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We would love to help add some Comfort to your home. Here's how it works. Complete the Match-Maker form. The first step is to complete our Match-Maker form. Our Puppy Placement Specialist team will follow up with you. Read More If you aren't ready to bring some Comfort home just yet, we strongly recommend that you make a deposit to get on our waitlist. New litters are introduced when they are 3 weeks old sometimes 4 weeks, depending on our photo schedule; new photos are taken every 2 weeks. Puppies can go to their forever homes or into obedience training when they are 8 weeks old. Typically, a person on the waitlist receives their puppy within 3 months. Receive a litter announcement. When you receive a litter announcement, there will be a deadline in which to respond with interest. Once the deadline has passed, pick positions are assigned based on the deposit date. Read More If you receive a pick position on a litter, you will be given a schedule of things photos, videos, written updates, etc. Pick positions are not associated with any particular puppy; it is just the order in which you will choose your puppy when the time comes. The puppy selection process begins at seven weeks. Pick your puppy. Please be prepared to pick your puppy when it is your turn. There are usually others in line who are eager to make their picks, as well. If you are unavailable or unresponsive, you will lose your pick for that litter. Please be prepared to pick your puppy up or have us deliver your puppy at 8 weeks. Make final arrangements. About a week before your puppy comes home, we make final home-going arrangements, including delivery, if needed. Bring your puppy home! We offer multiple options for delivery! We love meeting our new families, so coming to us to get your Pet is always an option. Read More We all love meeting the new families, so pick up is always welcomed! However, we understand life happens, so we also offer ground transport straight to your door and in cabin flight escort options to your local airport cargo not available at this time. Pricing and transportation options are dependent upon timing, availability, and location, as well as the size of your specific Pet. Not Quite Ready? We love him! I drove from Toronto to Kentucky to bring him back to the big city. We now live in a condo, and he adjusted quite well! He has brought so much joy to my family. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. Smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. Do you deliver? We offer multiple options for delivery. However, we understand life happens so we also offer ground transport to your front door and hand carry flights to your local airport. Starting on the Right Paw Our support team is here to ensure that things run smoothly, so you can focus elsewhere. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! Most of my Mini Retrievers mature from 20 to 30 pounds as full-grown adults. Presently, our poodle percentage will range from 0 to 25 percent. All litters will be clearly marked as to if they contain miniature poodles and how high the percentage is. All adult breeding stock is annually screened for health problems prior to breeding. We sell every puppy vet checked with a health certificate and a 5year written health guarantee. All puppies are microchipped unless reserved otherwise. About the Breed Miniature Golden Retrievers have been designed to provide a smaller healthier version of their predecessor. Minis range in size from twenty to forty pounds depending on which Spaniel the breeder chooses to include in the mixture. Many breeders are also using a small percentage of miniature poodles to reduce dander and shedding. If you see an ad for a Teacup Golden Retriever for sale then chances are you are looking at a breeder specializing in Mini Golden Retrievers. There is no dog named Teacup Golden Retrievers. Teacup is industry jargon that describes a petite or small dog. Since so many people with high anxiety, PTSD, and other stress disorders look to these dogs for comfort, thus the name Comforting Retrievers. Mini Comforting Retrievers This is referring to miniature golden retrievers, which are known as Comforting Retrievers. Golden retrievers that are smaller than normal ones are referred to as Mini Golden Retrievers. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. We are a family-owned breeder located out in the country in Loudonville, Ohio where we have 30 acres of beautiful farmland for the puppies to run. It is our goal to make sure all of our Golden Retriever Puppies are ready for their new family, so being a family of 11, the puppies are well socialized. We pride ourselves on making the adoption process easy, convenient, and comfortable. If you are looking to adopt a Mini Golden Retriever and do not live nearby, we offer specialized delivery right to your door. Thank you for visiting - we look forward to meeting you! Our Mini Golden Retrievers are magical! They also can be mixed with only Golden Retriever and Poodle. We strive to duplicate the Standard Golden Retriever but with added benefits. These benefits include fewer health problems, more manageable size and weight, and less shedding. Available Puppies Nationwide Puppy Delivery We offer specialized and custom delivery to any destination in the lower .We want your new puppy to arrive home safe and happy, which is why we have a designated puppy delivery team to hand deliver your special new family member! We can deliver by car or by plane and are flexible to meet your needs. More About Delivery Options Recommended Food For Your New Puppy We know that it's important for us to consume a healthy diet to maintain our health and keep us away from the doctor, and your puppy is no different. Proper nutrition plays a vital in supporting growth, muscle development, a strong immune system, and overall health so your puppy can live as long as possible. It is important not to cut corners and give your puppy food that is filled with non-nutritional fillers. PawTree is an AMAZING company that offers incredible products, and we have never found another company that is so focused on the health and growth its customers' puppies. Their recipes are clean and don't have any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-products. They offer interesting seasonings to change up your puppy's food flavors, a variety of treats, toys, shampoos, potty training products, and more. Use the link below to begin shopping for the best dog food you can get! Order pawTree Products Recommended Supplements For Your New Puppy Weaning your new puppy can be quite a change in your puppy's life and your puppy won't have the antioxidants it used to have while nursing. So let's take look at your future puppy a bit closer. If your puppy is recently weaned, it may not be receiving all of the strong nutrients and antioxidants like they used to during weaning. This, along with the added stress of rehoming, can be a bit concerning for your puppy's health. With all that your new puppy is experiencing during this period of time, it is important for us to watch them closely and get their immune system up so they can naturally fight off certain ailments such as environmental and food toxins like backyard pesticides, hormones, and germs from public places. You may be thinking, "WOW, sounds pretty worrisome! These supplements come in a wafer or powder form. The wafer form can even be offered as a treat since puppies enjoy the taste so much. With these supplement boosts you can rest easier knowing you are improving your new puppy's overall health. NuVet Plus has natural ingredients and they go to great lengths to create this product in a safe yet effective form. We have not found any alternative that we recommend more! We suggest taking advantage of this product and ordering NuVet Plus even before your puppy is either delivered or picked up. When ordering, use code for our special discount. Get on the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens. When registration opens for the course you'll be the first to know! Allow All Customize Privacy Preference Center When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Allow All more info Allow These cookies are set to provide the service, application or resource requested. 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They collect any type of browsing information necessary to create profiles and to understand user habits in order to develop an individual and specific advertising routine. The profile created regarding your browsing interest and behavior is used to customize the ads you see when you access other websites. Confirm My Choices. Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come.

An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article Chicago French Bulldog Rescue Twenty-three French bulldog puppies that were rescued from a sweltering truck in Texas last month have made their way to a rescue organization in Chicago and will soon be ready for adoption. So if you've been talking about adopting a pooch into your family, might we suggest one of these adorable guys? Chicago French Bulldog Rescue According to the Texarkana Gazette , state troopers discovered the puppies in the back of a moving truck during a traffic stop in July. The truck contained 27 French bulldog puppies suffering from heat exhaustion—and one puppy had already died. The Gazette reported that the dogs were in plastic shipping crates without food or water, and that the temperature inside the van was recorded at degrees. The two drivers of the truck have since been charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty and are currently out on bond. Chicago French Bulldog Rescue The heat is especially dangerous to brachycephalic dogs with smushed faces like French bulldogs and pugs, as their short snouts make it even harder to breathe. Since their rescue, another four puppies have died because of the conditions they experienced in the van. Because of the condition puppies were in, they needed a private plane that was properly pressurized, air conditioned, and without any other animals. A vet also accompanied the pups on board to monitor them and keep them stable during the flight. A bona fide puppy plane! View full post on Instagram As for when the pups will be available for adoption or fostering, Sandra Jaggi, one of the directors at the rescue organization—which is run entirely by volunteers—says it's hard to know. They came to us throwing up, with runny stool and malnourished," Jaggi explained. Until the rescue organization can determine if the puppies are contagious, they must be treated in isolation. In the meantime, a crowdfunded campaign covering veterinary expenses for the puppies is underway. Watch Next. On July 10, 28 Frenchie puppies were tightly packed into plastic crates and shipped as cargo aboard a Turkish Airlines flight from Kiev, Ukraine, to Chicago. The baby dogs were en route to Houston, but the person transporting them was not allowed to fly them beyond Chicago due to airport restrictions on the importation of live animals. Courtesy Chicago French Bulldog Rescue The Humane Society of the United States reports that this individual then proceeded to pack the pups into a non-climate controlled moving van, with no food or water, and attempted to drive them all to Texas. At that point, it was degrees in the back of the van. Tragically, four more puppies died in the following days. After the group was intercepted in Texas, they were cared for by a local vet clinic and held as evidence until disposition by the court. Financial support for their care at this time was provided by the HSUS, but due to the special needs of the puppies, it was determined that Chicago French Bulldog Rescue which is part of the HSUS national Shelter and Rescue Partner Network was the best choice to provide the resources these sickly animals required. Sometimes or more animals are crammed into cargo vans, possibly for a few days, locked inside crates with their own excrement. Cramped, filthy crates. Days of confinement. Many animal advocates are aware of the suffering in puppy mills and the neglect sometimes experienced in pet stores, but there is less awareness about the transport involved in getting puppies from mills to retail outlets or directly to consumers. Pets can face risks, including exceptionally hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, insufficient oxygen and rough handling in the cargo bay. In the case of these innocent pups, the two van drivers were charged with 28 counts of cruelty to animals. Animal lovers can help to disrupt these cruel and inhumane practices by getting pets from carefully vetted, responsible breeders or adopting from shelters and rescue groups such as the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. While the puppies still have a long road to go on their way to good health and forever homes, the staff of the rescue is currently doting on the dogs. The rescue is adamant that these dogs will need special care for many months before they are available to be matched with forever homes. Related Articles. Late in July, 28 puppies were found by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer packed tightly in plastic crates in Texarkana, Texas. It was degrees in the back of the van. The puppies had no food or water and were suffering from heat-related illnesses. The surviving puppies were transported to Illinois yesterday to continue to receive rehabilitative care and eventually seek adoption. The puppies apparently were headed from the Ukraine to Houston but the man transporting them was not allowed to continue to Texas when the plane stopped in Chicago. Authorities say he rented a moving van and drove to Texas. When a trooper pulled over the van for a traffic stop, he found the puppies. Four of puppies died from various illness. The Chicago French Bulldog Rescue says all of the remaining puppies are ill and are in isolation. They have a long road ahead to recover. While they are going to be up for adoption later, the organization says that no applications are being accepted at this time. For more information on the group you can go to www. Nearly two dozen French Bulldog puppies are now recovering after being discovered in a sweltering hot moving van in Texarkana, Texas. Police believe the puppies were flown into the country from Ukraine. Drivers of the moving van, Adam Darwish, 19, and Mahmoud Eid, 18, were taking the animals on July 12th from Chicago to Houston when they were arrested in Texarkana. Both men were charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty. All of the dogs have been sent to the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue , and will be quarantined until their healthy enough to be released to foster homes. Before being transported back to Illinois, 23 of the puppies received veterinary care in Texarkana. Police say the dogs had been held in shipping crates with no food or water, and the inside cargo area was degrees. There were a total of 27 living dogs on board, plus one that was already dead. The surviving dogs were treated at the Ark-La-Tex Animal Hospital, but four of them later died due to various illnesses. Beth Wheat helped treat the dogs for nearly 30 days. They were pretty much okay after that," explained Dr. Wheat believes the dogs were able survive thanks to the Texarkana police, animal control and her staff working together to ensure their safety. French Bulldogs are a popular breed and can be costly to adopt, but officials with the Humane Society say they come with a lot of issues. They recommend those looking to adopt a pet to visit their local shelter or rescue group. Officials said on July 11 the man packed plastic crates of puppies tightly into a moving van that had no air conditioning to drive the dogs from Chicago to Houston. Animal rescue crews who were called to the scene said the van was degrees where the dog crates were stacked. One puppy had already died in the van, WGN reported. The dogs had no water or food. Four other dogs died after troopers made the discovery. The Humane Society said they succumbed to various illness after the rescue, either caused by or made worse by the way they were found, WLS reported. The puppies were taken back to Chicago, this time flown, where they were retrieved by the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. They were taken to three animal hospitals, WGN reported. The dogs were placed in isolation and once they're given a clean bill of health, they will be put in foster homes until they're adopted. The bulldog rescue group needs financial help to take care of the puppies who are, according the group , in "intensive rehabilitative veterinary treatment. Dozens of French bulldogs are being treated after they were found stuffed in a hot moving van. August 8, Sponsor Last month, 28 French Bulldog puppies were found by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer packed tightly in plastic crates in a moving van in Texarkana, Texas. The Humane Society of the United States was asked to help find placement for these dogs, and connected local authorities to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue, a rescue partner in Chicago, Illinois. Today, the surviving puppies were transported to Illinois by the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue to continue to receive rehabilitative care and eventually seek adoption. It was degrees inside the back of the moving van, where the puppies were found without access to food and water. They were suffering from heat-related illnesses. The Humane Society of the United States provided financial assistance to pay for the care of the puppies before they could be moved to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. The final destination of the puppies is intended to be Houston, TX, but the individual who purchased them is denied entry for the purpose of importing live animals into George Bush Intercontinental Airport. July The individual rents a moving van, which is not climate controlled, in Chicago and loads the puppies into the van. He and another individual begin the drive from Chicago to Houston. July Assistance in finding a rescue partner, and financial support, is requested of and provided by HSUS. Four additional puppies die from various illness, possibly caused or exacerbated by the compromised conditions in which they were discovered. HSUS works with rescue partner, Chicago French Bulldog Rescue, and local authorities, to ensure that if ownership is divested of the individual responsible, that the animals go to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. July A civil forfeiture hearing is held. It is determined that the puppies were treated cruelly. The Court divests ownership of the animals and orders they be awarded to the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue. August 6- The July 26 court order is not appealed, and as a result the court order to award the puppies to the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue is enforceable. August 8- The Chicago French Bulldog Rescue picks the puppies up in Texarkana and flies them to Chicago, where they will receive intensive rehabilitative care.

