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We have been uniting beautiful puppies with happy families since .We take pride in raising some of the best looking, healthiest pups you will find! We have grown very fond of the wonderful traits that the doodle's possess. We have also enjoyed raising our pups, seeing them go to their new homes, and meeting new people. Our website stays up to date. Visit our Puppies link to see any available or upcoming Mini Bernedoodle and Cockapoo puppies. We have placed our pups in homes from New York to California, and even a few in Alaska… so getting them to you is not a problem. We also have Paypal available, so anyone can make a safe and easy deposit on your puppy through our website today! Thanks for visiting, and we hope you enjoy seeing our babies! Feel free to contact us anytime with questions! This is known as an F1 Mini Bernedoodle, which is a first generation cross that is considered to be the healthiest of all Bernedoodle crosses. Our Mini Bernedoodles typically range from lbs full grown. Every Bernedoodle can have a slightly different coat. Most of them have a good blend from the parents that ends in a wavy coat that is typically low to non-shedding. We test our mini poodle sires to make sure they carry the furnishings and curly coat, so that they may be able to pass that on to their offspring. Our Miniature Cockapoos typically weigh in the lbs range. The Cockapoo has a coat that combines different aspects of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel coats. Our Cockapoos will be a variety of colors… you can see all of our parents and their beautiful colors on this website. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Nebraska City Nebraska and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Bernedoodles in Nebraska What is a Bernedoodle? A Bernedoodle is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, and have often been affectionately been described as a "velcro dog". They are great companions who love to be near their human s all the time. Bernedoodles are fun, friendly, and sociable dogs. They are full of energy; they love to run, play, swim, and hike. Whatever you are doing, your bernedoodle will want to do with you! They are very smart, are generally easy to train and are eager to please. They make for amazing pets, and our Nebraska-raised pups are some of the best in the nation! What is an F1 Bernedoodle? F1's are low shedding, though some do not shed at all. F1's tend to have less of a chance of inheriting breed specific congenital defects, however, we carefully screen our adult dogs to minimize the risk of passing genetic and orthopedic defects to their offspring. What is an F1B Bernedoodle? How big are Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles range in size from mini to standard depending on the size of the parents. Mini bernedoodles vary in size weighing between 25 and 50 pounds Standard bernedoodles also vary in size weighing 50 pounds or more Bernedoodle Coat and Color Characteristics A Bernedoodle's coat and color attributes come from their Poodle genes. This means Bernedoodle's coats can vary from smooth to curly. It also means they do not shed much. In general, the curlier the coat, the less they tend to shed. Bernedoodles also come in a variety of colors or color combinations. You may also see sable multi-colored hairs or merle patches of color tri-color, bicolor or solid color pups. Some poodles carry a fading gene so coat colors may change as the puppies age. Their thick coats also make them very well suited for the cold weather here in Nebraska! Temperament or Personality of Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are a very intelligent, playful, and affectionate breed. They make a great family dog because they are known to be good with kids and other animals. Bernedoodles love to do anything that keeps them involved with their family. However, Bernedoodles do tend to be a bit shy around strangers at first, but this can be countered with early socialization. The high intelligence of the Bernedoodle makes them an easy breed to train. Overall, Bernedoodles are amazing dogs who are affectionate, loyal, playful, and smart. Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.

You'll be calling your dog this name for many years to come, so be sure to pick something you love. But where to begin? The loving and gregarious Labrador Retriever has maintained the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for three decades, and it comes as no surprise to Lab lovers. Labrador Retrievers are a Canadian breed. They were developed in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, a coastal region on the Eastern side of Canada. Here, Labrador Retrievers were used to retrieve ducks for hunters and to assist fisherman. Labs today are still invaluable retrievers of waterfowl, as well as ideal pets. Labrador Retrievers appear in solid colors of yellow, black or chocolate, with no markings. With its coal-black, glossy coat, the black Lab is especially striking and elegant. Gentle with children, easily trained, and a friend to all, Labrador Retrievers are famous for being excellent family dogs. They love to run and play and are always up for an adventure. They get along with other animals and humans alike. If you think Labrador Retrievers are top dog among all breeds, hundreds of thousands of dog lovers around the world agree with you. You can go in many different ways when choosing a name. Popular dog names are always a good choice, as are more unusual choices. Top Black Lab Names Let's take a look at some favorite black Lab names pulled from different categories. Some of the best names for black Labs include: Captain. You'll find cute, clever, and unique monikers that will fit your pup to a tee. By Lisa Marie Conklin Lisa Marie Conklin is a freelance writer covering health and wellness, real estate, pets, and home. She's also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on November 24, You would think gathering a list of black Lab names for your new Labrador retriever would be a cakewalk. After all, there's tons of creative names for black dogs already out there, but you want a name that truly captures who your black Lab pup is. No worries, we've got tons of inspiration for picking the perfect name for your pooch! Whether you're looking for black Lab puppy names or monikers for your newly adopted adult dog, you're going to have so much fun choosing from this list of names that parents of this special breed can truly appreciate. Can't really blame her. Dogs are very attracted to stinky stuff , after all! Check out these girl black Lab names befitting your queen.

Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. It is their outgoing, affectionate, and eager-to-please demeanor that makes them so qualified to take on all of these jobs and still be the perfect family pet. When it comes to breed standards, the AKC recognizes three official colors for the Labrador: black, chocolate, and yellow. At Hidden Pond Labradors, we understand that everybody has a different preference in mind when they set out to bring one of these incredible dogs into their home. Yellow Labrador Retriever Breeder The yellow Lab is one of the most popular colors, in part due to its photogenic nature. This also makes them excellent show dogs, although any of the three recognized colors can easily achieve Grand Champion status. Coat shades that are classified as yellow range from white to fox red. Like chocolate, the yellow coat is a recessive color that requires both parents to carry and pass on the gene. Yellow Labrador Retrievers, just like every other color, have a stable, amiable temperament. Their trainability and discipline should not be mistaken for lethargy though. Labs are very active dogs that will bring a lot of fun energy to your household. Are you interested in the unconditional love, support, and joy a Lab can bring to your family? Get in touch with Hidden Pond Labradors! Your purchase of one of our yellow Labrador Retriever puppies includes a veterinarian health certificate , first set of vaccinations, one-year written health warranty, and a lifetime placement warranty should you need it. Contact us today to reserve a puppy from our next litter! Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler.

View All Articles in Brushing F1b Goldendoodles Now, if you have a first generation backcross, or F1b Goldendoodle, the genotype will be a little different. This is the most likely scenario. Again, though, genetics are never black and white — so take these percentages with a grain of salt. If you want to know more about the average amount of shedding between Goldendoodle generations, see how hundreds of Goldendoodle owners rated their dog for amount of shedding, hypoallergenic-ness, and ease of grooming. See Also: Click the image The uncertainty surrounding how much or how little any individual Goldendoodle will shed…is simply a reality with mixed-breed dogs. They can take on the characteristics of either parent to any degree, and no one — not even the most seasoned of breeders — can control how they physically turn out. Keep in mind, though, that an F1b Goldendoodle will look more like a Poodle and less like a Golden Retriever. How to Know When Your Doodle Puppy is Shedding All puppies are born with a single-layer puppy coat, which they generally shed around 5 to 10 months of age. Although, some dogs may take as long as a year to lose their first coat entirely. How and when the shedding occurs differs from dog to dog. This will tell you that the shedding will happen soon. This may not happen until your pup is two years old. Any adult coat will be thicker, stiffer, and longer than the puppy one. You may also start to notice a little more hair about the place in the spring and again in the fall. This is known as seasonal shedding and happens even with low-shedding breeds. Your pup is essentially changing coats from a winter to summer one and back again to help them cope better with changing temperatures. Seasonal shedding is normal for all breeds, it occurs because of hormonal shifts triggered by changing daylight hours. There really is nothing you can do about it but increase their brushing routine in the hopes of catching all that loose hair before it spreads about the house. Related Content. Breeds The link has been copied! Goldendoodles are a popular breed that's often sought after for their hypoallergenic coats. But whether or not they shed depends on the genes of each dog. Because Goldendoodles come from a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, their fur can differ widely from one to the next. Do Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, Goldendoodles do shed. They are a hybrid breed that is a mix of the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds. As such, they have a coat similar to both their parents', which means they may shed more than either the Golden Retriever or Poodle alone. While not hypoallergenic like some other dog breeds, Goldendoodles typically shed much less than many other dogs due to their wavy coats. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding too! Non-Shedding vs. Hypoallergenic Goldendoodles are frequently praised for being hypoallergenic and low shedding. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep in mind that no canine strain is completely hypoallergenic. Although they might shed less than other breeds, they still shed to some extent. The degree of shedding is influenced by several factors, including the genetics and coat type of each dog, as well as environmental factors such as the time of year and feeding habits. How Much Do Goldendoodles Shed? Goldendoodles are known for their low shedding compared to other breeds. Their coats come in a variety of wavy and curly textures and are composed of hair instead of fur, making them hypoallergenic and less likely to shed. Nonetheless, Goldendoodles need to be groomed regularly to maintain healthy, mat-free coats. Certain types of Goldendoodle coats may require frequent brushing, occasional trimming, or professional grooming appointments. Which Generations of Goldendoodles Shed? When it comes to Goldendoodles, shedding levels can vary depending on genetics and coat type, irrespective of the generation they belong to. Goldendoodles come in varying generations, depending on their parentage. A first-gen F1 Goldendoodle is produced by crossbreeding a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Poodle. Goldendoodles are known for being low-shedding. However, there can be some slight differences in shedding tendencies among littermates. The degree of shedding is often correlated to the texture of a Goldendoodle's coat, with curlier coats generally resulting in less shedding. In particular, Goldendoodles that are F1B or multigenerational are typically curly and therefore shed less compared to F1 Goldendoodles. Which Goldendoodles Shed the Least? When it comes to shedding, F1B and multigenerational Goldendoodles are at the top of the list for being hypoallergenic. F1B's are the result of breeding a purebred Poodle with an F1 Goldendoodle, increasing the likelihood of a curly and low-shed coat. Multigenerational Goldendoodles have been selectively bred over generations, leading to a more uniform coat type and less shedding overall. It's important to keep in mind that individual dogs can still vary in terms of their shedding, regardless of their generation or coat type. Regular grooming and brushing can also help to minimize shedding in all Goldendoodles. If you are specifically looking for a Goldendoodle that sheds the least, it's important to work with a reputable breeder who can provide you with information on the dog's genetics and coat type. Additionally, spending time around Goldendoodles before adopting one can help you get a sense of their shedding habits and how they may affect your allergies if you have them. Want to care for your Goldendoodle in the best way possible? Here are some helpful tips: Grooming: Take the time to groom your Goldendoodle regularly, and you'll minimize shedding and maximize the health of their coat. Brushing their hair removes loose fur and stops matting. Diet: Keep your pet's health in check by feeding them food that is protein-rich and contains healthy fats. Bathing: Giving your Goldendoodle a regular bath helps to keep its coat clean and healthy. However, avoid bathing them too frequently, as this can strip natural oils from their skin and result in dryness and discomfort Allergies: Allergies can cause your Goldendoodle to experience skin irritation and excessive shedding. Working together with your vet, you can identify the culprit and develop a treatment plan that may include medication or other therapies. Environment: The environment in which your Goldendoodle lives can affect its skin and coat. For example, dryness in the air can make them itchy and cause shedding. A humidifier can help with this. Additionally, avoid using harsh cleaning products or other irritants that can worsen skin discomfort. Brushing Brushing your Goldendoodle is an essential aspect of their grooming routine, which can help reduce shedding and maintain a healthy, mat-free coat. