off a specific space in your yard for your dog to do its business. Each time you let them out, you should lead them to this spot until they go. This will keep things nice and simple for your dog, which increases the chances of them learning quickly. Goldendoodles have zest for life and are super family friendly. Ways to Make Potty Training Fun There are specific ways that you can make potty training fun for your puppy. This can make the entire process a lot easier and less stressful for both of you. Once your dog has finished doing its business in the right spot, you might want to start playing with them. This way, they will begin to associate going to the bathroom outside with having fun. It could be a fetch game, a tug of war , or something else that your Goldendoodle puppy enjoys. This is a form of positive reinforcement that can be extremely effective when training them. You can even try playing some fun music on your phone when taking your dog outside. Many dogs become fond of certain types of music. This is yet another right way to create a positive association with doing their business where they are supposed to. They might have a particular spot they want you to take your dog when it needs to pee or poop. If your adorable canine companion has an accident, it will be reasonably easy to clean up. This will help you get them properly trained faster. Avoid taking them into public buildings until they have gone at least two or three weeks with no accidents in the house. Can Goldendoodles swim? Do they like pools and beaches? How to tell if Your Puppy Has to go Outside It is vital that you can recognize the signs that your puppy needs to do its business. Once they can control their bladder, they will essentially tell you when they need to go. Some dogs will bark or even walk in circles when they need to pee or poop. Whining and circling is fairly common when a dog with a full bladder is trapped in a crate. They might also scratch at the door on the crate as a way of getting your attention. Goodendoodle Potty Training Conclusions Potty training, even the most obedient Goldendoodle puppy, can be quite an arduous process. You will, therefore, need to be prepared for what is ahead. This will require a lot of patience on your part. Keep in mind that timing is a critical aspect of this type of training. You need to maintain a consistent routine when it comes to feeding your puppy and letting them outside. If you are not consistent in your efforts, you will have a tough time. Make sure to take them out to do their business in the morning, after they eat, nap, or play. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They usually have a gentle character, are affectionate and cheerful. This is a popular breed that can make an ideal family pet. Before getting any dog, however, most people take a lot into consideration. If you plan to get a Goldendoodle puppy for the first time you might ask yourself how to house train it efficiently. When it comes to potty training, this process can be time-consuming and frustrating. All new owners of a Goldendoodle have to realize that understanding your puppy is the first step of training. How effective your potty training will be will depend on factors such as living conditions, age, and size. In general, training young puppies requires positive reinforcement for good behavior, consistency, and patience which is all true when training Goldendoodle family members. Despite the difficulties, this is still something that you will be able to accomplish with your pet in time. Below, we have outlined a step-by-step guide to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy. This guide will help you become confident and ready for the task ahead. While potty training a puppy is never truly easy, there are many, many steps that can each take away a little bit of the difficulty. Even with all the tips and tricks in the world, you will still have a considerable amount of work and time to get your Goldendoodle fully housebroken. In the end, how well both you and the new puppy do will boil down to patience and consistency on your end. If you are ready to undergo this task, below is a complete list of steps to potty training your new Doodle. Go outside immediately after for a potty break. Step 2: Restrict your puppy to one or two rooms, preferably where you or the family are. You must not let the puppy learn that sneaking off to another room is the alternative to controlling elimination. Step 4: You must take the puppy out a LOT in the beginning. Step 6: Reward your puppy after the deed, either with treats or joyful praise. In the early stages, be sure to overdo it. Ignore the neighbors…what do they know? Step 7: Until the puppy learns to hold it, do not expect signals to go outside. That will come later. Most puppies will not be able to hold their bowels or bladder until they are around four months old. They have long memories regarding scary incidents. Those are the simple basics. Every puppy or dog is different in learning to understand what is expected of them. Below are some details on these steps. Monitoring his or her food and drink consumption will help you get a better idea of when to take them out. The frequency puppies need to relieve themselves depends largely on their feeding routine. Potty training and feeding schedule should work well together. Of course, you likely do not want to restrict your puppy from drinking when they need to. Beyond the feeding schedule, you will also need to monitor this throughout the day so that you know if they will need to pee again shortly. Make sure to take your Goldendoodle puppy outside shortly after drinking water. Post-meals, it is best to take your Goldendoodle outside within minutes. You may be able to make it 30 minutes, or even an hour once he or she is older. In the early days, it is better safe than sorry as they may need to go almost immediately after eating. Constant Monitoring Keep your puppy where you can see him or her at all times while potty training. Doing this, you can catch early signs that your puppy needs to go potty in order to prevent accidents. Signs that they need to relieve themselves include sniffing, scratching, and circling. Once they begin to get older, they may also learn that the door is where they need to go. This can happen before they are truly trained, so do not be fooled into allowing them alone. Pro Tip: If you need to move about, keep them with you on a leash. Keeping your Goldendoodle on a leash, even in the house, can help you to learn their signs and prevent them from having more accidents or learning to hide their need to go from you. Crate Train for Unsupervised Times When you can not watch your puppy or you need to leave your home it is necessary to use a crate. The crate should not be too large so the puppy will not use one area for sleeping and another as a bathroom. Crate training is one of the most efficient techniques to potty train your puppy. This can also help your puppy get used to eliminating his or her waste every time he or she gets out of the crate. Take Them Outside Frequently As annoying as it is to interrupt your cleaning, relaxing, tv show, or dinner — taking your puppy outside as often as every 30 mins and no more than 1 hour apart at the beginning will help minimize accidents in the house. This is not a forever thing, but something to do at the beginning to establish in their minds that they will have the opportunity as often as they need to go. Even if no signs are shown of needing to relieve themselves, take them out and allow them a few minutes to do their business. This is a potty training technique that works well with Goldendoodle puppies. This breed of dog is smaller in size, so they have a smaller bladder and higher metabolism. It is likely they will need to eliminate waste more frequently. Taking them outside often and offering rewards when they respect the potty routine is a great way to train Goldendoodle puppies. Use a Single Command Choosing a specific word command can be helpful, especially down the road. Much like teaching your pet his or her name, the puppy will start to recognize the command and learn what to do. To avoid any confusion, use that word command only when you train them to go potty. Repeat your unique command word in an upbeat voice tone each time your puppy is in the act to go potty. You will notice after a few weeks of training that when you say the command your pet will start pre-elimination behavior such as circling and sniffing and then relieve shortly afterward. Praise and reward your puppy for its accomplishments. Teaching him or her to eliminate on command will help you avoid spending too much time waiting for your pet to get the job done. Positive Reinforcement The best way to train a puppy to do anything is with positive reinforcement. Lucky for you, almost every puppy is food-motivated. Even if they are not motivated by food rewards or you are avoiding treats too often , positive emotional reinforcement can be just as strong. Any time your puppy defecates or urinates where they are supposed to, praise them. Act like they just showed up after being missing for weeks. If you are using treats for positive reinforcement, give these to them after they finish doing their business. This will help them associate going to the bathroom outside with treats, petting, love, and happiness. Expect Some Accidents Any untrained puppy left on their own is likely to make a mistake. For that reason, a very important part of potty training is close supervision. Unless your Goldendoodle puppy has been successful in his or her potty routine for at least four consecutive weeks ideally more , you cannot consider the training to be completed. This period is even longer for older dogs. Be ready for accidents to happen, and know that you will have to respond with patience and understanding if you want to continue to make headway on this task. Take note of what happens, and readjust your training to meet the needs of your furry friend. Introductions While being prepared for the problems is the first step, introducing your pet to their new environment is the first physical step in potty training him or her. Your Goldendoodle puppy is just learning his or her new family, new home, and role. At this stage, it is important to clearly establish your expectations and keep consistent with them. Puppies have short attention spans and are easily distracted, so make sure you keep them focused. Do not let your new puppy explore and roam on their own. Only show them those areas in your home where they are allowed to be, and keep it to a small number of rooms until they are trained. Research the special needs and traits of your dog breed. Be aware of any particular behavior that you need to look out for. Try to understand how your Goldendoodle puppy communicates and pay attention to the clues he or she gives. Most Goldendoodle puppies trained to hold waste will also learn to signal you when they feel the need to relieve themselves. They could do something as obvious as going to the door and sitting or whining, or they may just try to find a place that you cannot see them. Either way, learning what your puppy does will be vital in teaching them where it is okay to go potty and where it is not. Interrupt Accidents That Are In-Progress One of the best ways to teach them they cannot go potty inside is to interrupt them during an accident. You do not want to scare your pet, just startle him or her to make them know you disapprove of their behavior. Then lead the puppy quickly outdoors. If necessary, quickly carry your puppy outside if they do not want to follow. Even if they have finished the accident as you catch them, this will still instill in them that you disapprove of their actions and want them to go outside. It may be time to stop interrupting and start ignoring them. The dog likely learned that by urinating inside, they get your attention. They are likely doing this if they feel ignored by you. For a while, ignore when they go in front of you and clean it up after they leave, this will keep from reinforcing bad habits. Create a Consistent Potty Spot A great way to breed consistency is to choose a particular spot outdoors for potty training. Every time your puppy needs to go take him or her at the designated area. You should pick a spot that is easy to clean up and is not visited by other dogs. Keep your puppy on a leash when you take him or her outdoors, so you can easily lead to a specific location. You have to direct your puppy to a specific spot every time he or she feels the need to go potty. Sticking to just one potty spot is an effective way to succeed with the training process. Dogs are territorial animals and you can make this work in your favor and improve their potty training. As puppies, if they are to smell other dogs or animals around, they will be nervous to go in that area. Establish Routines Establish a potty routine and be consistent with it. Consistency is important in potty training. Many of these instances of routine have been mentioned, but there are also others. It is important that each facet of this training can be incorporated into a routine. Use the same door when taking your pet outside. Always take the puppy to the same potty spot and use the same word command. Take the puppy out after every meal and first thing in the morning. Also, take the puppy outside anytime you take him or her out of the crate or anytime you come home. Let your puppy out after napping, drinking water, playing, and before bedtime. A new pet in your home will be unsure about their bathroom limits. Directing him or her at the proper time to the proper place is essential in forming good habits. Other Tips to Note When Potty Training a Goldendoodle Puppy Never Punish them After-the-Fact While it can be helpful to stop them when you catch them in the act, you should never punish your puppy after he or she has passed. As frustrated as you may get by stepping in a wet spot or seeing a present they left you, do not take this anger out on them. Dogs are not able to tell what they are being punished for. Doing this will only cause them to fear you most of the time, and will not break the bad habit. Direct Your Puppy Away from Problem Areas Fecal and urine odor should be removed in order to keep your Goldendoodle puppy from returning to home areas where he or she made a mess. Use a good commercial product specifically designed for cleaning up doggy odors. If possible, do not allow your puppy to enter for several months into a room where he or she has had frequent potty accidents, or try to block off the area with other furniture. If you notice your dog peeing on a certain rug, perhaps roll the rug up after cleaning and keep hidden for a few days. Avoiding Nervous Wetting If your Goldendoodle puppy urinates and squats when he or she greets