best breed of german shepherd puppies

What are F1, F2 Labradoodle codes? Quite a few breeders use a code method to explain how they breed their puppies and which shows which cross generation their parent dogs happen to be. Although a good idea, this method is not always that reliable. Do Labradoodles have a good Temperament? Doodles make such wonderful companions and family pets because of their intuitive and loving personalities which makes sharing a home with one of them such a pleasure whether they are first or multi-generation Doodles. They are highly intelligent and love to please which means they are a great choice for first time owners, providing they have all the time needed to dedicate to a high energy canine companion. They also need to be given a ton of mental stimulation or boredom would soon set in which could see dogs finding new and innovative ways of amusing themselves. A bored Doodle could be quite destructive around the home. They are a good choice for families where one person usually stays at home when everyone else is out of the house so they are never left to their own devices for too long at any given time. Because they love being in and around water, Doodles do tend to get a bit mucky and as such they are not the best choice for anyone who is very house proud. It also means care has to be taken whenever a Doodle is allowed to run off their leads anywhere near more dangerous water courses just in case they decide to leap in. Early socialisation is a must with Labradoodles and it should involve introducing them to lots of new situations, noises, people, other animals and dogs once they have been fully vaccinated so they grow up to be more relaxed, well balanced mature dogs. Their training must start as soon as a puppy arrives in their new home starting with the basics and then beginning their education in earnest when dogs have had all their jabs. Enrolling dogs into puppy classes is the best way to begin their training because not only does a puppy get to meet lots of other dogs and people, but their training starts in a safe and controlled environment too. They are confident, outgoing dogs by nature and this needs to be gently controlled right from the word go. If an owner allows a Doodle to get away with too much, they can become unruly and wilful which makes dogs harder to handle and live with, bearing in mind that Doodles are very smart and therefore just as quick to be mischievous and naughty as they are at being well-behaved and obedient. Are they a good choice for first time owners? Labradoodles are a great choice for first time dog owners because they are known to be so biddable by nature and being so intelligent, they are easy to train too. The downside to their intelligence is that Labradoodles are just as quick to pick up bad habits as they are the good. What about prey drive? Labradoodles do not have a high prey drive and are very social by nature. Is a Labradoodle playful? Labradoodles love to please and enjoy playing interactive games with the people they love. What about adaptability? Labradoodles are known to be highly adaptable and providing they are given enough attention, mental stimulation and daily exercise are just as happy living in town as they would in the country. With this said, Labradoodles need to have enough space to express themselves as they should and enjoy nothing more than being to romp around in a secure back garden at every opportunity. Will a Labradoodle Bark too much? Providing a Labradoodle is taught that barking for no reason is not acceptable when they are young, they quickly understand the rules. However, all dogs when left on their own for longer periods of time or are ignored will bark excessively to show they are unhappy about the situation and to get attention. Do Labradoodles like swimming? Most Labradoodles adore playing around in water and care should always be taken when walking them anywhere near more dangerous watercourses just in case a Labradoodle decides to leap in. Are Labradoodles good watchdogs? However, once a person has been introduced, they would be a Labradoodles best friend. Is a Labradoodle easy to train? Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs and they love to please, enjoying nothing more than being around their owners and families. As such, in the right hands and environment, Doodles are easy to train and learn things extremely quickly. The downside to this is they are just as fast to learn bad habits and behaviours too which is why their training has to start early and it has to be consistent so dogs understand what is expected of them. Labradoodles are the perfect candidates to work as Therapy Dogs and Assistance Dogs for the hard of hearing. In a home environment, Doodles excel at all sorts of canine sports which includes activities like flyball, agility and obedience trials. They are sensitive by nature and as such they do not respond well to any sort of harsh correction or heavier handed training methods. They do answer very well to positive reinforcement which always brings the best out of these intelligent dogs. All too often a Doodle will outsmart their owner just for the fun of it. A Doodle puppy should be taught the following commands as soon as they arrive in their new homes because it makes life easier for them simply because they understand the ground rules and limits which they might decide to test from time to time anyway: Come. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are the proud parents of 2 wonderful daughters as well as our 4 legged family members. We pride ourselves in having scoured high and low to add only the finest quality dogs to our breeding programme and have spared no expense in our endeavours. All of our breeding dogs are first and foremost family pets. Luna was our first Australian Labradoodle, Everest a daughter from her first ever litter. Luna has the most amazing temperament and is fantastic with out 2 young daughters. It has been impossible not to retain a puppy Everest-who has since gone on to have a litter of her own. We own several other dogs who all live here in Dublin with various families who we trust implicitly and consider our extended family. We simply cannot keep all of the dogs we would like here in our family home and thus some go on to specifically selected and vetted families so our dogs can live a normal family life being loved by their forever families as well as ourselves. Any of our dogs living in guardian homes come back to us for every stage of the breeding process from mating to delivery to whelping. Once their litters are entirely whelped they return to their loving families. It Is our way of ensuring we breed from only the best quality and most loved family pets and avoid the use of kennels and outdoor sheds as so many other breeders. Puppies are whelped in our family kitchen and remain there as part of the hustle and bustle of family life until going to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. It has become a family affair and something we are extremely passionate about. The Australian Labradoodle is truly a unique and amazing breed. Please do consider the fact that it is a life long commitment. The Australian Labradoodle Breed is certainly a complex one so please do contact us if you have any questions or queries. We endeavour to respond to all questions, big or small, as quickly as possible. Puppy Application This is Jessie. She came to live with us when she was 9 weeks old and changed our lives forever. She was a truly wonderful dog. Calm and intuitive, gentle and funny. It was obvious she loved us and everyone loved her. She was an excellent example of what makes the Cobberdog such an amazing breed. We live in East Cork beside the sea with our 4 daughters, our 4 dogs and 4 cats! We are delighted to be involved in developing this breed and to now be able to introduce other families to these amazing dogs. About Us We are a family run Cobberdog breeding business located in East Cork, we take pride in providing our puppies with exceptional care, including early neurological stimulation and socialization, to ensure their health and happiness. Our focus on ethical breeding practices is rooted in our love for these dogs and our commitment to advancing the breed. Cobberdogs are known for their empathetic nature, intelligence, gentle temperament, and non-shedding coat, making them an ideal choice for families, especially those with allergies or children with autism in need of a therapy dog. We are dedicated to producing high-quality, well-socialized, and healthy puppies that will bring joy and companionship to their new families. Cois Farraige Cobberdogs. Welcome to BrTafs Labradoodles and thank you for visiting our site. Our aim is to provide for you a wonderful long life companion dog with superior health and temperament. We undertook this very exciting journey after being smitten with the labradoodle, and being unable to find a single breeder in Ireland. It was never our intention to become breeders but the response to our first litter was just wonderful and it was very rewarding for us to find people who like us really wanted a labradoodle to be part of their lives. It is not our aim to produce large numbers of puppies but to produce very special puppies, with great care and consideration being given to health temperament and the suitability as family pets and companion dogs. If you are considering a labradoodle for your family we would love to hear from you. We never tire for sharing what we know about the labradoodle, and if we can help you in your quest to find the right dog for your family Even if that turns out not to be a doodle we will be delighted to help you make that decision. All Rights Reserved. Think all Labradoodles are the same? Think again! These pups are amazing companions with beauty, brains, and a hypo-allergenic coat to boot. Get to know what makes Australian Labradoodles The Guide Dog Association started a research and breeding program with the goal of making an allergy and asthma friendly guide dog. The Labradoodle was born from a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a standard Poodle. Over time, breeders infused four other types of dogs into the gene pool to create a more consistent, more hypo-allergenic coat and a calmer temperament, resulting in the Australian Labradoodle we know and love at Baldonnel Lane! Today, breeders carefully match Australian Labradoodles with the best traits personality, temperament, and coats to continue this amazing breed of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. They are happy, loyal, calm, and non-aggressive, which makes them great pets for families with children. They are also intelligent, intuitive, and easily trained, hence their use as service dogs. Plus, these pups can be total goofballs who love to mess around and be silly with their humans! Temperament Great question! Not all Labradoodles are created equal. Traditional Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle and are referred to as first generation or F1. Australian Labradoodles are much more than that! To develop the perfect guide dog the original developing breeders of the Australian Labradoodle added English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and the Curly Coat Retriever into the genetic mix over many years to achieve a dog with a more consistent temperament and coat, resulting in the Australian Labradoodles we have today. When these carefully developed Australian Labradoodles are bred to other extensively tested and selected Australian Labradoodles the desirable traits of this breed are passed on to their pups resulting in the amazing dogs we are privileged to raise at Baldonnel Lane Labradoodles. Falling hard for these fur balls? Based in Northern British Columbia, their dogs bring joy to people and families nationwide. Shipping options are available worldwide. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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Plush toys Puzzle toys Each of these types have a specific purpose and benefit, and can help with training in a different way. This is where chew toys come in. You need to have a rotation of chew toys that serve as safe outlets for your pup to take out their chewing needs. And in addition to helping satisfy this natural desire to chew, chew toys also help with teething. Chewing helps relieve the pain and pressure of their adult teeth coming in , and throwing a chew toy in the freezer before you give it to them can also help alleviate teething pain. Now most chew toys are made of rubber or plastic and the list below has a few different materials to select from. He would run around the house swinging them, and then when he was tired he would lay down and chew on the keys. The rubber is tough, yet bouncy and has some give, so your puppy will love it. For crate training , durable chew toys are great for keeping them occupied in the crate. Interactive Toys Interactive toys are toys that let you and your dog play together, such as frisbees, tennis balls, or tug ropes. You can get this rope from Amazon here. To teach drop it with a tug rope you simply stop tugging, hold the rope very still, and wait for your puppy to eventually get bored and let go. Praise them for dropping it and then after a minute or two of tugging, do it again. I also like to reinforce commands like sit and down while playing tug. Plush Toys Plush toys are soft, fuzzy toys that often have a squeaker inside. Zippy Paws Avocado. The below picks are toys for Golden Retrievers that are fully grown. For most Goldens, the toys I have recommended below will be great choices. If your dog is known to destroy and chew up his toys, skip to the section below on toys for chewers. Reminder, as a veterinarian I have to point out that even non-chewers should not be left alone with a toy. The large size Bob-A-Lot from Starmark can fit up to 3 cups of food so you can serve a whole meal in the toy. The toy method of feeding is great for smart dogs like Golden Retrievers and keeps them from eating too fast. You can also add treats to the inside to encourage them to play with it. It is easy for your Golden to pick up and carry. All of this makes this one of the best toys for Golden Retrievers which is why I usually have a couple rolling around my house. This plush stuffed critter is one of our favorite toys for Golden Retrievers. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. They just love it so much that I keep buying it. However, the topic of toy destroying leads to my next section on toys for Golden Retrievers who are chewers. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. All dogs should be watched carefully as they play with their toys so that you can take them away if they start eating the pieces. However if your dog is a moderate chewer, here are two that my toy destroying dogs enjoy. The good news is that inside the toy is a Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a great toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just carry it around the house. They do come smaller for young puppies. These balls dispense treats or dog food and can hold up to some moderate chewing remember no toys will outlast a really aggressive chewer. My dogs love these types of toys. This will keep them entertained for a bit and the larger the pieces you put into it, the longer it takes them to get them out. Best Toys for Golden Retrievers — Puppies Puppies have special needs in each part of their development. Although they can of course play with all of the toys listed above, we have chosen a few that are just for the little ones. Just like human kids, Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth. This happens from 12 weeks to about 6 months of age for a Golden Retriever puppy. The linked product is a 6 pack of fun shapes so they can have one in every room. These toys are durable, but you should always watch your puppy carefully as they chew and play with toys. If your pup starts getting some string loose, take it away immediately because string can cause GI problems. After they get used to the noises, they really enjoy tossing this around to get it to make the sounds. Lesson learned: Do not give the Giggler to your puppy and then get on a conference call with work, enough said. Best Stuffed Puppy Toy. Classic Kong The Classic Kong is a versatile toy ideal for keeping your puppy entertained. Fill it with treats or peanut butter and freeze it for an added challenge. Teething toys are essential for puppies because they relieve teething discomfort. You can help your puppy through this challenging phase while protecting your home with suitable teething toys. Chewing on toys relieves sore gums and can help prevent destructive chewing behavior. To keep your puppy engaged and satisfied, provide a variety of textures and shapes. How To Choose The Best Toy Your Golden Retriever Puppy There are several factors to consider when choosing teething toys for puppies to ensure your furry friend gets the best toys for their needs. Here are some key points to remember: 1. To soothe their gums, for example, at weeks, you can select a Nylabone teething ring or a Kong Natural Teething Rubber Puppy Toy filled with frozen treats. You can introduce adult chew toys such as rope or fetch when they are past the teething stage around 24 weeks. The Type Of Toy Numerous teething toys for puppies are available, but some of the best options include sturdy rubber toys that provide both safety and durability. Bully sticks are also a good option for teething puppies. Many puppy teething toys are softer than adult toys because they are gentle enough for developing teeth but firm enough to withstand chewing. Look for durable rubber toys that can withstand chewing without breaking apart and posing a choking hazard. You can choose the best toys for your furry friend by keeping these factors in mind, allowing them to get through their teething phase easily and comfortably. Chewing is an innate need in dogs because it releases endorphins, which make them feel good and relaxed. Unfortunately, this can lead to destructive chewing of household items. In addition, chew toys are crucial for puppies during the teething stage. Their mouths become sore as their adult teeth emerge, and chew toys can provide relief. Furthermore, Golden Retrievers are known to be a mouthy breed. Because their breeding history includes carrying hunted birds in their mouths, they are accustomed to using their mouths frequently. As a result, chew toys are an essential tool for satisfying their needs while protecting your belongings. There is no wrong time for a puppy to pick up a chew toy and begin gnawing. Chew toys are beneficial during crate training because they can keep your pup entertained and focused on something that makes them happy rather than feeling lonely in their crate. If your dog is tearing around the house, a peanut butter chew toy or a bully stick can be a great way to distract them and get them to focus on something else. Additionally, chew toys can help a hyper puppy relax. Your pup will be ready to nap after a chewing session and a quick potty break. Supervising your puppy when using new chew toys is critical because some are less durable than others and can be easily chewed through. If your puppy chews through the toy quickly, the pieces may be swallowed or choked on. Here are some valuable tips to help your puppy learn to love their chew toys: Treat them with peanut butter: Most puppies adore peanut butter, and smearing some on a new chew toy can instantly make it more appealing. As they lick and chew the toy, they associate it with the tasty treat and develop a fondness for it. Toy rotation and storage: Because puppies enjoy new toys, try rotating and storing their chew toys in a toy bin. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, whereas toys that are too large may be difficult for your dog to grip and chew on. Put toys in the freezer: When your puppy is teething, their mouth may be sore and hot. Put their chew toys in the freezer for a few minutes to cool them down and provide extra relief for their sore gums. Praise them for chewing: Positive reinforcement is essential for getting your puppy to enjoy their chew toys. Chewing is an entirely normal behavior in dogs, but it can become a problem when it becomes excessive and causes damage to household items such as shoes, carpets, and clothing. To prevent this, provide your Golden Retriever with a safe chew toy they can enjoy. Another cause of excessive chewing in dogs is a lack of attention from their owner. Training is also essential in reducing excessive chewing habits. Teach your dog not to chew on anything they come across by rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. Finally, exercise is essential. Golden retrievers are active dogs who require moderate to vigorous exercise regularly. They may become destructive and aggressive chewers if they do not get enough exercise. So give them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and let off steam healthily. The frequency at which you need to replace the toys will depend on how aggressively your puppy chews and how often they play with the toys. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace teething toys when they become damaged or start to show signs of wear, as this can pose a choking hazard or lead to ingestion of small pieces. Can I give my Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys? You can give your Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys. Frozen toys can provide additional relief for sore and swollen gums during the teething process. Be sure to monitor your puppy when they are playing with frozen toys and remove them if they become damaged or if your puppy seems to be having difficulty chewing. Golden Retriever puppies, like all puppies, will go through a teething phase during which they may be more prone to biting and chewing on objects around the house. Providing appropriate teething toys can redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate objects and help prevent destructive chewing of household items. Additionally, consistent positive reinforcement training can help teach your puppy appropriate chewing behavior. Toys that are designed to promote dental health often have ridges, bumps, or other textures that can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your puppy chews. Some toys may also contain enzymes that break down plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental problems. Harder toys made from materials like nylon or hard rubber can also help clean teeth and exercise the jaw. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Puppy Toys Golden Retrievers are considered great family friends because of their playfulness, intelligence, and loving hearts. One of the ways to keep your Golden puppy active and energetic is to buy them quality toys that match their activity level. Puppy toys offer several benefits to your dog because they can help them with teething, training, destructive behaviors, and bonding. There are different types of toys you can buy for a Golden Retriever puppy. Each of these puppy toys provides a specific benefit and purpose as it trains your dog differently. In this article, we will be discussing the type of toys that you should buy for your Golden Retriever. Types of toys to buy for a Golden puppy Chew toys Golden Retriever puppies have a natural desire to chew on something, probably because they are about to teeth or they are looking for outlets to release their endless energy. It is important to have several chew toys that can be used rotationally to fulfill chewing needs. Chewing helps your puppy relieve pain and pressure the moment their adult teeth start showing up. Most chew toys are made of plastic or rubber, so you can always choose either of the two depending on the specific purpose it fulfills. Puppy toys are necessary if you want to protect your shoes Interactive toys This type of toy helps you interact with your dog or play together. Some types of interactive toys include tennis balls, frisbees, or tug ropes. Interactive toys not only help you bond well with your Golden Retriever puppy but also frees up their playful energy. It also offers a perfect opportunity to train your dog in simple commands like asking them to sit, stand, or do any basic stuff. It is always a good idea to reward your Golden puppy every time he obeys a command as it makes them more inclined to do so the next time. Plush toys Plush toys often have a squeaker inside and are characterized by their soft and fuzzy appearance. Golden Retrievers like plating with this type of toy and will love it when they realize it squeaks. Plush toys are designed to drive the curiosity in Golden puppies so they can unleash their playful energy. It is important to do extensive research before buying a plush toy to ensure it is durable and can last longer than other options in the market. Puzzle toys Puzzle toys can fall anywhere between chew toys and plush toys. They serve the primary purpose of curing a bored Golden Retriever and stimulating their mental health. It is important to ensure your Golden puppy is stimulated both physically and mentally as it keeps them in good health condition. Puzzle toys foster fundamental canine skills like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. Since it works to banish puppy boredom, you get to solve any other destructive tendencies associated with it. How to choose the right toy for your Golden Retriever puppy There are a few factors you need to consider if you want to choose the right toy for your Golden puppy. These include age, size, and safety. Since Golden Retrievers start teething at a young age, the first type of toys you need to buy them should be made of rubber. You can later introduce him to interactive toys after the teething period and finally, the softer style toys once they reach a senior age. It is important to pay attention to the toy size your buy for your Golden puppy as it should match his breed and age. Make sure it matches their size as it makes everything fun and comfortable for your little family friend. Lastly, you need to avoid purchasing toxic toys. For instance, it is advisable to choose a puppy toy made of rubber rather than latex. There are many toy brands in the market that you can buy for your Golden Retriever. Based on the tips we have shared above it is important to choose a toy brand that is safe and most appropriate for your Golden puppy. Not only are puppy toys a great tool to keep your little Golden occupied but also help in training by reducing the destructive behavior that comes with boredom. Post navigation. Safe for both adult and puppy Tempting beef scent Carry on reading to discover why we made these choices, and lots of tips and buying advice to ensure you get the right product. As well as potentially choking on them, broken toys can cause a host of internal problems for you golden, too. Safe Materials The best chew toys are fairly hard and durable, but there are a few other things you should look out for when making a decision. If possible, always opt for toys made of non-toxic materials. That way, if they do chew off and swallow any of it, the internal damage can be somewhat mitigated. Be Prepared To Pay For Quality Not all expensive dog toys are high quality, but most high-quality dog toys are more expensive than the run-of-the-mill toys you can pick up at your neighborhood dollar store. Spending a little more money now to get a durable, safe and fun toy that will last is ultimately less expensive in the long run than having to continually replace cheap toys that your dog can destroy within hours. As with any product, the best materials will necessarily cost a little more. Certain materials lend themselves to durability — one of the most important features of a high-quality chew toy for golden retrievers. Favorite brands like KONG and Goughnuts make some of the toughest and most durable chew toys on the planet, and they use special formulations of hard rubber to achieve this. Rope Toys A close second to hard rubber is the huge balls of rope that many dogs love playing tug-of-war with. The plush fabric can be torn apart easily and swallowed. Any stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed, too — a definite choking hazard and something that could cause internal damage. Like a plush toy, they can easily be chewed apart in a few hours by a power chewer, and the likely included squeaker can, again, cause health problems if swallowed. Plastic While plastic is often just about hard enough to withstand the jaws of a heavy chewer, it scratches up easily and — if it does break — could see your dog swallowing sharp bits of plastic. These toys will keep your pooch entertained for hours, and hopefully your belongings intact and safe for far longer. Incredibly tough and durable, these toys are able to withstand a lot of pressure from gnashing teeth and can last for years. The idea is to stuff it with treats or kibble and let your retriever toil to get it out; keeping them busy for a few hours. First, they need to control the wobbling toy and stop it from rolling away from them! Top Features Great for dogs that eat too fast — the unpredictable dispenser helps them slow down, work for, and savor their food and treats It wobbles unpredictably, keeping your dog interested and challenged Can be used at mealtimes as an alternative dog bowl or for treating your dog Made in the USA Made of FDA-approved, high-strength plastic polymer Dishwasher safe with a twist-off dispenser Click Here For Price West Paw is another brand that specializes in high-quality dog chew toys. This Hurley bone chew is the perfect toy for golden retrievers that love to play fetch and gnaw on rawhide. Brightly colored so you can spot them outside Very durable and able to withstand heavy chewing Made in the US.