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when brushing your Goldendoodle: Find the right brush: There are various kinds of brushes available for different coat types. A slicker brush or a pin brush is usually recommended for Goldendoodles because they work well to eliminate loose hair and prevent matting. Stay consistent: The amount of times you should brush your Goldendoodle depends on its coat type and how quickly it becomes tangled or matted. In general, it's best to brush your dog once a week, but you may need to brush more frequently if your dog's coat becomes knotted easily. Be gentle: Take care to use a gentle touch when brushing your Goldendoodle, and avoid tugging or yanking on their fur. This can cause discomfort and pain for your dog, so if you encounter a knot, use a detangling spray or work through it gently with your fingers before using the brush. Be aware of skin problems: While you brush your Goldendoodle, keep an eye out for any signs of skin irritation, such as redness, bumps, or flakes. Reward your dog: Brushing can be an amazing bonding experience for both you and your Goldendoodle, so make it a positive experience by providing treats or praise during and after brushing sessions. Clipping or Shaving Goldendoodle coat care is a personal decision based on various factors, like your dog's activity level, the climate where you live, and your grooming preferences. To help you make a decision, here are some things you should think about before giving your Goldendoodle a haircut or shaving : Coat types: Goldendoodles can have curly, wavy, or straight hair. If your dog has curly or wavy hair, you may not need to cut it since these types of hair are less prone to tangling or matting. If your dog has straight hair, consider shaving it to prevent matting or shedding. Climate: If you live in hot areas or your dog spends a lot of time outside during summer, shaving their coat may help keep them cool. Activity level: If your dog is outdoorsy and active, their coat may tangle or mat more easily. Clipping or shaving your dog's coat can help reduce this and make it easier to keep it clean and tidy. Shampoos Finding the right shampoo for your furry friend is important. When choosing a shampoo for your Goldendoodle, make sure it's specially made for dogs and doesn't contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Here are some tips to consider during your selection process: Coat type is an important consideration as Goldendoodles have different coat types. Choosing a shampoo that's designed for your dog's specific coat type is key. For instance, curly coat shampoos work best for a Goldendoodle with a curly or wavy coat. Skin sensitivities are also important, as some Goldendoodles may have allergies or sensitive skin. Opt for shampoos that are hypoallergenic or formulated for sensitive skin, which is gentle and free of harsh chemicals. Natural ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera can also be beneficial to soothe and moisturize your Goldendoodle's skin, so look for these ingredients. Avoid shampoos containing artificial fragrances or dyes as they can irritate your dog's skin. Flea and tick prevention is also a factor. If your Goldendoodle has flea or tick infestations, choose a shampoo that contains natural flea and tick repellents like neem oil or tea tree oil. Bear in mind that Goldendoodles should not be bathed too frequently as it can strip their skin of natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. Generally, a bath every weeks or as needed depending on their activity level and environment, is enough. Diet When it comes to your Goldendoodle's diet, it's important to give them high-quality and nutritious dog food that matches their specific nutritional requirements based on factors like their age, weight, and activity level. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when choosing a diet for your furry friend: Opt for top-notch dog food: Always go for dog food that's made with quality ingredients without any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Consider their age and activity level: Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs, and energetic pooches need more calories and protein than their lazier counterparts. Avoid overfeeding: These dogs can quickly become obese, so it's crucial to stick to the feeding instructions on the dog food packaging and adjust the amount based on your Goldendoodle's specific needs. Always hydrate: Make sure your Goldendoodle always has a fresh supply of clean water. Supplements can help: Some Goldendoodles may benefit from supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support their joint health, coat, and skin. Look out for allergies: Some Goldendoodles may be allergic or sensitive to certain foods, so keep an eye out for signs of digestive or skin problems. Supplements and Treats Goldendoodles, those furry pups loved by many, can greatly benefit from a variety of supplements and treats that can positively impact their overall health and well-being. Here are some examples of supplements and treats that are perfect for your Goldendoodle: Omega-3 fatty acids: These are easily found in fish oil supplements and can provide significant benefits to the skin and coat of your Goldendoodle. Probiotics: Probiotic supplements are just what you need to balance your Goldendoodle's digestive system by promoting healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for their overall health. Joint supplements: Older Goldendoodles can be prone to joint problems, but supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin can work wonders to support joint health and mobility. Dental chews: Dental chews are perfect for keeping your furry pet's teeth clean, all while giving them a tasty treat. Training treats: Treats can be used as a reward for good behavior during training sessions to make them more productive and enjoyable. Q: Do Goldendoodles shed more in summer or winter? Goldendoodles might shed all year long, but how much they shed depends on each dog and the season. In general, Goldendoodles might shed more in the spring and fall as their coats adjust from winter to summer. These times may see them shed their heavier winter undercoats to prepare for warmer weather. That said, it's worth noting that Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats may not shed as heavily as those with straighter coats. Q: Are Goldendoodle coats high maintenance? Most people consider Goldendoodle fur to be pretty high maintenance since they are woolly, and their curly coats need consistent grooming and trimming to avoid tangling and matting. This suggests that they need a daily brushing routine to keep their fur looking good, and professional grooming every weeks to maintain its overall health and aesthetic. Moreover, Goldendoodles might need more frequent grooming during seasonal shedding periods to prevent excessive hair loss and preserve their coat's health. Despite the upkeep required, many Goldendoodle enthusiasts believe that it's all worthwhile, given their cute looks and amiable personalities. Q: What if your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual? If your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual, there could be a few different causes. First, make sure you're providing them with a healthy diet full of essential vitamins and minerals to ensure their coat stays nourished. Additionally, brushing their fur regularly can help reduce excessive shedding by removing loose hairs from the undercoat and preventing matting. Finally, keep an eye out for signs of skin irritation or allergies that may be causing increased hair loss. If you suspect this might be the case, consult your vet right away so they can determine the best course of action. Final Thoughts So, to wrap things up, Goldendoodles are often marketed as furry friends that won't trigger allergies or leave hair around the house. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that no breed of dog can guarantee to be completely hypoallergenic. The amount of hair shed by these adorable canines can change depending on the specific pooch's genes and fur type, as well as external factors like weather and nourishment. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Will my straight hair Goldendoodles stop shedding? Do Goldendoodles Shed Some Goldendoodles do shed. Certain coat types and generations of Goldendoodles are more or less likely to drop hair. Which coat types of Goldendoodles shed Curly coat Goldendoodles typically do not shed Wavy coat Goldendoodles usually do not shed Straight coat Goldendoodles will likely shed Concerning generation F1 Goldendoodles can shed, depending on coat type F1b Goldendoodles are less likely to shed due to the higher proportion of Poodle genetics F2 Goldendoodles are less likely to shed due to selective breeding How much do Goldendoodles shed The size and coat type of your Goldendoodle will determine how much your Goldendoodle sheds. A large or standard straight coat Goldendoodle will likely shed in enormous volumes, regardless of its generation. Such a Goldendoodle will shed year-round — it is not seasonal shedding. There may be an uptick after winter — but expect such a dog to shed days of the year. Larger dogs shed more volume. Even a small or Teacup Goldendoodle with a shedding straight coat most common shedding coat can drop a severe amount of hair. Which Generations of Goldendoodle Shed? People often wonder which generations of Goldendoodles will be the least likely to shed. The answer? Lies in genetics. Shedding and dander production can actually be incredibly accurately predicted by genetic testing. This is why many high-tech breeders have a spot on accuracy when it comes to determining whether their litters will shed. The genetic testing is an additional cost and does require a passing knowledge of which genes will be passed on or not. This means many breeders do not genetically test. So we need to look at other factors to figure out whether a dog will shed. Of course also when you adopt or rehome a Goldendoodle there is even less opportunity to genetically test. Do F1 Goldendoodles shed? An F1 Goldendoodle is known as a first-generation Goldendoodle. The first generation means that one parent was a pure Golden Retriever, and one parent is a pure Poodle. It gets a little tricker than that because not all genes are passed down equally. Sometimes you will meet human kids who much resemble one parent, not the other. Sometimes you can even meet two siblings who look nothing alike. This is because different genes will express in different ways. Even with the same parents! So you need to cautiously take generation shedding advice — as it is typically true — but there are no guarantees. Goldendoodles with wavy or curly coats shed less — making them often the best pick for kids with allergies or asthma triggered by dogs. Yes — some Goldendoodles shed depending on their coat type. The closer the coat to a Poodle coat, the less likely they are to shed. This is because a F1 Goldendoodle has the makeup of each parent. Golden Retrievers shed while almost all Poodles do not. This leads us to F1B Goldendoodles — the generation of Goldendoodles that shed the least. An F1B Goldendoodle happens when you take an already existing Goldendoodle and then cross it with — another Poodle! For such a dog — you would expect Poodle genes to be more likely to be reflected. This is why F1B Goldendoodles typically shed very little. Which Goldendoodles shed the most? The greatest shedding Goldendoodles will be a combination of generation and coat type. The four most likely to shed Goldendoodle types are Unfurnished, straight coat , F1 Goldendoodle Straight coat F1 Goldendoodle OR Straight coat Goldendoodle Straight coat F1b Goldendoodle Unfurnished wavy coat rare any generation Goldendoodle The size of Goldendoodle is unlikely to affect the shedding amount much at all. So from Medium Goldendoodle right down to the Teacup Goldendoodle — the coat type, furnishings and generation are most important. Which Goldendoodles shed the least? If non-shedding is the most critical factor for you — consider these types of Goldendoodle first. Remember that non-shedding does not necessarily correlate directly to hypoallergenic. A non-shedding Goldendoodle will come close to being hypoallergenic , but no dog is entirely allergy-free. Black Goldendoodles do not shed any extra compared with the more common color coats. How can you tell what coat type a Goldendoodle will have? There are a few ways that breeders and pet experts can try and predict what kind of coat your Goldendoodle has. It can be particularly