you, they may have an issue called submissive urination. Puppies that tend to urinate during greetings are super sensitive. You should never scold such a puppy when they act this way since scolding or punishment inevitably aggravates the problem. They will associate the scolding with the greeting rather than the nervous wetting behavior. If you are quiet and calm, most puppies will eventually grow out of this unwanted behavior. Another approach that can help to alleviate this issue is to ask your pet calmly to sit for a treat when someone greets him or her. Paper or Pee Pad Training This potty training technique works well if the weather conditions are too bad for your puppy to venture outside or if you are busy with your work and need to always be away from your house. This training method consists of positioning a puppy pad at an ideal place indoors. By using the paper pad your Goldendoodle puppy will learn to relieve itself in the proper spot when he or she cannot be taken outside. This will help you to maintain a clean home by providing easy removal and clean up as well. Many new owners of a Goldendoodle do not know how long a puppy should be expected to hold his or her bladder. This depends on factors including how long the puppy has been in your house, his or her age, and your training consistency. Puppies have small bladders and, of course, you cannot expect them to be able to hold it for long. For example, if your puppy is two months old, it should be able to hold it for two hours. When he or she is six months old, your puppy should be able to hold it for six hours. At night, most puppies can hold it for 1. By four weeks of age, they are just starting to try to do their business by themselves. By five weeks of age, you can start training them by providing a tray or a papered area, but you cannot expect much consistency yet. When they are around 10 to 12 weeks long, puppies start to be able to hold it longer, and you can have a bit more consistency with their potty training. However, your Goldendoodle puppy will need potty training until he or she is six months old. So, you can expect to take around five months to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy if beginning around five weeks of age. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? When considering purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy, you might wonder if they are easy to potty train. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Being intelligent dogs, Goldendoodles are usually easy to train. Their intelligence combined with their desire to please makes it simple for them to understand your basic commands and quickly grasp what you expect from them. However, even within a breed, every dog is different. Each puppy will have a different learning curve. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to the family can bring you great joy. Here is a list of essential preparations: Water and food bowls You need to prepare adequate water and food bowls before bringing your Goldendoodle puppy home. The dishes you use should be easy to clean, resistant to breaking, and not too big for your puppy. It is recommended to only put the food bowl out during feeding times. This will help with house training and avoiding overeating. However, a fresh bowl of water should always be available for your puppy and should not be restricted for house training purposes. Quality food specially designed for puppies It is important to provide good quality puppy food in order to help your puppy to grow strong and healthy. You can find many high-quality varieties of puppy food on the market. It is recommended to choose a brand that does not have corn as its first ingredient and is high in protein. Puppies need high nutritional values in their food, especially during the early puppy months and years. In case you plan to make a change, it is a good idea to feed your puppy the same food from the beginning so that he or she is used to it and only switch over gradually to another brand. Leash, collar, and ID tag You will need a leash for walking and a properly fitting collar or harness for your Goldendoodle pet. Place an ID tag on the collar and make sure you provide your contact information. Keep the tag updated with your latest address and phone number. Crate A crate will help with behavioral training and housebreaking your puppy. Make sure you choose a crate comfortable for the puppy size. However, do not provide too much space at first. The crate will be less effective as a helping tool for your puppy training if it is too large. Toys Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a variety of toys to snuggle with, chase around, and chew on. Make sure to replace the toys regularly so that your puppy does not get bored. The toys to chew on are particularly important so your puppy will stay away from your sofa cushions, table legs, and shoes. Potty training items You will need paper pellets and a litter pan to use for potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. You may also choose to purchase a pee pad for their crate area so that they can relieve themselves in case you are unable to bring them outdoors. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The effectiveness of the training depends on the age of the puppy, its size, and living conditions. You have to use certain tips like positive reinforcement to train them. With patience and proper training, your Goldendoodle puppy will become potty trained in no time. In this guide, we are going to outline a step-by-step guide to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. Along with that, we are going to share some tips and answer some common questions to make the process easy for you as well as for your beloved puppy. However, our guide will help make this complicated process lot easier and more fun. About Goldendoodle Puppies A Goldendoodle puppy is a crossbreed of two popular dogs, i. They are also known as designer dogs or hybrid dogs. These puppies are usually more friendly and social than their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles are intelligent and playful. They make great family pets and get along with other pets. They are great with children. However, they do not make good watchdogs or guard dogs, though. Their high level of socialization means they need to be around their owners most times. The physical and mental energy of a Goldendoodle is great, and they need a high level of activity. These pups need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A Goldendoodle is a fun, loyal companion who will need a lot of exercise. They are active and love to explore, so they need ample time to play. These dogs have been bred to be energetic and friendly and will love to be with you and your family. The best thing about these puppies is that they are easy to train. You can easily teach tricks and commands to them. This quality of Goldendoodles will come in handy when you are potty training them. Because of their intelligence and easy-to-train quality, they will learn fairly quickly than other dogs. It is also necessary to clean up the mess after a puppy has relieved itself. A Goldendoodle puppy can be stubborn, so you must be patient and persistent. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that you can take to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy. You need to remember that this training process takes time. It will also help you learn more about this wonderful breed. When teaching your puppy to use the toilet, the first thing is to praise him or her. Your pup will show pre-elimination behavior when asked to go outside. As long as it happens quickly, praise and reward your puppy. To ensure success with potty training, you should establish a consistent schedule. The routine should include meals, bathroom breaks, playtime, and bedtime. The training process requires constant and consistent supervision. Depending on the age of your Goldendoodle, it might take up to four weeks of consistent training to get it right. Start by taking your Goldendoodle out immediately after it wakes up in the morning. When your puppy eats , it stimulates the digestive process and will most likely eliminate within an hour. Steps to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Regardless of the age, a Goldendoodle puppy is a great addition to any home and will be a wonderful companion for a long time to come. However, proper potty training is crucial for a rewarding relationship between you and your puppy. This is because their metabolism is higher, and they need to eliminate waste more frequently. However, the sooner you start potty training your Goldendoodle, the better. To make the training process easier for you, we have curated a perfect and easy-to-follow step-by-step potty training guide. It will help you to train them easily in a short span of time. Here are the steps you need to follow when training them. However, remember that patience is the key! Step 1: Stick to A Feeding Schedule When it comes to potty training a Goldendoodle puppy, the first thing you need to do is stick to a feeding schedule. Give food and water to your puppy on a schedule. So by monitoring their consumption, you will get a better idea about when they take them out. The feeding routine affects the frequency of excretion. The best thing you can do is prepare a meal schedule to match their potty training timetable. The meal and potty schedule should go hand in hand. Make sure you feed them at the proper time. You should also monitor their water drinking schedule. Once your puppy drinks water or eats food, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. For example, take your pup out for a walk immediately after a meal and within 10 to 20 minutes. This way, they can learn from an early age to go outside for potty. It will also condition them to prevent creating a mess inside the house. Step 2: Monitor and Keep Them Close Another thing you need to do is constantly monitor where the puppy goes. You need to keep them within your eyesight and prevent them from wandering to other places. Make sure you restrict them to fewer places in the house. Someone from your family should always be present near the pup to keep an eye on their behavior. It is one of the best ways to prevent them from eliminating inside the house. When you monitor them and keep them close, you will be able to notice the telltale signs that they are about to potty. Some signs include scratching, sniffing, and circling. When you notice these signs, stop them and take them out for potty. It will prevent them from going inside the house. If you are constantly moving in the house, use a leash to keep them in one place. These puppies are very clever and can easily learn where the door is. So it is better to monitor them. Step 3: Crate Train Them When you are not home to monitor or supervise your pup, it is best to leave them in the crate. Crate training is best for unsupervised times. A crate is a safe place for puppies, and they will be reluctant to create a mess inside. Make sure the crate is perfect for their size. Crate training will help them to go outside for potty once you open the gate. It should be their safe place. Unlike many other breeds, Goldendoodles can be trained to go inside the crate without any assistance. You should also crate train for unsupervised times when you leave your pup home alone. It can be annoying, but it will be very helpful in the long run as they will learn fairly quickly to go out for elimination. To minimize accidents, you need to take them out after 1 hour. This potty training trick works well with puppies. This breed of dogs is small, and they have a small bladder. They need to eliminate frequently, so you need to take them out a lot. As they will grow older, they will learn how to hold their bladder and go on their own to relieve themselves. Step 5: Give Your Puppy Commands Apart from taking them out, you need to teach them to control words. Associate these words with their elimination routine so that they can follow your order and go out. When your puppy is going, use these commands or control words to make them go out for potty. Make sure you use only one or two unique commands which they can associate with going potty to avoid any confusion. Being intelligent, your little pup will soon learn to follow your verbal command. Step 6: Positive Reinforcement After you train your Goldendoodle pup to follow verbal commands, reward them for following instructions. You can either use praise words or treats as positive reinforcement. This is the best way to potty train your puppy. Puppies feel motivated when you praise them or give them food. Praise and treats make puppies happy, and Goldendoodles respond well to this. If you give your pup treats or praise after eliminating, they will be more likely to go outside for the business. Make sure you use positive reinforcements immediately after they go outside for potty. In the beginning, you have to do this constantly for them to get used to it. They will probably go inside the house during the first few days. Until they are four months old, you can expect some accidents even when they are in training. Potty training is a time-consuming process, so you need to be patient. Make sure you keep up with the training and develop a routine. As the days will pass, the puppy will stop going inside the house. You can expect fewer accidents as they grow old. Instead of scolding them, you need to make them understand that it is not right to go inside the house. These puppies are intelligent and sensitive. If you make a fuss and scold them, they will get confused. They have a sharp memory and will not forget when you punish them. Just remember that your Goldendoodle puppy is still in the puppy stage, so expect accidents and frequent cleaning until they learn how to relieve themselves. Punishing them will ruin all your hard work to build a strong relationship with them. How to Potty Train a Goldendoodle Puppy? When you adopt or buy a new Goldendoodle puppy, they will not be potty trained. It is your responsibility to train them. While there is a detailed step-by-step guide for training them, here are some core steps to help you with potty training. Along with the step-by-step guide, you need to follow these additional steps. These five steps will help you to introduce your puppy to potty training and develop a routine for them. Here are the steps. Step 1: Introduction The first step in potty training is the introduction. When you bring a Goldendoodle pup to your home, introduce them to the new surroundings. It is the first physical step you need to follow. As the puppy is small, they are just learning to adjust to the new environment. You need to clearly establish what you want from them. Only introduce them to the area where they are allowed and where you can monitor