Puppy Breeds The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during war time and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. History Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late s. Temperament One of the breeds most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. The are also very intelligent, therefor easy to train and housebreak. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Large game hunter, guard and companion dog. ALL our dogs reside in foster homes in TX. Please fill out an adoption application at haydudeeqine. I am on the prowl for my fur-ever home now since I was found abandoned at the neighborhood doggie park. I'm not sure what I did that was so bad to just leave me there cuz I'm really a very good girl. They think I'm around 2 years old and weigh in at about 30lbs. I am house trained, calm and obedient. I try my best not to make any extra work for my foster mommy. I absolutely adore kids, they are just the next best thing since milkbones in my book. I do very well with other pups too! My ideal home would have a nice big fenced backyard that comes already stocked with playful siblings hopefully both the 2 and 4 legged variety to chase around stealing.At 30lbs I'm at that great size to accompany an active family on all their outdoor activities. I'd love to go with you on nature hikes or camping in the wilderness. I'd even make a great cheering section if any of 'our' kids are on a sports team! Both breeds of my hairytage are known to make great loyal family additions.

Share Tweet If you are considering buying a French bulldog, then you surely want to know where to find a book that will provide you with the best tips and tricks on how to take care of your dog. A quality French bulldog book can help you discover what essential items you need to buy, and what caring demands will keep your pooch in good shape and health. French bulldog secrets book , written by Alex the Great, will relieve you tips about how to grom your Frenchie from head to tail, what food to avoid, and when is the right time for training. French bulldog book- specially tailored to suit the French bulldog breed This French bulldog book pays attention to the nutritional needs of this breed and what type of food to choose. Alex the Great, has decided to write this fundamental book for future owners. As a future owner of this pooch, there are lots of things you gotta know about their personalities too. French bulldogs might be considered for smart dogs. However, they can also show stubbornness if you use punishment. Therefore, using positive reinforcement and right timing are the key factors that will help you successfully train your pet. Training tips for first-time dog owners We also want to remind you that Frenchies belong to companion dogs. This implies a fact that they will be on a higher tendency to suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a curable condition that requires immediate treatment. This book focuses on lessons that will help you tailor your dog into a calm-tempered, and obedient pet. Therefore, we hope that this French bulldog book will be your best companion during dog ownership. Post navigation. Quite a few potential health problems due to his deformed face High cost A French Bulldog may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult French Bulldogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. Health problems. Unfortunately, these nice-tempered dogs are deliberately bred with structural deformities that detract from the dog's quality of life. They especially have trouble breathing. You need to protect them from heatstroke and if your summers get hot, your home needs to be air-conditioned. Along with respiratory disorders, Frenchies also suffer from spinal disorders, eye diseases, heart disease, and joint diseases. Read more about French Bulldog Health. French Bulldog sounds. Because of their short face, most Frenchies snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. These sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Some French Bulldogs, especially those with heavy loose lips, slobber water when they drink. Some drool, too, especially after eating and drinking. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. French Bulldogs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. For such a small dog, French Bulldogs can be quite stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Food is a great motivator for this breed, but it often results in a fat Frenchie who only obeys if you're waving a cookie. I recommend a more sensible training method. French Bulldogs can be quite slow to housebreak. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently the result of cross-breeding of Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local Parisian ratters. History[ edit ] From the beginning of the nineteenth century bulldogs were bred in the United Kingdom for purposes other than traditional blood sports such as bull-baiting, which were banned in .By , there were few Toy Bulldogs left in England, such was their popularity in France, and due to the exploits of specialist dog exporters. The dogs were highly fashionable and were sought after by society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike, as well as creatives such as artists, writers, and fashion designers. As it changed, terrier stock had been brought in to develop traits such as the breed's long straight ears. One of its ancestors was the English bulldog. Americans had been importing French Bulldogs for a while, but it was not until when they were brought over in order to set up an American-based breeding program. They were mostly owned by society ladies, who first displayed them at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in .The judge in question at the dog show, George Raper, only chose winners with "rose ears"—ears that folded at the tip, as with the standard for Bulldogs. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed quickly after the breed club was formed, and by the French Bulldog was the fifth most popular dog breed in America. The Kennel Club initially recognized them as a subset of the existing Bulldog breed rather than an entirely new breed. Cousens, a meeting was held to set up a breed club in order to seek individual recognition for the French breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog has overtaken the Labrador as the most popular breed of dog. Before , Labradors had held the top spot for 31 years. Thanks for your kind words and appreciation! The book is well put together and great for display. Submitted 3 Thanks so much for the inclusion! Thanks for sharing your positive experience, we really appreciate it. Rated 5 out of 5 Paul — June 18, We love the book! We take every chance we can to showcase it, quality is great, pictures are great and it provides such a wide range of wonderful frenchies. Absolutely worth every dollar and we were very pleased with the final version. It is a must for any frenchie fan. Will Blunt — Woah! Rated 5 out of 5 stacy putnam verified owner — June 18, The book was super cute of all the frenchies!!! I only wish I had sent pictures of my 2 adorable frenchies for the book. Will Blunt — June 18, Thanks for the positive review Stacy! My Mom really wanted her Frenchie in the book, so I submitted a picture and we were lucky enough that she got picked. Knowing that she would be in the book, I bought this as a gift for my Mom. My Mom was really excited to get the book up until we looked through the book only to find a small picture of her shared with three other Frenchies on the same page. Meanwhile, the majority of the Frenchies in the book had a full page to themselves. Some full pages were even wasted on small Frenchie facts that were put into a large font, when this could have been small and condensed into one page. When they told me that our Frenchie would be in the book I assumed she would have a page to herself. We will take this feedback into consideration for the future. The better quality images typically were given full-pages while the lower quality images were partnered together. By including Frenchie facts and mixing up the way the photos were shown in the book, it balances the design of the book. Making it more than just a picture book. Rated 5 out of 5 Natalie N verified owner — June 19, I was so excited to hear that my baby boy Pepe made the cut. I cried when I opened the book and saw his cute face. This is such a wonderful compilation of many adorable Frenchies. Thank you! The book is of great quality, the photos are cute and I love the facts about the breed. Will Blunt — Thanks for your positive feedback Stephanie! The photos are amazing. All the Frenchies who feature are just a cute as ever!!! Everyone who visits our home is drawn to the book and they are also very impressed. We love our little Frenchie, his name is Louis and he just turned 1. Well done to everyone who was involved in creating such a fabulous book… It is Brilliant! Discover the 7 biggest mistakes you, as a Frenchie owner, make and reinforce every single day—and ultimately—encourage destructive behavior over the years. These mistakes may seem innocuous and sometimes cute—but they're anything but. Solving your puppy's behavior problems starts with you learning. Many first time pet owners think they're prepared to raise and train a Frenchie without possessing the proper tools for the job. What I am about to share with you will put old-school training methods to shame. I am a hardcore French Bulldog enthusiast by every definition. What started as a love for dogs quickly turned into an obsession to understand Frenchie behavior; allowing me to formulate the most effective and ethical principles backed by science and years of experience. I am here to tell you that teaching your French Bulldog good behavior, as well as tricks and concepts—while maintaining integrity—doesn't have to be complicated! I encourage you to please keep reading as I reveal to you Key dog training principles that will allow you to have a powerful bond and enjoy an exceptionally behaved pet. So I thought, "What could possibly go wrong? Imagine my frustration when in just 3 months after adopting "Winston," he: Constantly urinated and defecated inside Chewed through all my shoes, socks and furniture Growled, barked and lunged at family, neighbors and friends Jumped on anyone walking through the front door; even small children Barked non-stop when I left the house; which left my neighbors feeling exasperated Refused to listen to me and ignored any commands that he previously learned Begged at the dinner table, ignoring his own food Chased around the neighbor's cats and small animals. .Learn to Correct and Prevent Some of The Worst French Bulldog Problems Today My precious little pup Winston would climb up on our furniture and perform a series of systemic barks and howls; as if he was giving a speech to a sea of pups! Feeling frustrated, I took him to dog training classes. Although his behaviour slightly improved, it wasn't even a week later when Winston was back to his old routine of ignoring my commands and chewing on my antique French Rug; a not-so-stylish gift from my grandmother. On top of it all, he only seemed to obey commands when the dog trainer was around. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was on a mission to figure out why traditional dog training didn't work for my dog. I spent countless hours after work studying dog behavior and essential dog training principles. Months into my research, my hope, as well as my coffee, was running out. One morning after a long night of research I looked at my books and notes, and stumbled upon a startling realization: They were all dog training books. .Not French Bulldog training books! In the moment of clarity, I was also astonished by the sheer amount of inaccurate and outdated information that dog trainers and ordinary pet owners blindly accept and follow. I was beginning to understand why so many Frenchie owners grew tired and confused—eventually giving up altogether. This teaches your puppy to avoid pain and discomfort, rather than learning how to communicate effectively. Sadly, many French Bulldog owners just like you are blindsided by inaccurate information; compromising your integrity, as well as the respect and trust of your puppy. This will exert immense stress and anxiety on to your pet; drastically slowing down training progress and causing him to exhibit countless behavioral problems. Pet owners that entertain old-school training methods end up with dogs who live in a state of perpetual fear—leaving owners feeling exasperated. What baffled me the most is that it took me months of extensive research to distinguish the right way to train your French Bulldog, from the wrong. How many pet owners have the time or patience to read and study a mountain educational material? Suddenly, I wished that I had known the truth when I first adopted Winston to prevent behavioral problems from developing in the first place. To my own surprise, these key training principles were so powerful and effective, I was able to reverse behavioral issues within weeks. My new mission was clear: delineate my keen understanding of key Frenchie training principles to dog owners who are desperate for information that actually works. I began working with my Frenchie in an attempt to filter out training techniques that were ineffective, and only stuck to what worked. After many months of trial and error, I compiled what I believe is the "bible" of dog training methodology. I still remember writing in my black notebook in red ink every time Winston complied with a new concept ridiculously faster than the average dog would using traditional methods. This way I was able to discover how to effectively communicate with my dog, as well as the ins and outs of French Bulldogs. For the longest time, I could not figure out why my little Energizer-Bunny loved to chew all my furniture to shreds. Or why he thought it was amusing to knock over my new crystal vase. Today, Winston knows better than to chew on things other than his toys. We have a mutual understanding based on respect. I decided to share my findings with family and friends to help them build a bond with their dog. The feedback was overwhelming! I began receiving questions, as well as thank-you cards, e-mails, and gifts like it was Christmas morning. Several months later, keeping up with questions became impossible. Many people only got a piece of the pie, but wanted the whole thing! I needed a better way to get this powerful information to every dog owner. Every dog owner deserves to know the right way to train their puppy, and avoid the wrong. French Bulldog Owner's Guide offers the most simple and modern way to understand and train your French Bulldog without jeopardizing your integrity, or losing your puppy's trust. Simply put, you won't be pulling your hair out with frustration any longer. Luckily, I've already done the work. French Bulldog Owner's Guide encompasses that, and so much more. Dog training isn't just about teaching your dog a back-flip trick to impress your crush. It's about dog owners just like you having a peace of mind that their couch won't be shredded to pieces when you leave your home. It's about avoiding behavioral problems from occurring in the first place. French Bulldog Owner's Guide is the only tool you need for your puppy's success. This will prevent behavioral problems from developing or recurring. For that reason, I decided to compile this all-in-one guide into a digital format exclusively - available on all your devices while saving trees in the process. There's Simply No Alternative to French Bulldog Owner's Guide Every French Bulldog owner must understand that in order to have a happy, healthy and obedient puppy—they must first understand how to read their body language and how Frenchies respond to you. It all comes down to effective communication with your canine friend. French Bulldog Owner's Guide is catered to owners who have little-to-no experience with Frenchies as well as those who previously attempted to train their dogs with no success. You will learn how to win your Frenchie's obedience, loyalty, and respect using a series of training techniques that will appeal to their natural canine instincts. You will learn how to use simple voice commands, hand gestures and well-timed positive reinforcement methods to put a stop to your Frenchie's bad habits and save thousands on property damage due to destructive behavior. Both you and your Frenchie will be having fun during the training process, which will produce timely results and a powerful bond. French Bulldog Owner's Guide contains the most accurate knowledge, as well as personal tips and advice that would cost you time, and thousands of dollars to figure out on your own. Simply put, it contains everything you need to know about living happily with your French Bulldog whether it's a puppy you had just brought home which needs training, or an older dog. Don't take my word for it, here are some of the feedback I received from proud French Bulldog owners that have read and applied the techniques that are mentioned in my guide: Fiona is my first Frenchie who was adopted last March at the age of 3. She had serious anxiety and behavioral problems. .After following the training techniques in this book for several months, Fiona is truly happy and obedient! I can honestly say I'm finally a happy dog owner thanks to your advice. I don't know what I would do if I didn't come across this info. Thank you!!! Claire G. Fiona is my first Frenchie who was adopted last March at the age of 3. I've come across a lot of dog training books, but this one is the best one I've ever read! It's so comprehensive and specific to the French Bulldog breed.It really covers everything I needed to know. Even health issues, socialization, grooming, tricks and traveling. It is also so clear and easy to follow. Thank you SO much for sharing this with me! Andrew B. By now you are probably wondering "who is this crazy French Bulldog whisperer? Every Frenchie owner deserves to have a dog who is Happy, Healthy and Obedient. Now is your chance to make that happen for you and your beautiful French Bulldog! In the modern world, everyone wants the best bang for their buck. I can guarantee that you are getting exactly that. Now is your chance to give your French Bulldog exactly what they deserve: A fun and exciting way to spend time together, while learning new tricks and concepts with ease. I'm so confident that French Bulldog Owner's Guide will give you a huge confidence boost and make you an excellent dog owner that I want you to use the guide for 60 days without any risk! Try these proven training methods for yourself. If for some reason it's not satisfactory, simply email me and get a full refund—no questions asked. Free Lifetime Consultation! The price you pay also includes unlimited ongoing support and advice by email—I will personally answer all incoming emails! If you have any questions about the book or general questions about French Bulldogs I will get back to you swiftly and do my best to help you out. These books are a must have for any dog owner who want to expand beyond basic dog training knowledge. At this time, I was able to get them to you for free! Say goodbye to expensive grooming bills and say hello to fun do-it-yourself grooming.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Maryland would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary If you live in or around Maryland, you will have numerous alternatives to choose from, owing to the many German Shepherd shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. In a word, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter would need a significant amount of time and patience on your part. Other States. Our Goals To adopt companion animals into loving homes. To evaluate the temperament of each dog to determine its suitability to his or her new adoptive family. To reinforce basic training, socialization and house manners. To provide needed medical care and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are received for all adoptable dogs, including spay and neuter. To promote education about responsible pet ownership, including the spaying and neutering of pets, and the humane and respectful treatment of all animals. To encourage responsible action to reunite lost pets with their owners. To establish a network of foster homes working to ensure comfort and assistance of all German Shepherd Dogs in need. When each dog leaves our care, it is our goal that they go to a home where they: Are loved as a member of the family. Are well cared for. Are receiving the proper mental and physical stimulation. Are receiving the daily interaction and affection they need. Whether it's medical or boarding bills, food, toys, treats, crates, supplements, special supply needs, or surgery, every penny is used for them. No amount is too small. Won't you please consider either a one-time donation or a monthly sponsorship. We and the dogs will thank you, plus it is tax-deductible! Keep checking back. Thanks for stopping by! If you are a first time visitor, then congratulations on your decision to adopt a dog! Your are about to improve and potentially save! Every state page here on Local Dog Rescues contains a complete list of all the local rescue organizations that we have identified in each state. You will be able to see all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can check and see what dogs they currently have available for adoption. We provide all this information to help you identify ALL the available dogs for rescue near you, so you can find your perfect pup. It is jam packed with awesome info that will help you on your adoption journey! If you are considering getting a German Shepherd, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to German Shepherds". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their German Shepherd from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or click here to grab one on Amazon. Devoted and intelligent, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds. They excel in jobs such as search and rescue, police work, and therapy dogs. The German Shepherd was originally bred to herd flocks all day and to this day has endless energy. This breed requires a lot of exercise and a lot of training — especially consistent and early training. Their loyal and protective nature makes them great watchdogs, but they can also be apprehensive of strangers. Early socialization will help them get along with other dogs and people. A well trained and well socialized German Shepherd will make an amazing family member. We are so grateful that we are able to help you rescue the dog of your dreams. In addition to coming back here, you can also check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for additional info on rescue groups near you, current posts, and pictures!