They had been left alone by their owner to suffer through the night — and for one of them it was already too late. The surviving bulldog, dubbed Phoenix, was hairless, sick and clearly terrified by her sudden change of environment. She was started on antibiotics, steroids, medicated baths and foot soaks, and antihistamines, to treat her inflamed skin — and immediately she began to heal. Second Chance Dog Rescue When Phoenix improved to the point that she could be spayed, the surgeon found another horrible surprise. It was a miracle that the little dog had not died from complications or infection — proving that above all else Phoenix was a survivor. Her patient foster mom slowly began to train her on how to be a household pet — exposing her little by little to the outside world, and teaching her basic commands. Second Chance Dog Rescue Three months after Phoenix was abandoned, the little dog has finally learned what having a home really means. And her life as a spoiled pet is far from anything she could have imagined. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. Cookie Settings. Published on July 19, PM EDT Photo: roadogs Stanley the fluffy French bulldog has earned the nickname Stanley Smiles because of his big, natural grin, but just a few months ago, this adorable dog was found in "deplorable conditions. Yes, French bulldogs and English bulldogs are cute, but I think a lot of people have no idea how many health issues they can have and how expensive they can be to maintain. We spend a lot on vet bills," Carvey added about Roadogs. In May, authorities confiscated dogs, including Stanley, from a small residence in Modesto, California, after police officers responded to "a domestic violence call and found the dogs being kept in deplorable conditions," Carvey told PEOPLE about Stanley's origins. The authorities found the dogs packed in stacked crates with little room to move. Three Orphaned Bear Cubs Move to California Wildlife Center for a Second Chance "One officer recalled gagging and vomiting at the smell of ammonia and feces outside, and inside there was dry urine and feces all over the floors. The owner was taken to court a month later, and the DA was successful in getting all the dogs signed over to the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. They then chose to work with several reputable rescues to ensure these dogs get the best homes. Roadogs was one of those rescues. Even though Stanley "stank of urine" and "was pretty disgusting" when he was rescued, the dog's personality shone through the muck. He was used to being confined in a cage, so even though he'll be in the bedroom with space and comfy beds, I'll find him squeezed in a tight spot behind the treadmill — or under a chest of drawers. I'm just letting him come around in his own time," she said of Stanley's recovery. Korean Animal Groups Save 21 Canines Left Behind at Dog Meat Farm from 'Unbearable Situation' While Stanley is rebounding well after his rescue, Roadogs hopes the story of how this cute-looking dog was found crammed in a filthy cage amongst dozens of other canines encourages animal lovers to research where they get their pets. These Greeders focus on creating the next rare 'It' dog just so they can charge more money — despite the fact that many of these dogs will have long-term health issues," Carvey said of illegal breeding operations that sell dogs online. That's how you end up with a situation like Stanley's, where dogs spend their lives in cages, living in filth," Carvey said. Stanley came from a Modesto duplex. And there are many more people out there with dog cages stacked in their homes or garages. Be vigilant. If you see something, report it. If you smell something, report it! Carvey also said that the easiest way to ensure you are not supporting animal cruelty when you get a pet is by adopting your furry friend from a reputable rescue or shelter. And if you adopt, you are definitely not supporting a puppy mill," she explained. For those set on purchasing a dog, Carvey advised that the animal lovers do their research, visit the home of the breeder they plan on buying from, and never agree to purchase a dog online without meeting the breeder and animal first. After some time at Roadogs recuperating from the neglect he experienced at his last home, Stanley is ready to find his forever family. The fluffy French bulldog is looking for a patient family willing to work with him on housetraining and prepared to keep Stanley on his raw food diet, according to Roadogs' Instagram. To learn more about Roadogs rescue and their life-saving work, visit the nonprofit's website. Related Articles. Call Vic Kasser or Email! If you take the time to find a good breeder and a healthy puppy, you will be so happy in the long run. There is less chance that you will have health problems in the long run, including behavioral problems of course this also deals with socialization of the puppy before 16 weeks and training. You will always have a friend in your breeder because they love to hear about their puppies. Luckily, many animal lovers are becoming aware that purchasing a dog-or any animal, for that matter-from a pet store is a big no-no. Almost all puppies sold at pet stores come from backyard breeders or puppy mills, where dogs are housed in cramped, filthy conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Furthermore, the breeding stock at puppy mills-the moms and dads-are bred as often as possible, for as long as possible, in order to increase profits. But a growing trend among commercial puppy breeders is to cut out the middleman-the pet shop-and use online retailing to get their dogs directly into your homes. Internet Puppy Scams Consumers trying to find dogs from reputable breeders or breed rescue groups often turn to the Web for advice. But they soon find themselves bombarded with elaborate websites offering the offspring of "champions. Don't be fooled: the Internet is a vast, unregulated marketplace allowing anyone to put up a website claiming anything. Scattered among the websites of reputable breeders and rescue groups, Internet puppy scammers attract potential buyers with endearing pictures and phony promises. However, the AWA does not regulate breeders that sell directly to the public. The AWA was passed in , prior to the Internet boom-lawmakers couldn't foresee that commercial breeders would someday have the ability to sell directly to the public via the Internet. This loophole allows some puppy mills to operate without a license and without fear of inspection-meaning they are not accountable to anyone for their breeding and care standards. The Scams An informal online survey conducted by the ASPCA reveals that just as many Americans are now purchasing their dogs over the Internet as buying from pet stores. That said, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, hundreds of complaints are filed every year from victims who were scammed when buying a dog online. What the consumer doesn't realize is that these are stock photos taken from a clip-art file-or simply stolen from other websites. In this scam, virtually all contact is done via email, and the puppy is typically shipped without the buyer ever seeing the dog in person. The scam is revealed when the dog is delivered and the buyer is faced not with the adorable puppy from the photos, but a sickly dog, often of a different color or with different markings. Scammers count on people feeling guilty or compassionate and choosing not to send the puppy back. They also resort to verbal deceit. With the "free to good home" scam, the perpetrator will often post a sad story of having to find homes for his purebred puppies immediately-he just lost his wife, they must be placed for a dying relative, he is going to Africa to be a missionary, etc. Buyers are asked to send all payments via a Western Union wire transfer or money order. These methods are favorites among scam artists because they are the equivalent of sending cash-the money can't be recovered by the victim. This scam is particularly heartbreaking because there is no real dog involved! Victims usually arrive at the airport to pick up their new puppy, only to find that they have been scammed. Unfortunately, this next scam preys on animal lovers who want to help dogs in need. In this scenario, the puppy mill will actually set up its website as a "rescue group" or "sanctuary," offering purebred puppies who have been rescued from shelters, bad breeders, even from puppy mills! Breed rescue groups charge nominal fees-usually no more than a few hundred dollars-because their goal is not to make money, but to find wonderful homes for their rescues. While many people believe AKC registration means their puppies came from reputable breeders, being AKC-registered means nothing more than your puppy's parents both had AKC papers. The fact is, many AKC-registered dogs are born in puppy mills. The best way to avoid being scammed is to simply never buy a dog you haven't met in person. Please also keep in mind that adoption is still the best option, even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog. There are thousands of dogs waiting for good homes at local animal shelters, including purebreds! Keep an eye on your local shelter, as purebreds turn up more often than people think. There are also a number of reputable breed rescue groups passionate about finding great homes for purebred dogs who have been abandoned, abused or surrendered to shelters. It's also important to note that the Internet is a very valuable tool for finding reputable breeders and breed rescue groups in your area. Reputable breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a tour. A reputable breeder or rescue group will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason. Do not meet at a random location. One such dog was Marty. In January his owners surrendered him to a rescue organization, and I decided to foster him. When I took Marty to his initial veterinary exam, I was shocked to learn of his extensive medical issues. He had splayed paws, was almost blind and had a serial number tattoo on his little, blond bat ear—all signs of the cruelty he had suffered for so many years. Marty was also in terrible pain from two abscesses in his mouth and severe spinal degeneration that left him struggling to walk. Through surgery and targeted laser therapy, Marty was able to regain some of his mobility, but he will continue to suffer the consequences of his puppy mill upbringing for the rest of his life. Marty now lives with a family who gives him constant love and care. Puppy mill operators care more about profits than puppies. All dogs deserve the good life—but as long as the secretive puppy-breeding industry continues to hide the truth, too many dogs will remain victims of its cruelty. Visit Barred From Love to find out how you can make a difference and stand up for dogs like Marty. Share Your Story Did you purchase a puppy from a pet store or online? Did you rescue a puppy mill dog? Your story and photos could aid us tremendously as we work to educate the public and expose inhumane breeders. The Bonhams have been linked to Petland. Missouri Department of Agriculture 1. Her ribs jut out; her hip bones and spinal column are starkly visible. And just beside her emaciated body is a pile of five tiny puppies sleeping next to an empty bowl. Protect dogs from cruel puppy mills! A Missouri Department of Agriculture inspector documented this boxer, whose name is Lindy Lou, at a breeding facility that is still licensed, not only by the state, but by the U. Department of Agriculture. Lindy Lou was not confiscated; the inspectors required the owner to have her treated by a veterinarian within two days of the inspection. An emaciated mother boxer documented with her puppies at Rocky Top K-9s by a state inspector. Something must be done. Every year in our Horrible Hundred report, we expose problem puppy mills across the U. The cruelty is never easy to witness or read about. But sharing the plight of dogs like that mother boxer and her puppies is essential to correcting a broken enforcement system that fails to prevent animal suffering. We publish the report in the hopes of raising that number every year. Among other things, the Horrible Hundred report concentrates pressure on government agencies to prioritize the enforcement of humane laws, to confiscate animals who are suffering and, where charges are warranted, to apply strong penalties. The report also serves as a powerful reminder for the public, educating them about common problems at puppy mills and urging people to do their due diligence when searching for a new puppy to bring home. Everyone can take a stand against cruel puppy mills by sharing this information with friends and family members about the shameful industry so often behind cute puppies in pet shop windows or pictured in ads online. We want to raise awareness of these problems and spare families from going through this painful and expensive experience. Takeaways from the new Horrible Hundred report show systemic problems with mass-scale breeders: Many of the puppy mills in this report have been featured in five, six or even eight previous years. For the 11th year in a row, Missouri had the most dealers in the report, with 31 dealers on the list, followed by Iowa and Ohio 13 each Pennsylvania eight and Kansas and New York six each. At least 12 of the puppy mills in the report have sold to Petland, the only national chain of puppy-selling pet stores still operating. Horrible Hundred highlights prove that dogs cannot wait for stricter enforcement: At the Rocky Top K-9s property in Missouri, an operation that appears in our report for the eighth time, state inspectors found cockroaches, piles of feces, and many other issues, in addition to the emaciated mother boxer. This adds to the many violations that have been found at the property over the past decade. Large dogs were confined in tiny airline crates and did not have access to water. At a breeding operation in Nebraska Clem Disterhaupt Jr. To underscore the urgency of helping dogs at these facilities, we are releasing undercover footage of some of the dealers listed in the report. You can advocate for better treatment of dogs currently languishing in puppy mills by asking your lawmakers to support the Puppy Protection Act of , which would require greater standards of care at commercial dog breeding operations licensed by the USDA. Animal shelters are full of dogs and cats who would make wonderful companions. And sign this pledge to never buy a puppy from a pet store or online , as you could be supporting puppy mills with your purchase. It was a relief to see it on my schedule as the last appointment of a busy day. As soon as I entered the room, however, I noticed the grim faces of the clients, and when I saw the little female dog, I knew why. The pup, skinny and pot-bellied, was less than half the size she should have been. She weighed just two pounds; I was shocked to discover that she had been trucked from Kansas to Massachusetts just three days earlier. The couple, who had paid a considerable amount of money for her, did not believe she was from a puppy mill. They had carefully chosen the breeder, they explained, who had been recommended by a friend. The breeder had sent them photos and even videos. But the pup had been purchased online—which to me had become a warning sign that meant: from an online puppy mill, a sinister new frontier in the fight against commercial dog-breeding. Puppy mills are factory farms that mass-produce dogs. Pet stores rely on puppy brokers to act as distributors and source animals from various puppy mills. Now, with pet stores facing criticism for selling these puppies , puppy mills and brokers have shifted online, where they can maximize profits by selling directly to consumers. Yet all too often, the opposite is true. Read More: The U. The puppies that are born at the mills are not blank slates; like children, their personalities are affected by their surroundings. Rescues, shelters, and reputable breeders identify the temperaments of animals and try to match them to prospective families. A lack of socialization is a recipe for anxiety, and many grow up to become anxious dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy I saw who was purchased online was so fearful he had to be carried into the veterinary clinic, where he cowered under the table. Puppy mills also breed without screening for genetic diseases, and neglect to consider health or temperament when choosing breeding stock. They love their chosen breed and are devoted to their dogs, who are properly screened for breed-specific genetic health problems. Breeding dogs are well treated, not overbred, and typically live in the home, not a kennel or cage. Breeders also take an active role in puppy rearing, learning the temperaments of each individual and matching them to families. A great deal of care and attention goes into planning and raising each litter. As a result, the puppies are not mass produced, and these breeders may not have puppies available, might have a waiting list, and, like animal rescues and shelters, often ask prospective buyers an annoying number of questions to ensure their pups will go to a good home. That pup with the markings you fell in love with? She may be shy, and only allowed to go to a home without young children. This can be especially important for breeds prone to chronic medical problems, like French Bulldogs, who often suffer from Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS and may require expensive surgery just to breathe comfortably. Now the most popular breed in the U. Yes, locating a pup from a rescue, shelter, or breeder can take more work, time, and patience than purchasing one from an online puppy store. But it can result in a healthier, happier dog that is a better fit for your family. It can also help end the abuses of puppy mills, support more informed breed choices, and ensure better care for animals. What I could tell them, though, was that they currently had a special-needs puppy on their hands, one who required extra care and who faced an uncertain prognosis. If they chose to return her, she might not survive being shipped back to the breeder, who would likely euthanize her. A sickly puppy is a risk breeders take, but only an industry which puts profits before puppies would sell and ship an animal in such poor condition and pocket thousands of dollars. Puppy mills are taking advantage of both people and animals with misleading websites and false claims. We cannot fall for them. If you are considering applying for one of our puppy mill survivors, please read the following essay and think very carefully about whether you can provide the consistency, patience, experience