them. This will help you to avoid accidents in different parts of the house. Step 2: Understand Their Behavior After introducing them to the new surroundings, you need to start paying attention to their behavior. You need to learn how the puppy is trying to communicate with you. You need to notice their behavior to know when they need to go for potty. Pay attention to the signals they are giving. They will give you a signal by whining or scratching the door to go outside. Once you notice this behavior, take them out so that they can relieve themselves. It is the best way to potty train a pup. Step 3: Interrupt Accidents When you notice that the pup is about to go inside the house, interrupt the accidents. You need to give them commands to stop. Once you stop them in the middle of going potty, immediately take them outside and then give the command to go again. Step 4: Create a Common Potty Spot One of the best ways to instill the habit of going potty outside is by creating a common potty spot. Create a designated area for potty training. Make sure the spot is easy to clean. Now, whenever you take the dog for potty training, go to that spot. This way, they can smell the area and associate it with going to the potty. It will help them to easily go for potty. Dogs are territorial, so it will help you to easily train them to avoid any mess in the house. Make sure you stick to one spot so your puppy can recognize it. Step 5: Establish Routines This is the last and final step you need to follow. Establish a daily potty routine with your puppy. Take them out at the same time and follow the same steps. This will condition the puppy and help them develop a potty routine. Take them out in the morning when you wake up. You also need to take them after meals and when you bring them out of the crate. When you come home from work, take them out again. You need to take them out after naps and during evening time as well. Make sure you stick with the same routine to develop the habit in your Goldendoodle puppy. Tips to Potty Train A Goldendoodle Puppy Apart from following the steps, you can use some additional tips to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. It will help you to train them with ease without any problems. Morning Walks: The best tip to train a Goldendoodle puppy is to take them about in the morning immediately after they wake up. Puppies pee right after they wake up, so you need to take them out at that time. It will help you to avoid any mess. Multiple Potty Breaks: Another thing you can do is give them multiple potty breaks in the beginning. When a Goldendoodle puppy is not fully trained, it can pee or poop anywhere. So, you need to take them out on as many potty breaks as you can. Make sure you reward them after they go outside. Go Out After Meals: You also need to take them out after they eat or drink something. Goldendoodle puppies tend to go after 15 to 20 minutes of eating something. By taking them out after meals, you can train them to go potty outside. Use Commands: You need to use commands to potty train them. Use verbal commands so that they can understand when to go outside. You can teach them to ring the bell when they have to go to the potty. This way, whenever they have to go, they will ring the bell to give you a signal. Rewards: Another thing you can do is use positive reinforcement and reward them when they go outside for potty. It will help them to associate it with good behavior. Paper or Pee Pad: You can use this technique when you cannot take them out due to bad weather. Use a pee pad of paper on which your puppy can pee. This will help you to avoid any mess. Keep Away from Problem Areas: Puppies like to go potty in the same area. So make sure you use good cleaning products to remove the smell from the area. Also, keep them away from soft surfaces. These are problem areas where they are more likely to go potty in the house. Avoid Nervous Wetting: Sensitive Goldendoodle puppies can become nervous when they greet you and will pee in the house. To prevent this, you need to avoid scolding them and behave calmly. Overfeeding: The first thing you need to avoid is overfeeding them. Leaving Them Alone: You should never leave them alone in the house as well as when you take them out. It is best to go with a crate that has enough sleeping space. Punishment and Scolding: You should avowing punishing or scolding your Goldendoodle puppy as it will make them nervous and cause too much stress. Forgetting Schedule: You should avoid forgetting the potty schedule. If you are a forgetful person, make sure you set alarms to take the pup out on the potty break. Waiting for Signals: Avoid waiting for signals from the pup as they are too small to convey that they want to go potty. Instead, you should frequently take them out in the beginning. Irregular Feeding: Another thing you need to avoid is irregular feeding. Make sure you feed them as the schedule as per their daily potty routine. When to start potty training varies for every dog. Regardless of the breed, Goldendoodles are food-motivated, so the earlier you begin the process, the more successful you will be. You should start taking the puppy outside once they are 12 weeks old. It is the ideal age to start potty training. However, some dogs need a bit more time to develop bladder control. Take your puppy outside frequently in the early morning and after playing or napping. This will help your pup develop a habit of going outside when the urge strikes. This will save you both time and frustration in the long run. If you wait for them to mature, the task will become very difficult. So make sure you start training them once they reach 12 weeks of age. Puppies have smaller bladders than fully grown dogs, and this can make them prone to frequent urination. When it comes to bladder capacity, Goldendoodle puppies can hold their bladder as long as their age, in months. A 6-month-old Goldendoodle can hold its bladder for up to six hours, while a 12 week-old puppy will be able to hold it for up to 2 hours. At night, they can hold it 1. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? Most breeders agree that Goldendoodles are easier to train than other breeds. They are highly intelligent and good with people. Their natural instinct to please the owner makes them pretty easy to train. They will be able to easily pick up your commands and follow a schedule for potty training. Compared to other dogs, Goldendoodles are pretty easy to train. However, you might still face some challenges as each and every dog is different from the other. Make sure you are patient and follow the tips to train them. It will take some time to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy, but with patience and consistent care, you will be able to do it. Once they reach the age of 5 weeks, they start to pee on their own. At this time, you can use pee pads to avoid any mess. However, once they reach 12 weeks of age, they will have better bladder control. You can start training at this age until they are six months old. It can take around 4 to 5 months to potty train a Goldendoodle puppy. If you start at five weeks, it will take five months for them to learn how to go potty outside. One important step in toilet training a puppy is to understand when they have to go out. Most puppies give signals when they feel the urge to pee or poop. When a pup sniffs or goes near the door, it is a sign that they want to go outside for potty. Some other signs that a puppy needs to potty include sniffing the floor, circling around, or scratching the door. If you see one or more of these signs, take your puppy outside. How to Make Potty Training Fun? Potty training is a complicated and time-consuming process. However, you can do some things to make it fun and easier. The first thing you can do is play with your puppy when you take them outside for potty. Once they are done with eliminating outside, play with them. It works as positive reinforcement and helps them to associate going potty with playing outside. You can play various games like tug-of-war or fetch. It will make the potty training process fun. Apart from that, you can also play music when you take them out. Puppies become fond of a certain type of music. This way, they will happily go out for doing their business. You can use these two tips to make potty training fun for Goldendoodles. Even though these dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and listen to commands, pet owners might find it challenging to train them, especially in the beginning. Keep in mind that it is a time-consuming process and needs patience, consistency, and dedication. If you follow our guide and use the tips, this process will be much easier. If you follow the steps for 4 to 5 months, your Goldendoodle will learn how to control the bladder and go out for potty breaks. Make sure you use positive reinforcement to reward them. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs and they have a great desire to please their humans. Figuring out the best routine for house training your puppy effectively helps ensure a happy life together with your new fur baby. Most dog parents would agree that potty training a puppy is one of the hardest things to teach. It takes weeks if not months of dedication and consistency and is highly dependent on you not letting your guard down. There will be unavoidable accidents in the house, but the more accidents you allow to occur, the longer the process will become. While an old dog can still learn new tricks, it is best to start potty training your Goldendoodle the moment he comes home to you. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes as you never want to be working to change bad habits, but instead, creating good habits from day one. Unfortunately, failing the potty training of a puppy is one of the main reasons why pets end up in shelters. Most puppies need the first six months to master this task. You cannot consider your dog a graduate of the potty training academy until he has been accident-free for at least a month. Even then, accidents can occur if you miss his queue or leave him indoors beyond his limit. The Process of Potty Training Your Goldendoodle Puppy To successfully house-train your puppy, you must arm yourself with patience, a crate with an adjustable partition, some baby gates, and cleaners that remove the smell of urine when accidents occur. Once an area is scented with urine, it attracts the puppy to the same area to do its business again and again. One of the most challenging and time-consuming things to teach your puppy is the art of going potty in the right place — outside. You will need to dedicate the first few weeks to watching him like a hawk and taking him outside at least once an hour when he is enjoying playtime. You will need to close doors to other rooms and baby gates off access to areas where your puppy may be able to get out of your sight. The puppy now thinks this is the appropriate place to potty and he will go there again and again. If you cannot effectively remove access to other rooms, then you can attach a six-foot lead to your puppy and your belt. When arriving home to a crated puppy, always pick him up as soon as you open the crate door and carry him outside to the designated potty area. Allowing him to follow you out after holding it for more than one hour is allowing him to have an accident on the way to the door. Puppies will not go potty while being carried, so use this trick to get him outside after being confined to his crate. Your puppy will eventually choose a way to signal to you that he needs to go outside. These signals will likely be walking or pacing by the door, barking at the door, sitting at the door, or scratching at the door. You can teach your puppy a better option which is called bell training which will always get your attention. Hang a bell on a rope on the doorknob of the door you always use to go outside for a potty break. Make sure it hangs low enough for him to reach it with his nose. This door should be in a room where you spend most of your time with your puppy. He will not easily learn to go find another door to the outside if it is not within sight of where he spends most of his time. Each time you take your puppy out the door, stop and use his nose to make the bell ring. Immediately open the door so he learns that the sound of the bell makes the door open. Usually, within days, the puppy is successfully ringing the bell when he needs to go potty. Keep in mind that he may abuse this newly learned trick by asking out just to play. Get to Know Your Puppy Most puppies will need to eliminate shortly after each meal. Make sure it becomes your normal routine to have a potty break outside after eating. Also, note his mannerisms when it has been more than one hour since his last outing. Until he learns to communicate his needs to you, you may find him walking towards the door, sitting near the door, whining, circling, sniffing, or squatting. Any of these actions require you to immediately pick him up and get him to his designated area. Keep Your Dog on a Consistent Feeding Schedule Food and water consumption are the reason why your puppy needs to eliminate. Adhering to a regular feeding routine ensures that you can monitor their food and water intake. You may wish to offer access to water only at mealtimes and specific times in between meals as this will give a better indication of necessary potty times. An ample drink of water may render a potty break within minutes in a young puppy as his bladder is very small and cannot hold much. Give Commands Choose a single command to indicate that you want your Goldendoodle to do his business. Just make sure to be consistent with the command you use to avoid confusion and to imprint the result you are seeking. Even if the accident still occurs, pick him up and take him outside to his potty place to instill in him that what he did was in the wrong place. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding your dog when he does things right, therefore introducing him to positive stimuli. I do not recommend providing a food reward when a successful potty event occurs outside. When an accident occurs and it will! Prevent your puppy from having access to rooms where he has had multiple previous accidents. Close the door to that room or use a baby gate to avoid access. You are, in effect, closing the bathroom door. The perfect crate has enough space for your puppy to stand, lay down, and move around comfortably. You should use the crate to crate train for unsupervised times. However, you must make sure to teach him not to associate the crate with punishments. It is his castle, his safe place, and he will be spending a lot of time there. It should always have safe chew toys inside so it is a fun place and not a jail cell. If an accident occurs inside the crate, downsize to the previous location of the partition and try again a few days later to allow a slightly larger space. Keep your puppy awake until you plan to go to bed. Take him out for a bedtime potty break, then place him in the crate with a few non-squeaky toys. A Snuggle Puppy is a great option to help him feel secure. Close the door, lay down in bed, and listen to him cry and whine. You can drop your hand down to the gate and allow him to see and smell that you are close by, but do not open the crate for a minimum of three hours. Your puppy will likely fall asleep in a matter of minutes but may wake crying shortly thereafter. Allow your puppy to cry himself asleep again and only take him out for a potty break if three hours have passed since the last outing AND he is waking you. Never wake a sleeping puppy! Each night, the crying should be shorter and the sleeping should be longer. Typically within a week, you will wake one morning realizing that you and your puppy slept all night without a potty break. Sample Schedule for a New Puppy For puppies mos. For those that have family members home during the day, the puppy should spend one three-hour stretch in the crate and have more supervised interaction outside the crate than this schedule shows. Allow min. Confine to a crate when you leave; place safe chew toys in the crate for entertainment. If you will remain home, allow your puppy to have supervised playtime and take them outside every minutes to eliminate. Noon Take pup out if arriving home on lunch break. Confine to crate overnight. This is just a sample schedule to give you an idea of the time involved in housetraining a puppy. When possible, your puppy should not be crated once you are home for the evening. This is when you spend quality time with him and work on basic obedience. Take time off from work to dedicate to potty training your puppy when he first comes home. You are going to lose some sleep while your puppy is settling into his new environment and he is learning to be an only puppy. It may be difficult to maintain a normal work schedule when you are getting up in the middle of the night or having to deal with periods of a crying puppy. However, after a 3 hour period of confinement, a puppy should have a minimum of one hour of play time before being confined again if at all possible. Take your puppy out for potty breaks to the designated area when appropriate and do not play with your puppy during the potty break outing. He may need to go potty a few times in one outing to completely empty his bladder. Have a special spot for your Goldendoodle puppy to potty. Until your puppy has demonstrated bladder control, always pick them up from their crate and carry them outside for potty breaks to avoid accidents. Always bring your puppy back inside immediately after a potty break is completed. Come inside and then go back out to a different area for playtime. Avoid submissive urination. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and may end up squatting when excited. Do not scold your puppy for this action as that will make matters worse. Keep calm when greeting them, avoid eye contact until you get them outside, and know that they will likely outgrow this behavior. In conclusion, potty training a dog requires patience and careful observation. The Goldendoodle temperament allows this breed to respond well to positive reinforcement so use that to your advantage. Confinement When you first begin potty training your puppy, restrict his access to just a couple of rooms in your home. Once the puppy understands that the only place he can relieve himself is outside, he can be free to roam around your home. Set A Feeding Schedule Eating and drinking determine when your puppy needs to be eliminated, and you can use that to devise a feeding routine to suit your routine. That said, fresh, clean water must always be available for your pet, as puppies can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly. Take Your Puppy Outside Regularly Puppies are creatures of habit, and you can use that when toilet training your pet. The first thing you should do in the morning is to take your puppy outside so that he can go to the toilet. Throughout the day, make time to take your puppy outside every 30 minutes to an hour or so. Also, immediately after your puppy has had a nap or eaten a meal, take him outside for a potty break. Having a routine for going outside can help to avoid common potty training issues and accidents in your home and is crucial until your pup has adequate bladder control to last for longer periods. Lights Out The last thing you need to do at the end of the day before you settle down for the night is to take your puppy outside. That means your puppy will be comfortable and should sleep soundly. So, try to take your puppy to the same place to relieve himself every time so that he understands where his toilet is. So, how many times a day does a Goldendoodle puppy poop? Generally, most dogs need to poop up to five times every day! Puppies and senior dogs that eat lots of small meals throughout the day might need to go more frequently than that. Also, sick dogs with health problems sometimes need to poop more times than that. Reward Your Puppy Once your puppy has done his business, praise him and reward him with a treat. All the time, praise your pet for doing the right thing in the right place. Basically, your puppy craves your love and attention, so he will try to do what he knows will get that for him, i. Yes, in the short term, you can use a training crate for potty training your puppy. The idea is that confining the puppy in the crate enables you to keep an eye on your pet and spot the signs of when he needs to go. Crate training also means that your puppy will learn to hold on until you open the crate and take him outside to his latrine area. Crate Train For Unsupervised Times Here are our top tips on how to use a crate for toilet training your puppy. Make sure that the training crate has enough space for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Puppies can become dehydrated very quickly. Never deny your dog a drink purely to prevent him from needing to pee so often. So, a bowl of water should always be available for your pet. The crate is too big. The puppy needs to be let outside more frequently. The puppy might be too young to have adequate bowel and bladder control. With patience you can eliminate this undesirable behavior and rule out these doggie accidents once your pet gets into a proper potty routine. To potty train your puppy successfully, you need to know how to spot the signs that your pet needs to go, including: Sniffing the ground in one area Turning small circles on one spot Sniffing or scratching by the door Whining or whimpering If your furry friend displays any of these signs, you know that he probably needs to relieve himself. There are a few factors at play here, including the age and size of your dog. For example, a two-month-old puppy can usually hold it for two hours before he needs to go. So, it follows that a puppy of six months of age should be able to wait for six hours. Also, the puppy will begin to associate your displeasure with the greeting, not the urination. Try to remain calm and chilled out when greeting your pet. Most dogs eventually grow out of the behavior. In the meantime, you might find that distracting your dog by offering him a treat helps to stop the problem. There are a few absolute no-nos when potty training your Goldendoodle puppy. Punishment Never punish your canine companion if he gets it wrong and has an accident in the house. Yelling at your puppy will frighten and upset him, potentially making him afraid of you and causing even more problems. If you hassle your puppy or dog, they might not do their business, resulting in an accident in the house later. Caught In The Act! Immediately, take your puppy outside to finish what he was doing, and then make a big fuss of him and give him a treat as a reward. The best thing to do is clean up the mess and move on. However, potty training an adult dog is often easier than teaching a puppy. One reason for that is that adult dogs have a larger bladder and can, therefore, wait for a few hours before needing to eliminate. Even so, you should never force your dog to wait for too long before he can get outside to go. That quality time helps the dog to bond with you and also enables you to get potty training off to a flying start. Establish A Routine Begin by establishing a routine for your Goldendoodle. First thing in the morning, before you feed your pet, let him outside so that he can go to the toilet if he wants to. Take the dog outside again at lunchtime and then again mid-afternoon. Praise Your Dog! That way, your pet will quickly learn to associate going to the bathroom in the correct location with a positive experience. Be Observant Be vigilant for the signs mentioned above that could indicate that your pup needs to go. As soon as you spot something suspicious, take your pet outside to avert an accident. What About Tummy Upsets? Sometimes, adult dogs suffer from digestive upsets, typically gastroenteritis. An upset tummy is quite common in dogs from rescues and shelters that have just arrived in their new home. That often results in diarrhea or loose stools. However, those symptoms can also be indicators of an infection, so always consult your vet immediately. Puppy Pad Training If you live in an apartment or if the weather prevents you from taking your dog outside to relieve himself, you can use puppy pads or special potty boxes that are designed for indoor use. Basically, you choose somewhere suitable for the puppy pad or potty box to live inside your home and teach your dog to relieve himself there, using the same methods described earlier in this guide. How To Clean Up! As previously mentioned, dogs will always use their chosen latrine area when they want to relieve themselves. If your Goldendoodle puppy or dog makes a mess in the house, the smell of urine must be removed thoroughly and quickly to prevent your pet from returning to the area when he needs to go. Cleaning Dog Urine From Carpets And Rugs There are two methods that you can use to clean up dog urine from your carpets and rugs, both of which are very effective.

Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. We get down on our hands and knees and look at the world from our puppies eyes. We often find many hidden dangers that go unnoticed from our regular vantage point. You can buy them on-line or at your local pet supply store. Important items include: A Crate. You can get a wire crate or plastic kennel. The crate should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. We still have and use the first one we bought for our Lab mix rescue pup, Linus over 16 years. Toys, Treats, and Chewies. Having a variety of toys are important to keep him busy and entertained. They also help his mental development. I get some that squeak and some that honk when the pup plays with them. Different textures like rubber and latex can provide some variety. Puzzle-like toys can make him figure out how to work them. Kongs frozen with a little moist food can keep him busy and help teething needs. Chewies such as Nylabones, bully sticks, and antlers can meet his teething needs. Puppy training treats can help train him. Treats should be no larger than the size of a pea. His kibble can be used as a treat too. Check out some of the best chew toys for your puppy. You can continue to give him the same puppy food. There are formulas for small dogs and puppies that will become large breeds as adults. Puppy Pee and Poop Cleaner. Although we try to avoid accidents, some are inevitable with a young puppy. There are some great enzymatic cleaners to help remove housebreaking indiscretions. They even make types for different surfaces such as wood and carpet. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Always test on an inconspicuous area before using. If you just try to wipe the stain away without such products, the pup may be drawn back to the area to use as his potty yard. Potty Pads. These are pads with a plastic backing and paper top that is pre-scented to draw the puppy to use them as his bathroom. They can be very useful in some circumstances. Some people live in an apartment and the puppy may not be able to hold it on the way out. Or you may have a toy or small breed dog like a chihuahua or Yorkie and intend to use the pads throughout his life. Leash, Collar, and Harness. Have sizes that fit your pup and a six-foot leash. The breeder or rescue you obtain the dog from can help you get the right sizes, as can knowledgeable pet store employees. Safety first. Water and Food Bowls. They should be sized for the puppy. What a Mastiff needs as an adult and as a puppy are very different. I prefer stainless steel because they last forever and are easy to clean. Bitter Apple. This is a chew deterrent that can help save your precious chair leg. Always test on an inconspicuous spot before using. Puppy Exercise Pen. The name is misleading. They come in wire, plastic, or cloth. It can also be used as a safe containment area. Grooming Tools. Ask your breeder or rescue group what they recommend. Safety Gate. You may need this in order to block the puppy from other rooms or stairs. Ideally, everyone living with the puppy should meet to determine who is handling each task with the puppy. Basically, our night stands are crates. You can move the crate or have a second one in the area where everyone hangs out, like the family room or living room. By keeping our pup to the exact same routine helps them learn more quickly. Set up a wellness check with a trusted veterinarian. They can potty the pup and even play and walk him. Choose a name if your family can decide on one prior to his joining his household so that you can start teaching him his name. Feed the puppy at the same times every day, generally three times a day for a young puppy under five months old. Puppy Potty Training. The puppy will have to potty after sleeping, eating, playing, chewing, and any excitement, and prior to going to bed. I know, it seems as if all he does is go to the bathroom — outside, inside, everywhere!? But it will get better as he gets more bladder control. So, a two-month-old puppy should be able to hold it for about three hours. Be prepared to be very sleep-deprived the first week and maybe a little longer. Closely observe you pup to see when he has to go to the bathroom. Some pups start to sniff the floor as a cue, others seem agitated, others spin. Try to get the puppy outside whenever you see these signs. Try taking him out the same door, the same route, to the same area. It saves a lot of time. Immediately after the pup potties, remember to praise and reward the pup with a small treat no bigger than the size of a