Breeds The link has been copied! Are you a devoted dog fan seeking a unique, intelligent, and loyal companion? Meet the Merle Goldendoodle, rapidly gaining popularity among pet parents everywhere! These pooches flaunt memorable coat patterns and gentle temperaments, making them an optimal family addition. Goldendoodles are now in the top five most popular designer dog breeds in the US - and within this breed, Merle Goldendoodles are rapidly gaining attention for their distinct and gorgeous coat hues. But what exactly is a Merle Goldendoodle, and what makes them different from other Goldendoodles? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the fascinating world of Merle Goldendoodles, discussing everything from their temperament and appearance to their health and lifespan. What is Merle Goldendoodle? Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid canine bred from Golden Retrievers and Poodles, making them one of the most beloved doodle breeds out there. These hybrids boast stunningly unique coat colors, a super friendly demeanor and smarts that come from their parent breeds. The boundless playfulness and love characteristic of a Golden Retriever add to the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of a Poodle, creating the ultimate pup! Are Merle Goldendoodle Rare? Merle Goldendoodles are far from being considered an uncommon breed, yet they are more of a rarity compared to other Goldendoodle colors. This is because merle is a dominant gene which isn't present in Golden Retrievers, that being the strain blended with Poodle for making the Goldendoodle. Thus, the Merle Goldendoodle is formulated by crossing a Merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever, consequently rendering the genetic pool smaller than that of most other Goldendoodles. It is also essential to keep in mind that while Merle Goldendoodles aren't infrequently encountered, it might cost more than the others owing to the added effort needed to achieve them. Breeding Merle Goldendoodles requires finding two dogs that carry the merle gene and ensuring the production of healthy puppies; implying more thorough health tests and careful breeding methods to avoid illnesses associated with the merle gene. Merle Goldendoodle Coat Types Merle Goldendoodles can have different coat types , depending on whether they inherit more Poodle or Golden Retriever traits. The three main coat types are short or flat, wavy or shaggy, and curly. Let's look at them in detail. In contrast to other Merle Goldendoodles, they boast a smooth and straight coat with a natural sheen. These pups usually require minimal grooming as compared to their counterparts since their coats are much shorter and tend not to get tangled as easily. The short and flat coat Merle Goldendoodle would be an ideal choice for those who prefer low maintenance dogs. While regular brushing is recommended for minimizing loose fur, and preserving the shine and healthiness of its coat, there's no need for frequent grooming. They're also less prone to matting and tangling, which can be common problems among breeds with long coats. Unlike the short or flat coat Merle Goldendoodle, they have coats that are thick and wavy, with a soft, fluffy texture. These dogs require regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting, and their coats may need to be trimmed periodically to keep them from becoming too long. The wavy or shaggy coat of Merle Goldendoodles gives them a charming and lovable appearance that many dog owners find irresistible. These dogs have a coat that ranges in color and pattern from blue merle, red merle, and chocolate merle, to black and other colors. This gives each dog a unique look, which adds to its appeal. While wavy or shaggy coat Merle Goldendoodles require more grooming than the short or flat coat variation, they are still relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only need to be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair and prevent matting. Some owners prefer to have their Merle Goldendoodles professionally groomed to keep their coats looking neat and tidy. These dogs have tightly curled, fluffy coats with a wool-like texture, making them also known as 'fleece coats'. The coat can come in a range of colors and patterns, including blue merle, red merle, chocolate merle, black and many others, similar to the other Merle Goldendoodle variants. The curly coat of the Merle Goldendoodle is eye-catching but requires the most grooming of all the variants. Their coats are prone to matting meaning regular brushing and combing is necessary for keeping their curls looking neat and tidy. Additionally, trimming them more often prevents tangling and matting. Despite their high grooming needs, curly coat Merle Goldendoodles are an extremely popular choice for many dog owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they love spending time with their families. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for novice dog owners or families with children. Do Merle Goldendoodles Change Color? The merle gene, which is responsible for the unique marbling and hue of Merle Goldendoodles, can lead to a shift in coat color as these pooches mature. This can be particularly noticeable in Merle Goldendoodle breeds with lighter fur shades, like cream or white. As the pup ages, its coat may darken and become richer, putting the merle pattern in plain sight. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that not all Merle Goldendoodles will morph their fur tone as they age. Some might retain their initial coat shade and pattern for life. Apart from that, color alterations may also be affected by other conditions such as diet, habitat, and overall well-being. It is also worth mentioning that Merle Goldendoodles with a chocolate merle coat may be more prone to color fading, which means that their coat may become lighter and less vibrant over time. This is because the merle gene can sometimes cause the melanin in the dog's coat to break down, resulting in a lighter color. Despite the potential for changes in coat color, Merle Goldendoodles remain a popular choice for dog owners who are drawn to their unique and eye-catching appearance. With proper care and attention, Merle Goldendoodles can live long, happy lives, and continue to bring joy to their owners for many years to come. Merle Goldendoodle Temperament Merle Goldendoodles are adored for their kind, loving, and highly clever personalities. They make outstanding family pets and thrive on attention and partnership with their owners. They're renowned for their mild temperaments and are usually non-aggressive, making them a superb option for households with young children. These pups are readily trainable and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. They're faithful and devoted to their families, and they relish spending time with people. Merle Goldendoodles are also very social dogs who get along well with other animals as well as strangers, though proper socialization and training are imperative to ensure they have positive interactions with other creatures. The personality of the Merle Goldendoodle makes them a hit these days. They're a fantastic pick for households looking for a loving, devoted, and intelligent companion. Plus, their sociable and affable behavior makes them an ideal pick for first-time doggo owners who might want a pup that's easy to train and bond with. Merle Goldendoodle Appearance As mentioned earlier, Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, meaning their look can differ depending on which parent's traits they've taken after. They usually boast medium-sized builds with strong and muscular bodies that make them great for running, hiking, and playing fetch outdoors. Their heads are usually broad and rounded, making them sociable and approachable. It's common for them to have expressive eyes set well apart—a trait they get from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Adding to the uniqueness of their look are their floppy ears that hang down either side; some may even have hair covering their ears. Overall, Merle Goldendoodles are a beautiful and unique breed with an appearance that is sure to turn heads. Merle Goldendoodle Sizes Merle Goldendoodles come in three distinct sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere between pounds and stand as tall as 24 inches at the shoulder. Medium-sized Merles usually weigh between pounds and reach up to 20 inches tall. And, lastly, a Miniature Merle Goldendoodle can be lbs in weight and reach a maximum height of 15 inches at the shoulder. The size of a Merle Goldendoodle often depends on the size of its poodle parent. For example, a Golden Retriever bred with a Standard Poodle will likely result in larger puppies than those bred with a Miniature Poodle. Generally, the size of a Merle Goldendoodle is also determined by several considerations, including genetics, diet, and exercise. It is noteworthy that standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are larger and need more room for exercise than the smaller ones. When choosing a Merle Goldendoodle, it's important to consider your lifestyle and living arrangements to determine which size would be the best fit for you and your family. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are great for families with large yards or who live in rural areas, while miniature Merle Goldendoodles are well-suited for apartment living and those who prefer a smaller dog. Blue Merle Goldendoodle Blue Merle Goldendoodles have a beautiful blue-gray coat, often featuring black patches or spots. The eye color of these pups can vary between blue or green, and their nose and paw pads tend to be black. As a standout among other Goldendoodle colors, Blue Merle Goldendoodles really stand out and are very much in demand. Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles boast a stunning chocolate-brown coat with lighter brown patches or spots. Their eyes can be green or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in either brown or pink. Phantom Merle Goldendoodles Phantom Merle Goldendoodles have a black coat with tan or silver markings. Their eyes can be blue or amber, and their nose and paw pads are typically black. Red Merle Goldendoodles Red Merle Goldendoodles are characterized by their red or orange coat, which can be adorned with white and cream patches or spots. These adorable pups also have captivating eyes - usually blue, green, or amber - as well as nose and paw pads that often range from black to brown. Black Merle Goldendoodle Black Merle Goldendoodles have a glossy black coat punctuated with gray and silver patches or spots. Eye color is often blue, green, or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in black. Other Goldendoodle colors In addition to the merle color variations, Goldendoodles can also come in a range of other colors, including white , apricot, red , black , and chocolate. Some Goldendoodles have solid coats, while others have parti, tuxedo, or abstract markings. On average, Merle Goldendoodles live between 10 to 15 years. However, it is essential to note that, like all breeds of dogs, their lifespan is influenced by various factors such as diet, exercise , genetics, and healthcare. Owners can extend their pet's life expectancy by providing them with high-quality food, regular exercise, and preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and regular vet checkups. Proper care can ensure that your Merle Goldendoodle remains happy and healthy throughout its life. Merle Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, they may be at risk of developing some health issues that are common in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common issue among many large breeds, including Goldendoodles. It is caused by the improper development of the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort, arthritis, and mobility issues. Proper exercise, a healthy diet, and regular vet checkups can help identify hip dysplasia early and mitigate its effects. It is essential to have your Merle Goldendoodle's eyes examined regularly to detect early signs of PRA. Allergies: Merle Goldendoodles may be prone to developing allergies, especially if they have inherited this trait from their Poodle parent. Symptoms of allergies may include skin irritation, scratching, and ear infections. If you suspect your Merle Goldendoodle has allergies, consult with a veterinarian. Merle Goldendoodles have low-shedding coats, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. However, the level of shedding can vary depending on the coat type. For example, Merle Goldendoodles with curly coats may shed less than those with wavy or flat coats. Regardless of coat type, regular grooming can help reduce shedding. They make a great pick for those looking for an animal that is tender, intelligent, and simple to teach. Whether you're a fan of blue, chocolate, phantom, red, or black Merle Goldendoodle, you can easily find one that caters to your tastes. At Fi, we feel that Merle Goldendoodles make a great pet for those searching for loving, devoted and intelligent companions. As a technologically advanced firm devoted to pups' comfort, we are delighted to present the Fi Smart Dog Collar. It is engineered to assist owners in keeping their furry family secure and healthy. Our collar has GPS tracking and activity-monitoring functions, so you can always keep an eye on your Merle Goldendoodle. You can observe their place in real-time and get alerts whenever they depart permitted zones or find themselves in danger. Moreover, our collar tracks your pet's activity pattern to assure they are getting the proper physical exercise and rest. At Fi, we are committed to creating products that help pet owners give their dogs the best life possible. We believe that every Merle Goldendoodle deserves to be happy, healthy, and loved, and we are here to help make that a reality. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. The petite-sized merle Goldendoodle And the teacup-sized merle Goldendoodle. On average, the merle Goldendoodle should weigh between 13 to 80 pounds and should have a height range between 7 to 25 inches. The standard-sized merle Goldendoodle should weigh between 45 to 80 pounds. It can grow between 22 to 25 inches tall. They are the tallest and heaviest merle Goldendoodles you can find. The medium-sized Goldendoodle should be next in size. It should weigh between 30 to 45 pounds and should have a height between 17 to 21 inches. The next should be the miniature-sized Goldendoodle. These usually are small varieties that weigh between 16 to 30 pounds. Their height range is usually between 13 to 16 inches. Smaller sizes like the petite Goldendoodle can be bred from miniature-sized Goldendoodles. They can weigh between 11 to 15 pounds and can grow as tall as 11 to 12 or 13 inches. The Smallest size, which is the teacup merle Goldendoodles, would be super rare. Their height should be lower than 11 inches and they should weigh less than 11 pounds. Most Popular Color Variations of the Merle Goldendoodle As stated earlier, the Merle gene of the Goldendoodle alters the coat pattern of the Goldendoodle and not the color. As such, the merle Goldendoodle can come in a variety of coat colors. A few of these coat colors are; 1. Blue Merle Goldendoodle Blue Merle Goldendoodle The blue merle Goldendoodle is obtained from breeding a blue merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever or breeding a blue merle Goldendoodle with another Goldendoodle of solid coat color. It features a merle pattern but with a light blue base coat that gives the puppy a more marbling look. Getting a blue merle Goldendoodle is easier said than done. The color is very rare and due to the overall aesthetics of the puppies, they are in high demand. Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle The chocolate merle Goldendoodle should bear similarities with the blue merle Goldendoodle except it has a chocolate coat base color and these dogs are often gotten from the Poodle parent. Phantom Merle Goldendoodles Phantom Merle Goldendoodle Phantom merle Goldendoodles come in 2 colors in a merle pattern while being in specific locations like the eyebrows, and chest. Muzzle, lower legs, and even the ears of the Goldendoodles. The two coat colors are often brown or black and the merle pattern is existent on their coat. They usually have a reddish brown base color and the signature merle pattern that makes these Goldendoodles very beautiful. Black Merle Goldendoodle Black merle Goldendoodles are also rare but not as rare as the rest. They are the most likely to possess the fading gene and fade into a light silver or gray color. They feature a black base coat and a rich merle pattern that is simply beautiful. Merle Goldendoodles are prone to certain health conditions which would be discussed in detail later in this article. However, if bred, raised, and cared for properly, the merle Goldendoodle should live the average lifespan of a regular Goldendoodle. This should be between 10 to 15 years. But there are a number of factors that can affect this, so it is worth noting that this is just general speculation. They are incredibly smart as they are often a mix of dog breed genes. The high intelligence that comes with being an offspring of the Poodle breed makes the merle Goldendoodle easily trainable. When training the merle Goldendoodle, it is worth stating that you can get a lot more achieved faster with positive reinforcement than you would with negative training techniques or tips. Instead of shouting or raising your voice at the puppy, give it a stern look and a light tap on its head. It should be able to understand the message. Goldendoodles in general also require a lot of exercise and merle Goldendoodles are no exception. You would need to keep them regularly exercised to get rid of the excess and intense energy that they are prone to. If left unexercised, that intense energy merle Goldendoodles and all Goldendoodles, in general, are prone to can easily become destructive, especially in apartments and smaller homes. It is recommended that you take your dog each day for a walk. You can also try to make out time for your puppies to keep them occupied. You can make use of a hired help or trainer to do it for you, or you can make the effort to do it yourself this a better choice as it helps you build better relationships with your furry friend and companion. This is where the merle Goldendoodle differs from other Goldendoodles. They have a higher propensity for developing genetic defects than regular Goldendoodles. As such you have to be careful when breeding them. Here are some of the possible health defects that your merle Goldendoodle might be exposed to. Deafness It is possible for a merle Goldendoodle puppy to suffer from deafness either partial or total. This is caused by the merle gene and it often happens on the side of the ear where the merle pattern is most dominant. Blindness Another common problem that can come from improper breeding of merle puppies is blindness. It can come from birth or develop as the puppy matures. Merle Goldendoodles born with blue eyes most likely suffer from this condition. Bloating Bloating for Goldendoodles can be very severe and life-threatening. It is a terrible condition that occurs in merle Goldendoodles and appears as excess air or swelling of the stomach. It can be very painful and requires immediate medical attention. It is a hormonal disorder that can lead to a weakened immune system. It can also cause weight loss for your dogs and even certain skin defects. Alopecia Color dilution Alopecia color dilution can be quite severe for merle Goldendoodles. It is a skin condition that could result in a Goldendoodle losing parts of its fur, making them bald in the long run. For merle Goldendoodles, the dog loses its fur at areas of the body where the merle patch exists. The shedding propensity of your Goldendoodle or how much your Goldendoodle shed depends on the coat type of your Goldendoodle. For the merle Goldendoodle, it depends on the coat type. Merle Goldendoodles with curly or wavy fur are known to be low to non-shedding Goldendoodles. They are practically hypoallergenic and are safe around people with dog hair allergies. However, merle Goldendoodles with the short and flat coat type are more likely to shed than the other Goldendoodle coat types. They require less grooming as they can easily shed their fur. But it is important to state that merle Goldendoodles with a flat and short hair coat type are still fewer shedders than Golden Retrievers in general. How Much Are Merle Goldendoodles? Merle Goldendoodles are super rare, and as such, they can be quite expensive to purchase. Their rare color and difficulty in breeding are what cause the high cost of getting one. For rarer merle Goldendoodles like the blue merle, it might cost a bit more. This is a very difficult Goldendoodle puppy to breed, and its health defects can be quite bad. So forget the high cost and ensure you obtain your Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. Merle Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale 1. They are based in Washington and are quite experienced with over 3 years dedicated to breeding high-quality family-friendly Goldendoodle companions. They focus on merle Goldendoodles and breeds of most merle colors. Their puppies are from the f1b generation and are blessed with the low-to-nonshedding coat that makes them truly special dogs. Vaalaurah Farms utilizes the best CKC-registered sires and dams in their breeding programs that come from decent bloodlines and are incredibly healthy. Their sires and dams each have genetic testing done for all their dogs to ensure they are free from any potential harmful defect. The sires and dams are healthy and each has their OFA certifications available upon request to show that they are indeed healthy. Because they deal with merle puppies, a lot is taken to properly raise the puppies the right way. All their merle Goldendoodles get to live in their family house in Spokane, Washington, where they are monitored closely. They also have their socialization done early to guarantee that you end up with a well-rounded Goldendoodle puppy. Each Goldendoodle puppy is raised using Puppy Culture. They are introduced to Early Neurological Stimulation. And even have a Voldhard puppy aptitude test done on them. Expect Your Merle Goldendoodle to come with appropriate health records, they should be microchipped, and given their full vaccinations and deworming as well. They come with a lifetime health guarantee and lifetime support from the breeder. Valaurah Farms Contact Details. What is a Merle Goldendoodle? A merle Goldendoodle is a popular crossbreed between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, which has a specific coat pattern called merle. These Doodle dogs are very popular due to their striking shades of black, brown, or a combination of the two. Are they any different than a regular Goldendoodle? No, merle Goldendoodles are the same as regular Goldendoodles. The Poodle-Golden Retriever mix has a variety of different coat colors. Some Goldendoodles have one solid color, such as apricot Goldendoodles, white Goldendoodles, brown Goldendoodles, etc. Other Goldendoodles may have unique coats like brindle, parti, or merle. However, a merle Goldendoodle and a parti Goldendoodle are the same breed. So, how do merles get their gorgeous coats? The extent of these shades and patches depends on genetics. For example, a young dog with a salt-and-pepper appearance has the genetics for black coat color and merle coat pattern. Dilute is where the hair color is lightened. This type of color genetics also appears in cattle, sheep, and cats, to name a few. It only means that if it can produce colored hair, it will show up in a shade of either black or brown. For different shades, there are three genes involved. The first is dilution or dd. Black dogs or red dogs such as black Goldendoodles or red Goldendoodles will have DD genetics, allowing for full expression of the color in all its rich shades. However, a dog with dilute genetics, or dd, will produce a lighter shade of the color. This gives you a dog that is born charcoal grey or tan. A dog that also has ii genetics will often be lighter. Depending on the depth of dilution, this could be coloring such as silver, fawn, or cream. Roxy, a gorgeous blue merle phantom Goldendoodle image: roxythemerledoodle. On the other hand, a dog that is GG will start black or dark grey and then continue to lighten as they mature. This differs from geriatric graying of an aging dog, which is caused by loss of eumelanin production and is typically limited to the face. One additional gene, A, is the agouti gene. It has two different appearances. One controls the color appearing on the back versus the belly, while the other controls the pattern of color on individual hairs. A dog with black on its back and tan underneath is one type of aa. A dog that has light hair with dark tips is another type of aa. This includes the sable color e. Tyrosinase, or albinism, is a genetic mutation that prevents pigment from forming at all and is often seen in some white dogs that often have red or pale blue eyes and completely pink skin. Other types of spots are due to mutations in this gene and others. This includes masks, points, piebald, flashy spotting, brindle, ticked, roan, and dalmatian spotting. Harlequin creates amazing spotting patterns found only in Great Danes with one or two merle genes in addition to a single H gene. Great Danes are the only breed that has the true harlequin gene [2] doggenetics. This means that no matter what you read, there is no such thing as a harlequin Goldendoodle. Great Dane with a harlequin merle coat. Now that we understand the color and marking genetics, the merle gene provides an interesting scientific study. Merle is passed on by the M locus, with non-merle being a double mm. The double mm is considered recessive genes. What this means, in plain English, is that additional genetic code is inserted into a specific location on the M locus. It will appear only in their offspring if passed onto a puppy with another M gene. Even then, it will be faint. This explains why we might have cryptic merle Goldendoodles and phantom merle Goldendoodles. At higher insertion lengths, more marked patterns will appear. With one copy of the atypical merle locus, the dog will have no to slight merle markings, while two copies will look like a regular Mm merle pattern in many cases [3] doggenetics. These should never breed to dogs that have longer alleles to avoid the chance of health problems in puppies. A merle or M has an allele insertion length of , providing the usual merle coat pattern in an Mm dog. However, two Mm dogs have a chance of producing an MM or double-merle puppy, which can have significant health problems. This type of breeding should be avoided. A harlequin merle or Mh has the longest allele insertion length between and may also be referred to as a herding harlequin in some breeds. This type of breed will often have large white or pale grey patches. This happens because the strength of the genetic expression removes some of the darker coloring while retaining the merle pattern. This type of genetics must be bred to unmerled, or Mc, dogs to prevent the risk of severe health problems in puppies. How Can a Goldendoodle be Merle? As a cross between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, merle Goldendoodles get their merle genetics from the Poodle. But many breeders, and Poodle-fanatics, believe that there is no such thing as a merle Poodle. An intentional genetic bottleneck caused the merle genes in Poodles. Columbias, prior to the Industrial Revolution, came in all colors, as the primitive Shetland breed still does. But as chemical dyes replaced natural dyes in the Industrial Revolution, wool merchants began demanding white sheep so that the dye would present the same color across all the wool they had purchased. Sheep farmers began breeding for white sheep. This is how the concept of a black sheep being a bad thing came into practice. Similarly, at one point in the history of the Poodle breed , colored Poodles were considered defective. However, as our appreciation of the breed and understanding of genetics has increased, more breeders have begun breeding for specific colors and merle patterns. If safely done, intentional breeding provides us with a beautiful, natural range of animals that were nearly bred out of existence. After crossbreeding with Golden Retrievers to create the Goldendoodle breed, more color has been added to their genetic pool. Goldendoodles have a massive range of fantastic coat colors and patterns [4] valaurahfarms. It is not uncommon to come across all sorts of colors and patterns in this designer dog: Blue Goldendoodles.