tricky to predict coat types when the Goldendoodle is a puppy. This is because Goldendoodles do actually have a puppy coat that they lose over time. Typically, the puppy coat will begin to change at around months. The replacement coat is almost always of the same coat type. There are three things to look for when trying to figure out what type of coat your Goldendoodle will have. We go into detailed coat prediction strategies in this article. Look for furnishings facial hair especially the mustache region Comb and look at how kinky the puppy hair is Compare to the parents and find a middle ground Can brushing Goldendoodles stop shedding? Regular DIY grooming of your Goldendoodle will not stop your Goldendoodle from shedding — but will significantly reduce the dropped hair you will need to deal with. There are relatively simple steps you can do at home to reduce the impact of a shedding Goldendoodle. Although designed to deshed through a top layer — many owners of a straight coat or shedding Goldendoodles find such a device very useful even for a longer haired dog Picking good pair of clippers and giving your Goldendoodle a summer cut can also help reduce shedding Will my straight hair Goldendoodles stop shedding? Almost all straight-haired Goldendoodles will shed. Sometimes people have a puppy with a straight coat and wish that the coat would change significantly. They know that Goldendoodles do have a puppy coat that is lost. So will a straight-haired Goldendoodle puppy see a change to a non-shedding coat? Unfortunately, no, a straight-haired Goldendoodle puppy will likely stay shedding. Even after the puppy coat is lost. Some owners report that the adult coat of their straight-haired Goldendoodle does actually shed less than the puppy coat! This is about as hopeful as you can get, though — as the underlying coat type rarely changes for a truly straight coat Goldendoodle. A Goldendoodle with an improper coat OR is unfurnished no mustache is even less likely to change to non-shedding in any meaningful way. If you do have a shedding Goldendoodle straight coat puppy — do not despair! You can use a HEPA filter fan and high-quality pet vacuum to vastly reduce the amount of hair that is around the house. Ergonomic handle with fantastic comfort grip. Will not slip out of your hand. Makes grooming easier for both home groomers and salon groomers alike. Fluff, detangle and style with one tool. Available in three sizes to fit your breed and size of dog. White on White was a catalyst in the evolution of canine coat care. The momentum that followed has allowed Chris Christensen Systems to bring you the finest grooming products ever available in the dog show and pet care worlds. Check Price on ChrisChristensen. Frequent brushing also helps reduce the total amount of lost hair. Use a steel comb for a quick brush — and a few minutes a day of a slicker brush designed for Poodle mix coats. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They may seem like the dream family dog. We discuss just how much the variety of hybrids really shed and why some shed more than others. Plus, we get some great insights to Goldendoodle shedding from the owners themselves! While most rarely shed, others are moderate shedders, while few are borderline heavy shedders. And, a big part of the reason is due to genetics. In other words, how was the Goldendoodle bred? Believe it or not, all doodles are not bred the same way. There are 4 generations or versions of Goldendoodles. In addition, some versions of these doodles are known to shed more than others since some will have more genetics from Golden Retrievers and others, more from Poodles. So what does this mean? In most cases, the F1 Goldendoodles are typically the heaviest shedding of the 4 types of doodles. These are your traditional doodles and what most people imagine when they think about these dogs. They have the classic shaggy and curly coat that can range in a variety of cream colors. And landing on the opposite side of the spectrum, the F1B Goldendoodle is the lowest shedding generation. Though they almost always true hypoallergenic mixed dogs, their coats can vary quite a bit. Some F1B doodles will have longer fur and others will be short and curly. But according to owner reports, most of the F2 Goldendoodles are light shedding dogs with a few moderate shedders. F1s may shed but F1Bs are less likely to. However, what makes them unique is the variety of colors. They come in even more coat colors than the F1B, ranging from apricots, cream, a unique champagne, and various degrees of red. The good news is that F2B Goldendoodles are generally non-shedding dogs. So, if you only have mild allergies to dogs, then the F2B Goldendoodle would most likely be perfect for you too. So owners, pay attention! However, these are the other possible reasons why your Goldendoodle may be shedding. Your doodle may not have enough nutrition Dogs can certainly suffer from malnutrition. And in some cases, the lack of nutrients can lead to a huge increase in shedding regardless if your Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic or not. If it can happen to another dog, it can happen to your Goldendoodle. Cheap dog food will barely meet the requirements. Bad dog shampoo can cause excessive shedding A common mistake many novice owners make is to use cheap and low quality dog shampoo. These dog shampoos usually have unnatural ingredients. And as a result, these low-end grooming products can lead to excessive shedding. Not too long ago, we took our Corgi to a new dog groomers. When she came back, she was losing patches or fur, for days. Another thing to be aware of: never use human shampoo on your Goldendoodle. Human shampoos are made for humans, not dogs. I cringe when people tell me they use their own shampoo on animals. The leftover soap from the bath will do more harm than good for your Goldendoodle. As for dog shampoo, I highly recommend going with a brand that provides all-natural ingredients. The most popular and effective type of dog shampoo are oatmeal-based products. It keeps them smelling fresh and the made in USA ingredients are top-notch! How Much do Goldendoodles Shed? Like with all mutts, genetics play a huge factor into appearance, temperament and of course, shedding. The Goldendoodle is no exception. Though Goldendoodles are generally known to be a low-shedding dog breed, the results can vary. To find answers, we decided to survey the popular Goldendoodle Subreddit , other dog forums and owners we personally know. With others, you will find dog hair all over your clothes even with consistent cleaning and vacuuming. Not really with our doodle. Ours has coarse and wavy fur from the golden side so he sheds quite a bit. Still not nearly as much as a pure golden retriever. Katherine S. Kristen A. She is a very light shedding dog…maybe extremely light shedding, but it really depends on what kind of doodle you have. But regardless of how much they shed, some grooming will be necessary. In addition, there are still best grooming practices that you should be aware of. Brushing a Goldendoodle You still need to brush a Goldendoodle. As you may know, doodles are known for their curly and sometimes shaggy coats. The problem is that these coats are more prone to matting, which can be especially painful for your dog. For double coated dog breeds, I always recommend going with the Furminator. Fortunately, the Goldendoodle is a single coated, low-shedding dog. Best Slicker Brush for Goldendoodles That being said, you should use a slicker brush. Unfortunately, we only have double coated breeds, but the dog community has been raving about the Hertzko Slicker Brush. After you brush your doodle, the button releases the collected hair for a nice and swift clean up. Patience is key. While some owners suggest brushing your doodle every night, you can probably get away with brushing every other day. And at the very least, once a week. Just be aware of any potential matting on the coat! Although daily brushing drastically reduces the chance of matting, these de-matting tools are effective for the worst tangles. Some owners suggest alternating between the two during grooming sessions. But if you must choose between the two, de-matting is more important for most Goldendoodles. It really depends on your individual dog. Keeping up with de-matting a Goldendoodle is extremely important. If it gets bad, it will be a painful experience for the dog trying to get tough knots out. If it gets to that point, it may be better to shave the knots off. So, Are Goldendoodles For Me? There are very few things about the Goldendoodle that make them difficult dogs. Your other option would be to pick one of these hairless dog breeds. Otherwise, all types of Goldendoodles will make an excellent member of any family. So do you own a Goldendoodle? How much do they actually shed? Let us know in the comments section below! Posts you may like:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Do goldendoodle puppies shed? One of the most common reasons why people buy Goldendoodle puppies is because of their hypo-allergenic fur. So, what makes fur hypo-allergenic? Is it the fact that the fur is not shed at all? Contrary to popular belief, all dogs shed. And why is that so surprising? People, cats, mice, even birds shed! However, dog breeds that shed less are more likely to be hypoallergenic. Why is this the case? Well, the protein expressed in a dog's saliva can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Since the dog's dander and saliva stick to their hair, and breeds less prone to shedding do not release as much hair into the environment, "hypoallergenic breeds" typically shed less. However, protein expression levels play a major role and amount of shedding alone does not determine degree of allergic reaction. Most allergen experts would not answer this question outright. They would probably say that the purchasing a Goldendoodle would have a higher probability of not causing an allergic reaction than a higher shedding breed. Now, the reason behind the reduced shedding is all in the breeding. Poodles, a breed known for their "non-shedding" fur which we now know is an anomaly is crossed with a golden retriever which is a highly shedding breed. Some even say their F1B Goldendoodle never sheds again an anomaly. So, if you, or a loved one, is in the search for a cuddly, hypoallergenic dog with a smart, trainable, loving personality, then an F1B Goldendoodle should top your list! For more on the disposition of a Goldendoodle , be sure to check out this post. And, to reserve a Doodles of NC F1B Goldendoodle puppy for sale,, please contact us or start your puppy application today. Post not marked as liked Featured Posts. By Kern Campbell When you talk about getting a dog, one of the topics that will be considered the most will be shedding, and that can be a very important topic for pet parents a number of reasons, allergies being the highest among them. Getting a low-shedding breed may be very important, so picking there right generation Goldendoodle will be equally imporant. Do F1 Goldendoodles Shed? F1 Goldendoodles do shed. These dogs are fifty percent Poodle and fifty percent Golden Retriever, so they will shed less than a normal pure-bred Golden Retriever. However, this breed still sheds more than the Poodle parent and is, therefore, less hypoallergenic overall. Mixing dog breeds into hybrids like doodles can be a little difficult to understand, especially when it comes to shedding and non-shedding. But Goldendoodles are pretty easy to understand when it comes to the genetics of their parents, and there can be easy ways to take care of any shedding problems. Goldendoodles Genetics There are basically two ways that breeders create a Goldendoodle puppy. So, because these dogs have half of the Golden Retriever genetics, they do shed, but not as much. However, with the F2 Goldendoodles, the coat types these Goldendoodles have may differ. The shorter the coat of a Goldendoodle, the more of the Poodle is expressed, and the less it may shed. The F2 Goldendoodle has both F1 parents, and at this point, these Goldendoodles have half Golden Retriever and half Poodle extending back for generations. The F1b, however, is the breeding of F1 and a Poodle. A purebred Poodle will hardly shed at all, and Poodle mixes benefit from that characteristic from their parent breed. The typical genes of a Poodle range from wavy to curly hair, and Golden Retrievers have fur that is smooth and shed a lot. The personalities can be a mix of intelligence, loyalty, love, playfulness, and energy. Cleaning Goldendoodle Shedding Vacuum!!! The vacuum will forever be your best friend, especially if you have a lot of carpet! With a kitchen and dining room floor, you will often have to mop, and not just once a week. Got to protect the kiddos from a potential allergic reaction! It will get more disgusting, and this author has done it plenty of times to know that it is a bad idea. When you do laundry, you will have dog hair. Especially if you are a pup-lover. Use dryer sheets when you do laundry because they will pick up more hair and lint off of your clothing than the lint roller that is already installed in the dryer. And also, it makes the clothes so much softer. You can also use throws, quilts, and blankets, and you can just throw those in the wash when they get too messy. Grooming One thing to do when grooming your Goldendoodle is to brush his hair weekly. But you must brush them often to prevent mats and keep their curly coat healthy. As long as you do this, there will be a lot less shedding to worry about. Let it be reminded that Doodles do shed. They will always shed, no matter how much Poodle is in them. The amount of shedding will always vary, but not a single Goldendoodle will shed as much as a Golden Retriever. Brushing may seem rather simple, but if you neglect to do so, the hair will get tangled and matted