and care that a puppy mill dog requires to thrive. If you are a first time dog owner, a puppy mill dog is probably not for you. However, once you have been an experienced dog owner, you may find that sharing your life with a puppy mill dog creates a unique bond. Please note that an adopted puppy mill rescued dog may be at different stages of rehab so we have tried to start this from the beginning. Permission is granted to use this article, unedited, on your website or in print, as long as credit is linked to this page. Every mill survivor is different. What works on one, or many, will completely fail on others; the only thing that is consistent is that they will need lots of patience, understanding, love, and probably most importantly, unconditional acceptance of what they are and what their limitations may be. At first glance a mill survivor may look like many of your friends' dogs; maybe not a perfect example of the breed, but close. What you won't see is the condition they were in when they came into rescue. Many have fur so matted that it all had to be shaved off, and even the short haired breeds suffer from thin dull coats. Many times removing the filth and matting have revealed open sores, usually from flea allergies or sarcoptic mange. Their ears are often full of filth and usually mites, and some survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear infections. Most survivors require the removal of rotten teeth, even young dogs. Their gums are usually very infected and the teeth have excessive buildup on them. Many vets who are not familiar with puppy mill rescued dogs will miscalculate the age of the dog if using only the teeth as their guide. Many survivors also suffer from swollen, splayed and sore feet from so much time walking on wire. While finally getting some good nutrition and extensive medical care after arriving in rescue, all too often there remains the psychological damage that can't be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery. We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs. Not being "up to it" is no crime, but you need to be honest with yourself, and us, about your expectations. These dogs have already been through more than their share of heartache and if your entire family is not willing to make the commitment, the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found. Handling: Many mill survivors have spent their entire lives in the mill with only an elevated wire cage to call home. Puppies growing up in a mill miss out on many crucial socialization periods with humans and they never learn to trust, to love, or to play. They have had minimum physical contact with people and have virtually no concept of what to expect or what is expected of them when they are placed in a family situation. Their life in the mill may have been what we would consider unpleasant, but it is the only life they have ever known. In the mill, they were probably fed and watered using automatic dispensers, and their feces and urine was only cleaned after it fell through the wire that they lived on. Actual human contact normally came when they were being vaccinated, dewormed, or moved to a new cage to breed or to whelp puppies. Many of the quirks that mill dogs might have will be discovered while the dog is still in our rescue, but there are things that may develop after the dog feels a little more comfortable in your home. Most of the dogs we encounter have had their spirit broken many years before and aggression is not normally something we encounter; however, there are memory triggers that the dog may experience after it is settled in your home, so we will talk briefly about these. The physical contact that they have received probably has not been pleasant. For one thing, because they are not handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their "stock" by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and don't really want to stand around holding some stinky little dog any longer than necessary. It is not uncommon for these survivors to be sensitive at the backs of their necks, after all, touch there brings the unexpected. Many mill dogs will try to always face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. NEVER startle a mill survivor from behind: you will lose any trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating being picked up and consistently tell them what you are going to do with the same word, like "up". It is not uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog's part, and while it may be frustrating trying to pick up a dog in this position, these dogs will seldom show aggression in their lives. It is okay to pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the "freeze;" the dog will initially try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simply freeze up--rigid, like a statue--and accept their "fate. Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see that they are receptive to it. Imagine how you would feel if taken hostage at gunpoint. The gunman may never harm you in any way, but you are aware of the danger the entire time, and you don't have the ability to leave when you want. No matter how nice the gunman is to you, you will never enjoy the experience and will always watch for an escape route; however, you can turn the tables around and see a ray of hope. Imagine the gunman has been captured and you decide to visit him in jail. Now you are in control. You call all the shots, and you have the ability to leave at any time. The bottom line is that these dogs have to progress at their own pace. Anything you force them to do will not be pleasant to them; let them visit with you on their terms, whenever possible. .Learning about the House: Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time it is fine to crate or confine them to a quiet area. After that, though, they should have exposure to the household. If crating, the crate should be in a central location. The ideal spot is one where there is frequent walking and activity. This allows the dog to feel safe in the crate, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it; they need to hear the table being set, the dishwasher running, phones ringing, and people talking. Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. After the quarantine, when the dog is out of the crate and supervised, it is not a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them. Let them get used to the feel. It is easy to fall into the mindset that they must be pampered and carried everywhere, but leash training is important. It will make your life easier to have a leash trained dog, but it will also offer your dog confidence in the future. Gaining Trust: A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of rehabbing a mill survivor. We have seen a lot of mill dogs that don't want to eat whenever people are around. It is important that your mill dog be fed on a schedule, with you nearby. You don't have to stand and watch over them, but you should be in the same room with them. They need to know that their yummy meal is coming from you. For the majority of mill dogs, accepting a treat right out of your hand is a huge show of trust. Offer treats on a regular basis especially as a reward. Don't concern yourself too much if your dog does not eat for a few days. Because most of our mill rescues have been fed with self-feeders and confined to small places, it is not uncommon for them to be a little overweight. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea and your dog is otherwise acting healthy, a few days of nibbling at their food while they learn to live by your schedule, is not going to hurt them. It is important to teach them that food is fed on a schedule and you should not be leaving food down at all times. While you shouldn't force yourself upon your dog, she does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this an area where she, not necessarily you, is the most comfortable. Some dogs sadly, never will adjust, and we'lll talk more about them later. Never allow friends to force attention on a mill survivor. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eyes. It is not uncommon for mill dogs to simply never accept outsiders. Let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches, ask them to talk quietly and hold out a hand. No quick movements. Ask that any barking be ignored. Remember that these dogs bark to warn and scare off intruders. If you acknowledge the barking you may be reinforcing it with attention. If you take your guest outside, you have just reinforced to your dog that barking will make the intruder go away. Housebreaking: A child spends the first one to two years of their life soiling their diaper and having you remove the dirty diaper and replace it with a clean one. A puppy mill dog spends its entire life soiling its living area. Potty training a child and housebreaking a puppy mill dog are the exact same procedures.A regular schedule, constant reinforcement, praise, and commitment on your part are musts! Would you scream at your child, march him to the bathroom and make him sit on the toilet AFTER you discovered he soiled his diaper? A dog is no different in this sense; scolding them after the deed is done is of no benefit to anyone. The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule which will put them on a regular potty schedule and to observe them closely after feeding time. Getting them on a premium, low residue food is very important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm very easy to clean up and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Low cost or over the counter foods have a lot of fillers, and it is very hard to get a dog on a regular cycle using these foods. Before you even begin to housebreak them, you must learn their schedule. As soon as they are finished eating, command "outside". Always use the exact same word in the exact same tone. Watch them closely outside and observe their pattern as they prepare to defecate. Some will turn circles, some will scratch at the ground, some may find a corner, some may sniff every inch of the ground, some will get a strange look on their face.We could give you a million tips that our adopters have found to work best for them, but as we have said, every dog is different. As long as you always keep in mind that housebreaking and potty training are one in the same, you should eventually see results. Never do to a dog what you would not do to a child. It may take a week, it may take a month, it may take a year.In most cases, the success of housebreaking depends on your commitment. While we have focussed mainly on bowel movements, urinating in the house is just as hard to correct as defecating in the house if not worse. Below we will discuss "marking," which many people associate only with male dogs. We will go into that in more detail, but if urinating in the house remains a problem for your dog, we highly recommend crate training. This can be researched online in more detail, but if crate training is not working because your dog is soiling in the crate, you should discontinue the training immediately--as you are only reinforcing that it is okay to soil their area. In general, if you can understand your dog's bowel patterns, you will usually find that they urinate before or after a bowel movement. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, as most dogs will understand "outside" and associate it with both urinating and defecating. Of course, in the meantime, you will want to protect your carpets by either removing any that can be rolled up, or confining the dog to a tiled floor when you aren't holding it on your lap. This should only be done during the training process, as socialization is just as important as house training and often tiled floors are in areas that we don't spend a lot of time. Marking: Puppy mill survivors all have one thing in common.A dog that marks its territory is 'warning' other dogs that this is its area.However, in a puppy mill situation, the dog's area is normally a 2X4 cage with other dogs in and around their 'territory'. It becomes a constant battle of establishing territory and it is not uncommon to see male and female survivors with marking problems. Normally, marking is seen in dogs with a dominant nature. This is good in the sense that these dogs can normally withstand verbal correction better than submissive dogs. The word 'NO' will become your favorite word as you try to deal with the problem of dogs that mark. Don't be afraid to raise your voice and let the dog know that you are not happy. Always use the exact same word and don't follow 'NO' with "now what has mommy told you about that, you are a bad dog. You have to teach them that it is not acceptable to do this in the house. The only way to do this is to constantly show your disappointment and stimulate their need to 'dominate' by allowing them more time outside, and even to areas where you know other dogs have been.While you and your survivor learn about each other, and your survivor develops a sense of respect towards you, you will have to protect your home from the damage caused by marking. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful. White vinegar is your best friend. Keep a spray bottle handy at all times. Use the vinegar anytime you see your dog mark. The vinegar will neutralize the smell that your dog just left behind. Using other cleaning products may actually cause your dog to mark over the same area again. Most cleaning products contain ammonia.Your dog will feel the need to mark over normal cleaning products, but normally has no interest in areas neutralized by vinegar. Potty Pads.These can be found in any pet store, but most 'housebreaking pads' are treated with ammonia to encourage a puppy to go on the pad instead of the carpet; since we are trying to discourage your dog from marking, these aren't always the best choice. You might check at a home medical supply store. The blue and white pads used to protect beds usually work best. Staple, tape or pin these pads white side facing outward to any area that your dog is prone to mark walls, furniture, etc. Do not replace the pads when your dog soils them.These are not a solution to the problem, but will help protect your home while you deal with the problem. Scotch Guard. Scotch Guard is really nothing more than a paraffin based protector. It puts a waxy substance down which repels water and spills and in our case, urine. Shake and spray this onto the fabric areas you want to protect, such as the base of the sofa and the carpet below doorways or areas your dog is apt to mark. It may make the area stiff feeling at first but it will normally 'blend' in with normal household temperatures and humidity. After the first use, you will need to microwave the bottle and emerge the spray mechanism in a bowl of hot water so that any wax residue will melt. I have never had any problems, but it is always best to check beforehand. Belly Bands. Belly bands can be easily made at home out of things you probably already have. Depending on the size of your dog you can use the elastic end of tube socks, the sleeve of a sweatshirt, etc. Simply fit the material to your dog and then place a female sanitary napkin under the penis. Another easy way is to measure your dog, cut the fabric and sew on Velcro to hold it in place. There are also many sites on the Internet to order these if making them yourself is just not up your alley. Just remember to take the belly band off every time you bring your dog out to potty. Again, this is not a solution, but a protective measure. Quirks: Poo-poo, shoo-shoo, ca-ca, doo-doo, 2, feces, poop, stool.But nothing is more gross than owning a dog who eats poop! Coprophagia is the technical term, but for the purpose of this article, we're just going to call it the 'affliction'. Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have the affliction but in puppy mill rescues, it is not uncommon at all to find dogs afflicted with this horrible habit. As in any bad habit, the cure lies in understanding the unacceptable behavior. There are three primary reasons that a puppy mill survivor is afflicted. We'll start with the most common, and easiest to remedy. It tastes good and they are hungry! Rescues that have come from a mill where dogs were not fed properly often resort to eating their own or other dog's feces as a source of food. These types of situations will usually remedy themselves when the dog realizes that he is always going to get fed. It is also easy to discourage this behavior by adding over-the-counter products to their food which are manufactured for this purpose. Ask your vet which products are available and you will normally see results in weeks. Learned behavior. This is usually the cause of puppy mill dogs that have the affliction. There are several reasons why a dog learned to behave like this, but the most common cause is being housed with dominant dogs who fight over food. These dominant dogs will often guard the food dish and prevent the more submissive dogs from eating even if the dominant dog is not hungry. Food aggression in caged dogs is usually fast and furious and often results in severe injury to the submissive dogs. Because the dominant dog is often eating much more than is needed, the stool is virtually undigested and contains many of the nutrients and 'flavors' of the original meal; therefore almost as tasty to the submissive dog as if he'd ate the real thing. Puppies that were raised with a dominant mother or dominant litter mates also pick up this habit very early--in this case, it is a little harder to treat, but it can usually be done. This eating pattern is usually maintained throughout the dog's life, so the age of your dog will play a big role in how hard it is to correct the behavior. It's become habit.Dogs with the affliction will actually go hunting for a fresh stool when you take them outside. The key is to give your dog something better to hunt for. You may find something that he likes better and is as readily available and affordable. The good thing about popcorn is what your dog doesn't eat, the birds will. We can almost guarantee that once your dog has learned to search out the popcorn, he'll pass those fresh turds right up, LOL! It may take weeks or months before your dog 'unlearns' to seek out stools but most dogs are receptive to this training. You may have to sprinkle the lawn with popcorn the rest of your dog's life.As mentioned above, Coprophagia means 'eating poop'. Coprophagia is a form of a much more serious problem called Pica. Pica is the unnatural compulsion to eat foreign objects. Dogs suffering from Pica will eat not only stools, but rocks, dirt, sticks, etc. A good rescuer will observe dogs prior to placement and will recognize the seriousness