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. In the beginning, the food needs for my Labrador Molly changed dramatically. I worried that I was feeding her too little. As she grew older, I became concerned that I was feeding her too much. So, how often should you feed a Labrador? You should feed an adult Labrador two meals per day. You should feed Labrador puppies three meals per day, unless otherwise stated on the food packaging. It is essential to adhere to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your Lab. You should also be aware of how to handle situations when your dog doesn't want to eat on schedule or doesn't finish its meal. In this article Labrador Feeding Schedules Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly. Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food. If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given. Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner. According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit that need the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household. Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death , they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals. Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals. In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total. Use Interactive Food Dispensers Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside. Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing. How Much to Feed a Labrador Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight. If your Lab is not at an ideal weight , you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight. Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision. Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food : Adult Target Weight:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

Lifespan Sociability You can expect to pay a lot for your Old German Shepherd puppy, depending on where you live and what breeder you choose. Other factors will increase your ongoing costs, including regular vet visits, flea and tick medication, food, treats, toys, and more. Old German Shepherds are extremely versatile and can be service dogs, police dogs, obedience dogs, and more. Old German Shepherds form stronger bonds with one family member, typically the owner or caretaker. The military has used them since the first World War, and they are still employed today. It is a herding dog, so it has plenty of energy, and it will often try to herd family members. These German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and able to learn complex multi-step tasks. Their intelligence allows them to find and rescue missing people, drugs, bombs, and more. It can also solve challenging problems, and it can open doors, retrieve specific items, and much more. It enjoys playing with children and being part of family activities. It also makes a fantastic watchdog that will help keep your family safe. The only downside to keeping these dogs is that they like to herd family members, which can cause them to nip and scare small children. Plenty of training and socialization can help reduce this bad behavior. However, it will chase small animals in the yard, and it could try to herd your pets, especially the cats, which can cause some problems, but they usually get used to each other quickly. We recommend looking for brands that provide omega fats because they help reduce swelling and promote a shiny coat. Avoid brands that contain artificial colors and chemical preservatives as they can cause health problems for some dogs. We recommend setting aside a minimum of 45 minutes each day for games, playing, and running. These dogs love games of fetch and will chase a ball around for most of the day. It also loves games of tug of war, and if you have the strength, it can be a great way to help them expend energy. We recommend holding short training exercises right after your exercise time to help your pet stay focused on your training. Holding your sessions at the same time each day can also help, as can plenty of reinforcement in the form of praise and treats. Avoid showing your dog any disappointment as that can set back any progress made, and be patient because it can take even the smartest dogs several weeks to learn a new trick and commit it to memory. Some owners even recommend a professional groomer to minimize the effort required. We also recommend brushing the teeth as often as possible to slow the progression of dental disease and trimming the nails if you hear them clicking on the floor. Image Credit: Couleur, Pixabay. The likelihood that you have encountered an authentic Old German Shepherd Dog is low. This breed of dog is incredibly rare nowadays, with some sources stating that they are in real danger of extinction in the near future. Before the establishment of the German Shepherd breed, any dog in Germany that was used for shepherding was referred to by this term. His main purpose was to breed and document the dogs, with the aim to establish a superior animal. Traditionally, these dogs were popular on rural, German farms, where they would move flocks of sheep around the lands. As well as this, they would act as guard dogs, defending the livestock from potential predators. Without the input of Captain von Stephanitz, these dogs were bred purely on the basis for their working ability, rather than their aesthetic appearance or conformation. As they have never been bred for their physical looks, there is a huge variety from breed member to breed member, and they are much less uniform in appearance than the modern German Shepherd dog. Their owners sought after traits, such as intelligence, speed and hardiness. Any breed standard you read will focus on capability rather than physicality, with their ability to herd being the most important factor. The focus on working competence alone has meant that this breed is less predisposed to some of the health conditions suffered by a modern day German Shepherd, and its features are less exaggerated. Generally, they most closely resemble long-haired German Shepherds. In fact, some breeders will classify any long-haired German Shepherd as an Old German Shepherd — though this is not an entirely accurate classification. The authenticity of the Old German Shepherd Dog being a breed in its own right is very controversial, and an often hotly debated topic. Currently, there are some breed enthusiasts who are working hard to have the breed more widely recognised and accepted. Appearance The Old German Shepherd has never been bred to look a certain way, and so there is no true breed standard in existence. A medium to large sized athletically-built breed, dogs will measure between 55 and 65cm, while weighing anything between 22 and 40kg. Their coat colour can be black, brown, tan or grey, and often consists of more than one colour. The length and type of the coat varies between individuals, though tends to be long. Constantly alert, they make very good watchdogs, immediately warning their owner of any unwelcome visitor. Loyal to their family, they will form tight bonds with those they trust, and are often strongly protective of them. If socialised from a young age, they can integrate well with children and other animals. Trainability Intellectually-gifted, with the right guidance, these dogs can learn to perform a variety of tasks to a high standard. They require firm guidance, as well as consistent and interesting training. Quick to learn, these dogs can really keep a trainer on their toes. Keeping sessions interesting will prevent a Shepherd from becoming bored and disengaging with the task set to them. Health Owing to the incredible rarity of this breed, relevant medical studies are lacking. It would be prudent to assume that they share many of the health issues suffered by the modern German Shepherd, as they are, of course, their ancestors. It is likely that the health issues are suffered with less frequency and severity in the Old German Shepherd due to the lack of historical inbreeding and the fact that they have not been bred to look a certain way. Conditions to be on the lookout for include: Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is incredibly prevalent within the German Shepherd community. While the Old German Shepherd was never bred to have sloping hips, it is likely that they are still more predisposed to this debilitating condition than the general canine population. Hip scoring is performed by a veterinarian. Dogs will normally need to be sedated or anaesthetised, and x-rays will be taken of their hips and pelvis. When an animal does have hip dysplasia, the symptoms will become more obvious as the animal ages and the disease progresses. The osteoarthritis that ensues will vary between each individual but can often cause high levels of discomfort and immobility. Various treatment recommendations exist, including surgery, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and medication. Many dogs will be managed with a variety of treatments throughout their lifetime. Elbow Dysplasia The term elbow dysplasia is used to describe a group of conditions that can occur within the elbow joint of an animal. If an animal suffers from any of these conditions, they will exhibit reluctance to exercise and stiffness or limping when moving. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, will help to confirm the diagnosis, and surgery is indicated in many cases. Degenerative Myelopathy This is a disorder whereby the animal suffers from nerve degeneration, resulting in a slowly progressive weakness in the hind limbs. Signs start to develop in later life and can be subtle at first. Initially, animals will seem un-coordinated or weak, and eventually, will start to drag their feet. While watching an affected animal walking can be alarming, it is not a painful condition. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this condition, and dogs are managed with supportive therapy. Affected dogs will be in pain, and often have matted, smelly fur under their tail. The draining tracts may extend to the surface of the skin, in which case, they are visible. In some cases, however, the tracts cannot be seen externally. This condition is usually managed medically, with varying success rates. Digestive Diseases Unfortunately, there are many disorders of the digestive system that this breed is thought to be particularly prone to. Determining which specific disease an animal is suffering from can be difficult and may require an extensive work-up. Exercise and Activity Levels Traditionally used as herding animals who would vigilantly patrol fields, tirelessly protecting their flock, the Old German Shepherd has a particularly high need for exercise. They should have access to a large, secure garden, as well as given several, long exercise walks a day. Owing to their intelligence, they excel in activities, such as agility, flyball and obedience, and require large amounts of mental, as well as physical, stimulation. Grooming From a young age, the Old German Shepherd should be taught to stand still and remain relaxed while an owner checks their ears, eyes, teeth, coat, paw pads, claws and under their tail. They should also be habituated to claw clipping and tooth brushing. Regular grooming is a must as this breed can shed extensively. User comments There are no user comments for this listing. Popular Dog Breeds. They closely resemble a Long-Haired GSD, and since they are so similar in many ways, they are often referred to as such. These dogs have been used by German farmers for centuries and are bred mostly as diligent working dogs for herding, but they are often kept as family and companion animals too. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Indeed, most breeders of these dogs focus on capability rather than appearance. Their ability to herd has long been the most important factor. Luckily, this effort on breeding based on ability rather than appearance has made the breed less predisposed to some of the health conditions suffered by modern GSDs. Where it gets confusing is that many breeders will simply classify any long-haired GSD as an Old German Shepherd Dog, but this is not entirely accurate. This means that they will not simply be content with a stroll around the neighborhood once a day and need far more exercise than even standard GSDs. The Old German Shepherd Dog is said to be friendlier and more balanced in personality, although this depends on the individual dog. The Old German Shepherd is a hard-working, reliable, and loyal dog that is seemingly constantly on the alert and makes an excellent watchdog. They are also highly independent, a wonderful trait for a working and herding dog to have, but it can present challenges in a more urban setting. These dogs form powerful bonds with their owners and are supremely loyal, with a protective nature that is unwavering and may even be problematic at times. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They have a higher threshold for irritation and are said to be much harder to upset, but they should still not be left unsupervised with young children. Still, they make excellent playmates and supreme protectors for families. The Old German Shepherd Dog has a powerful prey drive and hunting instinct, a trait that they can keep in check with small children but may have a harder time of with a smaller dog, cat, or small pet. The key to keeping this prey drive in check is to introduce them at as young an age as possible and to make socialization a priority early. Proper training is also essential, and since Old German Shepherd Dogs are so loyal and eager to please their owners, this may overshadow their instinct for chasing!