together, and once you do start brushing, your Goldendoodles will be very upset at you for pulling at his hair, and the last thing you want to do is shave it. Goldendoodles shed seasonally, so be prepared when summer comes along and it starts to get hot because of their double coat. Winter will not be as bad because these dogs have so much hair that it protects them from the cold. They will always shed, no matter how much Poodle is in them or what their. The shedding will always vary, but not a single Goldendoodle will shed as much as a Golden Retriever. Remember that your Goldendoodle puppy will lose their puppy coat and grow in their adult coat. Often, the wavy coat of their puppyhood is replaced with a course, curlier coat. A well-balanced diet full of proper nutrients and omega-fatty acids can help with shedding problems too. When bathing Goldendoodles , the frequency of doing so should be once a month and no more. The more often you bathe the Goldendoodle , it can lead to dry skin, which could then further cause itching in your dogs. On the not-so-frequent occasions you do bathe them, make sure you clean them exceptionally, checking behind their ears, the eyes for goop, and any other spots that could easily go unnoticed on a daily basis. Where does that leave the Goldendoodle? However, Goldendoodles will typically shed more than a purebred Poodle. You can also get smaller varieties, like the Miniature Goldendoodle, which can further reduce the overall shedding since the dog has less hair to lose than a larger dog. The amount of hair a Goldendoodle sheds will depend mostly on its genes. This is because, unlike a purebred dog, designer breeds aka cross breeds inherit traits from two different breeds. In this case, the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. On the one hand, Poodles shed virtually no hair at all. In contrast, however, Golden Retrievers are considered moderate-to-heavy shedding dogs. Goldens are also double-coated , meaning they have an undercoat and an outer coat. This is known as seasonal shedding , and it occurs as the Golden naturally prepares for changing weather conditions. So, the best way to know how much a Goldendoodle is likely to shed is to consider its genetics, and the best way to know that is to either get a DNA test or speak with your breeder. But what do these terms mean? And how do they relate to shedding? With this variety, you are likely to experience low-to-moderate shedding and potentially some level of seasonal shedding if your Goldendoodle has an undercoat. This variety is generally considered low shedding. There are other variations of Goldendoodle, but those are the main ones worth mentioning. I say that because breeding beyond an F1BB is getting to the point where you might as well get a purebred Poodle. Nevertheless, with that out of the way, another factor to consider is how big your Goldendoodle is likely to be since this can impact the amount of hair you notice around the home. However, smaller dogs have less hair to drop in the first place compared to larger dogs. So this can be another factor to consider. And the Goldendoodle typically comes in three main sizes : Standard: The Standard Goldendoodle, which is the result of crossing a Standard Poodle with a Golden Retriever, stands 20 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 50 to 90 pounds. Small: The Small Goldendoodle is about inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. This is about midway between a Standard and Miniature Goldendoodle. A Miniature Goldendoodle is typically between 13 to 20 inches tall from the shoulder to the ground and weighs about 15 to 35 pounds. But those are the general heights and weights of a Goldendoodle. As mentioned, the lowest shedding variety of Goldendoodle is the Miniature F1BB Goldendoodle because this is the smallest variety and has mostly Poodle genes. And the most accurate way to know what any Goldendoodle is in terms of its lineage would be to get a genetic test done or speak to a reputable breeder before adopting. That said, there are some tell tail signs that can give you a general indication of how much Poodle and Golden Retriever the dog has in its genes. They also have curly or wavy coats, which can be another thing to look for. Goldendoodles can range from high to low-maintenance dogs depending on their coat, which in turn depends on their genes. Poodles typically have curly hair that, like humans, grows in perpetuity. Not only are curly coats prone to mats, tangles, and knots, but they can get debris trapped in them fairly easily. And because the hair keeps on growing, it needs to be trimmed to keep it orderly. Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, have straight, medium-length coats. That said, they do shed more and have an undercoat, which can increase brushing frequency if you want to keep your home and car free of dog hair. What sort of brush should you use? What about trimming? So when it comes to trimming, the most important thing to remember is not to take too much off. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? No, Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic. And since all dogs produce dander, there is technically no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. And one of these dogs is the Poodle, which has been designated as hypoallergenic by the AKC. So, going back to the second point I made earlier, how hypoallergenic a Goldendoodle is will depend on its lineage. As with shedding, the more your Goldendoodle takes after a Poodle, the less likely he is to trigger allergy-related symptoms. For example, an F1BB Goldendoodle which is mostly Poodle will generally be more tolerable among allergy sufferers than an F1 Goldendoodle and a lot more tolerable than a purebred Golden Retriever. If you are noticing too much loose hair around your home, there are numerous ways you can get this under control, but the most effective approaches relate to diet and grooming. Poor quality dog foods that contain lots of fillers and cheap, artificial ingredients can lead to allergies and excessive shedding, whereas high-quality kibble will give your dog everything needed to thrive. Not only can daily brushing help reduce the occurrence of mats if your Goldendoodle has long, curly hair, but it can help prevent excess shedding by helping to spread his natural skin oils and remove the dead hair that is already on the coat. So, brushing can be a very worthwhile activity. Aside from that, bathing your dog every month or two can help you remove a lot of excess old hair, especially when you combine this with a good blow dry and brush. There are other ways you can reduce shedding , but those are the approaches that tend to work well in most cases. In some cases, however, dogs can shed due to health reasons like allergies, fleas, and even disease, for example. Subscribe Do Goldendoodles Shed? Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about Goldendoodle shedding that needs to be cleared up. Because they contain the DNA of one non-shedding breed the Poodle and one shedding breed the Golden Retriever they can not be considered completely non-shedding. However, they typically will shed less than their Golden Retriever ancestors. The amount of Goldendoodle shedding your puppy will experience is largely dependent on what generation they are and the genetics of their parents. Why Do Goldendoodles Shed? Goldendoodle shedding works largely in the same way as other dog breeds. There are four main causes we should explore to answer this question… Year Round Goldendoodle Shedding All animals with hair shed…even humans! Shedding happens as old hair particles die and are replaced with new ones. This is a completely normal and, in most cases, a completely healthy process. Dog breeds that have continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle, are essentially non-shedding. This is because the hair shafts have longer life spans and therefore the shedding is infrequent and essentially unnoticeable. Seasonal Goldendoodle Shedding Many dogs, potentially including Goldendoodles, will shed significantly more in the spring and fall seasons. The reason for this is their coats are adapting to become lighter or heavier to match the weather. Related: Do Goldendoodles Like Snow? All puppies, including Goldendoodles, have a different coat as puppies than they do as adults. Goldendoodle puppy coats are generally very soft and thin while adult coats are typically stiffer, longer, and thicker. Health Issues If your Goldendoodle sheds significantly more than they usually do it could be because of a health issue. There are loads of potential health problems that could cause your Goldendoodle to experiences excess shedding, but a few are parasites, infections, allergies, and cancer. Call your vet if you notice excessive scratching, foot licking, open sores, or skin irritation. In non-emergencies, you can live chat with a veterinarian online by clicking here. Many of these health concerns are expensive to treat. This is one reason why I believe that every Goldendoodle owner should invest in a quality pet insurance policy —I personally use and recommend Healthy Paws for my Goldendoodle! Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! How Much Do Goldendoodles Shed? Any breeder who tries to tell you otherwise is either lacking proper knowledge about the breed or being deceptive. With that being said, Goldendoodles can be non-shedding. There is just no way to guarantee it. This generation has one Golden Retriever parent and one Poodle parent, so their coat can vary widely in which parent it resembles more. Many F1 Goldendoodles will have straight, flat coats. Sometimes people will get lucky and have an F1 Goldendoodle that is non-shedding or very close to it. In other cases, F1 Goldendoodles can shed as much as a Golden Retriever! The moral of the story is if you choose to get an F1 Goldendoodle, be prepared for at least some amount of shedding. What does this mean when it comes to shedding? It means that an F1b Goldendoodle will likely shed less than an F1, but again this is far from a guarantee. Overall, this generation is a safer bet than the F1 and can be appropriate for those without severe allergies. F1bb Goldendoodles An F1bb Goldendoodle is the closest of the common generations to being a purebred poodle—it contains .For that reason, it is the safest bet for allergy sufferers and those who want the best odds of having a non-shedding Goldendoodle. On average, most F1bb Goldendoodles are likely to either shed very little or not at all. At the end of the day, if your heart is set on a Goldendoodle and you want the best odds of it being non-shedding, you should choose an F1bb. F2 Goldendoodles F2 Goldendoodles tend to be the worst generation when it comes to shedding. There are many potential parings that can result in F2 Goldendoodle puppies. As a result, coats and other genetic factors can vary widely. This generation can be just as difficult, if not more difficult, to predict than F1 Goldendoodles. Like with F1 Goldendoodles, many F2 Goldendoodles will have improper coats without furnishings—a telltale sign that they will shed. While their theoretical DNA percentages differ slightly, this generation is essentially on par with the F1b generation when it comes to the potential for Goldendoodle shedding. F2b Goldendoodles are more likely to be non-shedding than an F2 Goldendoodles, but less likely than F2bb Goldendoodles or F1bb Goldendoodles. Feed a Healthy Diet Obviously, a health diet should be important no matter if your Goldendoodle sheds or not. However, a diet that lacks the proper vitamins and nutrients your dog needs can result in excess shedding that might not have occurred otherwise. Make sure you feed Goldendoodle dog a balanced, complete dog food. In addition, there is some research that suggests an additional supplement of omega-3 fatty acids can aid in healthy hair growth among other benefits. Additionally, ensure your Goldendoodle is drinking enough water. This promotes healthy, hydrated skin and should minimize shedding. The general rule of thumb is that dogs should drink about an ounce of water per day for each pound they weigh. In addition to preventing matting and distributing healthy oils across their skin, brushing loosens dead hair and sets it free in a controlled environment—much better than all over the house! Bathing is also an important part of your grooming regimen. One common misconception when it comes to Goldendoodle grooming is that shaving your dog will prevent or reduce shedding. Choose the Right Grooming Equipment Just as important as how frequently you groom your dog is what equipment you use. However, many owners make the mistake of purchasing a cheap, generic brand. In my opinion, this is one area where spending a little extra can make a world of difference. While not needed by many Goldendoodle parents, if your dog does shed, this can be your saving grace. The Furminator Deshedding tool is one of the most highly-rated options available. Choose the long hair option in either the large size or small size depending on the size of your Goldendoodle. This makes it a better choice than a lot of popular competitors. Your vacuum is either going to become your best friend or a huge headache depending on which type you use. I suggest investing in a vacuum specifically designed to handle pet hair, like one of these highly-rated options from Amazon: Invest in an Air Purifier If you struggle with allergies, an air purifier can help remove the excess hair, dander, and other allergens floating around in the air. In conclusion, Goldendoodles are not guaranteed to be non-shedding. If your Goldendoodle puppy does shed, look at the potential reasons why and do your best to manage the shedding through proper dog care like healthy eating and grooming as well as through handy devices like an air purifier or a pet hair vacuum. Related Goldendoodle Articles.