pea. A piece of his kibble can be used. And you can praise and reward with a small treat immediately after he potties. Just watch him more closely. The Great Explorer. Let the pup explore the puppy-proofed room at his own pace. If possible, play with a toy he had at his former placement. Gently squeak it and toss it a foot away from him. Let him know you represent great times. Great Crate. Leave the door to his crate open, tethered back so it will remain open and not scare him by moving. Have a toy or blankie from his former home in the crate to make him more comfortable. You can help him enter by tossing the toy into the crate with him watching nearby. Or you can have a couple of his kibbles present to toss in too. Even though your family and friends want to meet the new addition, give him at least a few days to settle in before overwhelming him with too many new experiences. Familiar Scent. It will help his bond with you and get him to know good things happen there. Take him out to potty right before you put him to bed. Gently place him in his crate or throw a couple of pieces of his kibble in his crate and let him go after them. You want him to like his crate. Have the blankie with the scent from his prior home in his crate. A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can help some pups adjust. It simulates a heartbeat and has a warming pack inside to help the puppy be calm and ease his loneliness in the first critical nights of his adjustment. Puppy panic. The pup may squeal, whine, and bark. Generally, I let the pup cry himself out. Give him a couple of minutes to potty. If he goes, praise and reward. One of my puppies had an ear-piercing scream the first night in her crate. She eventually settled and slept. Each successive night got better and better when she learned her new routine and stopped panicking. Sleeplessness: Yours. Be prepared to have some sleepless nights for at least the first few weeks. The puppy can only hold his urine for a few hours. I recommend even setting an alarm for the first few nights so that you can take him out after three hours. Leave him for a few hours after the first few days of his adjusting to his new home. My newest puppy is an Aussie mix I named Millie. She was about 11 weeks old when I adopted her. She was full of energy and never met a stranger in her foster home. Even though she was so outgoing, I still gave her about five days to adjust to meeting new people. Some pups are shy and reserved in meeting new people. Others want to run up to new people and jump all over them. Set him up to succeed. Have only a few people meet him at a time. Meeting people should be a positive experience. Have the people give him a small tidbit of a treat or a piece or two of his kibble. You can teach him that such interactions are good first over the first week or so; once he likes being held or having his feet touched by you, then I would have others gently do so while rewarding and praising him. But you can still take him on the road towards the end of the first week if he seems to be adjusting well. I carry a soft fleece dog bed to put into a shopping cart with the puppy in a harness and on a leash. Give him a treat as people come up to pet him. Have them meet on leash assuming your pup has adjusted to his harness and leash. Just a short meeting of about a minute is fine. Eventually, if the pups are about the same size and have similar play styles, they can play for a few minutes off leash for a few minutes in a safe area such as a puppy-proofed room. Be careful of the puppy meeting new dogs. Not all dogs will tolerate the antics of a puppy. Wait until you have a puppy more than a week and until he knows some basic commands like sit and his name. Make sure that the dog he meets, both being on leash, is very tolerant of puppies. Going in a car is new to him and he has to get used to the motion and going new places. The more fun, positive places he goes, he should get used to traveling and even look forward to it. He has to brave the new world of TVs and dishwashers. Make sure such encounters are pleasant. In the same way, get him used to other everyday sights and sounds such as the TV on or the phone ringing. Eventually, get him used to new sights and sounds outside the house. Puppy Training Training is composed of having the pup learn a new language and the rules. Socialization and training also give him confidence in his world. But there are certain other commands the pup should start to learn the first week. You can also reward with a small treat no larger than a pea. Remember to always set your puppy up for success. For example, have your pup exercised before he works so that he can settle down and focus. A short five-minute play session tossing a toy can help. His Name. Have him in front of you and say his name. It should always be positive. Nothing negative should happen immediately after he comes to you. At first have him in front of you, show him the treat and lure him to you as you back away a few steps. Crate Training. Practice having your puppy go into the crate with the door open. Throw a treat or toy in and praise when he enters. Make sure the crate is an inviting place. Place a towel or blanket in it that has the scent of his old home and littermates to help him feel more comfortable in his new home. Get your new puppy used to handling. Have him on your lap or a table with a rubber mat so he has secure footing. Gently: massage his body; touch his ears; touch his feet. Once he gets used to handling, you can start a very short grooming session. Brush him gently with an appropriate grooming tool like a slicker brush. Only groom a small section at a time. Always end on a good note. It will take at least a few days for the puppy to get used to wearing a collar or harness or being on leash. After putting the collar or harness on, -try to play with the puppy to distract him. Many puppies buck like a bronco after a leash is attached. You can let him drag the leash for a short time. Attach it to his collar or leash and play with him for a short time. Never leave the leash, collar, or harness attached unsupervised. Be patient. It will take multiple training sessions for the puppy to get used to these new training devices. More important than anything: have fun with and enjoy the time you have with your new best friend. Puppyhood goes by so quickly. The good news is a little planning goes a long way when preparing for your first new puppy. Reading this article is a great start. Take the advice in this article to heart and start preparing for your puppy. If you already started your first week then start doing the things outlined in this article. Are you thinking about getting a new puppy? Are you currently raising a puppy? Or is this all old news to you? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too!

They are smart, friendly and hopelessly devoted to their humans. Their intelligence and attentiveness make them excellent therapy and guide dogs. Breeders love them because when you combine golden retriever genetics with other breeds, the result is often a more obedient and outgoing pup. Golden retriever mixes—as with any crossbreeds—are more uniquely colored and have more varied personalities than purebreds. In addition, some purebred dogs pass down specific health issues to their progeny. For example, purebred goldens are prone to hip dysplasia and cancer. Some of the pups on our list are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club; others are common combinations developed by breeders for specific purposes. If you are interested in a specific breed or mixed breed, be sure to do your research on the breeder! VCA Ark Animal Hospitals provides a checklist you should follow to determine if a breeder is treating their dogs well. Both are sweet animals who learn quickly and enjoy following commands. Both Cocker Spaniels and goldens are excited to play any time of day, making them awesome family pets. This mixed breed is full of energy and does well playing with others—whether that means other dogs or family members. Most will have a longer snout due to that trademark collie look. A Goldmatian! While Dalmatians can be slightly more proud and territorial than goldens, this combo is said to make an alert, but sweet watchdog. While still up for a raucous game of fetch, these giant pups know how to lounge with the laziest of us. The goldador sometimes called a golden Lab enjoys lots of exercise, according to Totally Goldens , so be ready for ample cardio. The ASPCA notes both breeds are known for their smarts and devotion to their people , so be sure to work plenty of snuggling into every day after a good run around the yard, of course. They still enjoy playtime, but LoveYourDog says these puppies will be less hyper than purebred goldens. Get ready for a happy face on the more elongated, stout body of a Basset Retriever. Perfect for couch potato-ing, IMO. These are delightfully affectionate pups who need lots of space preferably outside in the snow to run around. Like the golden Pyrenees, they are great with kids and other pets. Enter: the near-perfect golden cavalier. They have a gentle energy and compact size that works well in a wider variety of environments than a large golden. Plus, those ears! Training early will help with this stubborn streak, according to Doggie Designer. This crossbreed has a good heart, so at the end of the day, all they want is some affection. Get ready for lots of squirrel chasing, too. These make excellent family dogs because they love meeting new people and work well with others dogs and cats included. Definitely train early so they retain commands and learn to control their hyper energy. The golden dox will probably have an independent streak and want to do her own thing sometimes, so training early is a good idea. Lots of playtime and lots of attention will keep her happy. Sorry, did we mention the ears? These social dogs enjoy companionship and are up for just about anything. Because they are also intelligent, they may get bored easily or refuse to go to bed when the day is done. Bernard Height Range: inches Weight Range: pounds Key Characteristics: Gentle, loyal Consider this crossbreed a lumbering ball of fluff who is eager to please and knows how to play nicely with others. Much calmer than a purebred golden retriever, the golden Bernard or St. Golden as they are sometimes called responds well to commands and, as long as they have enough exercise during the day, can easily settle down for the night. Socialization and training early will help them stay happy and friendly into old age. The Golden Doberman sometimes referred to as a Golderman will benefit from having things to do that stimulate her mentally and physically. Super smart and somewhat independent, be sure to instill commands and training early. While Akitas can be headstrong, this mix can result in a more easy-going, happy-go-lucky pup. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. As one of the most popular dogs in the U. Here's another fun fact: although goldens are one breed, there are three different types. This matters a great deal in breeding, because there's never any guarantee that what you might see in a cool picture featuring, say, a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, is an indication of the pup you might get from those parents. Think of it this way: unless you're an identical twin, no one in your family looks or acts just like you. The same is true for golden retriever crossbreed puppies. But weaker traits are also passed along, which could lead to specific health problems in certain breeds. Myers adds that breed popularity based on a particular look could also have a detrimental effect on a dog's health. Unfortunately, due to their allergies , ear issues, joint problems , and predisposition to cancer , we see these gentle companions in our hospitals far too often. This assures you have the best doggo to fit your lifestyle and can enjoy a long, happy time together! Shepherds have an extra spark of intelligence and as such, respond well to positive reinforcement training and a chance to show you what he can do. Eyes, coat color, even the tail fluffy-curled or fluffy-fanned? But both breeds promise a lot of chatter, bonding, playful antics, and 'velcro dog' qualities from one of their pups oh, and shedding! Labs are also naturals in the water , so don't be surprised if your Goldador is, too. Expect to have a super-smart pup who not only entertains, but also expects oodles of opportunities to learn new things. With 'herd' literally in their name, Aussies know there's a job to do and are waiting for you to flip on the green light. Active people who love to explore outdoors might appreciate this pup by their side. Cockers are quite a historic breed with a sporting background, so depending on the size and choice of cocker parent, you might have a floppy-eared snuggler or, well, a floppy-eared snuggler who loves to be outside! She blends many attractive qualities of a golden and any size of poodle , including the possibility of being more hypoallergenic , a terrific, good-natured family companion, and plenty of smarts. One thing for sure: there will be vast variances in fur and color! Mix traits might include talkativeness and energetic fun. There's also the chance for inherited feistiness from the dachshund side they were once badger hunters, after all! A Berner usually offers a little more oomph in the task department, though, but is easy to train , so if your doggo demonstrates a desire to do and go, make it happen! While a Great Pyrenees can handle a little alone time now and then, by nature she's a devoted keeper of people and other creatures who need her. Both parents have gorgeous coats—but offspring will shed a lot, so stock up on handy grooming supplies. Was this page helpful? The Golden Retriever, is one of the most popular dogs around the world, and is the third most popular dog in the United States. They are known as being incredibly intelligent and hard working dogs. They excel as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs and service dogs, as well as tracking and sniffing pups for law enforcement! They are easy to train, great around other animals and people while also being very protective. It should come as no surprise that such an intelligent and loving dog is a favorite for crossing, resulting in some amazing Golden Retriever mixes. Golden Retriever mixes are usually highly trainable and loyal pets, making them ideal for people who want to share their life with an obedient and loving companion. These dogs bring a lot to the table when it comes to crossing with other breeds. They have many positive traits, and when mixed with more temperamental breeds, can bring the best out of them, while dampening down more undesirable traits. They are also incredibly cute! Here