of this problem. A dog suffering from Pica should never be placed in an inexperienced home or any home that is not aware of the problem and the dangers. Dogs suffering from Pica will often end up having surgery.If you are the owner of a dog which you believe suffers from Pica, I suggest you consult your vet; these dogs often require medication for their disorder and only your vet can guide you on the best way to proceed. Before we close this section on Pica, we want to say that true Pica is rare. Most dogs will chew on sticks or rocks--or sofas and table legs. However a dog suffering from Pica will not just chew on these items.Just because your dog is eating his own stool.If in doubt, consult your vet. The "special" ones: Occasionally, we see the survivor who has survived the mill, but at such a great cost that they can never be "brought around". These are the dogs that have endured so much suffering that they remind us of children who are abused, and survive by separating their mind from the body. These damaged dogs will never fully trust anyone. So where does that leave these poor souls? Most are still capable of living out a wonderful life. They need a scheduled environment but most importantly, a home where they are accepted for who and what they are. They may never jump up on a couch and cuddle with you, or bring you a ball to play catch, but you will see the joy that they take in living each day knowing that they will have clean bedding, fresh food and water, and unconditional love. To them, those small comforts alone are pure bliss. These "broken ones" are the ones that normally never leave their foster homes. Ironically, these types of dogs normally do very well in a group-dog setting. They seem to have shunned the world, and most certainly mankind, and have created their own little world without humans. Whenever we suspect that a mill rescue may be "too far gone" for a fast paced family, we try to place them in experienced homes; quiet homes; or homes with other dogs. These are by far the hardest ones for our hearts to accept, but they are also a constant reminder of why we do what we do. We work not only to adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind that puppy in the pet store window. We hope that you will keep a journal or blog on the reform of your puppy mill dog, and we hope that you will join us in our campaign to educate the public--through the eyes of the survivors--by always taking the opportunity to further educate others. Together we have made a difference in the life of just one dog, but together we can also make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs still caged in puppy mills. It is only when the public realizes the connection between pet stores and puppy mills that we will end the demand, end the supply, and end the abuse! Copyright A New Start on Life,

Things to do with your English Bulldog Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Texas is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the garden and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Texas? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by …. Look no further than the enchanting world of Merle French Bulldog puppies. With their unique coat patterns and irresistible charm, these little bundles of joy are sure to steal your heart. In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the beauty of Merle French Bulldog puppies and help you navigate the process of finding your perfect companion in Fort Worth, Texas. Get ready to embark on an adventure filled with love, companionship, and unforgettable moments with your new best friend. What makes Merle French Bulldogs unique? Merle French Bulldogs are known for their unique coat patterns, which feature a mottled or marbled appearance. This striking coat pattern sets them apart from other French Bulldogs and adds to their overall charm. The Merle gene, responsible for this distinctive coat pattern, creates a wide range of color combinations, including blue, black, lilac, and chocolate. Aside from their stunning appearance, Merle French Bulldogs also possess a loving and affectionate nature. They are known for their loyalty and make excellent companions for individuals and families alike. This breed is highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, making them a popular choice for both city dwellers and those living in suburban areas. Their small size and friendly temperament make them great candidates for apartment living. Merle French Bulldogs are also known for their playful and mischievous personalities. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation. Their love for playtime makes them an ideal choice for families with children or individuals who lead an active lifestyle and can provide them with regular exercise and enrichment. French Bulldogs were originally bred in the s as companion dogs for lace workers in Nottingham, England. These dogs were popular among the working class and were later brought to France by English lace workers during the Industrial Revolution. The Merle gene, responsible for the unique coat pattern seen in Merle French Bulldogs, originates from other dog breeds such as the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie. It is believed that the Merle gene was introduced to French Bulldogs through crossbreeding with these other breeds. The result was the creation of the Merle French Bulldog, which quickly gained popularity for its distinctive appearance. Responsible breeders carefully select for health and temperament to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being of the puppies. It creates a mottled or marbled appearance by diluting the base color and adding patches or streaks of a lighter color. These puppies have a higher risk of vision and hearing impairments, as well as other health issues. Responsible breeders understand the importance of avoiding Merle-to-Merle breeding and strive to produce healthy puppies through careful selection and breeding practices. By doing so, you can minimize the risks associated with the Merle gene and bring home a happy and healthy companion. Start by seeking recommendations from trusted sources, such as local veterinarians, breed clubs, and fellow dog owners. These sources can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experiences. Once you have a list of potential breeders, take the time to visit their facilities and meet the dogs in person. A reputable breeder will welcome your visit and allow you to interact with the puppies and their parents. This will give you a good sense of their living conditions, temperament, and overall well-being. During your visit, ask the breeder about their breeding practices, health testing protocols, and any certifications they may have. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and welfare of their dogs and will be transparent about their breeding program. They will also be knowledgeable about the Merle gene and its implications, and will take steps to ensure the well-being of their puppies. Additionally, reputable breeders will provide you with documentation, including health records, pedigree certificates, and any relevant genetic testing results. They will also offer a health guarantee and be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have both before and after bringing your puppy home. Here are some important questions to ask: 1. Can you provide documentation of health testing for the parents? Do you offer a health guarantee for your puppies? How do you socialize your puppies? Can I meet the parents of the puppies? How do you handle the Merle gene and its associated health risks? Do you have any references from previous puppy buyers? A reputable breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Start by providing a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate type and amount of food for your puppy based on their age, size, and activity level. Regular exercise is also crucial for Merle French Bulldogs to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. While they may not require intensive exercise like some other breeds, they still benefit from daily walks and playtime. Interactive toys and mental stimulation activities can also help keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom. Grooming requirements for Merle French Bulldogs are relatively low. Regular brushing will help keep their coat clean and free from tangles. Additionally, regular dental care, such as teeth brushing, will help maintain good oral health. Remember to schedule regular veterinary check-ups for your Merle French Bulldog puppy to monitor their overall health and address any potential issues proactively. By providing proper care and attention, you can ensure your puppy grows into a happy and healthy adult dog. Start with basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, and come, using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and patience are key when training these intelligent and sometimes stubborn dogs. Socialization is equally important to ensure your Merle French Bulldog puppy grows up to be a confident and well-behaved companion. Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from an early age. Puppy classes and playdates can also provide valuable opportunities for socialization and positive interactions with other dogs. Remember to make training and socialization sessions fun and engaging to keep your Merle French Bulldog puppy interested and motivated. Use rewards and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and avoid punishment-based training methods, as they can be counterproductive and harm the bond between you and your puppy. These can include vision and hearing impairments, as well as skin and coat problems. By selecting a puppy from a breeder who performs genetic testing and carefully selects for health and temperament, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering these issues. Stay up to date with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care. In addition to the initial purchase price, there are ongoing expenses to consider. These include food, veterinary care, grooming, training, toys, and supplies. While the cost of owning a Merle French Bulldog puppy may be higher compared to some other breeds, the joy and companionship they bring are priceless. They are loyal and loving companions that will enrich your life in ways you never imagined. Their unique coat patterns and loving personalities make them truly special companions. By understanding the characteristics and implications of the Merle gene, finding reputable breeders, and providing proper care and training, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend. Remember to take your time when searching for a Merle French Bulldog breeder in Fort Worth, Texas, and ask the right questions to make an informed decision. The journey to finding your perfect Merle French Bulldog companion may require some effort, but the love and companionship they bring into your life will be well worth it. So, get ready to embark on this wonderful adventure and create unforgettable moments with your new best friend. Your Merle French Bulldog puppy is waiting to steal your heart and become a cherished member of your family. We have answers. Once we approve a business, they partner with our network to advertise their adorable Fort Worth French Bulldogs for sale. When you see your perfect Frenchie pup, simply send their breeder a message. They will tell you more about your chosen pup, as well as the steps you need to take to bring your sweet Frenchie home! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The French Bulldog puppies Fort Worth on our site will grow into adorable and affectionate dogs, with just enough sass and stubbornness to keep life interesting! French Bulldog puppies for sale Fort Worth are thought to have been bred from English Bulldogs, and they certainly share a similar chunky look! Why are French Bulldogs expensive? This is simply to do with the fact that French Bulldog breeders in Fort Worth need to spend a lot more on medical intervention during the breeding process. The narrow hips of Frenchies means that not only do the females have to be artificially inseminated, but the pups also have to be born by C-section. To cover these costs, French Bulldog breeders Fort Worth have to charge a higher price for their pups. Can I visit a breeder to collect my pup in person? The businesses within the Uptown network are always happy to help make transport arrangements via air. We only ever partner with breeders of French Bulldog for sale in Fort Worth once we have pre-approved a business and are satisfied that they meet our high standards in terms of welfare and ethics. How do I know my puppy will be healthy? We only work with businesses who have the best reputations for breeding healthy Fort Worth French Bulldog puppies for sale. Every puppy will have a full veterinary examination, from the tip of their nail to the end of their nose! These records will be made available for you to have. Once your puppy is home, we recommend taking your puppy and their records for a first check-up at your own veterinarian's clinic. Do you recommend a specific food brand for French Bulldogs? When you bring your new puppy home, speak to your vet about formulating a plan to meet their dietary needs. So choosing a plan to suit them is key! Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than focus on price, businesses within the Uptown network provide amazing breeding standards, full service transportation options, and of course, the cutest pups! Do French Bulldogs need a lot of walks? Not really, no. French Bulldog puppies in Fort Worth are actually pretty low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Take care in hot weather as Frenchies can struggle to breathe. So go for early walks, or chill out in the AC instead! Is the French Bulldog a good family dog? These little pups adore human company of all ages, and make wonderful family companions. Why adopt WB English Bulldogs? Travel Nanny Services Optional As experienced and reputable breeders; at WB English Bulldogs, we understand that the transportation of your English Bulldog puppy is one of the most important things. British Bulldogs Breeder in Dallas since We at WB English bulldogs take into consideration that all puppies we place in new homes must have excellent conformation, good health and amazing temperament. Microchip ID Optional We offer a more secure form of identification for your pet that is safer and extremely more effective than common pet tags. Our happy customers who chose our in cabin nanny services! English Bulldogs stand out for their unique appearance combined with a heart of gold. Their wrinkled face, stout stature, and gentle eyes are not just adorable but also exude their loving nature. How big do English Bulldogs get when they grow up? English Bulldogs, though compact, have a sturdy and muscular build. Males typically weigh between lbs, while females usually range from lbs when fully mature. Their size makes them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards. Are English Bulldogs good with children and other pets? English Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle, patient nature, especially with children. They often become protective of younger family members and coexist harmoniously with other pets. How often do English Bulldogs need exercise? A daily walk of about minutes helps maintain their health, manage their weight, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Play sessions in a fenced yard or indoors are also appreciated! Are English Bulldogs easy to train? English Bulldogs have an inherent eagerness to please their owners, making training a rewarding experience for both parties. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can learn commands, tricks, and good behaviors, enhancing your bond with them. English Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are the same? The breed is commonly known as the Bulldog. How to buy an English Bulldog puppie? Browse Our Selection: Explore our website to view available puppies. Need More Information? Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Prepare for Your Puppy: Once your purchase is complete, ensure you have all the essentials ready at home for your new furry friend, from food to a cozy sleeping area. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about care, feeding, or health concerns. Thank you for choosing WB English Bulldogs. Do you ship to other cities in the USA or to other parts of the world? Yes, WB English bulldogs offers shipping services for their English bulldog puppies to any major city within the United States. They ensure that transportation considerations, including breed conformation and temperatures, are taken into account before arranging the transportation of the puppy. So, distance is not a barrier for those looking to get their dream puppy from WB English bulldogs. If there are any further questions or concerns about shipping methods or in-person pickups, the breeder encourages prospective customers to reach out to them directly via their provided phone number. English Bulldogs are medium-sized, robust, and muscular dogs. Adult male English Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while adult females usually weigh around pounds kg. In terms of height, English Bulldogs generally stand about inches cm tall at the shoulder. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure that an English Bulldog grows to its optimal size and maintains a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are sturdy and muscular canines. Typically, adult male English Bulldogs weigh between pounds kg , while adult females tend to weigh around pounds kg. However, individual weights can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and health. Our Blog.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Cancer Progressive Retinal Atrophy The primary recommendations we make when someone is shopping for Miniature Goldendoodles are fairly standard. Getting your dog the right amount of exercise and keeping them at a healthy weight can prevent many chronic problems and make them overall happier. In addition, taking your dog in for regular checkups, and to stay current on all shots and vaccinations, encourages health as well. One other reason that puppy parents trust Keystone Puppies when looking for Mini Goldendoodles for sale is that we make dog health our top priority! Not only do we only work with responsible breeders that prioritize healthy practices, but we also offer a no-hassle puppy health guarantee. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are a popular option for owners looking to adopt a hypoallergenic dog. Their curly coat should be soft to the touch. The signature coat of pretty curls is one of the places where the Poodle ancestry truly shines through. To keep the coat looking its most beautiful, make sure to brush it two to four times per week. Not only is brushing a nice bonding experience for the pup and their person, but it also prevents tangling and matting. Owners can maintain a healthy Goldendoodle coat by bathing them every other month. Meet Mini Goldendoodles for Sale. The Mini Goldendoodle is a boutique or designer mixed breed dog that is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This breed displays the best traits of both breeds. They are very intelligent, loyal, and make great pets. They are great with kids and play well with other pets like cats or other dogs. Mini Goldendoodles make great therapy dogs or a pet for special needs children. Through breeding, they can range from low shedding and semi-hypoallergenic to no shedding and Guaranteed Hypoallergenic. Mini Goldendoodles can be traced back to the mids when breeders learned of the benefits of mixing the Golden Retriever and Miniature or Toy Poodles. The low to no shedding and hypoallergenic benefits quickly made this new designer breed very popular. They are one of a handful of large breeds that do not shed. But they have become so popular that associations have been developed just for the Goldendoodle breed. One such organization is the Goldendoodle Association of North America. It is also known as GANA. Another organization that recognizes mini Goldendoodles is the Dog Registry of America. Also known as DRA. How are Mini Goldendoodles and Standard Goldendoodles different? The main difference between Standard Goldendoodles and Mini Goldendoodles is size. That is the result of the size and breed of the Dad of the puppy. When it comes to standard size Goldendoodles the father is a larger standard size Poodle. This usually results in a Standard Sized Goldendoodle weighing between pounds. The father of mini Goldendoodle puppies is either a Miniature or Toy poodle. Mini Goldendoodle weights range from pounds. Both the standard and mini Goldendoodles are cute and cuddly but just a little bigger ball of love than the other. What are Mini Goldendoodles Personality and Temperament like? They have loving and affectionate personalities like the Golden Retriever but also have the Superintelligence and hypoallergenic traits of the poodle. They are loyal, very eager to please, and make great companions for families or individuals. With their smaller size, they make great apartment dogs. They get very attached to people that spend time with them and love to be close to them. Blue Diamond mini Goldendoodles vary in size based on which variant of Mini Goldendoodle your puppy is. F1 Variant — Height: inches high Weight: pounds. F1b Variant — Height: inches high Weight: pounds. F1bb Variant -Height: inches high Weight: pounds. What Colors are Mini Goldendoodles and what are their Coats like? Some can be solid colored and some are multi-colored with patterns. Are all Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? The answer is no! Not all mini Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic. Other variants like F1 and F1b are not fully hypoallergenic. The F1 variants do shed and are more hypoallergenic than a Golden retriever. Both make great pets and additions to any family. Like people, each puppy has its unique personality and temperament. For the most part, both male and female puppies are outgoing and energetic and love to cuddle and play. Some puppy owners claim females seem to be a little more energetic and males a little more chill and relaxed. But we have seen it both ways, lol. Are Miniature Goldendoodles good pets for families with kids? Mini Goldendoodles are very loving and have great temperaments. Doodles have lots of energy and will play for hours with children. They also love to cuddle with the family when they get tired. Mini Doodles are also good with other pets in the household. Are Mini Goldendoodles a good fit for Therapy or Service dogs? Yes, Mini Goldendoodles are super smart and have great personalities. This breed is known for making amazing service and therapy dogs because of its calm demeanor. Some people like the look of longer hair and wait weeks between groomings. Most Mini Goldendoodles have longer ears that need to be inspected regularly to make sure they are not dirty or have any signs of an infection. We highly recommend Purina Pro Plan brand dog food. It is super high quality and has everything your puppy needs to thrive. This food can be purchased at Chewy. They have a strong sense to please their owners. Most doodle owners find it easy to train their puppy with positive reinforcement training styles using treats, and praise during the process. Short and fun training sessions usually work best. Mini Goldendoodles are smaller in size and are less energetic than some other breeds. Daily exercise like walks or playtime will help keep your puppy in shape and not get overweight. Mini Goldendoodles love to be near their families. Some display separation anxiety when you leave them alone for long periods of time. To help overcome this, start by leaving for just a few minutes at a time and then come back to reinforce to them that you will always return. And gradually lengthen the amount of time you are gone or out of sight. This will gradually teach them to be less stressed while you are gone. Mini Goldendoodle pups start their last stage of development and can be weaned safely from their mothers when they are 7 weeks old. This is the perfect time to start potty training and instill positive behavior in your new puppy. It also needs mentioning that you should invest in lots of chew and play toys for your pup to play with to keep them from getting bored. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. We offer a personal touch to breeding and raising our puppies, ensuring that every customer feels like a part of our family. If you have any questions or concerns, we are just a phone call, text, or email away. About Our Miniature Goldendoodles Our Miniature Goldendoodles are an exceptional hybrid breed, resulting from a purebred Golden Retriever and a miniature poodle cross. At maturity, they typically average 25 lbs. Our mini puppies embody the best characteristics of their parent breeds, including the amiable temperament of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the miniature poodle, making them ideal allergy-friendly pets. While our puppies are generally low shedding, some shedding may occur when the puppy coat transitions into the adult coat. Our female, Paislee, has abstract pups. Our puppies are wormed at weeks 4, 5, and 6 and receive their first puppy vaccine at 6 weeks. Before leaving our possession, each puppy undergoes a veterinary check to ensure their health. If any issues are detected, we will assist you in moving your deposit to another litter, if you choose to do so. If you wish to purchase a puppy for the purpose of breeding multiple litters, the cost is double the pet price. Our Happy Clients Our puppies have found loving homes all across the country. Take a look at the map below to see where our Mini Goldendoodle puppies have been placed and join our community of happy puppy owners! We got our mini golden doodle here and had a great experience. Neely was amazing and so helpful in answering all my questions. Highly recommended! They have been more wonderful than we could have ever imagined. They are the sweetest and smartest puppies ever! I highly recommend Cheryl at Walters Mini Golden Doodles if you are looking for the perfect addition to your family! The team would send me weekly updates and provided the 1st round of vaccines for us. I would recommend using this breeder and would purchase another puppy from them again! This is Benny, whose parents were Mars and Bella. He just turned 2 in April and weighs 37lbs. I would highly recommend her services. We had the opportunity to bring our precious little puppy home on .Teddi Belle is such a joy to have and our family is blessed to add her to our addition. First, and all subsequent vet check-ups were excellent. Our niece has also purchased a Mini Goldendoodle from Walters and is experiencing similar enjoyment. I would recommend this breeder to anyone who asks me. Do not hesitate to consider Walters Mini Golden doodles as your breeder. We are here to help make your forever home complete with a happy and healthy Miniature Goldendoodle puppy.

Pat yourself on the back, as you chose a tremendous breed! While adding a puppy to your family is an exciting time, raising a young puppy also requires pet owners to undertake a series of responsibilities. Puppies will require regular feeding , potty training, some toys to play with , love and attention, and, last but certainly not least, vaccinations. However, during their puppy period, they will require a series of vaccinations that are essential to their ability to fight off bacteria and diseases. Booster Vaccinations for Labrador Retrievers The first vaccinations that your labrador retriever will need are called boosters. Why call them boosters? Super creative, we agree! The first booster vaccination is recommended to be done between weeks old and is done to combat canine distemper. In many states, giving your pets a rabies shot is required by law. DHPP Vaccine and Beyond The third vaccination that your labrador retriever is scheduled to receive takes place between 16 and 20 weeks old. This very efficient shot contains four vaccines all in one that fight against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Depending on the where you and your new puppy live, your labrador retriever might also need to be vaccinated against diseases such as lyme, leptospirosis, and coronavirus. The name kennel cough derives from the likelihood that dogs that are boarded contract it. The vaccine DHPP is used to prevent kennel cough. Hepatitis in dogs is a viral disease that attacks a their liver and eyes. It can lead to reproductive issues and causes significant discomfort. Though humans can also contract forms of hepatitis, this form can not be transmitted to humans. It can be transmitted to humans. DHPP is used to prevent it. Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for puppies. It is often fatal. The cost of vaccinations will vary slightly depending on the provider. We recommend that you call a few of your local veterinarians or clinics to ask for price quotes for of each vaccination you are preparing to give your puppy. Another option for pet owners is to consider acquiring pet insurance for their labrador retriever. Pet insurance provides pet owners with the freedom to make veterinary decisions without stressing the financial implications. Learn why most vets recommend pet insurance to pet owners. Looking to learn more about your labrador retriever? PetPlace is a wonderful resource for pet owners who want to discover more about their pet, and others. We have thousands of vet-approved articles that will quench your thirst for pet-related info. Specific to labrador retrievers, you can discover 5 attributes about labs that make them great or tips for house training your new puppy. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Vaccinations can protect your dog against a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Not to mention, some vaccinations are required by law. Why Do Puppies Need Vaccinations? Puppies need vaccinations to help prevent the catching of various dangerous diseases. If your dog ever comes in contact with a disease they have been vaccinated against, his immune system will know how to destroy it. There are vaccines available to protect your puppy against more than 11 different diseases. However, depending on your circumstances and where you live, your puppy might not need them all. Your vet will be able to recommend those they think your really needs, with others being up to your choice. There are four core vaccines for diseases all puppies should be vaccinated against and seven non-core vaccines that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association recommend. The non-core vaccines may or may not be recommended by your vet, depending on different variables, mostly the prevalence or absence of a disease in your area. The Core Vaccinations Rabies. This is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Depending on which state or country you live in, your dog will need to have a booster once every one to three years. This common virus is hard to treat and has an 80 percent fatality rate, which is why inoculating against it is so important. Canine viral hepatitis is also known as adenovirus. Canine distemper. Before vaccination, this was a big killer of dogs. Vaccinating against this disease will protect your puppy if he comes in contact with the virus while out and about. The Non-Core Vaccinations Lyme disease. The vast majority of cases have occurred in the eastern American coastal states between Massachusetts and Virginia. Parainfluenza and Bordetella. The parainfluenza virus and the bordetella bacterium are both major causes of kennel cough. Inoculation is generally only necessary if your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs. For instance, at boarding kennels, doggy daycare or dog shows. This infectious disease is a common cause of stomach upset. This bacteria can infect dogs and their human companions. In serious cases it can cause organ failure and death in dogs. In certain high-risk parts of the country, your dog might need a booster every six months. Giardia are parasites that commonly live in the digestive tracts of dogs. Many dogs have them, but they rarely cause problems. How Are Vaccines Given? Most vaccines are given as injections. These are given either under the skin or into the muscle. Most combination injections protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus and parvovirus. This allows their body time to develop a good immune response. Recommended and Most Common Schedule of Vaccinations: 6 to 7 weeks old: This is when your puppy should get his first combination injection. He needs his second combination vaccine. Make sure you have a record of his first injection to show your new vet. If necessary, he will also have a Lyme disease vaccine. At this point, your vet will advise you when your puppy can go out for his first walk. Are There Any Risks Involved? Unfortunately, there are potential risks to having your puppy vaccinated. That said, the risks are far outweighed by the benefits. However, you should monitor your dog closely after a vaccination and contact your vet right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: Hives. Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier.

Website: tangoshaus. This small home breeder raises miniature, moyen, and standard Poodles. With a focus on temperament and health, these Poodles make ideal family pets, therapy dogs, and service animals. All of the Poodles at Valaurah Farms are health tested and microchipped before going home. Many of these puppies find new owners locally, while others go to homes throughout the United States. One of the more popular Poodle breeders in Washington, they are so popular there is often a waitlist for them! Once you have committed to a Poodle, Valerie will send you updates on its development and health. Valaurah Farms offers plenty of information about becoming a Poodle owner, including tips on preparing your home for this new addition. Cascade Standard Poodles This small, home-based breeder offers Standard Poodles raised in a home environment. At Cascade Standard Poodles, the puppies grow up around family, including children. This helps ensure that the dogs are well socialized and can adapt quickly to new homes. This breeder follows AKC standards and focuses on breeding Poodles with good temperament and structure. They only breed once or twice a year, emphasizing the health and happiness of their dogs. All puppies are microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Cascade Standard Poodles has a thorough application process to ensure that puppies find good homes. They will inquire about your current living arrangements, including the makeup of your family and other pets. In addition, owners must show that they understand the needs of Poodles, including grooming, exercising, and socializing. They breed dogs that come in both red and apricot colors. For over 18 years, Celebrity Red Standards has been breeding dogs for show and as pets. These puppies are well-cared; potential owners will see how smart, active, and easy to train they are. This breeder has an ideal environment for raising Poodles. They reside in Snohomish County, on a large waterfront property. All puppies have access to several acres of land; they also have a lake to swim in! Celebrity Red Standards understands the importance of a healthy Poodle. They do extensive DNA and health testing; you will also receive a health guarantee for your dog. In addition to health, this breeder focuses on structure and temperament. Location: Lynnwood, Washington. Chelsea dn Shawn will gladly help organize transport for your puppy at 8 weeks old. Delivery fees apply. RedTeddy Pacific North-West also has full-time, on-site socializers--little kids! All our images and videos copy-written, "All Rights Reserved. Hurley our sire joined the family in April of .He was 10 weeks old when we received him, and was the runt of his litter, but you would never know it with his fun-loving personality! He is always up for an adventure, whether it's going for a swim in the lake, going on a hike with us, watching the kids play softball, or taking a road trip to visit family. He has been raised in a home with 4 little children. He is a quick learner and listens well.He is a little intimidated with bigger dogs at first but opens up to them quickly and tries to act as big as they are! He loves to be with our family, whatever we are doing. At home, Hurley is always by my side and I love his companionship. Still, we felt he needed a canine friend. Hurley and Roxy did not take long to become best friends. Roxy our dam has always been very playful with Hurley and it is quite fun to watch. She fit right into our family and our busy schedules. She is also a quick learner and loves to snuggle. Roxy is not intimidated by big dogs and is friendly with all animals. She even loves to play with--and torment--our poor cat! Poodles naturally like to have companionship. Hurley and Roxy fit this stereotype to a "T". With us living in the country, they have been exposed to the outdoors and lots of wild life. They are adored by our children and all who come into our home. They are very much a part of our family, and we could not have asked for better pets! We do not support puppy mills.