We have answers. Instead of coming to a dead end at the end of a long day you can speak with an intelligent puppy raiser and begin your journey to meeting an adorable new German Shepherd. Begin by browsing some of the vetted breeders below. How do I avoid fraudulent puppy raisers? When you begin to search for reputable Albuquerque German Shepherd breeders you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their place of residence instead of spending the money for a top of line facility. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to empower more Americans to avoid these backyard breeders our network is set up with a thorough screening process to filter through the countless applications we receive each week. Can I find German Shepherd puppies in Albuquerque now? Of course you can. Instead of wasting time trying to find a reputable local breeder who may not even exist you can begin your process of finding a litter of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Albuquerque right now! Having a hard time finding German Shepherd breeders in Albuquerque? Are German Shepherds easy to train? Dogs that are intelligent and capable of accomplishing complex tasks like the German Shepherd are perfect for dog lovers who want to own an obedient pup. Just remember, when it comes to choosing a reputable breeder all you have to do browse the pre-screened businesses below. Yes, puppy mills are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do I have to choose from a local breeder? Before companies like Uptown Puppies existed, consumers were pretty limited when it came to finding qualified German Shepherd breeders. Luckily, the breeders with German Shepherds for sale in Albuquerque who have been accepted into the Uptown network have decades of experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US, which makes your search easier than ever! Can German Shepherds make for great family dogs? German Shepherds are fun-loving, loyal dogs that were bred to join and fit into a pack. Early on in your search for a new German Shepherd puppy you will realize just how coveted these dogs are and how quickly they will become attached to your family. Is it difficult to find a well bred German Shepherd for sale in Albuquerque? It can be difficult to find a properly bred litter of German Shepherd puppies mostly because these dogs are extremely popular among dog lovers across the country. At Uptown Puppies we are committed to making your shopping experience as easy as possible! Instead of wasting countless hours sitting at your desk searching for reputable breeders all you have to do to find your next companion is browse some of the pre-screened businesses below. Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than offering cheap puppies the breeders who tend to get approved to join the Uptown Network offer a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation for out of state customers.

When should I put my dog in a crate? Choose a room that you use often. Your dog may still be able to see what activity is happening around them, feel included, and settle more easily. On the other hand, if your dog has to leave everyone and go off to a remote part of the house, they may learn to associate the crate with a more traumatic and negative experience. Consider putting the crate on the same level of the house that they will be going out to the bathroom during potty training. Where exactly in your house you choose to put the crate may vary. However, most choose out of the way of main traffic and away from any hazards such as a fireplace or an area of direct sunlight. Why use a crate? Aids in bowel and bladder control Helps prevent destructive behavior Teaches your dog to settle Gives them a familiar place when they are tired Conditions relaxed behaviors Helps them feel comfortable if they have to use a crate at daycare or boarding Important training for travel and staying in hotels How long do I leave my puppy in a crate? Crate time is mostly based on their bathroom needs. For puppies, the general rule, when they are awake, is they can stay in their crate for one hour for each month of age. When Emma came home, she was two months old, so we only kept her in the crate for two hours at a time. Allow your puppy to go to the bathroom before going in their crate, which will help ensure all their needs are met so they can rest comfortably. Likewise, take them out to potty immediately when letting them out of their crate. She never barked, whimpered, whined, or tried to execute a grand escape. I used these 5 steps for crate training! Step 1 Give your dog treats around the crate. Do not try and contain them or control where they go. Open and close the gate near them. Allow them time to sniff and explore on their own and offer yummy treats. Step 2 With the door wide open, throw a high-value treat just a few inches inside the crate and let them enter and exit on their own. Repeat a few times. The theme is to avoid picking up and placing your dog in the crate. Allow them time to go in and out as they feel ready. Keep the treats flowing! Step 3 Keep the gate wide open and throw the treats halfway in the crate and then to the back of the crate. Step 4 Throw a treat to the back of the crate. Once all four paws are in, shut the door and open it back up! Allow your dog to come out of the crate and throw a party like they just completed the most impressive trick you have ever seen. Step 5 Gradually increase the time the door is closed. Keep praising them in an upbeat, high-pitch tone, offering their favorite treats. Important Note: Do not reach into their precious space and yank them out. Keep it a positive experience by letting them come out on their own or use treats to lure them out. What about when I need to leave my dog in the crate for a longer period? Hopefully, after completing the five steps above, your dog will be more comfortable going in and out of the crate. Dogs, especially puppies or high-energy dogs, often seek something to do. So if they go in the crate and everyone leaves, you start getting the behaviors of chewing on the bed, chewing on the side of the crate, barking, and scratching at the door to get out. A solution? Give them something to do! How to Let Your Dog Out of the Crate You may have devoted a lot of time and training to getting your dog to go into their crate. Training them on coming out of the crate can be just as valuable. Try this! Wait for calm behavior before opening the door. I do not recommend: Opening the crate when your dog is scratching at the door, barking, or whining. If you let them out now, you are reinforcing that when they bark, the reward is that they get to come out. Reaching into their precious space and yanking them out. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. Key Takeaways Crate training can help you provide a safe and comfortable environment for your Golden Retriever. Avoid rushing the crate training process to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure. Please do not use the crate as a punishment or leave your dog in it for extended periods. Crate training can be more effective and enjoyable for your dog if you use consistency, positive reinforcement, treats, and toys. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Selecting The Right Crate Size To ensure your Golden Retriever is comfortable and has enough space in their crate, you need to measure them accurately. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: 1. Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a familiar and safe location. Here are some of the reasons: House training: Using a crate, you can help your dog learn where and when to go potty. This will make house training more effortless and less stressful for both of you. Safe space: A crate can be a relaxing and safe place for your dog to relax and sleep. It can also help keep your dog out of a mess by preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items or getting into dangerous substances. Traveling: Whether driving or flying across the country, a crate can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, many hotels and other accommodations allow crate-trained dogs. Separation anxiety: A crate can provide security and comfort if your dog gets anxious when you leave. Knowing they have a safe place to go can help alleviate their anxiety and make their time away from home less stressful. Overall, crate training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a secure and comfortable environment to call their own. You should start crate training your puppy when you bring them home. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, an older dog can be trained to use a crate. Crate training can be a helpful way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever to rest and relax, but it should never be used as a form of punishment or confinement. When done responsibly and positively, crate training can be a positive and effective method for you and your Golden Retriever. However, with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog get used to his crate. Add treats, toys, and blankets to the crate to make it more inviting. Increasing the time your dog spends in the crate gradually is crucial. Remember that crate training should be enjoyable for you and your Golden Retriever. You can quickly make your furry friend feel safe and secure in their crate with a little effort! Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Crate training can be super helpful for your furry friend and offer them a bunch of benefits, such as: Prevents Destructive Behavior: By giving your Golden Retriever a cozy and secure space, crate training can prevent them from chewing, digging, or scratching on household items. Potty Training: Crate training can teach your Golden Retriever to associate the crate with their den, making it easier to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside. Prepares Them For Travel: If you need to take your Golden Retriever on a trip, crate training can help them feel comfortable and secure while in transit. Crate training is a great way to help your Golden Retriever feel safe, secure, and comfortable while preventing destructive behavior and keeping them healthy and happy. Adult dogs: They can handle up to 8 hours in a crate, ideally with a break in the middle. Overnight: Many dogs can stay in a crate overnight without issues. Always ensure that any time in the crate is a positive experience for the dog, supplemented by regular breaks, exercise, and playtime outside of the crate. The shift is a delicate balance of patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Gradual Exploration Start by letting your dog explore a restricted, safe space under supervision. As comfort grows, extend the time they spend outside the crate. Monitor and Supervise Observe your dog closely during early freedom stages to prevent accidents or mischief. Ensure your home is dog-proofed to minimize potential hazards. Essential Amenities Keep their water bowl accessible. Designate a comfortable resting spot outside the crate. Positive Reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats or praise. This encourages adherence to house rules and reinforces desired behavior. Display patience and affection throughout their transition. With time and consistent guidance, your furry friend will seamlessly integrate into the household, striking a balance between freedom and behavior. Before leaving your dog alone in the crate, be patient and make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. For them, the crate should be a positive and safe space, and associating it with negative experiences can cause anxiety and fear. While some time in the crate is acceptable, providing sufficient opportunities for exercise, socialization , and bathroom breaks throughout the day is essential. Maintain a consistent routine and use the same commands each time you place your dog in the crate. Use Toys And Treats: Place toys and treats inside the crate to entice your dog to enter. This will make the crate a more positive and enjoyable environment for them to be in. Ensure your pup gets enough exercise and playtime throughout the day, so your furry companion can relax in the crate when the time comes. Excessive whining, barking, panting, and restlessness are all signs of stress in a Golden Retriever. If your furry friend exhibits these behaviors in the crate, they may be too stressed. Can I use a crate for my adult golden retriever? Yes, as long as it is appropriately sized and they are comfortable in it, you can use a crate for your adult Golden Retriever. Can you leave a puppy crying in the crate? Leaving a crying puppy in the crate is not recommended because it can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, it is critical to gradually acclimate them to the crate and create a positive and comfortable environment. Should you put a blanket over a dog crate? Yes, draping a blanket over a dog crate can provide a sense of security and darkness, but ensure proper ventilation is maintained. What age is too late to train a puppy? 