are a selection of the cutest golden retriever mixes, with pictures and information about these awesome crosses. The Yorkshire Terrier is an energetic and inquisitive breed that tends to be small in size but has a big personality. They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families and love to snuggle up with them. On the other hand, Golden Retrievers have an affinity for playing and retrieving, possessing a gentle demeanor that makes them great family companions. The Goldsky combines the smartness of the Terrier with the sweetness of the Retriever, making them an energetic and sassy breed. These dogs are usually quite playful and enjoy being active, needing plenty of physical activity or mental stimulation to keep them occupied. With that said, these pups also enjoy cuddling up with their owners and often make great lap dogs. The Goldsky is typically a medium-sized dog and can range anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds in weight and stand 11 to 24 inches tall. A Golden Corgi blends the best of both of the parent breeds; fun-loving, outgoing and makes a loyal companion. The Golden Retriever Corgi Mix puppy is cute and loving. These dogs are both very popular, and breeding them together makes a fantastic dog! They still retain the excellent work ethic of the Australian Shepherd, yet they also inherit the friendliness and playfulness of a Golden Retriever. The Australian Retriever makes an excellent family dog and an excellent playmate to children. They are very loyal and obedient dogs, making them easy to train and a great first pet. These two breeds are very different; the Border Collie is very hard working and active, while the Golden Retriever is far more laid back and relaxed. This makes for the perfect balance within the Golden Border Retriever! If they take after their Golden Retriever parent more, you can expect them to be excellent with children, even very young children. They are kind and gentle dogs that know when playtime is. While it can be difficult to know the exact temperament of the Golden Border Retriever because the parents are so different, if you give these pups enough exercise and attention, they will certainly be happy! It is often described as an oversized teddy bear. Super soft and cuddly, these pups are large dogs and, on average, a standard sized Goldendoodle is between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs between 45 and lbs. The Goldendoodle is a friendly and loving dog that gets on with everyone. An excellent family dog, the Goldendoodle just wants to spend time with you and give you love! These pups do not have any kind of an aggressive streak in their body and will happily curl up next to anyone for a cuddle. Goldendoodles are very patient and loyal, which is what makes them great working dogs, such as guide dogs. Their intelligence means they are easy to train and their friendliness puts you right at ease. They are also known for being playful and active, loving to chase a frisbee in the park, and love to be outside with you. These are a similar teddy bear mix breed, but specifically bred using the miniature poodle with the golden retriever. They tend to grow to around 15 to 30 pounds and stand between inches tall. The Goldendoodle dog was originally bred because both of the parent breeds were extremely popular. You could create a dog with the love and affection of a Golden Retriever with the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. Because of their small size, they are much better suited to smaller houses but still pack all the same desirable characteristics as their standard sized counterpart. The appearance can vary greatly depending on their parents, of course. But in general, the mini-goldendoodle normally has a curly coat, long nose, round face and brown eyes. Their tails are long and their chest is muscular. The Goberian is a friendly, loving and outgoing dog that loves to be around people. This pup took the most desirable traits from both parents and is still affectionate and family orientated like the Golden Retriever, but is also very outgoing and playful like the Husky. These dogs have a very athletic build and are considered a medium to large dog breed. They can weigh anywhere between 45 lbs to 80 lbs and stand between 22 to 24 inches high. Due to the fact that they are so active, they love to be around people and will thrive in an environment where they can exercise a lot. They make great playmates for children, but also love to spend time cuddling with their owners. The Husky is quite a protective breed and often the Goberian can inherit this. They are not aggressive at all, but will feel they have dominance over strangers. Training and socialization is important for this breed. This includes brown, black, white, red, brindle or cream. They are normally of a medium size too, slightly smaller than their Retriever parent. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. It has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. This lovable and playful dog is the perfect family dog and brings joy to any home with their cute looks and adorable nature. Perfect for first time pet owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever is an active and intelligent dog, with both parents belonging to the sporting dog group classification. They are also known for being loyal and they love to play outside, too. A Golden Cocker Retriever is generally smaller than a Golden Retriever and usually weighs around pounds and measures between inches. They are a medium sized breed and are broader than a Cocker Spaniel with a long, smooth coat, floppy ears and a head which is slightly bigger than a Spaniels. The Golden Shepherd is known for being a gentle, kind and loving dog that makes an excellent companion. Energetic and full of life, these pups love to be around people and love to play. A Golden Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 35 and 55 lbs and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. Males are normally bigger than females and it will, of course, depend on which parent your Golden Shepherd pup takes after more. While they are sociable dogs who love people and other animals, they can often inherit a protective nature from their Shepherd parent that can result in these dogs being an excellent watchdog or guard dog when trained. This pup is a mix between the golden retriever and boxer breeds, combining the best traits from both parent breeds. The result is an outgoing and family-friendly pup that loves to play and please their owners. The Golden Boxer mix is an active and loyal companion who will make a great addition to any home. These pups have an exuberant personality that loves to show off its athletic prowess at every chance they get. They love long walks and plenty of playtime, making them perfect for active owners or those with large yards and other pets. They are also great with kids and make excellent guard dogs, as they have an innate protectiveness of their family. The Golden Boxer mix is a medium-large sized pup who will typically reach heights between inches and can weigh up to 60 pounds. These pups vary widely in color depending on the coat type of each parent. However, some common colors include white, cream, and brown. They have a short coat that requires regular brushing to maintain their shiny look. Bernard Mix The Golden Bernard mix breed is a unique combination of two popular and beloved breeds, the golden retriever and the St. This mix offers an affectionate yet independent canine that is loyal to their family and loves to play. The Golden Retriever and St. Bernard mix breed usually has a medium to large build, reaching heights up to 24 inches and weighing as much as pounds. Depending on their coat color, these dogs may have long fur or short fur, with some common colors being brown, with cream or white. These pups are incredibly active and love taking part in all kinds of activities with their owners. They love playing fetch or going out for long hikes, as they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Golden Bernard mixes are also known to be quite independent, so they may need some extra training and guidance in order to learn commands. The Golden Pitbull mix is a medium to large sized breed that typically reaches heights of inches and weighs up to 60 pounds when fully grown. These pups have a short coat that can come in various colors such as white, cream, black, tan, gray, or brindle. These dogs are known for their loyal and loving personality. They are very intelligent and learn quickly, making them easy to train. These pups love being around people and are great with kids. They also make fantastic guard dogs as they have a protective side that will kick in when needed. The puppies are called Golden Boxer. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing a Golden Retriever dogs for issues in hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac and eye. These often occurs on these breeds that is why it is recommended. However it is not possible to predict in advance which traits a puppy may inherit from either parent of the dog, the best way to imagine what your pup might be like is to know more about both the Golden Retriever and the Boxer. The prediction of what a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog will be like has everything to do with the parents. The goal was to create a designer dog. Pure bred dog usually has a lot of disease to occur. Both the breeds of corgi and golden retriever are affectionate and incredibly loyal, so there is no doubt that the Golden Retriever Corgi mix will also have those traits, which make for an intelligent pet. In addition, both breeds are exceptionally smart, so you know this mix will be quite excellent. At last, you can count on the Golden Retriever Corgi mix to be a lively, fun dog full of spirit and spunk, just like its parents. Ultimately, the Golden Retriever Corgi mix is a good-natured pup that gets along great with others and loves to be active. Learn more about the Corgi Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are smart just like their parents and they can develop some not so good traits without early training, socialization, and activity. The Goldendoodle is so friendly and enthusiastic, interaction with people and other dogs as a puppy is a must to help your breed understand how to behave when out of the house. Usually golden retriever lives about 10 to 12 years. This lovely new dog immediately caught the eye of the dog lovers and breeders. Now a days it is very popular and there is even an association just for Goldendoodles. This means you need to make sure your dog gets lots of exercises. It is epecially important to keep them fit and healthy. A bored Golden Shepherd will use its energy just tearing up the house. Spend some time outside with your dog like playing Frisbee, go for a long walk or take a hike; include your dog in running, jumping and in any physical activity you partake in. It depends on the pup on what they will they inherit from their parents. They will be friendly towards everybody. They posses a people pleasing attitude, which keeps their wagging tails and makes them super friendly towards people and pets. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs are also great with kids, they are always excited to see you. They can become your ideal dream dog you just need proper information to train them. Learn more about the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The Dog Registry of America, Inc. These dogs are very easy to train and to get along with, provided that you properly socialize the animal when it is young. You can teach them simple commands and move on to advanced lessons if you are so determined because this pup is very intelligent and will quickly catch on to your instructions. Because of their easy-going nature, the Beagle Golden Retriever mix is not for a good guard dog. They are very loving and do not easily become scared or angry. But, they can be taught to fetch and perform other games that allow them to interact with their family. Both parents are large, but the Bullmastiff is considered a giant. Then Golden Bullmastiff Retriever is also a large dog and makes for an excellent family guardian and protector. The Bullmastiff parent is an intimidating size but is gentle and courageous. The breed carry distinctive physical traits of both, such as hair color or head shape. No matter which breed will dominates the looks, expect that the Golden Bull mastiff Retriever will drool a lot. The Golden Bull mastiff is not a hypoallergenic dog and it sheds moderately. Though this does not shed much the Bull mastiff has a large mouth and tongue and drools. This breed is prone to dental disease so regular teeth brushing and cleaning are important to preventing bad dog breath and vet visits. Frequent nail clipping is a must for those who may not often run against hard surfaces that naturally wear the nails down. The Golden Bull mastiff Retriever needs daily exercise but this can spread over the day with casual walks. It should also avoid exercise after eating or drinking. When it comes to climates, this large dog likes it a little cooler but they can adopt to other climates too. The Golden Lab mix is a great family member. It is fun and easy going with kids and very sociable to other pets. The Golden Lab are good is also a great guide or service dog. The Golden Lab is a designer breed that you can predict the size. Both parents are large and similar in shape and size. The Lab Golden Retriever mix is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Golden Labs are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. These pups do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Learn more about the Golden Retriever Lab mix. One behavioral concern is if you have children or other animals in the family. But because of the addition of the Golden Retriever personality, they can make for a more easygoing, mellow attitude. This mixed breed is very adaptable both to pets and people. They can be over enthusiastic during their playtime, but when they are young, and interactions between an immature Great Golden and very young children there could be a few bumps and bruises because of their size. Although there are exceptions, they look intimidating enough to be a guard dog because of their size, but they are generally too nice to naturally exhibit protective behaviors. They have only been bred in the last 20 years as part of a growing trend to cross breed different purebred dogs to create designer dog. The Chow Chow has been bred by the Chinese for more than 2, years as an all-around working animal. They served as farm animals, temple guards, and even army dogs. Because they are big, and these dogs love working. The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix needs weekly