Will my dog get sick from eating poop? Poop eating can definitely be a concern to a pet owner since it can make your dog sick. If your dog is eating its own poop, itmay be OK, but there is still a chance of illness. Especially if your dog is eating the poop of another dog or animal, there is a large risk of infectious diseases or parasites. Some symptoms of poop eating include gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness and intestinal parasites , according to Muenster Milling. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has eaten poop and is experiencing any behavioral changes or symptoms. How often should I take my dog to the vet? And how to know if your pet needs a checkup How can I keep my dog from eating poop? To curb your pup from eating poop, you may consider vitamin or enzyme supplements. These can help if your dog is eating poop due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, says the AKC. There are also various deterrents on the market, which make poop less appetizing to your dog. Other methods to stop your dog from eating poop include training, — using commands like "leave it,' — keeping a close eye during walks and cleaning up poop immediately. Understanding why your puppy eats stool and learning how to address this behavior appropriately will help prevent it from becoming a lifelong habit. So … why do puppies eat poop? If your puppy consistently ingests stool, talk with your veterinarian. There are many possible reasons for a puppy to eat poop, and knowing if the cause is medical, behavioral, or a combination of both can help you eradicate the behavior successfully. This is a primitive, evolutionary behavior that developed to keep the den clean and protect the puppies from disease, parasites, and predators. The smell from large amounts of stool accumulating in a den would certainly draw unwanted attention! This behavior can sometimes be thwarted by picking up any stool the puppies produce before they have the chance to snack on it. Puppies Eat Poop Because of Poor Digestion Another theory behind coprophagia is that some puppies develop the habit after not digesting their food well. If food is digested poorly, this might cause portions of the stool to have the same smell and taste as their puppy food. This similarity may inspire some puppies to eat the stool. Causes of poor digestion can be diet formulation, parasites, or abnormalities in the digestive tract. Boredom and Stress Can Cause Puppies To Eat Poop Puppies with inconsistent socialization and activity can develop many bad habits in an effort to entertain themselves or feel more in control of their environment. Though chewing on crates and furniture is more common, some puppies might eat their poop. Consistent, frequent playtime and interaction is important to help prevent this unwanted behavior. If your schedule requires your puppy to be alone for extended periods of time, talk to your veterinarian about age-safe dog toys that will keep them entertained and stress-free. Growing puppies require many more calories than adult dogs and should be fed a diet specifically designed for their needs. Young puppies should be fed three or four times a day on a consistent schedule. If you have questions about how much or how often you should feed your puppy, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can look for evidence of intestinal parasites through fecal testing. Puppies Eat Poop To Get Your Attention Getting upset and yelling at your puppy is a very common reaction when you see them doing something as gross as eating poop. Therefore, punishment tactics should never be used with puppies to help with house-training or stool-eating. Instead, put effort into praising good behaviors like when your puppy poops outside. When a puppy poops on the floor, ignore them and just clean it up well. When they potty outside, praise them. Your puppy will learn that they get attention for pooping outside, not for pooping inside and eating it. How To Stop a Puppy From Eating Poop If your puppy has already developed a poop-snacking habit and they have no physical abnormalities or illness, the following tips may help stop the yucky behavior. Watch for signs of digestive issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, and passing undigested food may be signs that your puppy is not digesting their food appropriately. Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Exercise and Attention Exercise and play are essential for a happy puppy, and providing consistent opportunities to engage their mind and their muscles will make them less likely to develop undesirable habits. When you have to leave your puppy alone, consider age-appropriate and non-destructible chew toys or puzzle toys to entertain them. Cleaning up stool promptly can help them avoid temptation. After your puppy poops, distract them from their stool by calling them to you. A puppy who successfully comes when called and ignores their stool should be rewarded, either verbally or with training treats. Bring your puppy inside, if possible, before removing the stool to avoid drawing attention back to the location. Keep Your Puppy on a Leash For puppies that cannot be easily distracted from their stool, leashes can be an effective tool to keep them walking away after they have defecated. It can also keep them away from the stool of other dogs or other animals. While verbal commands and recall are always preferred, a gentle tug on the leash can help distract them from the stool initially. But, like in puppies, it may be a reaction to anxiety or boredom. If no medical cause for the coprophagy is found, use the same techniques described above for your adult dog. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. From eating that week old sandwich they found on the sidewalk to spending hours of their life licking their own butt, dogs do plenty of things that us humans find disgusting. No matter which way you look at it, the eating of feces is plain revolting. Many dogs, however, seem to consider it a fine delicacy! If your dog likes to chow down on poop at any opportunity, you might be concerned, and understandably so. Nobody seems to be percent sure exactly why they do it, but there are plenty of theories. The good news is there are ways to discourage your dog from eating poop. The bad news is it can be a tricky habit to break percent. If you live out in the country, you might find poop-eating more of a problem. This means more temptation for your dog and more likelihood that they make poop a regular snack. Why do Dogs Eat Poop? Are There Any Medical Reasons? Dogs Naturally suggests a number of medical reasons why dogs consume feces. Parasites Internal parasites, such as worms , leach the nutrients that your dog should be getting from their food. This could make them crave anything that might contain the nutrients they require. Or, more simply, it could make them more hungry and want to eat anything available. As such, if a dog eats their own feces, it could be because it contains lots of undigested nutrients. There are all kinds of medical reasons why a dog could have an increased appetite, from thyroid issues to being on prescribed steroids. Giving your dog a bit of extra breakfast or dinner could discourage your pup from their poop-eating ways. Malabsorption A number of malabsorption syndromes, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency , have been known to cause dogs to eat feces. Deficiencies There are certain deficiencies some experts believe could lead to a propensity to eat stool. Roger DeHaan, DVM , says a hydrochloric acid deficiency could cause poor digestion and ultimately make dogs eat feces. Whereas Joseph Demers, DVM, suggests that a deficiency in trace minerals might lead to poop eating in dogs. This could be a result of underfeeding or feeding your dog a poor diet. Make sure your dog is getting sufficient calories for their age, weight and activity level, and feed a high-quality food containing sufficient nutrients. Why do Dogs Eat Poop: Possible Behavioral Reasons Along with the medical reasons listed above, there are all kinds of behavioral reasons why a dog might take a fancy to feces. Dogs are natural scavengers and they look for food wherever they go. In the wild, this would have been to keep their den clean and avoid attracting predators with the smell. Some dogs may pick up this desire to keep their area clean and eating poop out in the garden could be a form of housekeeping. Attention Seeking Much like children, dogs who are bored, lonely or just wanting some love will sometimes do things to get attention, even if the attention they get is negative. They may have the opposite of the desired effect or cause other behavior problems. If your dog has been punished in the past for defecating indoors, if they have an accident, they might eat their feces to hide the evidence, as it were. If they start doing this regularly, it could become a habit and they could start eating other poop at other times. Boredom Dogs who are home alone all day can, understandably, get bored. They might find that eating poop is just something to do, and they get a snack out of it, too. Learned Behaviors Dogs are pack animals and learn things from their canine companions. If they spend time with another dog that thinks dung is a delicacy, they may simply learn it from them. Dogs have very different ideas from us about what they think is tasty. You only have to take a big whiff of their favorite dog food to figure that one out. So, is eating poop dangerous for dogs? Other than the fact the idea of it is rather cringe-worthy, that is. However, she does go on to say there are risks your dog could contract a parasite from eating poo. In most cases, however, dogs who eat poop never develop any issues from doing so. If you think your dog has contracted a parasite or other medical issue from eating feces, contact your vet to get them checked out. How you get your dog to stop eating poop depends on why they do it in the first place. Change Their Diet As mentioned earlier in this post, a poor diet could cause your dog to want to supplement it with a little something extra. Make sure you always pick up after your dog as soon as they go. And, if you have cats, keep their litter tray clean at all times. The main issue comes if your dog likes to eat wild animal feces out on walks. You might do one stage per day or it might take several days for your dog to get the hang of each stage. Keep your training sessions to no more than ten minutes at a go, as your dog will lose focus and you might start getting frustrated. Using high-value treats can make the lesson sink in that much quicker. Extend your treat-holding hand toward your dog. At this point, your dog will probably try to get it from you in various ways; trying to grab it, licking it, nibbling it, trying to give you their paw, and so on. As soon as your dog either stops and move their nose back from the treat or turning their head away, give them the treat and some praise. Remember to give a treat and a good dose of praise every time. This way your pup will build an association between the action and the command. Repeat this a few times, continuing to give praise and treats. Place a treat in both hands. One in a closed hand, behind your back, and one in a palm opened upwards. Move the treat-holding palm toward your dog so they can see it and smell it. Because the treat is fully visible, it might be tougher for your dog to resist. From this point, you must always give them a reward from elsewhere, not the one that you asked them to leave. Repeat this until your dog gets it right the first time, every time. Have a treat ready in your hand as a reward. Just go back to the third stage and give them some more practice. Once again, practice this stage once your dog is getting it right. But you do have to be around to tell your dog to leave it. In the majority of cases, however, your dog eating poop is more disgusting than it is dangerous. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Reasons Dogs Eat Poop Nutritional Deficiencies A dog may eat poop because they are missing important nutrients in their own diet or they are not properly absorbing certain nutrients in their food during digestion called malabsorption. One study found that dogs whose diets were deficient in thiamine vitamin B1 developed coprophagia. If your veterinarian suspects deficiencies, they will run specific tests not included in a usual wellness blood panel. Nutritional deficiencies are not common for dogs fed commercial diets, and are instead more common in dogs fed raw or homemade diets. Underlying Medical Issues If a dog suddenly begins to eat feces, it may be a sign of health conditions that cause increased appetite, such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or any gastrointestinal disease that causes malabsorption. Diseases that can lead to pica eating inappropriate things , such as liver disease and anemia, can result in coprophagia. Canine cognitive dysfunction "doggie dementia" can also contribute to this behavior. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms, "steal" nutrients from your dog's diet, which can cause inflammation and malabsorption. That can then can lead to coprophagia. Anxiety Stool eating may be a symptom of underlying anxiety or stress in a dog. This may be separation anxiety or isolation distress, or a dog who is seeking to avoid punishment during potty training hiding the evidence! Hunger Eating stool may be a sign that a dog is simply hungry and seeking more calories. Dogs who are taking steroidal treatments, such as prednisone, often have a larger appetite and may begin to eat poop. Cleaning the "Den" When raising a litter of puppies, for the first few weeks after birth, a mother dog will lick the puppies' rears to stimulate bowel movements and then eat the puppies' feces. This is completely normal and expected behavior and is believed to happen due to their desire to keep the den area clean and protect against predators who may smell the poop and therefore find the den location. It Just Tastes Good! While we may automatically wrinkle our noses at the idea that our dogs just find poop tasty, it just may be that they like the taste. Feces is simply digested food. And if your dog is eating other dog or cat feces, to them, it's just another protein source! If they prefer horse or rabbit poop, perhaps they like the taste of digested plants. Inappropriate Association with Food This is related to the prior point about dogs liking the taste of feces. In some cases, a dog may associate poop with food because their eating area was located too close to their potty area during critical development phases. This can happen with dogs who spent a lot of time in confinement without a separate potty area, such as in puppy mills or an overcrowded shelter. Attention Seeking or Boredom Dogs learn quickly that eating poop is a surefire way of getting your attention, as when we see it happen, we tend to immediately respond by shouting and running after them. They may start repeating this behavior to get your attention and can even see it as a fun game to play when you're around. If a dog is bored, they may seek out things to indulge in, including finding and eating feces in the yard or taking on the challenge of accessing the cat's litter box for a snack. When eating poop, your dog has an increased risk for certain diseases, such as E. Consumption can increase their risks of intestinal parasite infection as well. There are even documented cases, albeit not common, of pets absorbing certain undigested medications from consuming poop. If your dog consumes their own or another household pet's poop but all are parasite-free, make sure they are on year-round preventatives and have regular fecal exams to ensure their continued health. Staying up-to-date on preventatives is also extremely important if your dog eats other dogs' feces at dog parks or on walks. You'll also want to consider that your dog puts their mouth on quite a lot of things in your home — not to mention that they probably lick your face or hands. If they eat poop, you're then also at risk of illness and disease transmission such as Salmonella and giardia. Speak with your veterinarian about your dog's poop-eating behavior. Ask them if they have recommendations on food or supplements to add to their diet. They may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for further testing and treatment. The Solution: Prevent Poop Eating With Management The most effective thing you can do, no matter the reason your dog is eating poop, is to remove access to it. If they can't get to it, they can't eat it! How you do this depends on whose poop they are eating. Pick up Poop Right Away. For my dog, he prefers my older female dog's poop, but not his own. This means that I must be very quick to immediately bag up her poop when she goes. But I have more leeway when it comes to scooping his poop in the yard. Whenever we go out for a potty break in the yard, I make sure to have a bag ready in my pocket and keep a close eye on her to make sure I don't miss any droppings. Be prepared with your poop scooper or poo bags whenever you take your dogs outside. Keep Your Dog Out of the Litterbox. Block your dog's access to the cat's litterbox. Use gates or strategic locations for the litter box, and make sure to clean it regularly. Dogs are scavengers by nature, and "training" this out of them is a big ask. In some cases, managing their environment and using anti-scavenging tools solves the problem. But for extreme cases, while you work on teaching your dog to leave poop alone, invest in these tools to prevent them from practicing this unwanted behavior. Anti-scavenging muzzles. I recommend muzzle training for all dogs , but it's particularly useful for dogs who like to grab and eat feces. Choose a basket muzzle that is designed with a front guard, like this Baskerville Anti-Scavenge muzzle. The JAFCO muzzle is also a good option, or if you have a basket muzzle custom-made, make sure to choose a tightly woven front design. While a basket muzzle will still allow a dog to shove their snout into a pile of poo, ideally it will block actual ingestion. Just be ready with sani wipes and clean your muzzle after each use. For more tips on finding the right muzzle for your dog, check out my tips in "Choosing and Fitting a Basket Muzzle. An alternative to a basket muzzle, a product like the Outfox Field Guard prevents your dog from ingesting feces they find. However, just like a muzzle, your dog may still decide to smear poo all over it. But this product is especially useful if you live in an area where foxtails are prevalent. Use a head collar on walks. If your dog likes to treat your walk like a poop buffet, grazing on found poop along the way, walking them on a head collar, such as a Halti , can give you better control over where their nose goes. Using this walking gear, you can keep their nose up from the ground and prevent scavenging. This is usually my last recommendation, as sniffing is an essential activity for your dog to engage in every day. However, using a head collar for leash walking in areas where there is a lot of wildlife poop and then allowing them the freedom to sniff in "free-of-poop" areas is a good compromise. I only recommend using a head collar, if you can commit to spending lots of time conditioning your dog to wear it comfortably first. I do not recommend head collars for small dogs or dogs who pull or lunge on the leash, as the sudden torque on the neck can cause injury. To function properly, dogs need a balanced diet containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that match their life stage. You want to feed a diet that is meat-based listed in the first two to three ingredients , but that also has a balance of carbohydrates vegetables, quality grains, and fruits. Feed Your Dog More Often Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently throughout the day may help reduce hunger and scavenging behavior, which could be contributing to their coprophagia. Be aware that if you're still working on your dog's potty training, changing their meal frequency may affect how many times and the time they need to go 2 every day. Increase Mental Enrichment To reduce boredom and decrease stress, give your dog more brain games and mental enrichment. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are especially helpful for decompression and reducing anxiety. The easiest way to enrich your dog's life is to make every meal a brain or foraging activity. You can do this with a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder. There are tons of ways to increase enrichment, many of which don't involve more food. One thing to think about here is that typically we have to be present to say "leave it" for our dogs to actually be successful with this. Combine leave it practice with management and prevention techniques for true success. You can take the regular leave it cue to the next level by teaching an automatic leave it. This skill is difficult and takes quite a bit of practice! It can be done, but be aware that you are competing with a dog's natural instinct to scavenge. To introduce an automatic leave it, you'll want to make the presence of poo the cue for your dog, not your verbal "leave it. Approach a pile of poo, but don't allow your dog close enough to eat it. When they notice it, simply wait. When they turn their head away from or step away from the poop, say "yes! Repeat, repeat, repeat. This process takes time and lots of repetitions. It's best to work with a certified trainer on this skill, as this is what we consider a "college level" skill, and training needs to be tailored to each individual dog for the best success. In some cases, we may install a cue transfer, where we teach the dog to recall when they find poop or do an automatic check-in. It depends on the dog's foundational skills and the context that usually ends with poop eating. Poop Eating Deterrent Products There are a few different products available that claim to stop poop eating in dogs. Unfortunately, over-the-counter poop-eating deterrent products simply don't deliver on their promises. According to this study , there were "no successful results in treating coprophagy with any of the commercial products. First: speak with your veterinarian about what they may recommend and what, if any, ingredients may interact with any medications your dog is taking. I recommend first trying natural diet additives to balance your dog's gastrointestinal system prior to exploring commercial products. Natural Poop Eating Deterrents Pre and Probiotics: Providing your dog with a pre and probiotic enhances their digestion, nutrient absorption, and boosts their immune system. Use a multi-strain product with a high CFU per dose. See our veterinarian's top picks for probiotics here. Digestive enzymes: Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog needs digestive enzymes, which are typically only available by prescription. They can help improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients resulting in less palatable poop. Vitamin B Supplements: If your pet is diagnosed with a malabsorption issue or Vitamin B deficiency, your veterinarian may recommend B-complex injections. This increases fiber content and may make feces less appealing to eat. Note: Only use pure pumpkin — avoid pumpkin pie filling. Green Veggies: Add vegetables high in fiber to your dog's diet, such as spinach, kale, green beans, or broccoli. Pineapple: There are no scientific studies to support this, but an old legend suggests that feeding your dog small pieces of fresh pineapple never canned will make the taste of their poop unappealing. Meat tenderizer: Both myself and Preventive Vet's team veterinarian are wary to recommend adding meat tenderizer to a dog's diet to prevent coprophagia. Well, many meat tenderizers have other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as high sodium, onion, and garlic. Bromelain, the actual "tenderizer" in these products, is present in fresh pineapple, so you're better off trying that before adding meat tenderizer to your dog's food. But just like with pineapple, there are no studies that show this is effective. There are quite a few recommendations that will pop up on Google when you search for home remedies for stopping poop eating. Be very careful what you try with your dog, and it's always a good idea to ask your veterinarian first. As mentioned above with meat tenderizers, there may be additional ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. For example, one suggestion I found is to sprinkle crushed breath mints on a dog's food, but many sugar-free breath mints contain the sugar substitute xylitol — which is extremely dangerous to dogs. I actually stopped using the product after just two days because my veterinarian informed me that it has high sodium content that she didn't recommend for my senior dog to take — the second ingredient is MSG monosodium glutamate. MSG can be toxic for dogs in high amounts or with long-term consumption. However, if only used for a short period of time, the benefits may outweigh any risks. MSG only has one-third of the sodium content of regular table salt. Some dogs do get vomiting and diarrhea. Speak to your veterinarian first before use, especially if your dog has heart or kidney issues. Does your dog eat poop? We'd love to hear about what you've tried to stop it — take this short 2-minute survey to share your experience! With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and writer with more than 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and conservation. It could be any animal's feces, too. From its own stool to your cat's litter box deposits to a neighboring horse's or cow's manure, some puppies don't discriminate when it comes to poo they're willing to eat. Although many puppies grow out of this phase at least to some extent, there are steps you can take to discourage and even stop the behavior. Exercising your puppy more, changing foods, making it clear that poop-eating is off limits, and minimizing your dog's opportunities to snack on droppings are just some of the ways to stop this gross habit. Here's what you should know about why puppies eat their poop and how to stop it. Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? There's even a technical term for it: coprophagia. This behavior typically is normal for very young puppies, possibly to colonize the gastrointestinal tract with normal bacteria. Puppies may also learn this behavior while imitating their mothers, as a female dog normally will eat the feces of her nursing puppies to keep the "den" clean and prevent potential predators from coming to investigate the odor. Generally, female dogs will stop eating their puppies' bowel movements around the time the puppies wean, but some pups might continue to dine on droppings. Still, the good news is that most puppies outgrow the habit. The bad news is that some dogs hang on to the nasty practice throughout their lives. As far as your puppy is concerned, you are both playing a fun game. Chasing can reward the behavior and encourage your puppy to play poopy-keep-away. Other times, poop eating stems from boredom. If a pup left out in the yard alone has little to occupy its time, it may turn to the one available thing to play with. Cow and horse manure may contain undigested grains or other ingredients that are appealing to your pup. For instance, if the dog's food is not being digested fully, the dog may look to its feces as a supplement because it's nearly the same as when it was eaten. It's also possible that a dog is simply not eating enough and its daily food intake needs to be increased. Another possibility is that a puppy with a heavy infestation of worms eats its own poop in an attempt to make up for the nutrients it is losing to the worms. Health Conditions Some health issues may cause coprophagia as well. Diseases in the small intestine or pancreas may cause malabsorption or maldigestion. Also, conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease often increase a dog's appetite and, if its regular diet isn't filling, it may resort to whatever is available. If your puppy isn't thriving despite eating a well balanced diet, or shows other signs of illness, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to be sure there isn't a health issue at play. Stress Stress can also lead a dog to eat their feces, especially major stressors like coming to a new home after being adopted. Puppies can also become stressed if they are harshly punished for poop eating. This can lead to a vicious cycle where the puppy associates poop with punishment, and eats the "evidence" in an attempt to stay out of trouble. Parasites are often transmitted through feces, so having a dog that eats it as a treat puts the pup's health at risk. There are several things you can do to put an end to this nauseating habit: Make It Clear the Behavior Is Unwanted Puppies may eat waste to get your attention, which means that even yelling may reward their behavior. Instead, interrupt the act by shaking a can full of pennies or clapping your hands loudly. Do not hit your dog, which can make the situation even worse by causing your puppy to fear you. Once your dog leaves the poop alone, reward it for the good behavior by supplying a small treat, petting your pup or praising it, or engaging in a play session. Positive reinforcement is always better than negative discouragement when it comes to training your dog. The 12 Best Dog Training Books of Increase the Level of Activity For bored pups, increase playtime to a minimum of 20 minutes several times a day or try aerobic exercise twice a day. If you leave your puppy in the yard while you're away from home, increase the number of toys available. A treat-spiked toy such as a Kong filled with peanut butter offers a tastier, healthier alternative to poop. Remember that puppies are naturally playful, social animals that long to be with their favorite humans, so try to schedule frequent play and bonding sessions with your pet. Training sessions, such as teaching your puppy to walk on a leash, sit, stay, come, and lie down are also excellent ways to relieve boredom, encourage bonding, discourage poop-eating, and improve your dog's overall behaviors. Minimize Stress If you believe stress may be playing a role in your dog's habit, try to offer some relief. This will entail addressing the reason for its anxiety, whether that be a move to a new home, changes in household members, or simply separation anxiety. C alming products such as Adaptil may help in the interim while you work on alleviating your puppy's anxiety. Speak to your veterinarian for help with diagnosis and treatment. Keep Your Pup On a Leash Prevent access by walking your puppy on a leash and leading it away from its pile once the business is done. Offer it rewards for leaving the stool alone. Then be sure to dispose of the feces in a trash can with a tightly fitted lid so your pup can't scavenge the poop out of the garbage. Add Bad Flavors You might be able to discourage your puppy from eating poop by making the poop taste bad. This can be accomplished by adding a supplement to your puppy's meals that causes the resulting poop to taste terrible. Hot pepper and garlic are two of the commonly used ingredients in these supplements. If your puppy is dining on cat feces or another household pet's poop, try pouring a little hot sauce on the feces and allowing your puppy to sample it. This can set up a negative association in the puppy's mind that poop tastes terrible, so leave it alone. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Remember to make a gradual change to the new food as a sudden change could prompt tummy issues. And always check any new food to be sure it is balanced and recommended for puppies or for dogs of all ages. Don't feed your young puppy food meant for adult dogs unless advised to do so by your veterinarian. Puppy food is formulated to provide the higher levels of nutrients and calories required by a growing dog. If your dog is dining on feces from neighborhood dogs, be sure to keep your pup tightly leashed when out walking so it can't approach the poop. The same technique can be used to keep your dog from eating horse, cow, rabbit, or other animal droppings. Remember to stay alert when walking with your puppy; dogs can be amazingly fast when they see something on the ground that they want to eat. Related Topics If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. More from The Spruce Pets. Eating non-food items, generally known as pica , is common in Labradors and other dogs. A study focusing on canine behavior problems found that pica was the 3rd most prevalent undesirable dog behavior after barking inside the house and barking at visitors. So, why do Labradors eat non-food items? Labradors eat non-food items because they have nutritional deficiencies. They might also have medical conditions, lack physical engagement, and are bored. Or, they might suffer anxiety, have been weaned early, are teething, have OCD, or are exhibiting typical puppy neurosensory exploration. Nutritional deficiencies. This can make your Lab look for unconventional ways to supplement their inadequate diet. For example, a dog may eat dirt to find iron if absent in their diet. Medical conditions. GI diseases, anemia, malnutrition, and other diseases can cause sudden hunger pangs like diabetes. Lack of physical engagement and boredom. Where a Lab does not get adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation, lacks interactive toys, or has little social interaction. The Lab needs to find an alternative way to keep himself occupied by chewing things like wood or rocks. General anxiety and separation anxiety. These can cause your Labrador to redirect their nervousness to abnormal eating behaviors. Teething comes with itch and discomfort. Your Labrador puppy will chew non-food items to massage their gum and ease teething discomfort if proper chew toys are not provided. Early weaning. This can drive Labradors to eat non-nutritive items. Retrievers are among the dog breeds most prone to canine compulsive behavior. Labrador puppy exploration. This is part of their neurosensory exploration to familiarize themselves with their new world. Labradors are also known to always have a good appetite. This love for eating could explain why Labs might go to extremes when ingesting non-food items. The suspected cause, in this case, was loneliness, as the dog was on a balanced diet. Why Do Labradors Eat Poop? Dogs typically show an aversion to their own poop and that of other dogs. Surprisingly, though, there are dogs with a tendency to eat feces, whether their own or that of other dogs and animals. The guess is that fresh poop is harmless if it bears worm larvae since worm larvae become infectious only after 2 days. Dogs who eat poop tend to be greedy eaters. Dogs in homes with other dogs are more likely to feast on their feces, supposedly because dog poop is plentiful in those homes. Dogs with the tendency to eat poop are as receptive to house training as other dogs. Female dogs are more likely to eat feces, and intact male dogs are less likely. Here are some popular answers to the question of why Labradors eat poop: Nutritional deficiencies. If they are kept in isolation in kennels or basements. To get rid of evidence if anxious about being punished. As a form of attention-seeking. An inappropriate association of poop with food. As puppies because their mothers do. If they are sick and defecate in their own den. Given the above info, you probably wonder how to stop your Labrador from eating poop. The answer is in training. Just like other unwanted Labrador behaviors , the most effective way to stop a Lab from eating poop is to train him out of the behavior using reward-based training and treats that are more enticing to your dog than poop. Why Do Labradors Eat Dirt? Dirt is dirt, and dogs should know that. Nonetheless, many dogs still eat soil any time they have a chance. But what about Labs? Labradors eat dirt or soil to make up for nutritional deficiencies in minerals such as iron, calcium, and sodium. They might also eat dirt to counter medical issues like anemia and gastritis or to beat anxiety and boredom when left alone. They also might have minimal exercise and mental stimulation. Labradors Eat Dirt Due to Nutritional Deficiencies If you feed your Labrador an unbalanced diet lacking some minerals and vitamins, your dog can use instinctive tendencies to supplement the shortage by eating soil. Some of the minerals that your dog could be searching for by eating dirt include calcium, iron, and sodium. Do you want to know the best diet to feed your dog? Labradors and other dogs in deprived living environments can also eat dirt to counter hunger if they are not getting enough food. They include: Severe anemia: This comes from a low red blood cell count, which can be caused by external and intestinal worms in puppies. In adult Labs, anemia can be caused by immune diseases, cancer, and bleeding disorders. In both categories, anemia can also be caused by poor nutrition. Inflammation of the stomach Gastritis : It causes an upset stomach and diarrhea and can lead dogs to eat soil to relieve or trigger vomiting. Liver shunt Portosystemic shunt : It is a congenital condition in dogs that causes liver dysfunction and leads to stunted growth. Labradors Eat Soil Due to Behavioral Issues If your Lab is always home alone, has insufficient enrichment, has little exercise and mental stimulation, or suffers from general or separation anxiety, he can find alternative ways to keep himself busy and counter boredom. This could mean eating dirt. Soil can harbor worm larvae or contain toxins from pesticides and fertilizers. As such, if your Labrador is eating dirt, identify the cause and take appropriate measures to stop the behavior. Such measures include: Supervise your dog during walks. Spending quality time with your dog to prevent anxiety and boredom. Why Do Labradors Eat Grass? Labradors actually do occasionally eat grass, but why? Labradors eat grass because it is a normal dog behavior linked to their wolf descent. Although most people associate grass-eating in dogs with medicinal properties, it is not yet scientifically proven that dogs eat grass to resolve gastrointestinal issues. Here are some of the behaviors that suggest that dogs eat grass for other reasons besides health: Dogs eat grass often, on a daily or weekly basis. There is no clear-cut indication that dogs eat grass to resolve GI issues. Puppies ate grass more often than adult dogs. Puppies were also less likely to show signs of illness before and after eating grass. Dogs eat grass because they are sick: This is mainly associated with diseases such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric reflux. Dogs may eat grass to kill boredom: If they are left home alone, or the owner is too busy to notice them or give them some playtime, dogs may eat grass to fill up the lonely hours. Dogs like the taste of grass: Some types of grass have a flavorsome sour taste that may appeal to your Lab. This flavor would explain why many dogs will go for freshly sprouted grass. Whichever of these reasons drives your Labrador to eat grass, it is essential to know that a lot of the grass available to your dog can be contaminated with toxins and worm larvae. As such, you should discourage your dog from eating grass wherever they might find it and allow your dog only to eat grass that you are sure is not chemically treated or contaminated. If, instead, you opt to train your Labrador out of grass-eating behavior, use positive reward-based training, offering tasty treats when your dog desists grass-eating. Why do Dogs Eat Grass? Why Do Labradors Eat Rocks? Dogs have strong teeth and a strong bite force, but that does not necessarily mean they are made for eating extra-hard objects like rocks or stones. So, why do Labradors eat rocks, even though they could hurt them? Labradors eat rocks or stones to find minerals lacking in their diet. Also, your Lab may eat rocks to keep himself from boredom, relieve anxiety, as a neurosensory exploration activity in puppies, as a mentally stimulating alternative to old toys, or as relief for teething discomfort. Labs eat rocks or stones for nutrition. Just like dirt, your Lab may eat stones or rocks to look for minerals lacking in their diet. These could be iron, calcium, or sodium. Labs eat rocks or stones to relieve anxiety or seek attention. Especially if your Lab is a puppy, eating rocks may simply be a part of his neurosensory exploration to discover his world. Lab puppies eat rocks to find relief from teething discomfort. If your Labrador puppy is teething, chewing on a stone or rock may serve to remove the itch and discomfort that comes with it. Labs eat stones or rocks to find a more mentally stimulating chew toy. A study on dog habituation and dishabituation to toys found that dogs lose interest in toys due to habituation more than any other factors. Labradors are highly intelligent dogs and need mind-stimulating toys. As such, chewing hard rocks that are difficult to break may be more challenging than playing with the same old toys. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. How to stop your dog eating poop. The scientific term for poop eating is coprophagia. Dogs eating poop upset their owners, as naturally it gives you a reflex of revulsion. Very sadly it even sometimes changes your feeling towards your dog. These feelings need to be addressed, not ignored or dismissed. Coprophagia in Dogs Poop eating is often swept under the carpet. But eating feces can be a serious problem for some dogs who do it. Unfortunately, it is a frequently reported problem in Labradors and other sporting dogs. A previous study published in on dogs eating poop confirms this. Whereas, more than a third of Border Collies did. Judging from my inbox, coprophagia is common in Labradors too. But, what are some other factors affecting coprophagia? Natural Size A study published in Colorado in showed that sporting dogs were generally more likely to be coprophagic. Body weight is a factor in this behavior, but only in the sense of being related to natural size. Obese dogs, for example, although heavier were no more likely to be affected. Age is also often considered to be a factor in poop eating. However, the Colorado study did not support the theory that poop eating is more common in puppies. Coprophagia Is Linked with Neutering The current evidence points to neutering as a major factor in the development of coprophagia. One study found that poop eating was more common in spayed females Dogs that had been spayed or castrated were more likely to be reported as eating poop than dogs left in possession of their sex hormones. In the Hart study, the biggest culprits were spayed females. But in the Colorado University study, neutering drastically increased the incidence of coprophagy in male dogs. However, it had no effect on females. Regardless, though, both studies agree that neutering is a major cause of coprophagia. They prove that it seems to be more significant than any environmental factor More Common Than We Think Interestingly, the true figure for the percentage of dogs that eat poop may be even higher than these studies suggest. Data from the studies was based on owner reports and the results of another published study. The study identified coprophagic dogs and compared that data with owner reports. There are lots of them. But why do they do it? It may depend partly on the type of poop being consumed. Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? There are plenty of facts and theories around why dogs eat poop. And plenty of guesswork too. But first, note this: if your adult dog suddenly begins eating poop when they never used to, it might be wise to see your vet. Especially if your dog has recently shown other concerning symptoms. Poop-eating is typically normal for dogs as you will see. However, in some rare cases, it may be a hint that something bigger is happening. These conditions can make dogs super hungry. They will try to eat literally anything within their reach if it only slightly resembles food. Why Female Dogs Eat Poop? Then, they swallow the results. They do this for two reasons. And second, consuming the results helps to keep the nest area clean. A clean nest in wild dogs is important both from a hygiene point of view and to avoid attracting predators. So from this, we can see that nature has provided female dogs with a poop eating instinct. This instinct is always triggered by the process of giving birth and suckling puppies. We can also see that keeping a nest area clean may well be a trigger that could apply to male dogs too. And it could explain why some male dogs eat poop that they find in their own backyard. Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? Like babies, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Everything and anything goes into it. If what goes into the mouth tastes like food, then puppies may swallow it. In theory, some poop-eating puppies will grow out of it, whereas for others it becomes a habit. Well it would seem that some dogs would disagree with you. And that might be partly to do with the way we feed our dogs these days. Coprophagia and Diet In times gone by, dogs were fed a largely natural diet of mainly meat, bones and a few scraps. As carnivorous scavengers, dogs could typically digest this diet in its entirety. So, what came out the other end was fairly boring. Nowadays, however, most dogs are largely fed a pelleted cereal-based food known as kibble. This kibble contains all the nutrients a dog needs. But it also contains a number of additives to make the food taste palatable. After all, no food manufacturer wants your dog to turn his nose up at their product. So tasty is the key. And very tasty they are too. This is why kibble-fed dogs produce larger quantities of feces than raw-fed dogs. But remember those flavourings we just talked about? Well the faeces of the kibble-fed dog are not only bulky, but also highly flavoured. Now we can see why, as the popularity of kibble feeding grows, it is possible that more dogs may be turning to poop eating as a means of grabbing that extra snack during the day. Can Changing Diet Influence Coprophagia? Some studies into why dogs eat poop, have shown that dogs with deficient diets are more likely to eat poop. For example, a study on Beagles in showed that feeding a deliberately deficient diet triggered coprophagia among other problems. Therefore, in theory, if an undernourished coprophagic dog is switched to a nutrient-rich nourishing diet, that change may stop the poop eating behavior. But the modern dog eating poop is not nutritionally deficient. Most dogs nowadays are fed a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need. So, switching brands, for example, is unlikely to stop your dog eating poop. In fact, I have not found any strong evidence for dietary changes reducing coprophagia in well-fed dogs. Still, there is something you might want to consider which has some anecdotal evidence. Sophia Yin, when discussing the Ben Hart study pointed out that the study, based on questioning dog owners, noted that diet did not play a part. However, the vast majority of dogs are fed kibble, and there is no indication what diets were compared or how. The comparison could have been between different types of kibble, or between kibble and household scraps. My personal experience, however, is that changing my dogs from a diet of kibble carbohydrate based pellets of commercial dog food to a natural raw diet of meaty bones has been accompanied by the disappearance of most poop-eating in my adult dogs. So, with some exceptions, as you will see, it seems that the jury is still out on whether raw feeding is a reliable way to stop dogs eating poop. He is normal. Virtually all dogs will eat cat poop if given the opportunity. I have had the chance to rediscover this for myself first hand recently, as I am currently raising a kitten. Two of my labs, one of which has never eaten poop in her life, plus my spaniel, have all attempted dawn raids on the litter tray. Solving the Problem I have now secured the litter tray behind a baby gate which the cat can slide through and the dogs cannot. And this is likely to be the best solution to the problem. My thirteen-year-old spaniel, for instance, can clear a standard baby gate with consummate ease. My gate was meant to go across the bathroom door. But the bathroom doorway is extra narrow, so we have fitted it across the hallway instead. This fecal matter may even be an important source of nutrients in wild dogs. The same applies to ungulate feces. An ungulate is an animal with a hoof. So it is completely natural for a dog to enjoy eating horse poop, sheep poop, and deer poop too. And almost all dogs will enjoy the feces of these animals — not just your dog. However, you may have a friend whose dog never eats poop, of any kind. So why is your dog different? Eating poop often starts by accident — perhaps beginning as a puppyish habit. But from this opportunistic behavior, poop eating sometimes develops into a habit. For the reasons we have looked at above, coprophagia is more common in female dogs, but some male dogs do still eat poop. Also for the reasons above, dogs are more likely to eat poop from animals if they have a lot of digested vegetable matter in their feces. Again, remember, experts consider this normal. But some dogs do eat carnivore poop, such as the poop from wild foxes or the poop of other dogs, or even their own. And this tends to be the behavior that most upsets us humans. Note also that your dog is also more likely much more likely to eat poop, of any kind, if he or she is neutered. Unfortunately, no-one seems to know why that is. Poop eating can start in puppyhood and may become a habit if it persists in adult dogs. Dogs who eat their own poop may be attracted to the flavor switching to a raw diet may help in this case. In this case, though, a change of diet is unlikely to help. There is also evidence that poop eating is more likely in dogs that already have behavioral problems such as anxiety or pica eating plants, stones, and other inedible items. However, we also know that well-balanced, well-fed, physically and emotionally healthy dogs can also be poop eaters. In fact, most poop eating dogs probably fall into this category. The simple truth is, that poop eating, while thoroughly objectionable to us, is so common as to be normal in the domestic dog. And we will probably never find out exactly why dogs eat poop on a case by case basis. There is definitely a risk that your dog could get parasites from eating the poop of other dogs. However, worming your dog regularly should prevent this causing him any serious health problems. The potential for parasites sometimes found in cat poop fall into this category. Most dogs have a digestion that is simply unaffected by common pathogens that could make you or me very ill. The answer lies in the breakdown of the bond between the dog and his family. This happens because humans are often shocked and disgusted by the behavior, and if they fail to address it swiftly, may abandon their dog. Most dogs come to no harm directly, from poop eating. But, indirectly, it can lead to dogs being re-homed or abandoned. Many owners find poop eating upsetting and embarrassing. I hear quite a lot of dog owners issue ultimatums on this one. Very often, the reasons given for abandoning the dog are to do with hygiene. The families often claim to be worried that the dog will infect a family member with pathogens from the poop he has eaten. But the underlying cause may be more fundamental than that. After all, most people are happy to share an ice-cream with a dog that licked his bottom a few minutes earlier. The truth is then is that, whether we like it or not, persistent poop eating may seriously reduce the love a person feels for their dog. This is an issue that is not often raised, but is a significant one. But for many people with a first dog, poop eating is a terrible shock and a serious concern. The important thing to tell you is that most of us more seasoned dog owners once felt the same way. And I was appalled and disgusted — even tempted to re-home her. But I can tell you that she is still with me today. My girl is thirteen years old, rarely eats poop these days never say never , and is one of my dearest friends. So these things can be worked through. How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop There are lots of things you can try to prevent a dog eating his own poop at home. The first step is to remove the source of poop wherever possible. This means being scrupulous about picking up after your dog, whenever he has emptied himself. You may also find it helpful, for a while at least, to go with your dog when you let him out for bathroom purposes. That way, you can clear up immediately, and dispose of his feces securely, before he is tempted to settle down for a snack. One more thing is something to avoid. Some dogs may continue to eat poop if they feel like it gets your attention. Unfortunately, dogs do love attention. So, if your furry friend notices that eating poop makes you pay more attention to him, he may just continue. So, while you certainly do not want to ignore this habit, it may be worth it to be careful the kind of attention you do give it. What these do is counteract the nice flavors and make his poop taste less appealing. Pineapple is a popular one, pepper powder another. However, sadly, in most cases, these kinds of remedies do not work. And when they do, some find that they only work for a short while. Some people also use substances that create a burning sensation when swallowed. A good example is chilli powder. A bit dismal, to be honest. Some people find raw feeding eliminates poop eating. But these reports including mine are anecdotal. They are not reliable evidence that such a switch will work for you. Plus, moving over to a raw diet is a major change you need to consider from various perspectives. But when I do this, I have to be very careful to pick up poops quickly, or my spaniel will revert to her old ways. But, not everyone has the time or resources to drastically change the method of feeding their dog. So what other options are available? It even caused further problems in some dogs. Freddie was a neutered male poodle whose owners tried many different approaches to stop poop-eating. Eventually, though, they resorted to punishment. But this final step failed to cure Freddie and caused him to develop submissive urination. You can imagine that this only added to their problems. Of course, the methods above only work to prevent your dog eating his own poo. A reward-based programme of recall training may be helpful. In this case, you deliberately seek out dog poop in public places, and recall your dog from it. Then, you reward them with a tasty treat from you. I personally use the magic word system which I find very effective. I associate a powerful reward with a special word that I reserve just for the purpose of distracting the dog from poop. For example, roast chicken is ideal. At some point thereafter, when I see the dog approach some poop with a gleam in her eye, I will use my magic word and chuck the fabulous treat on the ground. Sometimes, to begin with, the dog will eat the poop, then come for the reward. You just have to accept this with good grace. Other times often a bit further on in the process , she will bring the poo with her eek!! Accept this too. Trust Your Reward! If your reward is good enough, your dog will soon abandon all thoughts of poop eating when she hears that word. This will only work if your treat is truly fabulous! Also, it is vital that you are persistent. Keep your Magic Word strong with great rewards, and mostly no requirement from the dog to get it. This will in turn help to keep his mind occupied. But there are no guarantees. Ultimately, you may have to accept that when your dog is out of your sight, or some distance away, there is little you can do to prevent prevent him from indulging in this distasteful habit. So, how do you clean up their mouths and reduce that gross smell so you can still cuddle them in the meantime? Remember to use a doggie-appropriate toothpaste and brush. Feed him: Giving food and water will produce saliva. Dental chew: This also works like food and water; it produces saliva which cleans their mouths. Use a doggie mouthwash: Mix the mouthwash not human mouthwash! Then wipe their teeth and inside their mouths with a cloth soaked in mouthwash. Wipe their mouths with a cloth: You can also soak the cloth in coconut oil or salt water. Too much can cause dehydration and vomiting. Hopefully, you can go back to being cuddly with your furchild. Around half of all dogs do it. It is also more likely to happen if your dog is a gun dog breed like a Labrador. We know poop eating can be embarrassing and distressing — been there! Neither will it harm your family. There are a few things you can do to greatly reduce poop eating. And you will get over your horror and revulsion and feel good about your dog again. Neither will make it go away. Here are the things that have been shown NOT to work in the fight against poop eating: Dietary additives pineapple etc Aversive flavors pepper, chilli etc Punishment e-collars, rattle bottles, smacking etc Adding things to diet or poop have had less than two percent success rate. What Does Work to Prevent Coprophagia? Studies show conclusively that prevention and positive reinforcement training using tasty rewards are the key to success. Clear up all poop immediately they are produced. Accompany your dog to the yard after meals, take a shovel, and remove all poop as soon as they appear! Finally, dispose of them securely. You may consider using a muzzle in some situations. Or use a leash if you are forced to exercise your dog in an area where there is poop lying around. Then you can take some with you when you take your dog for a walk. Teach the magic word cue and use it! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.