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. Read the full disclosure here. I know that, and eventually, your dog will know that, too. In this article you will learn exactly how to crate train a puppy or dog, no matter their age or level of previous training. You should read the whole guide before starting, to gain a complete understanding of the process, including the tips and troubleshooting at the end so you can find the speediest success. Why do we do this? We do this so we can use the crate as a place for short-term confinement, to keep our dogs and our belongings safe when we cannot supervise them. Then we can confine them short-term when needed, and they are happy to do so. Yes, they can even enjoy their time in the crate! In contrast: A properly crate trained dog will enjoy time in there happily and stress-free, even relishing the chance to get down to some occupational chew toy time or just to chill out and relax. Dog obedience is key to get this result! Benefits such as: Dramatically speeding up house training. Giving your dog a cozy and comfortable place to call their own where they can sleep and relax, overnight or whenever they wish. Giving you a tool to use for managing problem behaviors or to use for time outs to calm your puppy when needed. Giving you a safe way to transport your dog both by car and air if the need should arise. So they can enjoy trips away and holidays with you. Preparing your puppy for boarding at the vets, a kennel or at home to recover after medical treatment. There are many benefits to using a crate when used correctly, but they can also be misused. And there are also times when you should never crate a dog, regardless of their age or how much or little they can be trusted: Times And Ways That You Should Not Use A Crate There are a small number of dogs that suffer true anxiety and panic when placed in a crate. Under no circumstances should these dogs be crated…ever! The signs you need to look out for are: Any damage to the crate that show signs of attempting to escape. Urinating or defecating in the crate. The crate has moved at all while your dog is inside they must have made some frantic movements for this to happen. Never if your dog has sickness or diarrhea. Never when the weather is extremely hot. Never for any time longer than 5 hours. Not any time your vet prohibits it for medical reasons. Never as a way to punish your dog or for punishment. Use obedience training to correct bad behavior instead. Crating your dog for any of the reasons above is either inhumane, dangerous or purely selfish. Getting Prepared Before you can start crate training, you obviously need a crate. But you also need to make it a comfortable and happy place for your dog. Choosing A Crate Dog sleeping in crate There are many different sizes and style of dog crates available, from tiny inch crates all the way up to inch and bigger! XXL heavy duty dog crates. There are wire dog crates , plastic, fabric and even high quality wooden crates that look just like pieces of furniture. But the most important aspect of the crate you choose is its size: Too small and it would be cruel to expect your dog or puppy to spend time in there Too large and it loses the den like feeling dogs crave, not to mention they can use one end to sleep in while using the other end as a toilet, so it loses its effectiveness. For detailed instructions on measuring your dog for a crate and selecting the right size and type to suit your needs, please see my article: Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Dog Crate 2. Making The Crate Comfortable And Safe Dog In Soft Crate After choosing the right crate, you then have to make it a comfortable, safe and pleasant place for your puppy or dog to love spending time. For a detailed guide on where to place your crate and what you should put in it, you can read my article on: How to make a crate comfortable and safe for your dog. Make sure the crate is out of any direct sunlight, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators, and away from any possible cold drafts. Place soft, comfortable bedding inside. Place 2 or more chew toys inside to keep them occupied and develop good chew toy habits. If you have a wire crate, cover it either with a purpose bought crate cover or an old blanket or towel. Following the above 5 tips ensures the crate is a nice comfortable place for your dog. These pose a risk of choking if they happen to snag on anything, so no collars or leashes allowed. Your dog or puppy must be completely naked when crated. You must not rush through and you must make sure you are successful at each stage before you move on to the next, otherwise you could end up causing your dog or puppy to hate the crate by leaving them crated before they are ready. This unfamiliar box can be scary! The ultimate goal is for them to use it voluntarily. So the first task you have on the journey to crate training your puppy or dog is to form in their mind an association between the crate and all the things that they enjoy in life, so they see the crate as a good thing. Fail at this and you could saddle yourself with a dog who hates the crate, refuses to use it and maybe even fears it which can be a very hard thing to undo. So how do you go about achieving this? Technique 1: Magically Appearing Toys And Treats Set up the crate before you bring your dog home or if you have an existing pet, assemble the crate without them seeing so it just magically appears. Now let your dog or puppy into the room. So what should you do? Just act as you normally would, do what you would normally do. Play with your dog or puppy, or sit and watch TV, just act normal. Hopefully they will investigate this new thing in their world, enticed by the treats around and inside it, but also out of plain curiosity. Just draw no attention to the crate at all. Every dog will eventually at least eat the treats around the crate, if not the ones inside. This has the effect of the most prized things in their life being magically conjured up by the crate. Do this for a couple of days or more before you start crate training, and then occasionally for the few weeks after starting so your dog learns to love the crate and what it provides. You should find after a very short time they venture into the crate on their own just to look for some goodies, all without any encouragement from you. NOTE: Any treats you give this way have to be subtracted from their daily food portions or they will be overeating. And I say to do this just for the first few days and then only occasionally because to help house training you want your puppy eating on a schedule to promote defecating on a schedule, not eating at random times and pooping at random times. Feed these meals inside the crate. At first, place their food bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in to feed. Then after the first couple of times, place it half way into the crate. After a couple of times of this, place it all the way at the back. You might be successful with this right away, or you may have to place it at the front for a few meals over a few days. Some dogs confidence builds quicker than others. Eventually and not before too long you should find your dog expectantly running over to and maybe even into the crate every time they see you holding their food bowl. After a few days of magic appearing treats and your dog eating dinner from the crate, basically once they are used to the crate and associate good things with it, we are ready to start crate training. When you do release your dog you do not want them bolting out and bumping into you, particularly important if you have a large dog such as a Golden Retriever that can easily bowl you over on their way past! You want them to reliably leave the crate when you ask. You can only achieve these three things if your dog understands that they must stay inside until told they can leave, or must leave when they hear the cue word. Choose whatever words you like, just be consistent. You do not want to spook your dog at this stage. Sit close to the crate armed with some high value treats, show them to your dog and then throw one inside the crate. Move away so they can easily exit and just stand patiently and quietly waiting for them to do so. Repeat this 8 to 10 times then take a couple of minutes break. Then do another set of 8 to .Yes, for real. Repeat this whole exercise a few times over the course of a day or two until your dog is comfortably, happily and reliably going in the crate when you throw in a treat. Training your dog to do this is a huge step! Make sure they really are confidently going in to get the treat before moving to the next step. And remember to use your cue words every single time so they quickly learn them. Step 3: No Treat For Free! The next step is to ask your puppy or dog into the crate before you treat them. Make them work for the treat instead of using it to lure them into the crate. To start, do 2 or 3 exercises of throwing a treat in and using the cue word as they go in to get it. When they do, give them a treat or two while you praise them profusely. Then use the cue word to leave and praise them when they do. Repeat this 8 to 10 times, take a couple of minutes break, then do another 8 to 10 before finishing up for this session. Repeat this step many times over the course of a day or two until you are certain your puppy or dog truly understands the commands and is happy to both go into and leave the crate on cue before you move to step 4. Now, many of you will have a dog at this stage that goes in, gets the treat or their toys and cannot wait to get back out again. But some will already be sitting, laying and sleeping in the crate of their own accord. Regardless though, what you want to achieve is your puppy or dog to sit and lie in the crate on cue, which is different to doing it of their own accord. Begin this just a couple of days after getting them home because they need to understand the cues outside of the crate before you can hope to have them follow the commands inside it. Other things you should have been doing before this step are: feeding your dog or puppy their main meals inside the crate occasionally leaving stuffed Kong toys in the crate this gets them used to spending time in there, usually in a sitting or laying position this will have made things easier Now, run through 2 or 3 repetitions of steps 2 and 3 before you start step 4, always remembering to use your chosen cues! Next, when your dog is inside the crate: Simply cue them to sit, praise and reward them profusely when they do. Then ask for a down and do the same. Then cue them to leave the crate before repeating the exercise. Try this 8 to 10 times before a few minutes break, then repeat for 8 to 10 times more. Repeat this whole step a few times over a day or more, but as you repeat the exercises, ask them to stay sitting or lying down for longer periods before you release them. And you should vary the duration to keep them guessing what it takes to earn a treat. Try just 1 second, then 5, then 2, then 10, then 3 and so on. Try to stretch the time out over a few practice sessions. Remember to be gentle and that your tone of voice throughout training matters. As always: Start with 2 or 3 repetitions of the easier steps first, going through steps 3 and 4 before trying to close the door. When ready: Cue your dog to go into the crate, praise and treat them, then ask for a sit, praise and treat and then slowly close the door. You ask for a sit because this position is automatically a more calm and relaxed position than standing. Continue to praise your dog and give a couple of treats through the closed door for remaining calm and sitting. Then open the door, and cue them to leave the crate. If your dog looks fearful or panicked when you close the door some will! Start by closing the door just part way for a few repetitions, then half way for a few, then most the way before finally closing it fully. This may take one training session or a few over days. Are you ready to move on? Once your dog is happy to sit a few seconds with the door closed, begin to latch it. Praise and treat for calm, then release the latch and open the door. For a training session, do 8 to 10 reps, take a few minutes break and then repeat. During each set, vary the time they have to stay calm and sitting, 3 seconds, then 10, then 4, then 15 and so on. You should aim to extend the time they stay calm and sitting with the door closed to a full minute before moving on to the next step. Again, this could take an afternoon, or it might take a few days. Go at your dogs pace and never force things. The base is serving as a staging facility for hurricane relief operations. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Once your puppy or dog can sit calmly in the crate with the door closed for a full minute, the next step is to start moving away with the ultimate aim of being able to leave the room. First of all, perform a few reps of steps 4 and 5 as a warm up, remembering to always use your cues. Next, follow these steps: Cue your dog into the crate, close the door, latch it, praise and reward them and take a couple of steps backwards away from the crate but still facing it. Then return, praise and reward. Open the door and cue your dog to come out. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times, then take a few minutes break and repeat. For each repetition, mix things up: Try walking away a different distance in a different direction, but remaining in the room. First 2 steps backwards and pause 5 seconds before returning, then 4 steps to the side and a 15 second pause and so on. Work up to walking right to the exit or the wall and pausing for a full minute. Next, you will want to amp things up even more: Perform this exercise while you actively walk around the room, looking busy doing other things, but return to praise and treat your dog often. Tidy some magazines, rustle through a drawer, just look busy doing other things a few times in the house. Then, go even farther: Perform this exercise but back yourself up to the exit of the room and leave for just a couple of seconds before returning and heading to the crate to treat and praise. Do this a few times. The time this takes and the success you have will vary from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Always stop at 10 repetitions max, and never more than two batches in quick succession followed by a big break. Otherwise your dog will get bored and the training is less effective. Now you just need to start increasing the time they are happy to spend time alone. Before you begin, something that goes a long way toward helping is to make sure your puppy or dog is well exercised before asking them into the crate. Why is that? A tired dog will be far more willing to relax and chill out for a length of time, compared to one who is full of energy and keen to play or wanting attention! After exercising them, the first step is to increase the time they are happy to spend in the crate while you are still nearby. To achieve this: Crate feeding: Feed your dog in the crate, or give them a stuffed Kong toy or good tasting bone chew toy. Hang out nearby: Ask your dog into the crate, give them their food or the toy, then close the door and take a seat nearby to read a book or a magazine. Engage occasionally: Every now and then, give them a further treat and praise, then go back to your book or magazine. Gradual build: Try to work up to a good half hour of quiet and calm in the crate while you read and they chew. Ignore them: After a couple of times like this, crate your dog or puppy with their meal or a stuffed toy and move around the room busying yourself, paying little attention to your dog. You want them to be eating their meal or chewing a toy in the locked crate while you do other things. Leave the room: After a couple of repetitions of this, repeat the exercise but move freely in and out of the room a few times, as well as occasionally sitting nearby. Disappear: Start by leaving the room for only 5 or 10 minutes, extending the time over a few sessions until you eventually achieve a full hour of alone time. As always, how long this takes will vary wildly from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Go at their pace. It helps massively to succeed in this step if you only ever give your puppy or dog the bone chew toys or stuffed Kongs when in the crate and never outside of it. It builds excitement and anticipation, something to look forward to in the crate. Step 8: The Grand Finale! Wait for them to start chewing and then leave and come back into the room a couple of times. If they stay calm and pre-occupied with their chewing, simply leave the house. Then, do this: Go outside and walk