brushing and ear cleaning to avoid ear infections. They tend to shed a lot so this weekly brushing will help keep your house from growing a coat of dog fur. Too much bathing is not recommended because it could dry their skin out. Bathe when there is visible dirt or after swimming. These dogs are friendly, loyal and have sweet dispositions. They are good with children and other pets. If your lives are busy, then the dog would have more than 6 hours of alone time and may not be for you. They are eager to please and will greet you happily when you return home. They require a lot of attention and this breed, nor is this mix a great guard dog. Learn more about the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix. We are not saying to buy branded foods but they need a quality food. These dogs have a lot of energy, so you need provide them with a high protein diet. Look out for foods that are specially meant for the dogs of its size and energy level because they really need it. Finally, you can always consult your vet for any advice for the safety and satisfaction of your pet. Little or not enough exercise is a destructive behavior or psychological dangerous for these high-energy dogs. They love to run and play, and often compel their owners with whining Large Australian Retrievers need a strong-willed master who can handle them and to let them know who the real leader is. The Australian Retriever dogs does not need repetitions of commands to obey specific instructions. Do not be rude or angry with them when giving instructions or command. A positive training technique will always work better because they are very sensitive dogs. Be compassionate while training, and being appreciative to their skills whenever they pick up a trick successfully. You would be surprised to see how your Golden Aussie grows up as an object of envy to other dog owners just because you know the simple technique to train them. Learn more about the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. When searching for info you can search for Golden Wiener dog or Golden Dox. Either term is fine, although Golden Dox is more common. There are fears over the health of the parents and the practices involved in creating the pups. Clearly, the most important issue on the minds of owners is the size of the dog. Golden retrievers are medium sized dogs with a good build. Dachshunds are tiny little hounds with long bodies and short legs. There are many short Golden Doxie dogs with longer bodies and the ears and color of the Golden. This is a great family dog in a small package, but only when trained properly. Learn more about the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix. Both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. There will be a unique offset of the two energy levels. Expect your pup to be calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. While friendly a Golden Pug is wary of strangers and alert making a good watchdog but due to their small size, a poor guard dog. Golden Pugs get along well with everyone and is quite a well mannered dog! They loves to have fun and play and will need some outdoor space to do this in. This will probably be a more than moderate shedder with the Pug offsetting some of the more aggressive shedding from the Retriever. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and get ready to keep your floors clean. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Retriever background. This is the tradeoff that comes with mixing breeds. I, for one, think it would be cool not to know what my puppy would look like fully grown! Others may prefer a more predictable outcome. Both of these parent breeds belong to the sporting dog group, and are friendly, active dogs that are a pleasure to train. There are several different types of Cocker Spaniel, and two distinct pedigree breeds. It is characterized by a strong, muscular body with a broad skull, slightly tapering muzzle, black nose with wide nostrils, dark almond-shaped eyes, medium-sized dropping ears, and a large, thick tail. Since the Golden Retriever St Bernard mix is not a small breed, it needs a moderate amount of regular exercise. Take your pup on daily walks and short playing sessions in the yard to satisfy its exercise requirements. A Golden Saint needs 4. In the case of the Golden Retriever Bulldog mix, there can be significant health problems on the Bulldog side which could play an important role in the health of the cross. Generally, the Golden Retriever Bulldog mix is a medium sized dog that falls within the Golden and Bulldog weight ranges. Many Golden Retriever Bulldog mixes will have somewhat wrinkly skin on the body and face. Remember that skin wrinkles need to be kept clean and dry. He is a good watchdog and will bark to alert you of a stranger entering the home, but otherwise his barking is rare. He is better in colder climates than he is in warm ones, he is not good in extreme heat. But your location, how popular it might become, its health, where you buy from are all going to impact prices so these numbers are just guidelines. The ears of the Akita is dominating the breed more. The Golden Akita is not a hypoallergenic dog and sheds considerably no matter which parent the hybrid resembles. The Golden Akita is a hybrid of two breeds with high energy. Your Golden Akita will need plenty of exercise and relatively high intensity. If they are properly socialized, they should be good with the family and other pets. This is an intelligent dog that should be easy to train. The best thing you can do is cut the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. Make sure to praise her when she does well. With a proper training and attention this dog will definitely one of your favorite. Be sure to buy in a good vacuum to keep your floors clean. Your Golden Bulldog will require regular exercise. Feed them with high-quality dog food keeping a balance of the nutrients and vitamins to make sure they will live longer. The Golden Pyrenees also referred to as the Great Pytreiver, is the result of cross-breeding the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees, two of the large dogs of its kind. Learn more about the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever. This mix is a very intelligent, devoted and loyal companion. That is the reason why this mix breed is a great match for those who loves companion. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so. Even though this mixed breed is from accidental breeding of the dogs sharing shelters. Mountain Golden Retrievers do well on high-quality dog food, but be careful not to overfeed them just like any other dogs to prevent unusual things to happen. Therefore, a Bernese Mountain Dog Retriever Mix will most likely to require a high amount of exercise. A long daily walk along with some opportunities to up the numbers, such as joining you on a jog or playing fetch, is perfect not just for you but also for your pet. This is great dog for an owner who loves to do outdoor activities. There are breeders who charges too much for a special line or rare trait of the dog. Uncommon fur colors may cost more, especially if they suddenly become desirable for the dogs fur changes when they grew up. This will lead to some dogs that are abandoned and in need of a second chance to find the right owner. Learn more about the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix. The breeding between Catahoula Leopard Dog and Golden Retriever is not usually done intentionally to preserve the unique features of the Catahoula. However, accidents do happen, and you may find this mix in a rescue because of the unknown decisions of the owner. This mix will almost certainly be an animal that thrives on outdoor activities with an energetic owner. This is the right pet for the owner who loves outdoor activities. If you become the owner of this beautiful breed, you will have an alert, loyal pet. You will rarely see it, as breeders do not often cross dogs of different sizes and character. Every dog breed has a purpose and it is not a secret to everyone. As any other breed dog, the Golden Retriever Shih Tzu mix needs a specific diet with high-quality food. And because parent dogs are in different size you are going to be surprised which traits will dominate. Because both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. This will make a surely better than parents breed because of mixing it. But If the Golden Retriever traits occur be ready to buy a vacuum to keep your home clean. She is calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. They also needs exercise and walks as a routine. To make sure your Golden Newfie enjoys a long, healthy life ensure he receives plenty of exercise, a top-quality food and regular preventative maintenance check-ups with your vet. With this utmost level of care, you can expect this large breed dog to be a part of your family for between the range of 8 and 12 years. This breed is a loving family dog and lots of energy. It is fun to be around because of its personality. This mix breed is guaranteed to have a lot of fur due that both parents has a lot of fur. The color will range from white to gold to brown to black, and everything in between. The mix will also have a larger snout and dark black nose. Physical appearance will depends on which breed will dominate them. In order to keep their fur looking good, regular brushings are recommended. You will also need to invest in a good vacuum to keep your house tidy. Also, to keep your Golden Retriever Husky mix looking good and in good health, a solid grooming regime is needed. This includes regular baths and brushings, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails and brushing their teeth. Making it as a habit will make it more easier. Learn more about the Husky Golden Retriever mix. You will get excited what will traits will dominate the pup. The Golden Rottweiler is quite likely to excel in hunting, service and therapy dog work, obedience training, search and rescue, and in the show ring. There will be less probability in whether your puppy will grow up to be a great guard dog or the social coordinator for you because it will depends on how you will train them. There is no doubt that the Golden Rottweiler comes from great stock because both parent dogs are consistent favorite picks for pet dogs in America. However, because your Golden Rottweiler is likely to be a large, because both parents are large, powerful dog that may inherit strong guarding tendencies. This is probably not the ideal pet dog to pick if you have young children or other vulnerable family pets because it will cause trouble for them due to high energy of the breed. Learning the difference between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food is crucial for any dog owner. Make sure that your pooch, young or old, stays healthy at all times. These best puppy food brands will provide the right amount for nutrients for whelps, but the best senior dry dog food is better suited for older, wiser pups. In any case, stay away from the worst dry dog food , and choose some of the best dry dog food , for example, Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Any nutritional imbalance can be fixed. If it comes to that, introducing Nutra Thrive dog food supplement may be a wise choice. Of course, this should be done only in consultation with the vet. Learn more about the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix. Top Posts. As with any mixed breed, they can take on the traits of one of the parent breeds or any combination of both of them. With a Golden Retriever Mix, the goal is to get the highly-trainable, super-friendly, and sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the best traits of the other dog in the cross. Because there can be variation in the puppies, you will want to ask the breeder about the other dog in the cross. This will give you an idea of what other traits you could be dealing with in a Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential friendly dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be good with strangers as they are more interested in making friends. The other dog breed in the cross could provide some other traits and variations to this, but your Golden Retriever Mix puppy should have a similar disposition to the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Mixes tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in larger homes with room to run and can adapt well to apartment living. As long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection, they tend to be quite happy wherever they live. Golden Retrievers do well in most climates and are sensitive to heat, as with most dog breeds. Your Golden Retriever Mix should be about the same. A mixed breed can take on potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Overall, a Golden Retriever Mix should be a relatively healthy dog breed. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train, which makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. Depending on the other parent breed, there may be a chance that your Golden Retriever Mix could have an independent or stubborn streak. In this case, you will want to be prepared for puppy training and obedience classes in case you want a little help in dealing with stubbornness. Classes are a great idea either way because they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy. Golden Retrievers tend to have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately year-round and requires brushing a few times a week. Bathing is usually on an as-needed basis. This may be the same for your Golden Retriever Mix or their coat could require more or less grooming depending on the other parent breed. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs. Your Golden Retriever Mix will likely be the same. Even if the other parent breed is a low or moderate-energy dog, you will need to be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog. Daily walks, playtime, plus extra activity are a must for dogs with a lot of energy. Be prepared to try a lot of different activities to find your favorites. Teach your dog to play frisbee , go for a swim, go running together, try taking a few hikes, go on trips to the dog park, and more. A Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Your Golden Retriever Mix could be the same or they could take after the other parent breed. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the other breed in the mix and meet the mother dog. This can give you a good idea of what size to expect as your Golden Retriever Mix puppy grows. Golden Retrievers generally live years. Unless the life span of the other parent breed varies largely from this range, you should be able to expect something similar from your Golden Retriever Mix. Featured Golden Retriever Mix Article.

Reputable breeders try to produce dogs that adhere as closely as possible to their breed standard. They pick the best dogs to take part in their breeding programs and make partner matches that have the greatest chance of producing puppies that are healthy and likely to succeed in the show ring. Breeders of teacup dogs, on the other hand, are laser-focused on one thing: size. This makes it easy for significant health problems to be passed down from parent to puppy. Teacup Dog Health Problems Many of these health problems are found in small breed, not just teacup, dogs. Unfortunately, research is still ongoing into whether they occur more frequently the tinier a dog is bred to be, but the chances for these health problems are elevated during poor breeding practices. Hypoglycemia Teacup puppies are prone to developing dangerously low blood sugar levels hypoglycemia , which can lead to mental dullness, weakness, muscle tremors, seizures , and death. To help prevent hypoglycemia, pet parents may need to feed their teacup puppies every two hours yes, even overnight! Extra pressure within the skull damages the brain, leading to blindness, behavioral changes, and other neurologic problems. Surgery may be necessary to create a path for fluid to drain away from the brain. Liver Shunts Portosystemic liver shunts are abnormal blood vessels that prevent blood from entering the liver. Dental Disease Teacup dogs have a tiny mouth, so their teeth typically do not grow in normally. Collapsing Trachea Teacup dogs are at a higher-than-average risk of developing collapsing trachea. This is when the muscular portion of the windpipe weakens over time and sags, narrowing the passageway for air and leading to a cough that sounds a little like a goose honk. Medications and sometimes surgery are necessary to keep dogs with this condition comfortable. Dogs with DMVD generally have a heart murmur and can develop coughing, trouble breathing, an inability to exercise, weakness, and congestive heart failure. Surgery becomes necessary when pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and other treatments fail to keep a dog comfortable. Hypothermia The smaller the dog, the harder it is for them to stay warm. Even when temperatures are relatively mild, teacup dogs may need to wear a sweater or coat when temps drop. Difficulty Dosing Medications Most common dog medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, are labeled for use in dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. Teacup dogs often need to take compounded medications which increases their expense or use medications in an off-label manner. Everything from placing an IV catheter, to repairing a broken bone , to keeping the anesthetized dog warm is harder when they are this small. Fragility Teacup dogs are more likely to be seriously wounded if they experience a traumatic injury. Their bones are relatively fragile, so even normal activities, like jumping off a bed, can lead to fractures. Additionally, teacup dogs and especially teacup puppies seem to become sicker faster than bigger dogs. Stress alone is sometimes enough to send fragile dogs like these to the veterinary hospital. Should You Adopt a Teacup Puppy? Typically, a pet parent looking for a small dog can find a healthier and heartier option in a puppy that has been bred to meet the breed standard. Smaller-than-normal pups are born from time to time, and reputable breeders are always looking for good homes for them—with the condition they are not bred as an adult. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. The teacup poodle is a newer type of poodle and has only recently found great popularity in the past twenty years. Originally, the poodle originated in Germany around the early 14th century and was used as a hunting dog that retrieved waterfowl. The poodle is also the national dog of France and is widely known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving. Over time, smaller sizes of this pup began being bred, and the poodle became more popular as a companion or lap dog. The miniature poodle originated in the early 20th century when American breeders started to create a more city-friendly poodle. The smallest puppies from toy poodle litters were used for breeding teacup poodles, achieving their small size. However, despite this small stature, the teacup poodle has a lot to offer owners. They lack none of the intelligence of the standard-sized poodle, and they are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Teacup poodles form strong bonds with their owners and are playful and affectionate, but they may be prone to nervousness if not properly cared for or left alone for too long. Teacup poodles stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds. They have round heads with a slight stop, much like standard-sized poodles, floppy ears, and a longer muzzle. Their eyes are typically small and dark, but very alert, and they will have a longer neck, square body, and straight back with long legs. The coat of the teacup poodle is thicker, curly, and soft and will need to be brushed often to prevent tangles. What Size Is a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are, as the name implies, pretty small dogs. This pup will stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. They can be quite fragile because of their small size, so you will need to pay extra attention to your dog while it is playing or moving around your home. The teacup poodle has a coat much like the standard-size poodles. Teacup poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they may be a beneficial breed for those with allergies. The teacup poodle has a friendly disposition and is intelligent, alert, loyal, and loving. This pup tends to become very attached to their owners and will often be seen following them from room to room. Teacup poodles are also very smart and can pick up tricks easily. They are eager to please and will love the time spent with you learning new commands. Teacup poodles are not known to have a high prey drive or act very aggressively toward other animals, though they may be quite vocal if they notice something suspicious around their home. Are Teacup Poodles Affectionate? Teacup poodles are very affectionate and will enjoy spending as much time with their owner as possible. You can expect your teacup poodle to enjoy cuddling on the couch, sleeping in the same room as you at nighttime, and wanting to play frequently throughout the day. The small size of this breed makes them quite fragile, so rough play with children can lead to the dog becoming injured. Lots of yelling, excitement, and busy play from smaller children can also scare your teacup poodle, creating anxiety, nervousness, or barking issues. That being said, families with older, calmer children and children that know how to properly play with animals can easily get along with this pup. Teacup poodles are generally good with other animals as they are a friendly and social pup. Are Teacup Poodles Aggressive? Your teacup poodle is unlikely to attack, nip, or act aggressively toward strangers, but they can develop these behaviors if they are very anxious, fearful, or bored. Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Teacup poodles are, unfortunately, quite vocal, and you can expect this dog to bark at just about anything. Teacup poodles will bark when they are happy and playing, in addition to barking at things they find suspicious or untrustworthy around their home. They may also bark to draw your attention or to show their displeasure with something. You can train excessive barking habits down somewhat, but keep in mind that your teacup poodle is likely to be on the more vocal side, no matter what. Are Teacup Poodles Intelligent? This dog breed is fairly intelligent, and teacup poodles can easily learn new tricks. They can be house trained relatively quickly in addition to learning more complex commands and skills. Plus, teacup poodles are easy to please and love a mental challenge, something that adds to their learning abilities. Are Teacup Poodles Easy to Train? Due to their higher intelligence, teacup poodles can be quite easy to train. They are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please their owners, all factors which help them pick up new skills quickly and learn basic obedience tasks. Your teacup poodle may even be up to the challenge of learning more advanced tricks depending on their intelligence and how quickly they learn. Are Teacup Poodles Energetic? Teacup poodles have a moderate energy level and are a very playful breed. This pup will need two short walks per day that last around 15 minutes each and are likely to expend a lot of energy running around their home and playing with their toys and their families. As long as they have toys around their home and enough space to get their zoomies out from time to time, they will fit well into apartment living. However, you should keep in mind that this pup can be noisy from time to time, so training to curb needless barking is a must. Are Teacup Poodles Good Watchdogs? They are also fairly protective and loyal to their owners, which makes them easily fall into the watchdog role. While teacup poodles may be intelligent and quickly learn many tricks and commands, they are not the best size for acting as service dogs. This breed is too small to help with guiding and mobility support-related tasks, and they are not typically able to fetch heavy items for their owners. However, teacup poodles love being around their owners. So they are a good choice for a companion pup, making them eligible to act as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal. How to Care for a Teacup Poodle Teacup poodles are not the highest maintenance breed out there, but they do require a dedicated care routine to stay happy and healthy. You will need to spend lots of time with your teacup poodle, as this breed is prone to anxiety and loneliness without their owners, something that can easily translate into destructive behaviors. Make sure that you brush your teacup poodle a few times a week, as this helps to release any shed hair before it tangles and mats. You will likely need to take your teacup poodle to be groomed regularly to trim up their hair, give them a good bath, and ensure their coat is kept at a comfortable length. Supplement meals with nutritional treats to keep your pup happy. Your teacup poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week and regularly receive professional grooming. The groomer will help release shed hair, untangle mats safely, and trim up their coat, so your dog is more comfortable. Do Teacup Poodles Shed? Teacup poodles are low-shedding dogs and are often considered hypoallergenic. What Should a Teacup Poodle Eat? Your teacup poodle should be eating a diet of high-quality dry or wet food and, depending on their size, should be consuming between half a cup and one full cup of food per day approximately calories. Due to their small size, teacup poodles may be prone to certain health conditions that affect smaller dogs. These problems include hypoglycemia, heart defects, respiratory and digestive problems, seizures, collapsing trachea, and blindness. Genetically, your teacup poodle may be predisposed to dental disease and luxating patellas. To ensure your teacup poodle stays in the best health, you should be taking them to regular vet visits and checking their behavior for any concerning symptoms such as limping, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Teacup poodles are known to live between 12 and 14 years, though your dog may live longer or shorter than this predicated lifespan, depending on any preexisting health issues and their overall daily care. Regular vet visits and proper care for your dog is the best way to ensure they live a long, healthy, happy life. Are Teacup Poodles Expensive? Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive. How to Find a Teacup Poodle Breeder If you want to purchase a teacup poodle, you will most likely need to find a breeder to buy from. The best way to do this is to perform internet searches of local and national breeders that are reputable, follow proper breeding practices, and care for both the breeding dogs and the puppies humanely. Make sure to avoid suspect breeding practices, very low-priced dogs if something is too good to be true, it usually is , and anything that looks like a puppy mill, as dogs and puppies that come from these spaces are likely to have been poorly treated and have increased health issues. Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle? For the most part, teacup poodles are a variation of the standard-sized poodle and are in great demand. It is unlikely that one will turn up at a shelter for adoption, but it is possible. Keep an eye out on local and national poodle rescue organizations to see if a teacup poodle comes through that you can adopt. Are Teacup Poodles Purebred? That being said, its parents may be purebred toy poodles, and the teacup poodle may come from either a line of purebred poodles or mixed breed poodles. Can You Show Teacup Poodles? However, several other kennel clubs and organizations put on events and shows for teacup and toy dog breeds that your teacup poodle may be eligible to participate in. The teacup poodle may be good for new dog owners in certain circumstances. Owners should also be prepared to spend lots of quality time with their dog to prevent anxiousness and behavioral problems. The teacup poodle is a fantastic addition to the right type of lifestyle and family, but you may still be wondering whether or not this is the right dog for you. Review our list of points below to help make your decision easier. The teacup poodle is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal, loving companion dog that will stay by your side when you are home and likely accompany you from room to room. You need a small dog suited to apartment living, or you want a small companion dog that can also act as a helpful watchdog. You want a dog that can exercise for long periods of time and spend time in the outdoors with you hiking or completing working tasks. You want a dog that can be trained for service dog skills, such as guiding and mobility assistance.

best book for training labrador puppies - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. The amount of calories a dog consumes is often determined by their age, present health, and the amount of exercise they receive. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels.


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best book for training labrador puppies - Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. When Are Pugs Full Grown? Although some pugs can be bigger, skinnier, fatter, smaller or taller than others, they are more or less similar in size if purebred. But, when are pugs full grown i. Pugs are full-grown after 9 months when they stop growing, whether in weight or height. Pugs usually reach adulthood when they are 1 year old. Sexual maturity comes before physical maturity 6 to 9 months old. Most pugs are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic and toy breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. Usually, a pug litter size is between 2 to 5 puppies, the average being 4 pups per litter. Your pug will go through 5 puppy growth stages: The neonatal stage: Birth to 2 weeks of age. The transitional stage: 2 to 4 weeks of age. The socialization stage: 3 to 12 weeks of age. The ranking stage: 3 to 6 months of age. The adolescence stage: 6 to 18 months of age. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 Weeks At the transitional stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. The Socialization Stage 3 to 12 Weeks This stage is key for socialization , like the name indicates, and is the period when a puppy goes through rapid development. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, pug pups start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your pug daily. The Ranking Stage 3 to 6 Months At the ranking stage: Between 3 to 6 months of age, pugs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. The Adolescence Stage 6 to 18 Months The adolescence stage is the last development step: Between 6 to 9 months of age, sexual maturity in puppies typically occurs. After 9 months, growth slows down and by the age of 1, pugs reach adulthood and their full height. Pug puppy. When Do Pugs Stop Growing? After 9 months of age, pugs will stop growing and can be considered fully-grown whether in weight or height. By the time they are 1 year old, pugs reach adulthood. Sexual maturity, on the other hand, usually comes before physical maturity. Female pugs go into their first heat cycle known as estrous when they are 6 to 9 months old. After that, female pugs are able to get pregnant. Male pugs, however, generally gain full reproductive capabilities when they are between 6 months to 1 year old. The pug breed is in his or her prime between 1. Afterwards, they will be considered senior dogs. Their life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years source. Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age and their growth slows down. You might not see big changes from 9 months old until they reach 1 year old, but some do continue filling out until they are a year old. On average, pugs get 10 to 13 inches 25 to 33 cm tall and weigh between 13 to 18 pounds 5. Adult male and female pugs. Pug Growth Chart Mature pugs of both sexes are usually close in height and weight. When fully grown, pugs are generally between 10 to 13 inches in height cm. According to the AKC breed standard , both male and female pugs should ideally weigh between 6. Pugs outside of this range may be classed as under-weight and over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic pugs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. However, if your pug starts looking like a big barrel, you should really start getting concerned. Check out our Is My Pug Overweight? This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect regarding how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. 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