Moreover, in case your Labradoodle has any sensitivity, weight, allergy, or other health issues, the Purina Pro Plan product range has got you covered. So, if your Labradoodle is struggling with a food allergy, you might not have to switch to another brand altogether. Instead, you can switch the chicken formula for lamb or fish, for example. The same goes for grains. This makes it perfect for all Labradoodles weighing more than 70 pounds. Although the list is not short and has some rather tricky names listed, it does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and even added glucosamine, which is great for Labradoodles who are at a risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia. Labradoodle owners know how important a beautiful coat is! Dicalcium phosphate DCP has been linked to kidney stones and the calcification of soft tissue Contains soy, which may be difficult to digest, cause bloat and gas, and trigger allergies 2. Fromm Fromm has formulas for all stages of life, large and small breeds, for weight management, and offers grain-free and grain-inclusive variations. The main sources of protein are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon, tuna, lamb, goose, pheasant, quail, venison, rabbit, and whitefish. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also includes fish meal, duck, lamb, and chicken liver. This formula is grain-inclusive and uses whole grains like oat groats and barley. Likewise, other natural ingredients like flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and inulin provide additional fiber. Not only are the most important vitamins and minerals included, this dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics. PawTree formulas are made from real ingredients and they offer a variety of different formulas, specializing in grain-free recipes, and formulas that are free from certain ingredients to minimize allergic reactions. Allergies and food sensitivities are a common concern for many Labradoodles, especially when it comes to certain proteins or even grains. Other highlights in this formula include apples, blueberries, coconut oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed. In addition to quality animal proteins and plants, this dry kibble also contains added vitamins, minerals, and even prebiotics for good tummy health. In fact, this recipe has been designed for reduced stool volume and also to keep those smelly farts at bay. Pros First ingredient listed is real duck. Packed with nutritious ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Perfect for Labradoodles who are allergic to chicken and fish. Ideal for overweight Doods. Supports good skin and coat health. Naturally occurring glucosamine helps support the joints. Designed to be easily digestible. No corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Cons None! Victor Victor Pet Food has formulas suitable for all life stages. Additionally, they offer special formulas for joint health, weight management and performance, and grain-free and high-protein formulas. For some Labradoodles, the food sensitivity, digestion, weight management, and joint support formulas might be beneficial. Royal Canin Royal Canin offers formulas that many Labradoodle owners might find useful like special food for large breeds, formulas for food sensitivities, weight management, and digestive health. All of which Labradoodles are at risk of. However, as Labradoodles tend to inherit the health issues of both Labs and Poodles, this option might work well for your Labradoodle. Diamond As with other brands, Diamond offers a variety of dog food options for different needs. Labradoodle owners might find their formulas for weight management or sensitivity issues helpful. It contains a decent amount of fiber that helps with proper digestion, as do added probiotics. The key ingredients in raw dog food diets are: muscle meats, organ meats like liver, kidney, spleen, brain, sweetbreads, whole, powdered or meaty bones, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, and sometimes dairy, like yogurt. Kirkland Kirkland is another popular dog food brand that Labradoodle parents love. It offers formulas for all life stages, weight management, and also grain-free and organic options. However, they do have other formulas with different protein sources Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food You already might know that there are ingredients your Labradoodle should never eat. Naturally, responsible dog food brands do not include these ingredients, anyway. Related Content. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. About The Breed Lomond Hills Kitchen Over the years we have tried just about every dog food available so we have learned exactly what our doodles like and dislike! We raise our puppies on this food to give them the best start possible so we are very pleased that we can now make it available to the public. You can view recipes and place an order online by going to the top right corner of our website and clicking on the orange box named 'DOG FOOD' How often should I feed my labradoodle puppy? When Lomond Hills puppies leave for their new homes, they eat 4 meals per day. The first is usually given at 8am, the second at .Obviously, you need to feed him at times which suit your schedule, but try your best to have similar time gaps between meals. If you choose to feed your puppy on another brand then make sure you look at meat content, fresh meat content, fillers and bulking agents as well as nutritional additives. We believe that a dry kibble diet is best as wet food tends to cling to the teeth which then results in constant teeth cleaning. We suggest that you feed him in his crate with the door closed so that he makes a positive association between the food and crate. We also suggest that you simultaneously train him to sit. Bring the food bowl and your puppy over to the crate, pop him inside and say 'sit' in a clear and firm voice, whilst using one hand to signal the command usually a pointed finger and the other hand the plant his bottom firmly on the ground. Keep that hand firmly on his bottom and use the other hand to put the bowl of food in front of him. Let go of his bottom and close the crate door. As time goes on, you will find you won't need to push his bottom down and he will respond to the voice and hand signal. This is a great time to achieve 'sit', because the food acts as the reward. A typical meal size would be grams in dry weight for an 8 week old puppy, but this does vary a little dependent on the size of your puppy. When your puppy has finished his meal, you will find that his tummy is noticeably bigger - this is normal. By the time the next mealtime comes around, his tummy should be back to normal size if it is not, you fed him too much on the previous meal. As he gets older, you can reduce the number of meals in the day, but increase the portion size. By 12 weeks old, you could have him down to three meals and by 6 months old that could be reduced to two meals. We feed all of our adult dogs twice per day - 8am and 5pm. This table provides a guideline for how much to feed your puppy as he grows, but there is no exact formula as there are other factors to consider such as activity levels and physical condition. Ideally, you want your puppy to be at a weight where you can feel his ribs, but his top line and hip bones are nicely covered. Australian Labradoodles do not tend to be greedy dogs, but maintaining a healthy weight is very important. Although there are many varying opinions about raw, kibble or cooked diet, we have found that simply feeding a high-quality, science formulated, all natural human grade dog food has always worked the best for us long term. Our Australian Labradoodles have done very well on this diet and have maintained long-term health benefits. Along with the high-quality dog food, each of our dogs gets a top-quality NuVet vitamin daily. Between these two, our Dogs have clear eyes, shiny coats and are always ready to have fun! Below is the food we recommend and feed our dogs. Also take a look at the Healthy Start Pack which has a great variety of products and is perfect for your new doodle puppy at a special price! All Life Stage Dog Food Your Australian Labradoodle puppy will stay healthy and happy with this perfect blend of nutrition formulated for all dog breeds, no matter the size or age. Buy Now All Life Stage Healthy Start To get your puppy started right, this healthy start pack has all the products you need and includes puppy food, treats and quality coat and skin care. Due to this high standard of excellence, purchasing can only be done directly through NuVet since these products are not sold in stores. Use the link below to learn more and purchase. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles Feeding Your Labradoodle We get asked by nearly every puppy family what we recommend their new Australian Labradoodle puppy should be fed, how often and how much? Those are all good questions and answers will vary to those questions, depending on who one asks! We are not veterinarians and so do not dispense medical advice, but here is our opinion… The first question is to determine whether or not you wish to feed your dog on a kibble, home-cooked or raw diet. There are pros and cons to all! Cons: more washing of bowls, need to be careful to keep good hygene when handling raw meat. This is it, in a nutshell: take your adult dog for a decent walk first thing in the morning 30 to 45 minutes for this breed , then give them a meal of raw food once a day when you get home from the morning walk. And play with them and enjoy them! We feed raw food to our dogs, and they have done wonderfully on it. Most of us understand that processed, dehydrated and canned food is not as healthy for us as freshly prepared food, and the same logic applies to our pets as well. Sometimes we add cheese in or cottage cheese, sometimes we add yogurt. We will also add in powdered greens every now and then. Fresh veggies can be added too, but the dogs will get the most out of fresh veggies if they have been pureed in a food processor or juicer add the juice and pulp back together. We will give them raw rib bones to enjoy as a treat, and sometimes will give them the raw chicken backs or necks whole rather than coarse ground. We also have less problems with tartar build up and no problems with skin allergies in our dogs. We generally feed once a day, in the morning. They have stretch receptors in their stomach wall which is pleated and folded like an accordion and when they eat a full meal once a day, the stretching of the stomach wall sends signals to the brain that they are satiated. We feed in the morning, because in the wild, they would be up and covering ground as a pack while they hunted for breakfast. Once they gorge, they relax and NAP, which is great for when you need to be at work! Which is also why your dog should have a really good walk before you leave for work. Pregnant and nursing moms are fed more… sometimes a lot more! If you are feeding both raw and kibble, you can feed them both at the same time if you wish! But if you are switching your puppy from one type of food to another, do so very slowly so the puppy does not get an upset gut and then get diarrhea. Also, we do not give our dogs cooked bones of any sort, because cooking them makes them brittle and difficult to digest. Our butcher in town does two grinds a week for us, but many families with just one dog in the house will get it done every two or four weeks and freeze portions in baggies or on a cookie sheet and then simply take out the needed amount every day and put it in the bowl. You can also purchase premade raw formulas in frozen chubs and take out what you need. Do read ingredient lists or ask questions, as some raw formulations contain no bone, and you want to make sure that the dog has bones in the diet so they can have healthy teeth and bones themselves. I bought mine second hand from Amazon. Kibble Pros: convenient, less washing of dog bowls, no raw meat to handle Cons: more volume of poop to clean, dog is more at risk to develop allergies, possibly shorter life span Kibble is easy, clean and the most convenient for many families… AND there is a tremendous variety of processed kibbles available. They vary in quality of ingredients and cost. I believe that the most healthy diet for your new dog is either a well balanced raw diet or home-cooked diet, but if that is not workable, here is a bit of info about various types of kibble and how to choose a good one! If you are going to feed kibble, we have found that almost ALL of the typical dry dog food brands have fillers in them… which also means that you scoop more poop when you feed these poorer quality foods, sometimes double the amount of poop to clean up! If the first ingredient in the list is a grain, do not buy it. Top quality foods will have the first ingredient listed as a meat meal of some kind; for instance: chicken meal, fish meal, lamb meal, etc. This is important, because by the time the meat is dehydrated into meal, it is a very dense source of nutrition. Many kibbles have a lot of chemical preservatives in them, which gives a long shelf life of up to two years. BUT they are likely the leading cause of skin allergies or other digestive allergies in dogs. Natural preservatives such as rosemary, vitamin E or other herbs will generally have a shelf life of six months or so… so it needs to be bought from a place that has a good turn-over of stock and then used up. Here on the West coast of Canada, there are a number of premium brands recommended, such as Go! Your own area will likely have dog foods that are manufactured fairly locally and will be of good quality. Food Allergies Food allergies are troublesome to narrow down sometimes, as commercial kibbles often have many allergens in them. If your dog reacts to the kibble, is it the preservatives, the wheat, the rice or the chicken??! The most common allergens we have found are preservatives and grains. Some dogs may also be allergic to certain types of meats and some dogs can also be allergic to environmental things such as grass. You can easily sort out allerg ies on your own with an elimination diet. The simplest way to figure out food allergies for dogs is to give them only ONE food source for a week. Try lean ground beef from the grocery store for a week. Then try the dog on chicken for a week, etc. Do be aware that allergy symptoms can take up to six weeks to completely disappear, so you will be looking for gradual improvement. It is often a good idea to do a 24 hour fast with liquids only to help speed clearing the toxic stuff out of their systems too. Puppies hypoglycemic, pregnant or lactating dogs should nt be fasted. For puppies, as an alternative to fasting, you can put the dog on a temporary two or three day diet of Porridge made from oatmeal and water ONLY, or try them on cooked white rice for a couple of days. You can also drizzle a bit of canned chicken broth on top for flavour. This will prevent them from going hypoglycemic but will still give their digestive system an easy time of it so it can clear the toxins and begin healing. Switching from raw to kibble If your puppy has been used to eating raw food, DO NOT switch its diet for the first week to ten days so that its diet and world are not changed at the same time if possible. Then begin by introducing 10 percent new food to 90 percent familiar food. Do this for 2 or 3 days and make sure the stool is normal. It can take a couple of weeks to switch your puppy to a new diet. Some families continue feeding part raw or cooked and part kibble. Other families feed raw some days and kibble on others. And yet others will transition the dog to entirely a different feed. But it is a very good idea when transitioning them, to first get them used to cooked food until their gut ph and bacteria are transitioned to this new food. Then after a week or more of them eating solely cooked food, you can introduce it to them raw. After all that has been said, this is our opinion, in a nutshell: take your adult dog for a decent walk first thing in the morning 30 to 45 minutes for this breed , then give them a meal of raw food once a day when you get home from the morning walk. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles is a premium rated labradoodle breeder. All our labradoodles are fully health tested and our labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic guarantee against genetic health issues. Come fall in love with a labradoodle!