to the bottom of your garden, just hang there for a few minutes and then go back inside and walk around your home for a couple of minutes before going to the crate and your dog. You want them to think that this is nothing, a complete non-event. And certainly do not go straight to them when you come back in. Remember: this even means nothing! From now on, practice alone time in the crate when you leave the house at least a couple of times every day, for varying lengths of time. Never make a fuss of any sort before you go, never make a fuss on your return. Over a few sessions, build up the time you are out of the house with your dog in the crate to a couple of hours as long as they are old enough to hold their bladder this long. You can now use the crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise them, and use the crate as a sleeping place for your dog at night. Always leave a few toys in there with your dog, and continue to repeat the exercise where you crate them with a stuffed Kong or chew toy if natural opportunities do not arise, just to keep them happy with the situation. If you have a dog that: Some puppies will take regular naps in the crate before you even start crate training. They might go on to show little interest or care about the door being closed. They might be super confident and happy right away with a little alone time. You might be able to crate train such a dog in just a few short days. Dogs like this can take many weeks to crate train: Some puppies may show fear of the crate and not want to go anywhere near it. Once carefully trained to go in, they might feel panic and fear when you close the door. You have to go at your own dogs pace because if you rush them you can instill dislike or even fear of the crate in their minds, and then it will take far longer than it ever should have. But many or most dogs will take to it quicker, and most puppies certainly will as they have no preconceived ideas, habits or emotions to overcome. When going through the steps above, if your dog excels at any stage you can quickly move to the next step. If they do not, if they show any fear or uncertainty, spend more time at a particular step until they are comfortable before moving on. Your dog will show you when they are ready to progress and you should go at their speed, however fast or slow that may be. They need to be able to: move around exercise their muscles enjoy some mental stimulation If they are regularly crated longer than this, behavioral problems will be the result, as well as the fact they have little in the way of a fulfilling life. In my experience this is a bit optimistic, all dogs are different and when a puppy is very young, this is certainly too long. This is with the exception of puppies from 8 to 12 weeks old who will need letting out once during the night. But after 12 weeks, they can last the whole night through. Crating your dog when you work full-time means two lots of 4 or more hours crated and this is a long time, so quality time, exercise and stimulation before and after crating is essential. Tips For Better Crate Training What follows are a few useful tips to keep in mind when crate training your puppy or dog. They will make the process easier and faster, while making sure your dog is comfortable and happy throughout the process: Always make sure you take your puppy or dog to their bathroom spot before you crate them for any length time. They will be uncomfortable and noisily complain with a full bladder…but rightfully so! Also take them the moment you let them out as they will usually be ready to go. Make sure the crate door is always open and your dog always has access to it so they can use it as and when they please. Most dogs will use it as a place to rest and this is a good thing. Always leave chew toys in the crate for your dog so there is something for them to do while crated. This will minimize boredom and teaches good habits of chewing on the right things. Continue to feed them their meals in the crate. Also, reserve special treats like bones and stuffed Kong toys for the crate only and never outside of it, so they really look forward to spending time there. Exercise your dog or puppy well before crating them for any length of time. A tired dog is one who is happy to relax and chill out. If you find your puppy nodding off and completely unable to stay awake this happens a lot! This will speed up their acceptance of the crate considerably if they snooze and find themselves waking up in there often. The worst thing you can do is force them in because chances are it will heighten their fear and make things even worse. Instead, break the task down into easier steps for your dog by employing some of the following tasks: Practice asking your dog to step in and out of cardboard boxes. First trimming the sides down to look like a small tray, then using further boxes and increasing height of the sides. Place bedding in the box and practice asking them to lay down. Some dogs may not like the roof aspect of the crate. Ask your dog to step underneath, even sit under there yourself and read a book while enticing them over for treats. Start with a big gap and a wide area covered, then lessen the gap between furniture in later training sessions to make it feel more crate like over time. If you have a plastic travel style crate airline crate then remove the top half and practice having them step in and out of the bottom half only. Start asking your dog to step into the bottom tray only. Then put on 2 of the walls for a couple of training sessions. Then three walls for a few sessions. Then the roof until finally the crate is fully assembled. Then cover the back third of the pens roof with a sheet and do the same. Then cover a half. Then remove a part of the pen to make the area smaller and ask them in to play with them. Whichever of the above you try, make sure an exit is wide open and easy for your dog to use for escape so they will feel less anxious. And take things very slowly, making sure they are visibly comfortable at any stage before taking a next step. After a few days maybe more of slowly getting them used to stepping into things that progressively get more and more crate like, you should be able to begin crate training. This type of reinforcement will not help the cries. Yes, you getting angry and telling your dog off will actually make the issue worse. This will train them to think that if they cry long and loud enough, you will eventually come and let them out. Not a good idea. Wait for 5 seconds silence before you approach, then give them a treat. You ruined it! Wait for at least 5 seconds of silence before you return, then treat them. Enough repetitions of this will teach them that silence gets rewarded and noise makes you go away. Why did they whine? You might want to go back a step or two in your crate training though. Make sure they are comfortably happy and silent in the crate, for a reasonable length of time with the door latched and you present, before you ever try to leave them alone. Young puppies cannot hold it through the night without having a potty break. But how do you know if the whines are because they need to eliminate or just crying for attention? For a puppy 8 to 9 weeks old, you will need to set an alarm to take them to potty twice during the night, at 2. For a puppy 9 to 12 weeks old, set an alarm to take them to potty half way through the night, 3. Make sure you do not feed them anything in the 3 hours before bed, take away water at least 2 hours before bed, and take them to their toilet spot to empty themselves as the very last thing you do before you go to bed. When you take them to potty, make sure you do so in silence. No playing, no words, no attention, otherwise they will learn that night-time is a time for play and attention. You obviously do not want this. They are very different things. But if when you leave your dog alone crated they show these symptoms: anxiety. Food bowl Treats Make sure you have all the above items before you bring your Golden retriever puppy home so that you can get started crate training him right away. Position The Crate Before you set off to collect your puppy, decide where you want his crate to be. Prepare The Crate Fit the crate with a non-slip crate liner, comfy bed, or crate pad, and put a tempting chew toy inside. Put a bowl of water and a packet of treats close by. Cut a small piece of the blanket and put it in the crate. Keep the rest of the blanket for future use. Let the puppy check out the area around the crate. Curious pups might even voluntarily venture inside the crate! Put a few tempting treats inside the crate, close to the door. Golden retrievers are notoriously food-oriented dogs that will most likely be enticed into the crate by those yummy treats. Never force the puppy into the crate. Chat to your pet, offer him more treats, and add a fun toy to the mix to persuade your furry friend to go into the crate. Generally, placing the crate around people will help to encourage your puppy to feel comfortable spending time inside it. Play Crate Games Crate sessions can be made more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating some crate games. Use treats, cuddly toys, or a KONG toy stuffed with frozen peanut butter or treats to reward your puppy for entering his crate. Crate Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy Golden retrievers are very food-oriented, and you can use that to enhance and speed up the crate training process considerably. Allow your puppy to watch you prepare his meal, and then place the food bowl just inside the crate. Once your puppy is confidently going into the crate to get the food, move the food bowl to the back of the crate. Shut The Door By now, your Golden retriever puppy should view the crate as a safe, comfortable, fun place to be. So, try closing the crate door when your puppy is happily tucking into his food. The first time the door is closed, open it again once your pet has finished eating. At each crate training session, leave the door shut for a little longer. Step Back Away From The Crate Assuming that your crate routine is going well, your Golden retriever puppy should now associate the crate with a couple of treats, toys, games, and eating his meals. A common mistake people make is that they try to move too far away from the puppy too soon. Provided that the puppy is calm, you can now move away from the crate. If your puppy starts whinging, turn your back on your pet, and wait a few minutes until the whining stops. After ten seconds of your pet remaining calm, you can turn around and allow him to come out of the crate. Watch your puppy throughout this exercise, and let your pet out of the crate as soon as he shows signs of anxiety. Very young puppies aged up to ten weeks old will need to relieve themselves immediately after a meal. Potty Breaks When you begin your crate training puppy schedule , observe your pet closely for tell-tale signs that he needs to go potty. Generally, puppies will start whining, circling, and sniffing the ground when they need to relieve themselves. When that happens, immediately grab your puppy, and get him to his assigned toilet spot. Eight-week-old puppies typically need to go for a pee around every 30 to 60 minutes. During warm weather or after exercise, when the puppy drinks more, he might need to go more often than that. Once the puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between potty stops. What About Bedtime? The safest place for your puppy to spend the night is confined in his crate. Although your pup might experience a bit of separation anxiety from bedtime crating at first, you can help to mitigate that by putting the crate in your bedroom with you. Use a crate cover to create that safe, den-like space that encourages your canine companion to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, giving your Golden retriever puppy a special treat reserved for bedtime can help him understand that his crate is a comfortable space to spend the night. Expect Disturbed Nights! When your puppy is very young, you can expect to be disturbed by his cries for attention during the night. Dogs are clean animals, and they will resist soiling their sleeping area if at all possible. So, set your alarm to wake you up every couple of hours throughout the night so that you can take your puppy outside to relieve himself. Immediately Clean Up Accidents Unfortunately, dealing with potty accidents is all part and parcel of raising and training a new puppy. When that happens, never punish or scold your pup. When accidents happen around your home, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent of urine from your floor coverings. If your puppy has an accident in his crate, you must wash all the bedding immediately. Ensure that you have a good supply of spare bedding to grab if you need it, and clean the crate thoroughly to remove any lingering smell of urine. Golden retrievers are especially quick at remembering simple words, and these trainable dogs are typically pretty obedient. So, from the get-go, you need to begin using verbal cues. Pick short and clear words so that your puppy can easily recognize and remember them. Combine your cue words with crate training. Increase The Difficulty As crate training progresses, you can make things more challenging for your puppy. Ask your dog to stay in the crate with the door closed for longer periods, and begin to move out of sight. Just like little kids, puppies will throw tantrums during the first few days of crate training. That behavior is perfectly normal and to be expected, especially when you first close the crate door. Instead, reward calm behavior with treats verbal praise, and let your puppy come out of the crate. So, when a tantrum kicks off, simply turn your back on your furry friend, and wait until he settles down again. Consistency Is Crucial! One of the most common problems people experience when crate training their puppy is not being consistent. Yes, it can be tough when your adorable fluffy bundle is crying and whining inside his crate. Unfortunately, giving in to your fur baby when he complains simply teaches your pet that whining and other bad behavior get him what he wants, which sets your training regimen back. Playtime Is Vital A lively Golden retriever puppy bursting with energy is not likely to settle calmly in his crate. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training a Golden retriever puppy. If you did, please remember to share it. Crates are also useful tools for potty training your puppy and preventing bad behavior, such as chewing and eating harmful substances. Always be consistent and patient when crate training your puppy; use cue words and positive reinforcement to make learning fun for both your pet and you. Did you use a crate to train your Golden retriever puppy? Tell us how you did in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment.

Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. You can click on the links above to jump straight to a section that interests you. Or, keep reading to learn everything about the unusual black and tan Lab! The exact appearance of a black and tan Labrador will depend on the specific mismarks they have. These tan markings are most often on the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, and chest. This type of mismark often leads people to compare the black and tan Lab to the Rottweiler breed or the Gordon Setter. However, tan markings can vary from one mismarked Lab to the next. Some may only have a single tan paw, whilst the rest of them is a solid color! Others may have tan coloring in the form of brindling. The only time you will notice extreme differences is when a Lab puppy is not actually purebred. DNA testing is the most accurate way to learn whether or not your Lab is purebred, but you can also increase your chances by getting your puppy from a reputable breeder. Are Black and Tan Labradors Purebred? However, the gene for this coloring is recessive. So, a Labrador puppy needs to receive one copy from each parent in order to show black and tan fur. As long as those two parents are also purebred Labradors, the resulting black and tan Labrador puppy will also be purebred. You can ask to see pedigree papers of purebred Lab puppies. But, it is possible for purebred Labs to have this black and tan marking. As you will now know from the information so far, there are two ways that a breeder will be able to achieve black and tan Labrador puppies. When a black and tan Lab is purebred, they often come about by accident. Other breeders may try to mimic and recreate this pattern by breeding a Labrador with another purebred dog. This could be a lighter colored dog, such as a Golden Retriever, or one with the desired markings, like a Rottweiler or Gordon Setter. Many of these breeders will sell their dogs as mixed breeds. But, occasionally, some may try to pass their puppies off as purebred Labs. The best breeders will prioritise health and proper care over all else — including fur color. Can Black and Tan Labs Compete? Although a purebred black and tan Labrador can be registered with the AKC, they cannot compete in any shows. Their coloring falls outside of the permitted breed standards. In fact, the only mismark that is accepted for show is a small white patch on the chest. A black and tan Labrador can make a brilliant family pet in the right home, just like any other colored Lab. Are Black and Tan Labradors Rare? As we know, a Labrador puppy must receive two copies of the necessary recessive gene to show black and tan coloring. Even then, not all puppies in such a litter necessarily will be mismarked. Or mismarked in exactly the same way. Especially if this description comes with a massively inflated price tag. Reputable breeders will often charge no more for mismarked puppies. In fact, some may even reduce the price of these Labs, since they will not qualify for show. Before searching for a new Labrador puppy, research the best way to find a reputable breeder. Here are some links that will help you:. When both parents have contributed the gene, the pup has lighter tan colored fur above the eyes, around the muzzle, on the chest and legs. Another gene found in Labradors causes tan speckling on the legs and muzzle; this is called brindle. Black and tan and brindle Labradors can be registered with the American Kennel Club, but they can not compete in the show ring as these colors are considered undesirable to the breed standard. The Guiding Eyes breeding colony has been derived in part from the Whygin Labs, a prominent kennel that was very successful with show and hunting dogs in the s. Some of the black and gene coloring stems from the Whygin line. Because we breed for optimum guide dogs, our primary criteria are confident, easy to handle dogs with excellent health and a sturdy conformation. We do not remove dogs from our breeding colony if they produce these coat colors. These pups have the same temperament and health traits as their solid colored littermates. Additional information on coat color inheritance: Black, chocolate and yellow Labrador coloring are the result of the interaction of two genes commonly referred to as the E yellow gene and the B brown gene. A dog with ee two recessive copies of the yellow gene is yellow. The B gene is turned off. This turning off or hiding the expression of another gene is called epistasis. For dogs with Ee or EE, the B gene is turned on. A black dog results from BB or Bb. A chocolate dog results from bb Another gene present in all Labs is the K gene, which has several variations. KB is responsible for solid coloring, as we see in nearly all Labradors. The most recessive version of K is ky; two copies of ky will allow another gene, A agouti, to express itself in a number of patterns commonly seen in other breeds, such as tan points. A single copy of KB is epistatic to, or sufficient to hide, all the genetic information of the A gene. Nearly every Labrador retriever has two copies of KB. Any of these dogs that are not yellow ee will have tan points. Nope, not a Rottweiler, Doberman or Dachshund! Just an incredibly well-bred Labrador retriever with beautiful coloring. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is recessive and therefore requires each parent to contribute the black and tan gene to an individual for the color to show up. It can modify a black or chocolate Lab to have lighter tan markings in the usual locations of a Gordon Setter, Doberman or Rottewieler. There is also a brindle coloring that Labs can have. We see it less often. Labs with brindling have tan speckling on their forelegs, muzzles and chest. However, they can be registered with the AKC American Kennel Club and these color choices are available on the registration slips. Take a look at these pictures of Billy one of our readers Black and Tan Labrador Retriever: Another trait I noticed was a small white spot on some of the black labs in our group. If you know of any other unusual traits found in purebred labs please leave a comment or let me know. I have received many images from others who own purebred black and tan labs and brindle labs. Moving forward I plan on appending the new images to this post. He is a kindly dog. He loves child and he learn fast. He grow up with two child. We looked for a dog for our son, who suffers from selective mutism. And we find the right dog. He is tomorrow 19 weeks old. Brindle Lab Puppies I saw the pics of the brindle lab dogs on your site. One has just a bit on the paws, another has it on his paws and a little on his chest, the other one has it on his paws, chest face and neck. They are so pretty. Have any of you heard of or seen a black and tan Labrador Retriever. If so tell us a little bit about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, lbs and inches tall. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat, and the dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings, and some are born solid white. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood. The Bullenbeisser descended from Mastiffs was crossed with the Old English bulldog to eventually produce the modern breed. Bullenbeissers were generally used as catch dogs for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer. With their strong jaws, they would catch and hold prey until their hunter masters came. The first Boxers were developed to be a smaller, faster dog for similar purposes. Unfortunately, like their bulldog ancestors, Boxer dogs were sometimes used for bull-baiting, and, after the practice was outlawed, for dog fighting. Many are still working dogs, for the military and as police dogs. But most have taken an equally important place as the popular companion dog we know and love today. Boxers are, for the most part, versatile dogs. But be wary of leaving your Boxer dog unattended with access to local pets in your neighborhood. A strong fence without escape routes is a good idea. And although Boxers do well in hot weather, white ones might need some sunscreen. Yes, dog sunscreen is a thing. A bored boxer will chew, lick, and dig to excess, so a kennel or crate may be necessary when you need to be away for longer than they like. In the perfect world, a boxer owner would work part-time, or from home, so that they could spend maximum time caring for and bonding with their pet. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events. Boxer Description The Boxer has a compact and powerful body. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short muzzle with an underbite. The tail is set high and typically docked. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in multiple colors including fawn, tan, brindle, mahogany, and black and often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register them. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below and see why they are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Disposition and Temperament Boxers are happy, playful, curious, and energetic. So much so that many remain extremely fit and athletic into their old age. They are very intelligent, eager, quick to learn and known to be a good breed for competitive obedience. Boxers bond closely with their family and are loyal and affectionate. In fact, they are known to get along well with children. A properly socialized Boxer will get along with dogs and other household pets, such as cats, but small animals such as rodents or birds may be too tempting. Being energetic and playful, the Boxer can become boisterous and jump on people without proper training and leadership. Boxers need to go on a daily walk and get daily mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can become stressed out. You should start training your Boxer while it is a puppy: Boxers do best with dominant owners who can be firm, consistent and committed. You need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog breed. Owners who do not establish dominance often find their dogs to be stubborn or demanding which can hamper the owner-pet relationship. Living Conditions As for living arrangements, they can be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised even though they are active indoors, but Boxers really do best with an average-sized yard. They are also temperature sensitive, overheating easily and chilling quickly. Boxers have a natural tendency to protect their owners and home, and although visitors who the dog recognizes are not seen as a threat, will protect their owners if they sense danger. Boxers are courageous which makes them great watchdogs and will even restrain intruders. It is important to know Boxer puppies require human leadership and need to be taught not to be boisterous or jump up on people. It requires very little grooming. Brush it with a rubber curry brush once or twice a week to keep it looking good. The Boxer tends to be a clean breed only occasionally needing a bath. Origin The name Boxer is thought to come from the way they use their front paws for just about everything; pawing at its food bowls, toys, and even its owner in a playful way. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century and its ancestors were two German mastiff-type breeds. They were later bred with the ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Boxers were first used for dog-fighting, bull-baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, rounding up livestock, and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs. There are two types of Boxers: the German and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers. See store for details on a puppy. The American Canine Association, Inc. The American Canine Registry.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal.